Rift Valley Holiday: Iceland's Geology and History

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Premium

Weight limit

This tour takes you directly into the Rift Valley at Þingvellir National Park. As you ride along secluded trails lined with lava and birch trees, situated between the North American and Eurasian continental plates, you'll gain a remarkable understanding of Iceland's intriguing geology and history! Picture yourself tölting on our gentle horses through lava fields, across highland plateaus, and alongside beautiful lake shores as you explore the stunning natural attractions of the South.

You'll also visit the historic site of the ancient parliament, the birthplace of the Icelandic Nation. The itinerary includes stops at the Geysir hot spring, the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, and the geothermal Fontana SPA, where you can relax in the steam of a natural hot spring and take a refreshing dip in Lake Laugarvatn!

Steinunn G. is the provider and guide of this trip

5.0 4 reviews

The provider speaks: English, German

I bought my first horse at the age of 16 and have been smitten by the „horse bug“ ever since. By now i own 14 horses and some of my younger horses come from my own breeding lines.. I decided to use the COVID time to go to the Icelandic guiding school so now I am a certificate driver/guide. I like horses with a character, with good tölt and good temperament. Our team invites you to a great horse riding experience in Iceland.

View Steinunn`s tours

The tour guides you'll probably meet as well

Margrét Lóa

Daughter of Steinunn. Began riding at the age of 5 and have continued to ride ever since. At 11 years old, I purchased my own horse, a 5-year-old Palomino mare named Klassik. While being the team's competition rider, I also enjoy going on horseback riding excursions, a passion I have pursued sinceI was 10.

Ari

Began riding when I was young, accompanied by my father. After work, horse riding is my favorite pastime.

Tour highlights

See the Landmarks of Iceland

Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss, Geysir and others

Good Rest After the Ride

Relax in a geothermal pool or an outside hot tub

Game of Thrones Scenery

Experience the natural beauty that brought this beloved series to life

Route details

Pick up at 10 am at your accommodation in Reykjavík by your wonderful Icelandic hosts!

Today´s ride will take you through a stunning mountain landscape with basalt columns, Tröllafoss waterfall and beautiful mountain views. The ride ends at a local farm. We drive the horses to Thingvellir National Park and go by car to your hotel accommodation for next 3 nights (riding distance ca. 15 km)

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour provider's comments

To participate in these tours, riders are expected to have prior riding experience to navigate challenging trails safely.

Riding daily: 4-5 hours (20-25 km)

Breed: Icelandic horses. Tack: English.

Accommodation

Comfort

Premium

Hotel

3 nights

Single supplement: ISK 56.600

This hotel is located in Ásborgir, within the Golden Circle Region in South Iceland. Selfoss is 15 minutes' drive away from the hotel and 13 mi away from the boundary of UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park.

You can admire the sky and surrounding mountains from the room or outdoor hot tubs. The hotel offers free northern lights wake up calls. WiFi and parking are available free of charge. All rooms at Hotel Grimsborgir by Keahotels come with a balcony or terrace, flat-screen TV, mini-bar, bathrobes and slippers and private bathroom.

The guest rooms have access to 29 private or shared outdoor geothermal hot tubs. The apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen, barbecue grill and private hot tub. Buffet breakfast is served daily.

And the menu features international dishes made with fresh local ingredients. In the summertime you can enjoy your meal on the patio.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Capital Region, Reykjavík

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

pick up and drop off to/from your accommodation in Reykjavík;
all transfers during the ride including visits to Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring area;
3x nights in double/twin or single rooms with private facilities at the 4 star hotel Grímsborgir;
3x breakfast buffet;
4x lunch during the tour;
4x riding days according to program;
English speaking guide. Other languages upon request.

Extras

flights;
dinners;
insurance;
single supplement;
tips and personal expenses.

Group size

up to 4 tourists

Duration

4 days

3 nights

It's important to know

Importing the following equipment is strictly prohibited:

used riding equipment, such as saddles, bridles, nosebands, pads, rugs, whips, etc.;
used riding gloves.

Cleaning and disinfection: used riding clothes and boots should be washed in a washing machine or dry cleaned prior to entering the country.

Used riding clothes and boots that cannot be placed in a washing machine or dry cleaned should be washed and disinfected as follows:

rinse thoroughly with detergent;
dry;
spray with 1% VirkonS® (10g per liter of water);
store for at least 5 days prior to bringing the clothes into contact with.

Packing list:

warm jacket or overcoat;
warm (woolen or fleece) sweater. Pls note we always bring extra;
Icelandic woolen sweaters on tours in case riders get cold;
warm socks and gloves, at least two pairs, scarf and a cap or hat;
warm underwear, long if possible (protects also from chafing);
for the ladies – sports bra;
riding trousers;
swim suits;
insect repellent, gnat net head cover. Pls note we also always bring some extra ones;
sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor);
your own water bottle – Icelandic water is one of the best in the world.

Remember to follow the Disinfection.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 4 reviews

M
Marianna

27 Oct, 2023

about provider

❤️❤️❤️i miss « arrow » so much, I had such a great connection with him 🙏🙏🙏

27 Oct, 2023
S
Sabine

9 Jun, 2023

about provider

Many thanks to Steina, Loa and Ari for once again guiding us to incredible locations and allowing us to ride your gentle horses. We had a wonderful time with you all and will cherish the memories for a long time!

9 Jun, 2023
HN
Hermès Noir

8 Dec, 2021

about provider

Thank you team for providing us with an unforgettable holiday experience. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the stunning natural landscapes of Iceland on beautiful Icelandic horses led by a knowledgeable guide. The hospitality of our attentive hostess made us feel truly pampered and cared for. Our picnic under the clear sky was a delightful highlight. Every detail was taken care of, ensuring our comfort and satisfaction throughout the trip, creating a truly magical experience.

8 Dec, 2021