Touch of the Highlands | Horse Riding Holidays in Iceland | Globetrotting

Touch of the Highlands Ride, Iceland

6 NightsStrong Intermediate to AdvancedFrom €4,970 EUR?Tour costs €4,970 EUR which is approximately $8,873 AUD

Believe us when we say, once you’ve tölted under a midnight sun in Iceland, there is no turning back. You’ll be transformed. FOREVER.

Overview

From the moment you swing a leg over an Icelandic horse, you’ll become swept up in the saga that is Iceland. The beating heart of The Touch of the Highlands Ride is hands down the horses. Over the course of the itinerary, you’ll have the pleasure of riding between 10 to 12 different Icelandic horses, each and every one as brave-hearted as the next. We can guarantee that by the end of your ride you’ll be ready to give your herd of 70 horses a standing ovation – BRAVO.

As a synchronised riding group, you’ll tölt across the black earth, the shifting valleys and the milky-blue river deltas of Iceland. Your focal point for the entire trip is the free-running herd of Icelandic horses gallivanting ahead or behind you at all times. Without your herd, there is no way you would be able to cover so many kilometres each day. We’ve been told by our guide and host, Magnus, that horse herding in Iceland is a dying art, so this is a UNIQUE PRIVILEGE to be a part of.

Believe us when we say, once you’ve tölted under a midnight sun in Iceland, there is no turning back. You’ll be transformed. FOREVER.

Fast Facts

  • Horse Breed:Icelandic horses - the jewel in the crown of this itinerary!
  • Pace:The pace varies on a daily basis but it’s a fast-paced ride. Expect to mostly trot and tölt with the occasional canter. The pace is dictated by the herd of horses in which you are driving.
  • Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles.
  • Time in Saddle:4 to 6 hours in the saddle per day (this is also dependent on the weather, which could see you in the saddle for up to 8 hours).
  • Ride Length:7 days, 6 nights, with 6 riding days.
  • Seasons:July & August
  • Group size:A maximum of 12 guests.
  • Riding Ability:Suitable for strong intermediate to advanced riders with good physical fitness. You must have had previous experience riding in English tack. You'll need to be up for an adventure and able to handle up to 6 hours' riding a day.  Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
  • Weight Limit:A maximum of 100kg / 220lbs (depending on height, physical condition and riding ability). It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
  • Minimum age:16
  • Accommodation:Throughout the 7 day itinerary you’ll stay in varying accommodation. On 5 of the 6 nights, you’ll stay in comfortable cottages made up of 2 to 3 bedrooms, each with a shared bathroom. Although you may share a bathroom with just 1 other guest, please be prepared to share with up to 5 other guests. Assignment of rooms is at the hosts’ discretion, although special requests will be considered.
    On the remaining night you’ll stay in a remote, rustic mountain hut with 2 to 4 guests per room. There is warm running water for showering in this mountain hut. #winning
  • Inclusions:

    The price includes all ground transportation throughout the riding tour, private bus transfers between Reykjavik and Varmahlíð on days 1 and 7, and full board during the tour, starting with a light meal for lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the final day. Sleeping bags, mats, helmets, rain gear and saddlebags are also provided.

  • Exclusions:

    The price does not include alcoholic beverages, international flights, travel insurance and any additional activities outside the itinerary.

 

DEPARTURE DATES & RATES

NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% interest-free payment plan!
Departing FinishingAvailabilityTotal
June 29, 2025July 5, 2025SOLD OUT!
From: €4,970 EUR ?Tour costs €4,970 EUR which is approximately $8,873 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
July 13, 2025July 19, 2025SOLD OUT!
From: €4,970 EUR ?Tour costs €4,970 EUR which is approximately $8,873 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
July 27, 2025August 2, 2025SOLD OUT!
From: €4,970 EUR ?Tour costs €4,970 EUR which is approximately $8,873 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
August 10, 2025August 16, 2025SOLD OUT!
From: €4,970 EUR ?Tour costs €4,970 EUR which is approximately $8,873 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderWaitlist Me!You'll be notified if a spot becomes available on any of the listed departure dates.
Notify Me Of Future Departure Dates

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all ground transportation throughout the riding tour, private bus transfers between Reykjavik and Varmahlíð on days 1 and 7, and full board during the tour, starting with a light meal for lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the final day. Sleeping bags, mats, helmets, rain gear and saddlebags are also provided.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include alcoholic beverages, international flights, travel insurance and any additional activities outside the itinerary.

Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.

Click HERE to read more about our fees and charges.
Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN EUR?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.

Itinerary

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*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather (let’s be honest, this is Iceland) and other influencing factors.

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  • Day 1

    You will be picked up in Reykjavik this morning and transferred via private bus to Varmahlíð, where you’ll be met by your guides and taken to the cottages where you’ll spend the night. Here you’ll settle into your rooms and have a light lunch before heading to the stables and meeting the much anticipated mob of Icelandic horses for your FIRST ride on Icelandic terrain {insert squeals of delight!}.

    For your debut ride, your guides will take you to the amazing natural paradise of the river delta of Héraðsvötn. The terrain offers the best possibilities to fully experience the gaits of the Icelandic horse, especially the legendary tölt. After an exhilarating ride, you’ll enjoy dinner before taking a relaxing bath in the natural hot tub under a dusky night sky (it doesn’t get dark until 10pm). I think it’ll be at this moment that you’ll pinch yourself just to make sure that all of this isn’t a DREAM.

    (Riding time: two hours.)

  • Day 2

    Today is the beginning of your EPIC Icelandic adventure. After a hearty, stomach-sticking breakfast you’ll be driven to the stables, saddle the horses and, together with your herd of free-running horses,you’ll start your six day riding adventure. The accompanying herd allows your group to change horses during the day, so your mounts can have a well-deserved rest and run free with their friends.

    Today you’ll be riding through the stunning landscape of the river delta towards the pen known as Mælifellsrétt. The herd will get a slight head start with their journey towards the pen, and you’ll meet them there around noon. After lunch, you’ll ride with the herd along a low-traffic road towards the south, deeper into the valley. You’ll end the ride at the farm Gilhagi, where the herd of horses will stay overnight.

    You’ll be transferred back to the cottages, where a delicious dinner will already be waiting for you upon arrival. A hot shower, flushing toilets and WiFi will be available. These are the perks of The Touch of the Highlands Ride: if you end up riding in less than ideal weather conditions, you know you’ll soon return to a warm and cosy cottage with a hot shower.

    (Riding time: four hours.)

  • Day 3

    You’ll be heading out this morning to spend one night in the highlands, so make sure you pack your luggage – a small backpack with just your essentials for two days will suit perfectly, and everything you don’t need can be left at the cottages until your return. After a short drive back to Gilhagi farm, you’ll mount up and ride through the scenic canyon Gilhagadalur and into the highlands. The lush meadows on the verge of the canyon are a welcome treat for the horses.

    Your destination is the mountain hut Galtará located near the Blöndulón Reservoire in the wide moor, Eyvindarstaðaheiði {try and pronounce that!}. The horses will also spend their night here – only a few steps away from your hut! Even though it’s remote, the Galtará hut has the added luxury of running hot water and showers – yay! You’ll enjoy a delectable dinner with all your new friends in the mountain hut. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see the Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers shimmering in the soft light of the midnight sun.

    (Riding time: six to seven hours.)

  • Day 4

    After breakfast at this charming, valley-perched mountain hut, you’ll prepare for an adventurous day. Leaving the peaceful Galtará and the stillness of the highlands behind, you’ll follow wide riding trails that allow for endless tölting. Depending on the weather, you may even be able to pick crowberries, the aromatic wild thymian, or the healthy Iceland moss. As you descend from Eyvindarstaðaheiði further into the Svartárdalur valley, you will see the corral Stafnsrétt, where the sheep are collected every autumn. This corral is your destination today. Your horses will retreat here for the night and you’ll drive back to the cottages.

    (Riding time: four to five hours.)

  • Day 5

    After being transported back out to Stafnsrétt this morning, you’ll be reunited with the herd and begin the journey towards home. The paths alternate between soft riding trails that are perfect for tölting and more challenging, rugged terrain. You’ll gasp in amazement at the horses’ strength and stamina as they climb uphill on rocky mountainsides. From the mountain pass Kiðaskarð you’ll be able to catch one last glimpse of the faraway highlands and the majestic glaciers – just a glimpse into the stunning natural wonderland this country has on offer.

