Autumn ride at Þingvellir National Park
Experience the beauty of autumn in Þingvellir National Park on a three-day horseback adventure. Ride across ancient lava fields, through colorful birch forests, and along scenic mountain trails while exploring the birthplace of the Icelandic Parliament.
€1.990
Autumn ride at Þingvellir National Park
Where history and nature come together
Experience the magic of autumn in one of the most iconic landscapes of Iceland. Our ride takes us to the outskirts of Reykjavik to the historic side of Þingvellir National Park. We spend a day riding through the breathtaking scenery of Þingvellir, a UNESCO world heritage site as the birch forests turn brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red, before heading back to the city on our last day.
September also offers one of the first opportunities of the season to witness the enchanting Northern Lights dancing across the night sky, making this an unforgettable adventure both on and off horseback.
On this tour, we do not travel with a free-running herd. Each guest rides their own Icelandic horse, while our experienced guides lead additional horses by hand, so riders can change horses when appropriate, ensuring both horses and riders remain comfortable during the three days.
- Departure: 11th of September
- Duration: 3 Days
- Riding Skills: intermediate to advanced riders
- Accommodation: Skógarhólar Lodge (2 nights, sleeping bag accommodation)
- Meals: All meals are prepared by our chef and are included in the tour price
- Horses: The horses stay with us at Skógarhólar.
- Transfer: Pick-up from BSI Bus Terminal at 10:00 before driving for 30 minutes to Helgadalur Valley where we meet the horses and enjoy a light lunch before setting off.
11th September – Arrival & Ride to Þingvellir
Pick-up at BSI Bus Terminal at 10:00. Drive to Helgadalur, meet the horses and enjoy a light lunch before riding across Mosfellsheiði to Þingvellir National Park, with stunning views of mountains, lava fields and lakes.
Distance: Approximately 37 km
12th September – Exploring Þingvellir
Ride through Þingvellir and the famous Almannagjá rift valley, surrounded by autumn landscapes, lava fields and Lake Þingvallavatn. Optional visit to Fontana Geothermal Baths in Laugarvatn.
Distance: Approximately 22 km
13th September – Return to Helgadalur
Ride back towards Helgadalur through colorful autumn landscapes and lava fields, stopping at the beautiful Tröllafoss waterfall. Return to Helgadalur in the afternoon and say farewell to the horses.
Distance: Approximately 37 km
Price
EUR 1,890 per person
- Terms and conditions: If you book online you will be asked to pay the full amount. Please contact us for different payment options.
- Liability: 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 Frequently Asked Questions and/or contact us at multidaytours@ishestar.is
- It is the responsibility of each rider to assess whether they are physically able to take part in the trip, including getting on and off the horses of their own accord.
- Riding helmets
- Rainwear/winter overall
- Rubber boots
- Trained guides who speak multiple languages.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME ON THE TOUR?
We reccomend that you bring warm gloves and a thin hat that can fit under the riding helmet. Included in the price is that you can borrow a helmet, warm overall or rain coat and rain pants as well as rubber boots.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT ON A RIDER?
Maximum weight for a rider is 110kg/242lb.
CAN I WEAR MY OWN RIDING CLOTHES?
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
Book Now
€1990
Contact us for more Information about this tour
Itinerary
11th of September – Arrival & Ride to Þingvellir
Our adventure begins in the highlands of Mosfellsheiði, in the outskirts of Reykjavik where wide-open landscapes stretch in every direction. Riding through ancient lava fields and past peaceful lakes, we enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean ahead, the Esja mountain range to the west, and the volcanic Hengill massif to the east. By afternoon we arrive in Þingvellir National Park, the birthplace of the Icelandic Parliament, Alþingi, founded in 930 AD. The combination of dramatic scenery and fascinating history makes this a truly unforgettable first day.
Accommodation: Shared rooms in Skógarhólar Lodge
Distance: Approximately 37 km
12th of September – Exploring Þingvellir
Today’s ride takes us deeper into the remarkable landscapes of Þingvellir. We follow trails through the famous Almannagjá rift valley, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates slowly drift apart. Surrounded by colorful autumn foliage, ancient lava fields, peaceful meadows, and the largest lake of Iceland, where we experience one of the country’s most extraordinary natural wonders from horseback.
In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Fontana Geothermal Baths at Laugarvatn and relax in naturally heated pools beside the lake (optional, ISK 7,990, or available as an included extra).
As darkness falls, keep an eye on the sky. With clear conditions, September often brings the first displays of the magical Aurora Borealis, adding another unforgettable highlight to your stay.
