Glacier Trail
This unique ride explores the legendary Þórsmörk Valley, framed by glaciers, volcanic ridges and braided rivers, following ancient trails once travelled by Icelandic riders. Along the way, you’ll ride with a free-running herd of Icelandic horses. The horses here are sure-footed, charismatic companions and you'll ride several each day.
The grand finale? A coastal ride along soft black lava sands where the river Ölfusá meets the sea - giving you breathtaking views, wide-open horizons and unforgettable beach gallops that showcase Iceland’s rugged contrasts like nowhere else.
This ride takes you through some of South Iceland’s most varied and striking landscapes, from the lush, sheltered valley of Thórsmörk to wide coastal plains and black sand beaches. Riding days are full but well paced, with a mix of steady trail riding, river crossings and open stretches where you can enjoy long, flowing tölts and canters. The route follows historic riding paths through volcanic terrain, glacial rivers and farmland, before finishing with a memorable ride along the coast where land, river and sea meet.Ride one of the friendly and willing Icelandic horses in its natural environment. Every rider gets the chance to try 2 or 3 different horses each day. You’ll be covering almost 100 km over the course of the 4 days with between 4-6 hours riding per day.
Ride one of the friendly and willing Icelandic horses in its natural environment. Every rider gets the chance to try 2 or 3 different horses each day. You’ll be covering almost 100 km over the course of the 4 days with between 4-6 hours riding per day. In Iceland you’ll ride mostly in the tölt, a comfortable, smooth gait somewhere between trot and canter. Participants must be able to mount a horse with little assistance and hard hats are mandatory.
- Ride beneath Iceland’s mighty glaciers
- Experience the unique Icelandic horse
- Explore a land shaped by fire and ice
- Cross crystal-clear rivers and streams
- Discover ever-changing landscapes
- Stay in traditional Icelandic guesthouses
- Ride through remote wilderness far from the crowds
- Witness some of Iceland’s most photogenic scenery
itinerary
Day 1
Your adventure begins this evening in Reykjavík. Riders arriving today should take the Flybus from Keflavík Airport to the BSÍ bus station in Reykjavík. Between 17:30–18:00, Eldhestar will meet you either at the bus station or your hotel/guesthouse and transfer you to the farm at Vellir near Hveragerði. Settling into your guesthouse, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner together and receive a detailed briefing about the days ahead — a great chance to meet your guides and fellow riders before tomorrow’s first day in the saddle.
Day 2
After breakfast, the group transfers by bus to the farm Torfastaðir in Fljótshlíð, where the riding officially begins. Today’s ride takes you from the farm across wide plains along the ancient riverbanks of the Markarfljót with expansive views of hills, mountains and distant glaciers. You’ll pass the striking rock Dímon — steeped in saga history — and cross the old river bridge before arriving at the farm Stóra-Mörk / Ásgarður for your first night on the trail. Today’s ride covers approximately 22-25 km over about 4 hours in the saddle.
Day 3
Today you ride deeper into the wild heart of Iceland. Following the Markarfljót River toward the legendary Thórsmörk Valley, you ride across soft ash-covered ground shaped by the famous Eyjafjallajökull eruption of 2010. Expect multiple river crossings and varied terrain as you continue along the banks of the glacial Krossá River. Surrounded on three sides by glaciers — Eyjafjallajökull, Tindafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull — Thórsmörk’s dramatic landscape and rich vegetation welcome you for the night at the mountain hut Básar, tucked within the valley’s majestic setting. Riding today is approximately 25 km and 5–6 hours.
Day 4
This morning begins with a short ride to see the “Elves Church”, a unique volcanic formation, followed by a visit to the magnificent Stakkholtsgjá canyon — one of the region’s unmissable sights. From there you retrace part of yesterday’s trail back out of the valley, cross heathland at Hamragarðaheiði, and return to the familiar riverside trails toward Stóra-Mörk / Ásgarður. This is one of the longer days of riding at around 30 km and about 6 hours in the saddle.
Day 5
Today’s ride takes you away from the high country and toward farmland, following pleasant trails along the Markarfljót and through rolling green hills of Fljótshlíð. You pass the historic farm Hlíðarendi, home of the saga hero Gunnar of Hlíðarendi, before arriving back at Torfastaðir. After about 25 km of riding (4-5 hours), you’re driven back to Vellir for your final night on the farm and a chance to unwind.
