Holtsós – A Peaceful Lagoon in South Iceland
Holtsós is a shallow coastal lagoon in South Iceland, located just inland from the village of Vík í Mýrdal. Surrounded by black sand plains, moss-covered hills, and views of glaciers in the distance, Holtsós is one of those quiet places that many travelers pass without noticing — yet those who stop often find it unforgettable.
Unlike the busy tourist spots along the South Coast, Holtsós offers calm reflections, open space, and a sense of timeless Icelandic nature.
The Nature of Holtsós
Holtsós is not a typical lake — it is a lagoon, shaped by both glacial meltwater and the tides of the Atlantic Ocean. At high tide it stretches wide and reflective, mirroring the mountains and sky. At low tide, sandbanks emerge, transforming the view entirely.
The lagoon is also a haven for birdlife. Migratory species, seabirds, and local flocks all gather here, making it a rewarding stop for nature lovers. On still days, the surface of Holtsós can be glass-like, reflecting the distant peaks of Mýrdalsjökull glacier. On windy days, ripples across the water remind you of the sea’s influence.
Location and Accessibility
Holtsós lies just outside Vík í Mýrdal, a village on Iceland’s South Coast. It is about 2.5 hours by car from Reykjavík, following the Ring Road eastward.
Nearby highlights include:
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – world-famous volcanic shoreline.
Dyrhólaey – cliffs and seabird nesting grounds, including puffins in summer.
Mýrdalsjökull glacier – one of Iceland’s largest ice caps.
Holtsós is often overlooked by travelers rushing between these big names, but it’s exactly this quiet character that makes the lagoon so appealing.
Cultural and Natural History
The South Coast has always been shaped by glaciers, volcanoes, and the ocean. Holtsós is the result of these forces working together: glacial rivers flowing toward the sea, sand carried by tides, and volcanic landforms framing the lagoon.
Historically, lagoons like Holtsós served as grazing areas for livestock and as natural barriers against the ocean. Today, Holtsós is valued primarily for its beauty and its role as a habitat for wildlife.
Experiencing Holtsós on Horseback
While you can visit Holtsós by car or on foot, one of the most memorable ways to experience it is on an Icelandic horse. The terrain around the lagoon is gentle and varied, offering smooth trails perfect for riding.
The Icelandic horse, with its steady nature and unique tölt gait, is ideally suited for this type of landscape. Riding along the lagoon lets you combine open coastal views with the quiet rhythm of hooves, far from busy roads and crowds.
Several of Hestar og Fjöll’s day tours in South Iceland include riding near rivers, black sand beaches, and valleys close to Holtsós. For riders, this setting captures both the calm and the drama of Iceland’s nature in a single place.
Why Riders Love Holtsós
Gentle terrain makes it suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced riders.
Peaceful setting offers calm, uninterrupted rides.
Dramatic views combine lagoon, ocean, and glaciers in one landscape.
Varied trails allow for relaxed tölt as well as stretches for faster riding.
This is the type of landscape where the Icelandic horse feels truly at home.
Horse Riding in Reykjavík vs. South Iceland
Many visitors begin with horseback riding in Reykjavík, which is convenient and close to the capital. But traveling further south reveals a wilder side of Iceland. Holtsós is a perfect example of why it’s worth leaving the city — landscapes are bigger, rides are quieter, and the sense of space is unforgettable.
If you’re searching for:
horse riding Iceland Reykjavík
horse tours Reykjavík
Iceland horseback tours
…consider adding Holtsós to your journey. Just a few hours from the capital, it feels like stepping into another world.
Pony Riding and Trekking Options
Whether you want a gentle introduction through pony riding in Iceland or a longer day in the saddle, the area around Holtsós is flexible for all levels. For families and beginners, shorter rides near the lagoon offer safety and comfort. For experienced riders, longer treks across the black sands and meadows provide a taste of adventure and a glimpse of what multi-day horse trekking in Iceland can feel like.
Holtsós is not part of Hestar og Fjöll’s multi-day tours like Landmannalaugar or Þórsmörk, but it remains one of the highlights for day riders exploring South Iceland.
FAQs About Holtsós
Where is Holtsós located?
Holtsós is a coastal lagoon near Vík í Mýrdal in South Iceland, about 2.5 hours from Reykjavík.
Is Holtsós included in multi-day tours?
No. Holtsós is not part of Hestar og Fjöll’s multi-day treks, but it can be experienced on shorter day tours in South Iceland.
Can beginners ride near Holtsós?
Yes, the terrain is gentle and suitable for riders of all levels.
What makes Holtsós different from other riding areas?
Unlike dramatic valleys or highlands, Holtsós is about serenity and calm reflections, making it a very peaceful riding destination.
Visit Holtsós With Hestar og Fjöll
Hestar og Fjöll creates horseback Iceland adventures that showcase both the famous and the hidden sides of Iceland. Holtsós is one of those quiet treasures where riding feels personal and connected to nature.
Whether you’re joining from Reykjavík for a day trip or exploring more of the South Coast, a ride near Holtsós adds a moment of calm beauty to your Iceland journey.
Other Remarkable Riding Destinations in Iceland
If you enjoyed the peaceful beauty of Holtsós, you may also want to explore these iconic places on horseback:
Eyjafjallajökull – ride beneath the famous glacier volcano with sweeping views of South Iceland.
Landmannalaugar – discover colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and lava fields.
Black Sand Beach – experience the thrill of galloping along Iceland’s world-famous volcanic shoreline.
Þórsmörk – ride through lush valleys, birch forests, and glacier rivers between towering mountains.
Seljalandsfoss – the waterfall you can walk behind, framed by dramatic cliffs.
Skógafoss – one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, known for its power and rainbows.
Vík í Mýrdal – Iceland’s southernmost village, surrounded by sea cliffs and black sand beaches.
Mýrdalsjökull – a vast glacier that conceals the mighty Katla volcano beneath its ice.