Magical Snæfellsnes escape
jul & august 2026 | €2890pp | Iceland
RIDE WILD along the snæfellsnes peninsula
Overview
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding along a beach with a herd of loose horses, this is the ride for you.
You’ll ride along the Snæfellsnes peninsula, taking you through lava fields, over hillsides and along the light-coloured Löngufjörur beach.
After a long distance tolt through the shallow waters of the shore, you’ll journey into some volcanic valleys with a view of the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier behind you.
Towards the end of your journey, you’ll find yourself riding over rocky terrain and through colourful hillsides with a chance to soak in the peaceful colours of the surrounding landscape,
What you need to know
€2890pp
Running 13-18th July and 13-18th August 2026
5 nights and 5 days
Riding with loose horses
3-6 hours riding each day
Beach riding
Shared accommodation
All meals and accommodation included
Pick up and drop off from Reykjavik
Chance for canter & gallop
Opportunity to ride 2 horses
Dates: 13-18th July, 13-18th August
Price: €2890pp
Location: Iceland
Riding level: Intermediate and experienced. Able to control horse in a group up to a gallop and over difficult terrain.
Time in the saddle: 3-6 hours a day
Horses: Icelandic
Weight limit: 95kg
Currency: Icelandic kronar
Saddle type: Icelandic
Need to know
OVERVIEW
Accommodation during the trip
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Transfers to and from BSI bus station in Reykjavik
Rain gear and riding hat if needed
What’s included:
Flights into and out of Iceland
Accommodation in Reykjavik
Any meals in Reykjavik
Travel insurance (you must have this)
Transfer to and from the airport
Alcoholic beverages - you can bring your own or the chef offers a limited selection of beer and wine for purchase (in cash).
What’s excluded:
Food: for breakfast you’ll have access to an assortment of fruit, cereals, bread, skyr (similar to yogurt), jams etc. For lunch you will make a packed lunch to take with you everyday (in saddle bags) mostly consisting of sandwiches, meat, cheese, fruit and veggies. For dinner it will be fresh fish or meat, potatoes, veggies etc. They can accommodate a variety of dietary requirements.
Accommodation:
Day 1: Accommodation at Stóri-Kálfalækur, a working farm. Rooms are shared with 2-4 beds in each (all have bed linens). Access to showers and weak phone signal but no wifi.
Day 2: Same as above
Day 3: Same as above
Day 4: Same as above
Day 5: Same as above
Accommodation and food
All of the horses at Ishestar are Icelandic horses. No other horses are allowed to be imported into Iceland as Icelandic horses aren’t vaccinated. You will need to clean your gear with a special cleaning agent when coming (more info given after booking).
The horses are considered the most important members of the family at Ishestar at enjoy lots of time off outside of the tours.
Icelandic horses are well adapted to the varied and rugged terrain. They have 2 additional gaits, the ‘tolt’ and the ‘pace’, allowing the horses to make fast yet sure footed progress over long distances.
You’ll get the chance to ride and bond with 2-3 horses on this trip and you will be matched with them based on your riding experience and the experience you want to have on the trip.
Horses
Riding hat (or you can borrow one on request), gloves and comfortable riding boots (knee height recommended for the beach rides)
Lots of layers. It can get warm in the sun however colder in the shade, especially if it’s raining. We’d recommend some short sleeve and long sleeve shirts along with some fleeces / jumpers
A waterproof rain jacket and trousers. They will provide these if you need them but it’s nice to have your own
Sunglasses (for the sun and dust)
A water bottle
Warm clothes for sleeping
A power pack for charging your phone
A charging adapter
A book for entertainment
Toiletries, towel, jodphurs etc
A sleeping mask if you like sleeping in pitch black as the sun sets very late and rises very early in the summer and ear plugs (for the snoring)
What to pack:
Itinerary
Day 1:
The Ishestar minibus will pick you up in Reykjavík at around 5:30 p.m for a two-hour drive to Stóri-Kálfalækur (your accommodation). On arrival, you’ll meet Halldór Ingi and the team, and be welcomed with a light dinner. You’ll have the chance to discuss your preference with your guide and will be matched with your horses for the trip accordingly.
Day 2:
After breakfast, you’ll drive westward to Gaul, a farm by the ocean, where you will meet the herd. You’ll be riding a single horse today as you begin exploring the stunning Löngufjörur beach, one of the world’s most famous riding beaches. This long stretch of coastline is a dream for Icelandic horsemen, offering a truly special experience, with the Snæfellsjökull glacier standing tall ahead. Approx 12km and 3 hours riding.
Day 3:
You’ll adventure along the magnificent Löngufjörur beach, following the coastline eastward. With the herd at a distance ahead of the group and the sound of the ocean as the backdrop, you’ll get to enjoy the landscape like a local rider. You’ll experience the smooth tölt gait of the horses as they splash through the shallow waters of the shore. The firm sand provides the ideal terrain for long-distance tölting. Your destination is a farm field located right by the Atlantic shore, where the horses will rest for the night. Approx 35km and 5 hours riding
Day 4:
You’ll ride through volcanic valleys, rich in tales of trolls and outlaws from Icelandic folklore. Along the way, you’ll see expansive grasslands, lava-rock formations, rivers and the Atlantic Ocean. If the skies are clear, don’t forget to glance back for a final view of the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier. Approx 32km and 6 hours riding.
Day 5:
You’ll journey through rocky terrain and moving at a more leisurely pace. After crossing a mountain pass, you’ll ride through colourful hillsides and alongside a fertile fishing river. This day is all about appreciating the varied landscapes of this magnificent region of the country. You can celebrate the last evening with a relaxing soak in the farm’s hot pot - a perfect way to unwind and reflect on the adventure we’ve shared so far. Approx 22km and 6 hours riding.
Day 6:
On your final day, you’ll tölt and trot across grassy plains and walk through rocky terrain at the base of a mountain range. You’ll pause for lunch at a traditional sheep round-up site, offering a glimpse into Icelandic farming heritage. From there, you’ll ride in the area of fertile farmlands as you make your way back to Stóri-Kálfalækur, soaking in the peaceful colours of the surrounding landscape. Approx 25km and 5 hours riding
Before heading back to Reykjavik, you’ll enjoy a farewell snack and a cup of hot coffee, a final moment designed to help you ease back into everyday life after an extraordinary and wild ride. You’ll arrive back in Reykjavik around 8pm.
your guides
Ishestar will be your hosts and guides during your trip. Started in 1982 by Einar Bollason, they’ve been the leading equine tourism company in Iceland since. Driven by their passion for the Icelandic horses and magical riding escapes, their mission is to provide an unforgettable experience in unparalleled surroundings.
They’re an incredibly friendly team and very welcoming hosts who make you feel comfortable and at ease throughout your whole journey. The rides will often be led by current owner Magnus as well as other team members.
The horses at Ishestar are the most important members and guide you just as much as the team. They’re sure footed and charismatic and enjoy regular time off in extensive fields of luscious green grass.
