4.3·Hveragerdi·5h
02C - Specialty of the Season
Enjoy a horseback riding tour suitable for all experience levels, followed by a delicious...
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About this activity
Ride through Iceland's mystical landscapes on sturdy Icelandic horses while exploring sites believed to be home to hidden elves and supernatural creatures. This 5-hour adventure combines folklore immersion with excellent horsemanship practice, featuring the famous tölt gait and volcanic terrain around Hveragerði.
Elfs are important creatures in Iceland. They get to decide where roads can go, and houses can be built. On this tour we see some places populated by these special creatures, the “hidden people”, but as they are hidden, we will not actually meet them! So, depending on where the horses felt their presence last time, you will ride on one of two paths.
We will either pass the small cleft Alfakví and the old sheep’s house that cannot be removed without serious consequences. Some elves are musical; Skjólklettur is the place of the elves’ church, where singing has been heard. On our way to the elfin hill, Einbui, populated by friendly and sometimes singing elves, we also experience excellent riding trails for trying the special, smooth gait of the Icelandic horse, “tölt”.
Or ride through hummocks meadows and lava fields where they believe to live. If your horse reacts when passing by, then an elf might be close by. When crossing the small warm river Varmá, look out for Nykur, the Icelandic version of a water spirit.
After returning to our hotel, a light lunch will be served.
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
- ✓Explore elf-inhabited locations including Einbui (elfin hill) and Skjólklettur (elf church)
- ✓Master the tölt — Iceland's smooth, four-beat horse gait — on purpose-built riding trails
- ✓Cross the warm river Varmá and watch for Nykur, the Icelandic water spirit
- ✓Ride through lava fields and hummock meadows with potential elf sightings
- ✓Visit Alfakví cleft and a historic sheep house impossible to relocate due to elf presence
- ✓Light lunch included at the hotel following the ride
Insider tips
- ★Pay attention to how your horse behaves near certain sites — locals believe horses sense elf presence before humans do
- ★The route changes based on where guides last felt elf activity, so each tour is genuinely unpredictable
- ★Wear waterproof layers; crossing Varmá is part of the experience, and Icelandic weather changes fast
Good to know
- •Suitable for all riding levels; inform guides of your experience during booking so they match you with an appropriate horse
- •Beginners and advanced riders ride together in the same group
- •Tölt is emphasized for practice; galloping is not included for safety reasons
- •Tour operates from Hveragerði; allow time for hotel check-in and gear fitting before departure
Who it's for
Beginner to intermediate horseback riders seeking a unique cultural experienceFolklore and mythology enthusiasts interested in Icelandic hidden people beliefsHorse lovers wanting to experience the Icelandic horse's distinctive tölt gaitTravelers looking for immersive, quirky experiences beyond standard sightseeing
Best time to visit
Spring through autumn (May–September) offers the most reliable weather and daylight for riding and elf-spotting. Clear days provide better visibility of the volcanic landscape and folklore sites.
Frequently asked questions
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