The Elfin Tour: Ride Through Iceland's Hidden World on Horseback
Discover the mythical landscapes where Iceland's hidden people are said to dwell, guided by the instincts of an Icelandic horse.
This Icelandic elfin horseback tour takes riders through lava fields, hummock meadows, and sacred clefts where the country's legendary hidden people are believed to reside. Spanning five hours, the experience blends Icelandic cultural mythology with the unique riding tradition of the smooth-gaited Icelandic horse. It is open to all levels of riding experience, from first-timers to seasoned equestrians.
In Iceland, elves and hidden people are not simply folklore — they are a living cultural force that influences road planning and construction decisions to this day. On this tour, guides share the stories behind specific landmarks, including Alfakví, a small cleft beside an old sheep shelter that cannot be dismantled without risk, and Skjólkvettur, known locally as the elves' church, where singing has reportedly been heard.
The route taken on any given day depends on where the horses most recently sensed elfin presence, giving each outing its own character. Riders may traverse the rolling hummocks and ancient lava fields where the hidden people are said to gather, or they may follow the trail toward Einbui, an elfin hill associated with friendly and occasionally musical inhabitants. Either path offers stretches well-suited to practicing the iconic Icelandic tölt gait.
Crossing the warm river Varmá adds another layer of local legend, as guides point out the potential territory of the Nykur, Iceland's mythological water spirit. A light lunch is served at the hotel upon return, rounding out a morning that balances trail riding with storytelling rooted in genuine Icelandic belief.
Tour Highlights
Ride through landscapes connected to Iceland's living elf and hidden people traditions.
Experience the tölt, the smooth four-beat gait unique to the Icelandic horse breed.
Cross the warm river Varmá and learn about the Nykur, Iceland's water spirit of legend.
Visit Alfakví and the centuries-old sheep shelter that local belief forbids from being removed.
Pass Skjólkvettur, the so-called elves' church where singing has been reported by locals.
Routes vary by day based on horse behavior, offering a different experience each visit.
Enjoy a light lunch at the hotel following the five-hour ride.
Tour Itinerary
Guides assess each rider's experience level and assign an appropriate Icelandic horse. Beginners and advanced riders join the same group, and the horses are matched to each rider accordingly.
The group sets off on one of two routes determined by recent horse behavior in the area. Both paths pass through terrain historically associated with Iceland's hidden people.
Riders visit sites including Alfakví, the old sheep shelter, and Skjólkvettur, the so-called elves' church. Guides share the cultural and historical significance of each location along the way.
On stretches suited to faster movement, guides encourage riders to experience the tölt gait. This smooth, four-beat pace is a defining characteristic of the Icelandic horse and a highlight of the ride.
The group fords the geothermally warmed river Varmá, where guides introduce the myth of the Nykur, Iceland's shape-shifting water spirit said to inhabit such crossings.
After returning to the hotel, riders are served a light lunch. This marks the close of the five-hour experience.
What Is Included
Included
- Guided five-hour horseback ride
- Icelandic horse matched to rider experience
- Expert guide with folklore knowledge
- Light lunch upon return to hotel
- Riding helmet if required
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides
- Additional meals or beverages
- Transportation to the meeting point
Important Information
Ready to Ride Into Icelandic Legend?
Secure your place on the Elfin Tour and explore a landscape where mythology and nature meet on horseback. Suitable for all experience levels, this five-hour ride offers a genuine window into Icelandic culture and folklore.
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