Below the Mountains: A Full-Day Icelandic Horse Ride Through Southern Iceland
Ride between volcanoes and river valleys on one of Iceland's most scenic lowland routes.
This Icelandic horse riding tour takes you through the breathtaking corridor between the mountains and the sea in southern Iceland, following river banks and open pastures where the landscape feels both vast and intimate. Suitable for all levels of riding experience, the tour is designed to immerse every participant in the natural rhythm of Icelandic horse culture.
The route follows the Gljúfurá river before reaching the banks of the broad Ölfusá river, with views extending toward the iconic volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull on clear days. The terrain is accessible and varied, passing through grazing land where both sheep and horses roam freely during the summer months.
A mid-ride lunch break allows riders to rest and take in the surroundings before the group continues along the slopes of Mt. Reykjafjall. Back at the farm, guests are welcomed with coffee and home-baked cake, or during winter, a warm bowl of soup at the hotel.
Guides pair each rider with a horse suited to their experience level, and the Icelandic tölt gait is encouraged throughout the ride wherever conditions allow. The pace is relaxed and safety-conscious, making this an experience accessible to beginners and enjoyable for seasoned riders alike.
Tour Highlights
Ride along the Gljúfurá and Ölfusá river banks through open southern Icelandic lowlands.
Views of the volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull stretching across the horizon, weather permitting.
Experience the natural tölt gait of the Icelandic horse on open pasture terrain.
Ride along the slopes of Mt. Reykjafjall where horses and sheep graze in summer.
Return to the farm for coffee and home-baked cake, or warm soup during the winter season.
All riding levels welcome, with horses matched to each rider's experience and comfort.
Itinerary
The ride begins at the farm, where guides introduce participants to their horses and review the basics of Icelandic horse riding for those who need a refresher. Equipment is checked and the group sets off into the southern Icelandic lowlands.
The route follows the Gljúfurá river, offering a gentle and scenic introduction to the landscape between the mountains and the sea. The Icelandic horses move comfortably along the riverbanks, and the tölt gait is introduced where terrain allows.
Riders reach the banks of the wide Ölfusá river, where panoramic views open toward Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull on clear days. This section of the route provides some of the most expansive scenery of the full day.
The group pauses for a midday lunch break, giving riders time to rest, eat, and enjoy the surrounding landscape. This break marks the midpoint of the day before the route continues toward the mountains.
The afternoon leg of the ride takes the group along the base of Mt. Reykjafjall, where open grazing land is shared by sheep and free-ranging horses during the summer. The mountain setting provides a distinct contrast to the river valley terrain of the morning.
The ride concludes back at the farm, where guests are welcomed with coffee and home-baked cake. In winter, the group stops at the hotel for a warm soup of the day before the final leg of the return journey.
What Is Included
Included
- Guided 9-hour horseback riding tour
- Icelandic horse matched to rider experience
- Riding helmet and safety equipment
- Lunch break during the ride
- Coffee and home-baked cake at the farm (or soup in winter)
- Guidance on Icelandic horse riding and tölt technique
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides
- Transport to and from the farm
- Personal riding gear beyond provided equipment
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Ride
Explore the southern Icelandic landscape on horseback, from river valleys to volcanic horizons, on a full-day guided ride suited to all levels of experience.
Book Now
