Do I need prior riding experience?

No. This tour welcomes complete beginners and advanced riders alike. Tell the operator your level during booking so they assign you an appropriate horse and route.

What's the difference between the autumn and winter meals?

September–December features Hangikjöt, traditional Icelandic smoked lamb. January–April offers Þorrablót, a more exotic Viking midwinter feast with preserved meats and traditional dishes. Both have vegetarian alternatives.

How long do we actually spend riding?

Approximately 1.5–2 hours in the saddle. The full 5-hour tour includes arrival, horse introduction, riding, and a seated meal.

No. For safety, the group focuses on tölt (a smooth four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses) and walk. There is no galloping.

What if the weather is bad?

Routes are adapted based on wind and weather conditions on the day. Bring waterproof layers. The meal portion happens indoors regardless of conditions.

Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes. Modern vegetarian alternatives are available for both the Hangikjöt and Þorrablót seasonal menus. Inform the operator at booking.

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02C - Specialty of the Season

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Hveragerdi, Iceland

Horseback Riding

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About this activity

Combine authentic Icelandic horseback riding with a seasonal feast in Hveragerði. This 5-hour experience pairs 1.5–2 hours of riding across volcanic terrain (tailored to your skill level) with a traditional meal tied to Iceland's Viking heritage, changing from smoked lamb in autumn to Þorrablót's preserved delicacies in winter.

This tour starts with a 1.5-2 hours riding tour in the spirit of the Vikings. Where we go depends on wind, weather and the participants’ riding experience. When we have dismounted our horses, a traditional meal that varies with the season awaits us. • Autumn’s Leaves (September – December) The Icelandic speciality Hangikjöt. • Thorrablot – Back to the Viking midwinter blot (January – April) Thorrablot: traditional exotic Icelandic food. (There are modern alternatives for vegetarians).

Please note: The tour is suitable for all levels of riding experience from beginners to advanced. During booking process, we ask our clients to inform us about their riding experience, which helps us to choose the right horse for everyone. Beginners and experienced riders ride together. We always try to tölt as much as possible, but do not gallop for safety reasons.

Highlights

✓Ride Icelandic horses across geothermal landscapes near Hveragerði
✓Experience tölt gait—the smooth, four-beat rhythm unique to Icelandic breeds
✓Seasonal feasts: Hangikjöt (smoked lamb) Sept–Dec or Þorrablót Viking fare Jan–Apr
✓Routes adapted to weather, wind, and your riding ability
✓Suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced riders

Insider tips

★Inform the operator of your riding experience during booking so they match you with the right horse and group pace
★Dress in waterproof layers; Icelandic weather changes rapidly and rain is common year-round
★Arrive early to get comfortable with your horse before the ride begins
★The tölt is gentler on your body than trotting—ask to try it if you're nervous about pace

Good to know

•Ride duration is 1.5–2 hours depending on group ability and conditions; total time is 5 hours including meal
•All skill levels welcome; beginners and experienced riders travel together safely (no galloping)
•Vegetarian alternatives available for both seasonal menus
•Meet at Hveragerði (location details provided upon booking)
•Weather-dependent routing means your exact path varies; bring waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear

Who it's for

Horseback riding enthusiasts seeking cultural immersionFirst-time riders wanting a confidence-building, beginner-friendly introductionFood-focused travellers curious about Icelandic Viking traditionsSmall groups or solo travellers looking to meet other adventurers

Best time to visit

Visit September–April for the seasonal specialties: autumn/early winter (Sept–Dec) for Hangikjöt smoked lamb, or midwinter (Jan–Apr) for Þorrablót's traditional Viking feast. Spring and autumn offer milder conditions; winter brings shorter days but stunning geothermal scenery.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Lena P.

Aug 2025

Amani our guide very good, and the bit at the end nobody expects we love it. Is much better than the tour we do in Cancun before. We are very happy, recommend to all!

Carlos L.

May 2025

our guide Wei couldnt do enough for us and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight, and over easter break, loved it

Tara H.

Jan 2025

our guide Kenji really knew their stuff and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight, and did it on our first morning.

from€90/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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