Day 6
On the final riding day, you set out toward the south coast, following a scenic stretch of soft black lava sand beach where the mighty glacial river Ölfusá meets the North Atlantic Ocean. You ride along the beach, across shallow river channels, and over grassy river banks and meadows toward the farmland near Vellir. Along the way you’ll have ample opportunity to enjoy the distinctive tölt on open, beautiful trails with views of volcanic peaks in the distance. Riding covers roughly 25 km over 5-6 hours. After a stop at the farm, you’re transferred back to Reykjavík, arriving in the early evening (around 17:30) and marking the end of the tour.
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Glacier Trail
Mini-brochure PDF
know before you go
This trail requires basic riding skills with a secure, balanced seat and good physical condition. You'll cover up to 45 km per day mostly in the gait tölt and are accompanied by a herd of free-running horses, which requires a certain speed. All riders must be able to mount a (relatively small) horse with little assistance. The weight limit is 95kg.
You’ll be accompanied by professional guides who will show you the ropes with the Icelandic horses and help you to get used to their special gait, tölt. There can be up to 20 riders in your group.
The only horses allowed in Iceland are Icelandic horses. This native breed is tough and hardworking and great fun to ride. Ideal mounts for the challenging terrain and changing weather. The horses are around 13.2hh but are very strong, capable of carrying adults at speed for much of the day. All the horses are home-bred by your hosts and live a very natural existence in a large herd roaming huge meadow expanses. Riding with a free-running herd allows horses to rotate throughout the trip, so you experience different personalities and riding styles while ensuring the horses remain fresh and comfortable. Their smooth tölt makes long distances enjoyable, even over uneven ground.
All the horses are ridden in simple, Icelandic style tack. The saddles are built close to a dressage saddle, with a relatively flat seat. The riding style is very close to English riding, but stirrups are worn longer. Riders are provided with saddlebags for essentials during the day, while luggage is transported separately. Riders should bring layers and suitable waterproof clothing, as weather conditions can change quickly.
Price includes
- 5 days riding
- Accomodation in Guesthouse Eldhestar (2-4 beds per shared room with shared facilities) and in sleeping-bag accommodation (cottages and simple mountain huts with bunk beds shared rooms).
- Meals from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 6
- Tea, coffee, water
- Luggage transport
- Return transfer from Reykjavik at set times
Price Excludes
- Airport transfers
- International flights
- Alcoholic drinks
- Icelandic Lodging Tax of 666,-ISK per room per night which is approximately £5 per night.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a mix of comfortable countryside hotels, guesthouses and mountain lodges along the route, chosen for their location and practicality rather than luxury. In the Thórsmörk area, you stay in a simple but atmospheric mountain lodge surrounded by glaciers and rugged highland scenery. Further along the route, accommodation is in welcoming rural guesthouses and hotels with proper beds, heating and shared or private bathrooms depending on the night. While standards vary, all accommodation is clean, warm and well suited to riders, offering a relaxed, social atmosphere and the chance to experience Iceland’s countryside away from tourist centres.
Meals are hearty and well adapted to long days on horseback. Breakfasts are served at your accommodation and typically include bread, cereals, dairy products and hot drinks to set you up for the day. Lunches are provided en route and may be packed lunches or simple meals taken at lodges or designated stopping points along the trail. Evening meals are hot, filling and enjoyed at the accommodation, often featuring Icelandic staples such as lamb, fish, potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are available when requested in advance. Portions are generous, and the focus is on comfort, warmth and refuelling rather than fine dining — exactly what riders appreciate after full days in the saddle.
Full board is included starting with dinner on arrival day and ending with lunch on the last riding day. Dinner is traditional Icelandic home cooking, stews and casseroles are common and ingredients are locally sourced with an emphasis on fresh produce. Lunch is either a picnic packed in your saddle bags or the cook meets the group. Allergies or special dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
Glacier Trail
Booking Conditions
See the full booking conditions specific to this trail here.Flight and transfer information
Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com
- Arrival airport: Reykjavik (RKV)
- Arrival time: By 15h30
- Departure time: After 19h30 or add an extra night in Reykjavik
- Transfer arrangements: You will be collected from the meeting point in Reykjavik at 17.30 on day 1
Single room supplement: Single supplement £210 (payable unless a sharer is found)An Icelandic Lodging Tax applies to these trails and is payable on site. The costs is 666,-ISK per room per night which is approximately £5 per night.