Do I need riding experience to join?

No. The tour welcomes all levels from complete beginners to advanced riders. During booking, you'll specify your experience, and the operator will match you with an appropriate horse. Beginners and experienced riders travel together.

What's included in the price?

The 9-hour experience includes horseback riding, a light lunch at Eldhestar, guided hiking in Reykjadalur geothermal valley, access to the warm river, and refreshments at the end.

Can I bathe in the thermal river?

Yes. The tour includes time to soak in the naturally warm river of Reykjadalur. Bring swimwear and a towel.

What if fewer than 3 people book?

If the minimum of 3 participants isn't met, the operator will offer you an alternative tour instead.

How long is the actual riding portion?

You'll ride for 1.5 to 2 hours through the countryside before reaching the Hengill area for the hiking and geothermal experience.

Where does the tour start and end?

Both start and end points are at Vellir farm in Hveragerði, where the operator is based.

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05D - Riding and Hiking

(3)

Hveragerdi, Iceland

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About this activity

Combine Icelandic horseback riding with geothermal hiking in a single 9-hour adventure based in Hveragerði. Ride through rural countryside to a volcanic valley, then hike into Reykjadalur to bathe in naturally heated river springs—a rare blend of Iceland's equestrian heritage and otherworldly geology.

Minimum number of participants are 3 people. If we do not reach the minimum number of participants, a different tour will be offered instead.

The tour starts at our farm Vellir. We ride for 1.5 to 2 hours in the charming countryside followed by a light lunch at Hótel Eldhestar. After lunch we drive into the Hengill Volcano area, where we start our hiking tour down the magnificient geothermal valley of Reykjadalur. In the valley we will experience hot springs and also take a relaxing bath in a warm river. The tour ends with some refreshments at Eldhestar riding center. This is a unique opportunity to experience Icelandic nature in all its variety.

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.

Minimum number of participants are 3 people. If we do not reach the minimum number of participants, a different tour will be offered instead.

Highlights

✓1.5–2 hours of riding through pastoral Icelandic farmland
✓Guided hike into Hengill volcano's geothermal valley
✓Soak in the warm river of Reykjadalur geothermal area
✓Light lunch included at Eldhestar riding centre
✓Suitable for all riding levels; horses matched to your experience

Insider tips

★Inform the operator of your riding experience during booking so they can pair you with the right horse; beginners and experienced riders mix well on this tour.
★Wear waterproof layers and bring a change of clothes for the thermal river bath—the water is warm but the air can be cool.
★The tour uses tölt (Iceland's smooth four-beat gait) as much as possible for comfort; galloping is avoided for safety.

Good to know

•Minimum 3 participants required; if not met, the operator offers an alternative tour.
•Departs and returns to Vellir farm in Hveragerði.
•Bring swimwear and a towel for the geothermal river.
•No specific accessibility details provided; contact operator for mobility concerns.

Who it's for

Horseback riding enthusiasts seeking immersive Icelandic experiencesNature lovers wanting geothermal and geological discoveryFirst-time riders and experienced equestrians alikeAdventure couples or small groups with mixed fitness levels

Best time to visit

Summer (June–August) offers the most comfortable weather and long daylight hours. Winter and shoulder seasons are possible but require extra warm layers due to cold and shorter days.