Horses & Elves Riding Tour from Reykjavík

1.5–2 hoursGroup: Larger group, by coachEasyCoach from ReykjavíkAge 7+All year

A short, easy horse riding tour that follows Icelandic folklore as much as the landscape. You ride an Icelandic horse past an elf cleft, an old sheep house and lava field trails close to Reykjavík, with a light lunch back at the farm.

Reykjavík pick-upFarm near HafnarfjörðurÁlfakví elf cleftLava field trailReturn for lunch

An easy ride suitable for beginners and families
Trails linked to Icelandic elf folklore
Views over lava field and hummock meadows
Crossing the warm Varmá river
Light lunch included after the ride

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.

1Pick-up in ReykjavíkYour guide collects you from your hotel in the morning.

2Arrival at the farmMeet your horse and saddle up near Hafnarfjörður.

The starting point is a working horse farm near Hafnarfjörður, a short drive from central Reykjavík. You meet your horse here, are fitted with riding and safety equipment, and set off at a beginner-friendly pace.

Folklore trail or lava field rideRiding past elf sites, or across lava field and the Varmá river.

Depending on ground conditions, the route either visits folklore spots such as the Álfakví cleft, said to be home to elves, an old sheep house and the rock Skjólklettur, known locally as the elves' church, or crosses hummock meadows and lava field and fords the warm Varmá river. Riding lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Time here · about 1.5–2 hours of riding

Light lunchA light lunch back at the farm before heading off.

A light lunch back at the farm before heading off. Let the farm know about any dietary needs when you book.

5Return to ReykjavíkDrop-off at your hotel.

About the horses and elves tour

Icelandic folklore is full of hidden people, and this short ride takes you past some of the spots linked to that folklore near Reykjavík. Depending on the day, your guide may follow a trail past Álfakví, a cleft said to be home to elves, an old sheep house, and a rock called Skjólklettur, known locally as the elves' church. On some days the route instead crosses hummock meadows and lava field, fording the warm Varmá river.

This is an easy, gentle ride at a walk for most of the time, so it works well for beginners, families and anyone short on time. Guides pick horses and pace to suit the group, and more experienced riders can try the tölt where conditions allow.

It runs all year, with a light lunch back at the farm afterwards. Given the short distance and easy pace, it's a good option if you want a taste of Icelandic horse riding without a full day trip.

Included

English-speaking guide
Riding and safety equipment
Rain gear and warm overalls if needed
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Light lunch

Not included

Travel insurance

What to bring

Warm layers
Closed shoes or riding boots
Camera

Good to know

Minimum age 7; under 10s must be accompanied by an adult
Easy pace, suitable for beginners and families
Runs all year
Route can vary between the folklore trail and the lava field crossing depending on conditions
Duration about 1.5–2 hours riding

Questions people ask

Is this suitable for children?

Yes, the minimum age is 7, and children under 10 must be with an adult.

Do I need riding experience?

No, it's an easy, mostly walking-pace ride suitable for beginners.

Will we definitely see the elf sites?

The exact route depends on ground and weather conditions on the day; some days follow the folklore trail, others a lava field route.

Does it run in winter?

Yes, this tour runs all year.

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From19,950 ISKPer person