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Northern Lights and Icelandic Horses

Horseback riding holiday in search of the Northern Lights

Travel to the native land of the Icelandic Horse in search of the Northern Lights. With two full days of horse back riding you’ll get to know this special breed and enjoy a privileged journey across the Icelandic landscape which will be turning shades of Autumnal colours. You’ll visit the Blue Lagoon en route as well as the Geysir Hot Spring region and the Gullfoss waterfall. This trip is for a weekend break and can be extended to suit you.

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Horseback riding Holiday in search of the Northern Lights

Horseback riding Holiday in search of the Northern Lights
Horseback riding Holiday in search of the Northern Lights

Horseback riding Holiday in search of the Northern Lights
Horseback riding Holiday in search of the Northern Lights

Horseback riding Holiday in search of the Northern Lights
Horseback riding Holiday in search of the Northern Lights

Horseback riding Holiday in search of the Northern Lights
Horseback riding Holiday in search of the Northern Lights

Horseback riding Holiday in search of the Northern Lights
Horseback riding Holiday in search of the Northern Lights

Horseback riding Holiday in search of the Northern Lights

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

DAY 1:

You will arrive into Keflavik airport and collect your transfer into Reykjavik city and check into your hotel. Depending on what time you arrive you will have the evening at leisure or to potentially add on a Northern Lights excursions with by Superjeep or boat (please speak to one of the team about adding this on).

DAY 2:

You’ll have the day to explore the city of Reykjavik, with the option to join a daytime whale watching tour or visit the fascinating Lava Show.

In the early evening, you will be picked up between 17:30 and 18:00 and driven to Eldhestar’s Vellir farm, near the village of Hveragerði, approximately a 40-minute drive. You will stay either at Hotel Eldhestar or Guesthouse Eldhestar, depending on your booking. Upon arrival, you will receive an information letter with a detailed itinerary for the following days. The day will conclude with dinner at Hotel Eldhestar.

DAY 3:

After breakfast, the guide will meet you in the stable for a brief introduction. You’ll receive the necessary riding gear, including a helmet and either a warm overall or rain gear. The guide will begin with a short riding demonstration before you get to know the horses during a few rounds in the paddock.

Today’s ride will last 4 to 4.5 hours, starting with the Meadows and Mountains tour. The route takes you along soft trails through meadows surrounding the farm, providing a chance to become familiar with the Icelandic horse’s unique “tölt” gait. You’ll follow the Gljúfurá river, head towards the volcanic mountains, and ride along the slopes of Reykjafjall. The reliable horses will guide you through the diverse landscape between the ocean and Hengill volcano.

After returning to the farm, you’ll warm up with a light lunch before selecting horses for the Winter Warmth afternoon programme. Another hour on horseback will follow before heading to Hveragerði's thermal pool. There, you can relax in the soothing geothermal waters, enjoy the steam sauna, or swim in the comfortably warm outdoor pool—imagine a light snowfall as you unwind in the hot tub.

Afterwards, coffee and home-baked cake will be served in the hotel’s cosy environment. The Northern Lights forecast will be checked, and if the conditions are favourable, you might go on a hunt for the auroras.

DAY 4:

Today, you’ll experience a variety of stunning natural landscapes. The day begins with the Horses & Hot Springs tour, where you'll ride along excellent trails on the slopes of Reykjafjall Mountain and through a lush green forest. Along the way, you'll pass numerous hot springs in the colourful geothermal area of Gufudalur valley, which dramatically expanded after the major South Iceland earthquake in 2008.

The trail continues along the volcanic hills above Hveragerði, a village renowned for its picturesque location between the green mountains of Hengill volcano and expansive plains. A stop near the stable area offers refreshments and a chance to learn more about the Icelandic horse before returning to the farm for lunch.

After lunch, you’ll saddle up again for the afternoon ride, Soft River Banks. This route follows the river Gljúfurá to an old cemetery and then continues to the gentle riverbanks of the mighty glacial river Ölfusá. If the weather permits, you'll enjoy views of the river and, in the distance, the renowned volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. Upon returning to the farm, dinner will be served.

DAY 5

On the final day, you'll embark on the Heritage Tour in the morning, riding along scenic trails through meadows, lava fields, and a small river. Along the way, you'll take in the beautiful views of volcanic mountains and farmland, passing several farms that showcase the evolution of agriculture over recent decades.

After the ride and checking out of your room, you'll warm up with a light lunch and coffee or tea. Then, you'll be picked up to visit three of South Iceland's most impressive natural sights along the Golden Circle: the renowned Geysir geothermal area, the 'golden waterfall' Gullfoss, and Thingvellir National Park.

At the Geysir geothermal area, you'll witness spouting springs, including Strokkur, Iceland's most active geyser. At Gullfoss, you'll have the chance to stand close to the magnificent waterfall as vast quantities of water plunge into a deep canyon. Finally, at Thingvellir National Park, you'll explore a site rich in both natural wonders and geological significance. You'll return to Reykjavík around 18:00

DAY 6:

Depending on your flight times, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the city. If you'd like to extend your stay and experience more adventures, the Magnetic North Travel Team will be happy to assist you.

BUDGET

From £1510 per person based on two travelling. Single supplement price available on request (dependant on group size).

This roughly converts to: 1,737 EUR | 1,978 USD

Remember that each trip we craft is unique, and you'll receive a personalised trip proposal based on your travel dates and preferences, and in the currency of your choice (GBP, USD, or EUR).

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Additional Info

DATES

This trip has fixed departure dates

Many of trips can be tailored to your requirements and departure dates. Please get in touch with us for a tailored quotation and details of availability for your preferred travel dates. All trips and departures are subject to availability.

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Winter Spring Summer Autumn

IDEAL TRIP LENGTH:

5 nights

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