Black Beach Horse Riding Tour from Þorlákshöfn

A black beach horse riding tour for experienced riders, crossing volcanic sand, river shallows and open farmland near Þorlákshöfn on the south coast. You ride an Icelandic horse for most of the day, with hotel pick-up and a packed lunch included.

• About 4.5–5.5 hours in the saddle on an Icelandic horse
• Black volcanic beach, river shallows and open wetland scenery
• A route built for riders who already have experience
• Lunch box and hot coffee and cake included
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík

Your day, stop by stop

2Transfer to ÞorlákshöfnA short drive to the stables and riding area on the south coast.

A drive of about an hour from Reykjavík takes you to the stables near the fishing town of Þorlákshöfn on the south coast. There are toilets at the farm. Your guide matches each rider to a horse and fits the safety equipment before you set off.

Facilities · toilets at the farm

Read our Höfn í Hornafirði guide →

3Black sand beach and river deltaRiding along volcanic beach, river shallows and wetlands.

The main part of the day: around 23 km of riding across black sand beach, the Ölfusá river delta, grassy banks and farmland, with a chance to try the horse's tölt gait on suitable ground.

Time here · about 4.5–5.5 hours of ridingWeight limit · 110 kg maximum per riderTip · wear riding boots or shoes with a small heel

4Lunch breakA packed lunch on the trail.

A sandwich and cookies partway through the ride, then coffee and homemade cake back at the farm afterwards. With 4.5 to 5.5 hours in the saddle on the day, the break is welcome for horse and rider.

About the black beach horse riding tour

This is a full day in the saddle for people who already know how to ride. The route runs about 23 km along the black volcanic beach and river delta near Þorlákshöfn, through shallow river crossings, wetlands and farmland on the south coast. Icelandic horses have five gaits, including the smooth tölt, and guides let confident riders try it on the flatter stretches.

Because the pace and terrain call for real riding experience, this is not a first-timer's tour. You should be able to sit a trot and canter and feel comfortable controlling a horse on varied ground. Riding boots and warm, waterproof clothing make the day much more comfortable, since weather on the coast can change quickly even in summer.

The day includes a packed lunch on the trail and coffee and homemade cake back at the farm. It only runs in the warmer months, from mid-May to mid-September, when the ground is drier and the days are long.

Questions people ask