    You’ll continue your descent towards the pen Mælifellrétt, which you might remember from the lunch break on the second day. It’s here that you’ll leave the horses and retire back to your comfortable cottages to wait in anticipation for the last exciting riding day to come.

    (Riding time: five hours.)

  • Day 6

    It’s time for a good dose of history, globetrotters, because after breakfast you’re visiting Glaumbær, where you’ll see how Icelanders lived many years ago. Then it’s time to saddle your own horses for the last time. With their heads turned for home, it will be a fast and exciting ride. On the way, you’ll stop for lunch at Stokkhólmi farm. Now you’re in for a real treat: having perfected the art of riding the tölt, with the expert help of skilled instructors and well-trained pacing horses, you’ll get to experience the famous ‘flying pace’!

    Finally, you’ll ride back to the stables at Vindheimamelar, were you’ll say a VERY SAD farewell to the trusty Icelandic mounts who have carried you on this incredible journey. Then it’s back to the cottages, where a final feast awaits. For an even better way to finish the ride off in true Icelandic style, you can jump into the stone hot tub while reminiscing about the incredible memories you’ve made in the Icelandic Highlands.

    (Riding time: approximately 3 hours)

  • Day 7

    After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to your wonderful guides and hosts, who will undoubtedly have become lifelong friends. You’ll then be transferred back to Reykjavik via private bus.

  • Transfer Information

    We recommend guests arrive in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, one to two days prior to the start of your ride, so that you have time to recover from jet lag and have a look around this gorgeous city before heading off into the wilderness. On our exploratory trip to Iceland, we fell in LOVE with Reykjavik and can recommend a range of things to do.

    Private return bus transfers between Reykjavik and Varmahlíð (where the ride is located) are included in the ride price.

    You’ll be picked up from your hotel accommodation between 9-10am on day 1 of your ride (a specific meeting location and time will be provided by your hosts via email a week before your trip).

    You’ll arrive in Varmahlíð around 2pm where you’ll be met by your Icelandic guides and enjoy a light lunch before heading to the riding stable, which is located 8km outside of Varmahlíð.

    On day 7, you’ll be transported back to your Reykjavik accommodation, arriving between 2-4pm. Should you wish to begin your return journey home this day, you’ll be dropped off at the Flybus Airport bus stop where you’ll be able to make your own way to the airport. Please don’t book departing flights home before 8pm this evening.

  • The Horses

    The Icelandic horse is a unique breed of smallish horse that came to Iceland with the first settlers from Norway 1,100 years ago. Archeological digs in Europe have revealed that the breed is a descendant of an ancient breed that is now extinct outside of Iceland.

    The Icelandic, as it is commonly referred to, is known for being sure-footed and able to navigate rough terrain with ease. It displays two gaits in addition to the typical walk, trot, and canter/gallop commonly displayed by other breeds. The first additional gait is a four-beat lateral ambling gait called the tölt. The tölt is known for its explosive acceleration and speed; it is also comfortable and ground-covering. The breed also performs a pace called skeið, or “flying pace”. Skeið is used in pacing races, and is fast and smooth, with some horses able to reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour. It is not a gait for long-distance travel. The Icelandic horse comes in almost every imaginable colour, and the Icelandic language includes more than 100 names for the various coat colours and patterns.

    The Icelandic breed is extremely popular internationally, and for good reason: you need to ride these horses to understand. A sizeable population exists in Europe and North America, but NOTHING beats riding Icelandic horses in their natural habitat, Iceland. In their native country they have few diseases, and as a result Icelandic law prevents horses from being imported, and exported animals are not allowed to return. In Iceland, the breed continues to be used for farm work in addition to showing, racing and recreational riding.

What our valued Globetrotters say about The Touch of the Highlands Ride

Richard S.

‘My wife and I absolutely loved our trip to Iceland to ride their incredible horses! There is nothing quite like this adventure, where riders can drive a herd of 70+ horses through the rugged wilderness of Iceland, through canyons, across rivers, and up mountain trails. And nothing compares to the smooth and fast-paced tolt that allowed us to cover a lot of ground throughout the day.’

Linda M.

‘The Touch of the Highlands was an incredible experience! The robust horses took us through magical landscapes. The beautiful and clear weather allowed us to fully enjoy the scenery. I felt safe the whole time, and the guides and staff were supportive. The food was beyond what I expected, and the group of participants was sweet, nice, and fun. A big heartfelt thank you to everyone for a memorable trip.’

