Smooth trails, epic views – Riding and Sightseeing in South Iceland
The event of the summer in Iceland 2026 is the total solar eclipse on August 12th.
The eclipse reaches totality between 5:48PM and 5:50PM and what better way to experience it than letting a mighty Viking horse take you to a carefully selected viewpoint in the path of totality in West Iceland?
This tour is perfect for families and friends looking for a more relaxed riding experience while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of South Iceland. With daily rides ranging from 3 to 5 hours, the schedule is tailored to suit the pace and preferences of each group. Whether you’re new to riding or just want to get comfortable with the Icelandic horse and its unique tölt gait, we can begin the tour with optional riding lessons.
Explore the diverse landscapes surrounding the mighty volcano Hekla — ride through lush valleys, across lava fields, and along scenic rivers.
Whether you’re in the saddle or exploring off the horse, this tour offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation in one of Iceland’s most breathtaking regions.
Day 1: Afternoon pick up in Reykjavik, drive to the guesthouse (app. 1,5 hours away). We will have a welcoming dinner where we get to know each other and go through the program of your riding holiday.
Accommodation: Rooms with shared bathroom and other facilities
Day 2: Crossing the creeks: (Bakkakot – Stóra-Hof app. 20 km):
After breakfast we pick you up and head to our farm Bakkakot, where we saddle up and prepare for the tour. We start in the paddock to get to know the horses and have basic riding instructions. Then we and the herd of loose horses will head off across the bridge over Þverá and ride through green fields Northwards. We will be surrounded by magnificent views, with the volcano Hekla ahead of us and Eyjafjallajökull to our right. Our first riding day ends at the farm Stóra-Hof, where our horses will be staying until the next morning. On our way back we will stop at one of the most famous and photographed waterfall in Iceland: Seljalandsfoss. You get to walk behind it and see it in the most amazing afternoon light, before we return to our guest house and enjoy dinner there.
Accommodation: Double room with shared bathroom and other facilities
Day 3: On the trail of the Vikings (Stóra-Hof – Foss, app. 20 km)
Our second riding day will take us closer to the highlands. Riding on ancient Viking paths surrounded by old lava and purple lupin fields; we follow gravel roads and soft grass paths up and have a stop close to Keldur, the largest preserved turf farm in South Iceland, that dates back to the 12./13. century. After that we will ascend further until we reach our our mountain cottage by the river Eystri-Rangá. This is where we will spend the next three nights.
Accommodation: Mountain cottage Foss
Day 4: Where the sheep roam (around Foss, app. 15 km):
Today we explore the area around our hut further. We will go on two different rides in the morning and the afternoon and take only one horse on each ride. We leave the herd behind to venture into the beautiful landscape around Foss. We can enjoy amazing views over the mountains, lava fields, rivers and canyons. We will pass an abandoned farm and visit a man-made cave that used to be a sheepfold.
Accommodation: Mountain cottage Foss
Day 5: Chasing Waterfalls (Around Foss, app. 15 km):
Like the day before, we will go for two rides from our hut. We will ride up the hills south of Foss, where we will meet beautiful waterfalls, and enter a small cave called Thieves’ Cave. If the sky is clear we’ll get a great view over the lowlands and the mountains. For our farewell dinner, we serve traditional Icelandic lamb from the barbecue and spend the evening in the midnight sun at the river.
Accommodation: Mountain cottage Foss
Day 6: Winding down (Foss – Bakkakot, app. 35 km):
Time to leave Foss and head back to the lowlands. You will feel the spirit and growing excitement of the horses who know they are on the way back home! Tölting on a joyful horse, on soft grounds, in their natural environment surrounded by mountains and glacier views, is an unforgettable experience! You’ll feel invincible! Finally, we arrive back in Bakkakot where we enjoy coffee and cake and dinner later.
Day 7:
Driving back to Reykjavik in the morning
Please note: We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary
The Dark Side of the Sun Dark Side of the Sun €2890 About Tour Duration: 6 Days
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