Can You Go Horse Riding in Iceland in Winter?
Yes — horse riding in Iceland is possible all year round, and winter (November–March) is one of the most magical times to experience it. All our tours are available in winter, sometimes across snowy landscapes, with the added chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
At Hestar og Fjöll, we welcome riders from around the world to our 6th-generation family farm in Hvolsvöllur, South Iceland. From here, we offer guided day tours (1–6 hours) throughout the year, as well as multi-day rides in season. In winter, our calm, sure-footed Icelandic horses carry you safely through frosty fields, riversides, and trails with views of glaciers and waterfalls.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced rider, horse riding in Iceland in winter is an unforgettable adventure.
Why Ride Horses in Iceland in Winter?
Winter transforms the South Coast into a dramatic wonderland, and seeing it from horseback is unlike any bus tour or hike.
Highlights of winter riding:
❄️ Snow-dusted lava fields & rivers – peaceful trails with fewer travelers.
🌌 Chance of Northern Lights – visible October–April, often brightest in Dec–Feb.
🌄 Golden winter light – the low sun creates stunning, photo-friendly skies.
🐴 Icelandic horses in their element – thick coats, sure footing, and the smooth tölt gait.
🗻 Iconic South Iceland scenery – glacier views, waterfalls framed in ice, and black volcanic sand.
Icelandic Nature & Weather in Winter
Winter in Iceland (November–March) is not as extreme as many imagine. Thanks to the warming North Atlantic, temperatures in South Iceland usually stay between –1 °C and +4 °C (30–39 °F), with Reykjavík averaging around –0.5 °C in January. While winters are relatively mild compared to mainland Scandinavia, conditions can change quickly — sunshine, snow, rain, and wind can all appear in the same day.
Snow & Frost: Snow often blankets the countryside from December to February, especially in January, creating postcard-perfect trails across lava fields, rivers, and open plains.
Temperature: The air may not be brutally cold, but wind and humidity can make it feel chillier — so warm, layered clothing is essential.
Rain & Precipitation: From October through February, the south coast receives frequent precipitation. That means snow at higher elevations, but often rain or sleet at lower altitudes. Rain is common — but the horses, and our tours, continue in most conditions.
Wind: Iceland is famous for its winds. On horseback, you’ll feel the fresh Atlantic air — invigorating but never unsafe, since our routes are chosen with shelter in mind.
Daylight: Around December, daylight lasts only 4–5 hours, but the low sun casts a soft golden glow, creating incredible photo opportunities. By February, days are already much longer.
Northern Lights: Clear, dark nights bring a good chance of auroras — most often green, sometimes purple or red — dancing across the sky.
Waterfalls & Glaciers: Iconic sights like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss often freeze into sparkling icicles, while glaciers shine brilliantly under the winter sun.
Winter riding lets you experience Iceland at its most peaceful and raw. The silence of snowy fields, broken only by hoofbeats, creates memories that last a lifetime.
Our Day Tours in Winter
All our day tours are available in winter, with routes adapted to daylight and weather.
Holtsós River Tour – 1 hour
A short, family-friendly ride along the Holtsós river. Perfect for first-time riders, children, or anyone who wants a taste of winter riding.
Írafoss Waterfall Tour – 2 hours
Ride towards Írafoss waterfall, where cliffs and streams sparkle with ice in winter. A great balance of time in the saddle and scenery.
Black Sand Beach Tour – 3 hours
Ride across the famous Reynisfjara black sand coastline. In winter, the ocean waves, volcanic sand, and snow-capped mountains create a dramatic backdrop.
Mountain & Ocean Tour – 3 hours
A scenic loop with views of both mountains and ocean. In winter, the snowy peaks and fresh air make the landscape especially striking.
Eyjafjallajökull Glacier Tour – 4 hours
Ride towards the legendary Eyjafjallajökull glacier. On clear winter days, the glacier shines against the low sun.
Full-Day Nature Ride – approx. 6 hours
For experienced riders, this is a full immersion in winter nature. Routes vary with daylight and conditions, but expect rivers, fields, and expansive views.
👉 See all our Day Tours here
Multi-Day Tours & Winter Availability
We also offer multi-day rides (3–5 days) through Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Þórsmörk, and Landmannalaugar. These are typically scheduled in spring through autumn, when trails and daylight allow.
In winter, multi-day tours are more challenging, but experienced riders or private groups can contact us to discuss possibilities. If conditions allow, we can customize a shorter winter trek.
👉 Learn more about our Multi-Day Tours here
What to Expect on a Winter Ride
What to Wear
Dress in layers for warmth and flexibility:
Thermal base layers
Wool/fleece mid-layers (Icelanders swear by wool sweaters)
Windproof & waterproof jacket
Warm socks (wool recommended)
Gloves and a hat that fits under your helmet
Waterproof boots or sturdy shoes
What We Provide
Riding helmets
Warm overalls
Waterproof gloves & balaclava
Rain gear when needed
Safety & Comfort
Maximum rider weight: 110 kg (240 lbs)
Small groups (2–8 riders) or private tours
Horses matched to rider level, from first-timers to advanced
Tours adjusted daily to match weather and daylight
Guides trained to prioritize safety, with local knowledge of the land
Winter Riding Near Iceland’s Icons
From our farm in Hvolsvöllur, you are close to South Iceland’s most famous sights:
Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfalls 💦
Eyjafjallajökull & Mýrdalsjökull glaciers ❄️
Many guests combine a winter horseback ride with stops at these highlights. With fewer tourists in winter, you’ll often have more space and time to enjoy them.
Northern Lights Horse Riding
From October to April, the aurora borealis may appear in Iceland’s night skies. While never guaranteed, we sometimes offer late-day or evening rides when the aurora forecast looks promising.
Few experiences compare to riding an Icelandic horse under dancing green lights — ask us about availability during your stay.
FAQs: Winter Horse Riding in Iceland
Is it safe to ride in winter?
Yes. Icelandic horses are steady, and we adapt routes to the weather. We ride in most conditions but may reschedule in extreme cases.
Do beginners need experience?
No. Many of our day tours are designed for first-time riders.
What age can children ride?
Children from about 5 years old can ride with assistance. We also offer guided farm walks for younger children.
Can I use my own gear?
Please don’t bring used riding gear that has been in contact with horses abroad (biosecurity rules). We provide helmets, gloves, and overalls.
Do you offer transport?
We provide free parking at our farm. Pickup from Reykjavík or nearby accommodations can be arranged on request.
Do you cancel in bad weather?
We ride in most weather conditions. If safety is at risk, we will reschedule or cancel with clear communication.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Possibly. Winter is the best season, but auroras are natural and never guaranteed.
What’s your cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour without penalty.
Book Your Winter Horse Riding Tour
Winter is a season of magic in Iceland — and there’s no better way to experience it than on horseback. Whether you’re planning a short family ride, a full-day winter adventure, or hoping to glimpse the Northern Lights from the saddle, we’ll help you create the perfect experience.
Use this form to book your horse riding Iceland winter tour, or visit our Day Tours page to choose your ride.
👉 For same-day or last-minute bookings, call us directly at +354 789 75 10.