I've never ridden a horse before. Will I be safe and comfortable?

Yes. The operator matches beginner riders with calm, experienced horses and keeps the pace manageable. The focus is on tölt (a smooth gait) rather than galloping, making it gentler on inexperienced riders. You'll ride with more experienced participants, but horses are individually selected for your level.

What's included in the 12-hour tour?

Guided horseback riding (1.5–2 hours), light lunch at Hótel Eldhestar, whitewater rafting on the Hvítá river, and a BBQ dinner after rafting. Transport between the farm and river is included.

Do I need rafting or riding experience?

No prior experience is required for either activity. The riding accommodates absolute beginners, and rafting is suited to mixed abilities. Tell the operator your experience level at booking so they can prepare appropriately.

What should I bring and wear?

Wear long trousers, closed-toe boots with ankle support, and layers. A waterproof or water-resistant jacket is essential—you'll get wet during rafting. Avoid cotton; wool or synthetic base layers dry faster in Iceland's changeable climate.

When is the best time of year to book this tour?

June through September is ideal for stable weather and good daylight. July–August are warmest but most crowded; June and September offer smaller groups and equally good conditions. Winter months have very short days and slippery terrain, so are not recommended.

Can my family do this if we have different fitness levels?

Yes, it's specifically designed for mixed-ability groups. Horses are matched to individual riders, and the rafting guide adjusts the experience to your group's comfort. Discuss any concerns during booking.

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04C - Riding and Rafting

(5)

Hveragerdi, Iceland

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About this activity

Combine horseback riding across Icelandic lava fields with whitewater rafting on the glacier-fed Hvítá river in a single 12-hour adventure. This hybrid experience caters to mixed-ability groups, pairing 1.5–2 hours of riding at Vellir farm with exhilarating rapids and a riverside BBQ.

Do you have to cope with many different tastes in your family? This tour offers an adventurous day that will leave everyone satisfied! We start the tour by riding for 1.5-2 hours at our farm Vellir. After the riding tour we have light lunch at Hótel Eldhestar, before driving you to the river Hvítá where you go river rafting. BBQ after the Rafting included.

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

✓1.5–2 hour guided horse trek through lava terrain at Vellir farm
✓Ride Icelandic horses suited to your experience level (beginner to advanced)
✓Whitewater rafting on the glacial Hvítá river with class II–III rapids
✓Light lunch at Hótel Eldhestar between activities
✓BBQ dinner included after rafting
✓Small-group format mixing families and adventure seekers

Insider tips

★Inform the operator of your exact riding experience during booking—they match horse temperament and gait to your skill level, so beginners aren't overwhelmed.
★The tour favours tölt (the smooth Icelandic gait) over galloping, making it less jarring for non-expert riders.
★Bring a waterproof jacket and secure shoes with ankle support; river spray is inevitable and volcanic terrain is unforgiving.
★Peak summer (June–August) has longest daylight, but shoulder seasons (May, September) offer fewer crowds and equally good conditions.

Good to know

•Total duration is 12 hours including transport, meal breaks, and activity transitions; plan your full day accordingly.
•Suitable for all riding levels; beginners and experienced riders share the same rides with horses matched to ability.
•Wear long trousers, closed-toe hiking/riding boots, and layers (Iceland's weather changes rapidly). Waterproof outerwear essential for rafting.
•Hotel Eldhestar lunch and post-rafting BBQ are included; no additional meal costs.
•Meeting point and exact pickup logistics should be confirmed at booking; located near Hveragerdi geothermal area, roughly 1 hour from Reykjavik.

Who it's for

Families with mixed outdoor abilities seeking an all-in-one adventureFirst-time horse riders wanting a structured, confidence-building experienceAdventure couples or groups balancing diverse comfort levelsVisitors wanting an authentic Icelandic rural experience beyond typical city tours

Best time to visit

Late May through September offers stable weather and extended daylight. July–August are warmest but busiest; June and September provide smaller crowds and equally pleasant conditions. Avoid winter (November–March) due to short daylight and slippery terrain.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Vik C.

Jun 2026

Amani our instructor very good, and drifting past the cliffs at sunset we love it. Is much better than the paddle we do in Hanoi before. We are very happy, recommend to all!

Mariam A.

Jun 2026

our instructor Carla had so many stories and drifting past the cliffs at sunset was the highlight. Went last tuesday so it wasnt too busy. Worked great for a solo traveller like me, and 2 hours on dead calm water, and perfect for first-timers, and paddled maybe 8km. Would book again no question, 10/10

Rob R.

Apr 2026

our instructor Mei had so many stories and a heron lifting off right beside the kayak was the highlight. Did it on our first morning so it wasnt too busy. Perfect for first-timers, and paddled maybe 8km, and for our anniversary. Would book again no question.

Lucy W.

Jan 2026

our instructor Priya couldnt do enough for us and drifting past the cliffs at sunset was the highlight. Mid-week so it was quiet so it wasnt too busy. Blew our cancun one out of the water, and handy if youre short on time, and paddled maybe 8km. Would book again no question.

Grace S.

Feb 2025

our instructor Zara couldnt do enough for us and a heron lifting off right beside the kayak was the highlight, and used it for our summer trip, no joke

from€310/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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