Iceland Horseback Riding with Mr. Iceland offers one of the best experiences in South Iceland. This isn’t just a regular tour; it’s an adventure through gorgeous landscapes on Icelandic horses, with views that feel straight out of The Lord of the Rings. After your ride, enjoy a hearty Viking-style dinner, where you’ll learn about the local lamb, the farm, and the Icelandic horses. Guided by Mr. Iceland, this off-the-beaten-path horseback riding tour gives you an authentic taste of South Iceland, combining scenery and expert local knowledge. Here’s everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind horseback riding experience.
Iceland Horseback Riding with Mr. Iceland
Starting our Horseback Riding Tour
How To Get There
This experience is located less than two hours from Reykjavik. Remember that you’ll need a 4×4 car because the road turns into gravel as you get closer. The horseback riding tour takes place on 4,000 acres of land, offering plenty of space for the horses to roam freely. As you approach the farm, you’ll see the horses grazing in the distance. We stayed at Bru Guesthouse, which is just a 15-minute drive away.
Getting Started: Training with the Horses
Our Iceland horseback riding tour with Mr. Iceland started at 1 PM with a quick but focused training session. He introduced us to the Icelandic horses, shared their background, and showed us how to groom and care for them. His teaching emphasizes posture, breathing, and clear direction, essential for leading the horse with confidence. We practiced in the barn before heading out.
What to Expect Before the Ride
After getting matched with a horse, we spent time brushing and building trust. Then came a second round of training. Mr. Iceland’s style is direct and no-nonsense. He’ll correct you on the spot, which might feel intense, mainly if you’re used to a softer tone. But it’s all to ensure you’re fully prepared for a real Iceland horseback riding experience.
Riding Through the South Iceland Countryside
Once everyone was ready, we rode through open fields with views of distant mountains and clean, crisp air. Mr. Iceland kept a steady pace, adding short bursts of speed to keep things exciting. It’s more than just a trail ride—it’s hands-on, real horseback riding through the Icelandic countryside.
After our Iceland horseback riding tour, dinner with Mr. Iceland occurred in a cozy barn styled with simple Viking touches and candlelight. The table was set with fresh salad, potatoes, and homemade mushroom gravy, easily one of the best we’d tasted. (He’ll happily share the recipe if you ask.)
Mr. Iceland poured us a glass of wine before serving the main dish: a slow-cooked lamb shank raised on his farm. As true lamb lovers, we can honestly say this was the best I’ve ever had.
We asked what made it different. He explained that his farming method avoids the strong, gamey flavor found in most grass-fed lamb, creating a more refined, balanced taste.
Dinner was just as memorable as the Iceland horseback riding itself. We had real conversations with Mr. Iceland about his journey, farming life, and the local economy. It was also a chance to connect with other guests, share a few laughs, and meet his friendly dog, who wandered over more than once, hoping for a bite.
Stay on the Farm After Iceland Horseback Riding
After your Iceland horseback riding experience, you don’t have to rush off. Mr. Iceland offers an on-site cabin, allowing you to relax and enjoy the peaceful farm setting a little longer.
The cabin is clean, cozy, and well-equipped, with a kitchen, a sitting area, and modern amenities. It’s simple but has everything you need. In the morning, you’ll wake up to views of Icelandic horses roaming nearby, with quiet surroundings that are hard to find elsewhere.
If you’re planning a complete Iceland horseback riding getaway, staying on the farm makes the experience even more personal and memorable.
Mr.Iceland Horseback Riding Final Thoughts
We wanted to be thoughtful about how we spent our money in Iceland, so it stood out immediately when we found Mr. Iceland’s horseback riding tour. It’s not a big commercial operation, which makes it special. This Iceland horseback riding experience is just under two hours from Reykjavík and starts at $275.
It’s ideal if you’re looking for something different that pushes you out of your comfort zone and brings you closer to Iceland’s landscape and animals. The ride is hands-on, the food is farm-to-table, and the group experience creates good connections. We left feeling grounded, connected, and energized in a way we didn’t expect. This is it if you want a real, memorable adventure in Iceland. Add Mr. Iceland’s horseback riding tour to your list, and while you’re at it, check out our tips on renting a car in Iceland to make the trip smooth from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Icelandic rule for horses? – Unfortunately, Icelandic laws prevent horses from being returned home after they have been escorted out of the country. This is due to their wanting to maintain pure breeding and prevent the spread of animal disease. Icelandic horses are a pure breed that has developed unique characteristics due to their isolation and the ruggedness of their native country laws that prohibited any importation of other horse breeds into the country.
Who is MR. Iceland? – A horse lover passionate about his craft who has studied in the U.S. and lived in Sweden for a while, in his own words, “You start to appreciate home a little more after living abroad.” Someone who values connecting with and respecting nature., which he brings heavily into his practice.
What is so special about Icelandic horses? -Icelandic horses are friendly and gentle, a trait passed down from their Viking heritage.
Are Icelandic horses good for beginners? Icelandic Horse It’s a breed that is easy to ride. They are suitable for beginners, as they are mild-tempered and easy to handle. However, Mr. Icleand nurtured and reminded us to lead the horses while riding them. That is the little trick.