Loretta B.

‘This ride was years in the waiting but so worth it. Nothing to fault with this trip. Even the weather was pretty good in Iceland’s terms! The horses are everything you could hope for. You will definitely end up with a favourite even though they are all amazing. Strong, willing, friendly, curious, and gorgeous. And you will get to tolt A LOT!! To finish with the ultimate gait – the flying pace is exhilarating. The crew are awesome and you will want for nothing. Go, you won’t regret it.’

Kimberly B.

‘My husband and I had the most incredible time on this trip. We fell in love with the people of Iceland, the Icelandic horses, and the beautiful scenery. The cottages we stayed at were cozy and clean. It felt like home. Our guides and staff were exceptional! They were a joy to be with and were very informative. They were kind and caring and took the best care of us. The tour was magical. We would love to come back in a few years and do it all over again!’

Touch of the Highlands, Iceland, Globetrotting Horse Riding Holidays

Stéphanie J

‘Wow, definitely the best way to discover Iceland! The Touch of the Highlands ride with Globetrotting allowed my daughter and I to fully connect with the incredible nature and warm, welcoming people of this stunning country. We fell in love with the magnificent Icelandic horses – they are truly incredible! The transfers, accommodation, food, and tack were all excellent, and the guides provided such kind, knowledgeable, and hospitable service. Our favorite experiences were the days exploring the highlands – the landscapes were breathtaking.’

Touch of the Highlands, Iceland, Globetrotting Horse Riding Holidays

Sharon Rosh

‘The Touch of the Highlands Ride was an exceptional experience. The cabins were lovely – clean, warm and cozy, set in a beautiful, bucolic location with amazing views. The food was outstanding, with every meal delicious and beautifully presented. The chef and his wife were warm and friendly, and their attention to detail and kindness were highlights of the trip. The standard of tack used on the ride was excellent, and the quality of the horses was superb. I loved every horse I rode, with Blakkur being a particular favorite for his incredible tölt. The guides and support staff were absolutely amazing. They were true horse people whose love and respect for the horses was evident. They kept us safe and entertained throughout, whether we were riding in the rain or singing Icelandic folk songs at dinner. Their kindness, hospitality and smiles made lasting memories. This was a soul-filling experience that has truly enriched my life’.

Touch of the Highlands ride, Iceland, Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Frances Lipschitz

‘The Touch of the Highlands ride was absolutely incredible! The horses were amazing, our hosts and guides top-notch, and the scenery was fascinating and beautiful, particularly when the sun came out! We enjoyed long, fast tolts up and down rocky mountain passes and across wide meadows and streams, all the while pushing or leading a herd of 64 free Icelandic horses – that was really an unforgettable experience. We finished the week trying our luck at the famous flying pace, which was just the cherry on top of a week of amazing riding. We couldn’t recommend this trip more highly and would love to do it again!’

Touch of the Highlands Ride, Iceland - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Kate Testerman

‘I’m not sure if I can adequately convey how amazing, wonderful, spectacular, and life-changing this ride was! From the moment I was picked up in Reykjavik, every moment was perfection! The food was wonderful, the guides and staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, the scenery was jaw-dropping, and the horses! My god, I will dream about those horses for years to come. I know it seems like hyperbole, but every day was more amazing than the next. I loved riding up into the highlands through fog and across what seemed like a lunar landscape, as much as I enjoyed riding through a valley next to a bubbling stream, looking up at cliffs that seemed to be hiding dragons in their depths. And the final day, riding across the river delta, was like something out of a dream. I can’t wait for my next Globetrotting adventure, and my next trip back to Iceland!’

Touch of the Highlands Ride, Iceland - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Thea Evans

‘As someone who grew up riding but now doesn’t have much access to it, I was nervous before this ride – I honestly didn’t know what to expect. But it turned out to be one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life. The Icelandic horse is such a unique and wonderful breed. The guides were amazing, the views were outstanding, and the food far exceeded our expectations. It was really cool to see the different landscapes of Iceland while enjoying the serenity of riding horses. I have a super stressful job and this ride helped me calm down and get back into balance. I would highly recommend it to everyone!’

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