Living the Dream: Riding Löngufjörur on Horseback
The beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula stretches far into the Atlantic from Iceland’s west coast, showcasing many of the country’s natural wonders.
Our ride will take us through lava fields and along hillsides, as well as on light-coloured Löngufjörur, one of the world’s most renowned beaches for riding. This long stretch of coastline is a dream for Icelandic horse enthusiasts. It offers a unique experience of tölting, with the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier standing proudly in the distance.
Maximum weight for a rider is 110kg/242lb.
Riding clothes. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which can not be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be cleaned and disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Kindly note that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature! For further information please take a look at: Import of riding equipment | Matvælastofnun
You can book online on our website or by contacting Ishestar by email [email protected] or by phone +354 555 7000
We recommend booking a couple of days in advance just to make sure that we have free spaces on the day you wish to arrive.
Íshestar reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. No liability is accepted for loss or expenses due to delays or changes of arrival or departures of flights or other services, injury, sickness, accident, strikes, damage, negligence, weather, wars or other causes outside the control of Íshestar. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveler. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions.
For more information please see also our Frequent Asked Questions and/or contact us at [email protected]
Terms & Conditions
If you book online you will be asked to pay the full amount. Please contact us for different payment options at [email protected]
Airport Transfer
We recommend you to buy a Flybus tickets as they have the most frequent departures.
Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm: The home of our farmers Siggi and Ólöf is situated in rich farmland close to the ocean and the wonderful beaches of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s a renovated farmhouse with a sleeping up to 20 persons so it’s plenty of space for everybody. Large kitchen and a spacious dining room. Together with the well-known hospitality of your hosts this will make an excellent place to stay.
Day 1:
Driving: Reykjavík-Stóri-Kálfalækur | Stóri-Kálfalækur- Grímsstaðir
Our Icelandic horse riding adventure begins in Reykjavík, where we are picked up in the morning for the scenic drive to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. After approximately 1.5 hours, we arrive at Stóri-Kálfalækur farm, our base for the coming days.
Once at the farm, there is time to settle in, leave our luggage and prepare for our first day on horseback. We meet our local guides, receive our riding equipment and, most importantly, are introduced to the Icelandic horses that will accompany us on this multi-day journey.
Our first trail leads through the open countryside of Snæfellsnes, crossing grassy plains that provide wonderful opportunities to experience the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt as well as an energetic trot. As the landscape changes, we continue over rocky ground beneath the surrounding mountains, experiencing the variety of terrain that makes horse riding in Iceland so distinctive.
Around midday, we stop for lunch at a traditional sheep round-up site and in the afternoon our route then continues through fertile farmland and the peaceful landscapes.
After approximately five hours in the saddle, there is no better reward than slipping into the farm’s hot pot for a well-earned rest and experience the midnight sun, when evening seems to stretch endlessly into night.
Distance: Approx. 25 km
Riding time: Approx. 5 hours
Accommodation: Stóri-Kálfalækur
Region: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland
Day 2.
Grímsstaðir – Staðarhraun
Riding: Approx. 22 km / 6 hours
Today’s ride takes us deeper into the striking landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, following a scenic trail from Grímsstaðir to Staðarhraun. With more rugged and rocky terrain, we travel at a gentler pace.
We will ride towards a mountain pass, where the scenery begins to unfold in a new way. After crossing the pass, we descend into a landscape of colourful hillsides, shaped by Iceland’s volcanic geology and the forces of nature over countless generations.
The trail then leads us alongside a fertile river known for its fish-rich waters. Rather than covering ground quickly, today is about experiencing the landscape at the natural rhythm of the horse. The slower pace allows us to appreciate the diversity of this beautiful corner of West Iceland and enjoy the sure-footed character of the Icelandic horse.
After approximately 22 kilometres and six hours in the saddle, we reach Staðarhraun, bringing another memorable day of our multi-day horse riding tour in Iceland to a close.
Distance: Approx. 22 km
Riding time: Approx. 6 hours
Accommodation: Kálfalækur
Region: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland
Day 3.
Staðarhraun – Kolviðarnes
Riding: Approx. 32 km / 6 hours
Today, we continue through the fascinating volcanic landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where dramatic scenery meets Icelandic folklore and tales of trolls and outlaws.
Our trail takes us across rivers and open grasslands, past striking rock formations and towards the Atlantic coast. On a clear day, we may enjoy spectacular views of Snæfellsjökull, the glacier-capped volcano rising at the western tip of the peninsula.
The varied terrain offers wonderful opportunities to enjoy the tölt and experience the freedom of travelling through Icelandic nature on horseback.
After around six hours in the saddle, we reach Kolviðarnes, where our horses spend the night in a field near the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the vastness of the sea.
Distance: Approx. 32 km
Riding time: Approx. 6 hours
Accommodstion: Kálfalækur
Region: Snæfellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland
Day 4.
Kolviðarnes – Gaul
Riding: Approx. 35 km / 5 hours
Today is all about freedom, speed and the sea as we ride along the magnificent Löngufjörur beach. With the herd moving ahead and the sound of the Atlantic beside us, we experience Icelandic horse riding at its most exhilarating.
The firm sand and shallow water create perfect conditions for long stretches of smooth tölt, with our horses splashing along the shoreline. As we follow the coast, the impressive Snæfellsjökull glacier rises on the horizon, creating an unforgettable backdrop to our ride.
After approximately 35 kilometres and five hours in the saddle, we reach Gaul, where the horses rest in a field beside the Atlantic Ocean.
Distance: Approx. 35 km
Riding time: Approx. 5 hours
Accommodation: Stóri-Kálfalækur
Kolviðarnes – Gaul
Day 5.
Gaul – Beach Ride & Snæfellsnes Sightseeing
Riding: Approx. 15 km / 3–4 hours
Today, we return to the beach for another unforgettable ride along the Atlantic coast. With just one horse for the day, we can relax into the rhythm of a smooth tölt, enjoying the open shoreline and magnificent views of Snæfellsjökull glacierahead.
After approximately 15 kilometres in the saddle, we say goodbye to the beach and continue our adventure by car. A scenic drive around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula takes us to some of the region’s highlights, including the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, famous for its distinctive shape and appearance in Game of Thrones.
Distance: Approx. 15 km
Riding time: Approx. 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Kálfalækur
Day 6.
Departure – Back to Reykjavík
After breakfast at Kálfalækur, it is time to say goodbye to the countryside and begin our journey back to Reykjavík. We leave Snæfellsnes behind, taking with us wonderful memories of our horses, the wide-open landscapes and our days together in the saddle.
We arrive at BSÍ Bus Terminal in Reykjavík at approximately 12:00 noon, marking the end of our multi-day horse riding adventure in Iceland.
Breakfast: Included
Transfer: Kálfalækur -Reykjavík
Drop-off: BSÍ Bus Terminal, approx. 12:00 noon
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