Accommodation: Shared rooms in Skógarhólar Lodge
Distance: Approximately 22 km
13th of September – Return to Helgadalur
On our final day, we ride back towards Helgadalur through the colorful autumn landscapes, stopping at the picturesque Tröllafoss (Troll Waterfall) along the way. Following quiet trails across lava fields and open countryside, there’s time to savour the last hours in the saddle and appreciate the unique partnership between horse and rider.
We return to Helgadalur in the afternoon, where our journey comes to an end. After saying farewell to our trusted Icelandic horses, we head home with unforgettable memories of golden autumn days, remarkable landscapes, and the special experience of exploring Þingvellir on horseback.
Accommodation: Shared rooms in Skógarhólar Lodge
Distance: Approximately 37 km
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We are working on something exciting!
Our website is currently undergoing updates to bring you an even better experience. We are also putting the finishing touches on our Multi-Day Tours section, which will be ready soon. Thank you for your patience! We can’t wait to share our new adventures with you!
feel free to email multidaytours@ishestar.is if you have any questions
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Lava Tour
Experience the Icelandic horse surrounded by amazing nature right outside Reykjavík’s city center. Our friendly horses and specially trained guides will take you on a ride on excellent riding paths where you can experience the unique Icelandic horse while enjoying beautiful scenery full of lava fields and green hillsides.
When we arrive back at the stables enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate and feel free to ask our staff any questions about the Icelandic horse. This tour is ideal both for beginners and more experienced riders and is a fantastic choice for a Day Tour in Reykjavík.
We recommend that children under the age of 12 stay in the slower group with their guardians unless they are used to riding horses. Our stables are located a short 20-minute drive from Reykjavik’s city center. This horseback riding tour is a perfect way to experience the diversity of the Icelandic nature in only 2 hours.
Please note: We aim to organise the groups according to riding ability, to ensure everyone gets the experience and adventure they want. The relaxed group will mostly do the walk and the more adventurous group will ride at a faster pace (trot, tölt). If you like to go faster and even try gallop, we recommend our Exclusive Horse Ride or the Viking Tour
- DURATION: 1,5-2 hour riding tour
- RIDING SKILLS: For beginners and intermediate riders
- DEPARTURES: Daily at 10:00 & 14:00
- PICK-UP: at 08:45 and 12:45 from major pick up points in Reykjavik
- AGE LIMIT: 7 years
- The age limit to ride on this tour is 7 years old. Children 14 years or older need written parental permission to ride alone.
- The weight limit for all our tours is 110 kg/240 lbs.
- It is the responsibility of each rider to assess whether they are physically able to take part in the trip, including getting on and off the horses of their own accord.
- When self-driving: Please be at our stable 30 minutes before departure.
- Please note that the riding tour is 1,5-2 hours. With transfer total time is 4 hours.
- Riding helmets
- Rubber boots
- Rainwear/winter overall
- Live Tour Guide in English
- Storage space at the stables for backpacks, bags and valuables (backpacks are not allowed on the tour, due to safety reasons)
- Complimentary hot drinks after the ride.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME ON THE TOUR?
We reccomend that you bring warm gloves and a thin hat that can fit under the riding helmet. Included in the price is that you can borrow a helmet, winter overall or rainwear, as well as rubber boots.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT ON A RIDER?
Maximum weight for a rider is 110kg/242lb.
CAN I WEAR MY OWN RIDING CLOTHES?
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.
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HOW DO I BOOK?
You can book online on our website or by contacting Ishestar by email daytours@ishestar.is or by phone +354 555 7000
WHEN AM I GOING TO BE PICKED UP?
Pick up starts at a certain time for each tour (see information box above) the driver has to pick up other guests as well but please be ready at your location at the given pick up time and if you have any trouble call us +354 555 7000. Please note that riding tours at Mið-Grund and Grimsstaðir do not include transfer as they are Meet on location-only tours.
MY PICK UP LOCATION IS NOT ON THE LIST?
Please contact us at daytours@ishestar and we will try to find a pick-up location near you. Please note that riding tours at Mið-Grund and Grimsstaðir do not include transfer as they are Meet on location-only tours.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?
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.
WHEN WILL I BE BACK AT MY HOTEL?
Usually, you will be back at your hotel around an hour after the tour ends.
Please note that riding tours at Mið-Grund and Grimsstaðir do not include transfer as they are Meet on location-only tours.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR DAY TOURS?
Included in all Day Tours:
- riding helmets
- rubber boots
- rainwear or a warm winter overall
- Live Guide in English
- Please note that riding tours at Mið-Grund and Grimsstaðir do not include transfer as they are Meet on location-only tours.
Book Now
18.900 kr.
Contact us for more Information about this tour
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