Landmannalaugar Tour – A Horseback Riding Adventure in Iceland
This tour is available both for those who want to bring their own horses and for those who would like to borrow horses from us.
Starting near Gunnarsholt in South Iceland — within easy reach of Reykjavík — this adventure is perfect for riders who want to experience Iceland’s wild highlands without venturing too far from the capital.
Each day we ride 30–50 km on strong and sure-footed Icelandic horses, crossing rivers and climbing mountain paths at a steady pace. Evenings are spent in traditional highland cabins, enjoying hearty meals, good company, and the chance to relax in the natural hot springs that make Landmannalaugar so famous.
Our adventure begins in Gunnarsholt as we ride towards Rjúpnavellir. From there, we follow the river and end up in Landmannahellir, where we spend the night. The next day, we head to Landmannalaugar, where you can soak in hot springs and explore the area.
On the following day, we pack our saddle bags with lunch and ride over the mountain towards Hólaskogur, enjoying a fantastic day entirely immersed in the wilderness. Unlike the other cabins, Hólaskogur offers a beautifully renovated cabin for our stay. On the final day, we ride back to Rjúpnavellir and return to Gunnarsholt.
Explore Each Day
Day 1. - Gunnarsholt - Rjúpnavellir
We gather at Gunnarsholt around noon for a delightful light lunch together. After a brief introduction to the journey and the day's itinerary, we embark on our first ride to Rjúpnavellir, where we will spend our first night. A perfect start to our adventure in the tranquil lowlands.
Distance: approximately 30 km
Day 2. - Rjúpnavellir - Landmannahellir
We ride from Rjúpnavellir, riding by the river and passing Áfangagil, turning into the heart of the Icelandic wilderness. The greene landscape gradually transforms into stunning sand dunes as we reach Landmannahellir, where we will spend the night immersed in nature’s beauty.
Distance: approximately 35 km
Day 3. - Landmannahellir - Landmannalaugar
We set off from Landmannahellir, riding past the serene Frostastaðavatn lake. Along the way, we take a well-deserved break in the famous hot springs of Landmannalaugar, where you can relax and unwind before we return to Landmannahellir. For those who wish, a shorter ride around the lake on a single horse is an option, and later in the day, we can drive into the springs to continue the relaxation.
Distance: approximately 20-40 km
Day 4 - Landmannahellir - Hólaskógur
A breathtaking day in the mountains awaits! We pack our saddlebags with delightful treats and ride over majestic mountain peaks towards Hólaskógur, while the vehicle takes another detour. We end our day with a barbecue in the beautiful house at Hólaskógur, surrounded by nature and the peaceful atmosphere of the Icelandic highlands.
Distance: approximately 40 km
Day 5 - Hólaskógur - Rjúpnavellir/Gunnarsholt
On the final day, we cross the iconic Sultatanga dam and either ride back to Rjúpnavellir or Gunnarsholt, depending on the condition of the horses. A perfect conclusion to an unforgettable journey through the Icelandic wilderness.
Distance: approximately 25 km
🗓️ Availability:
1st July – 5th July 2026
⏳ Duration:
5 days, 4 nights
✨ Price:
Price: without renting horses (bring your own): 280,000 ISK
Price with horse rental (horses provided by us): 380,000 ISK
We offer special rates for groups – contact us for more information!
🐴 Number of horses:
If you are bringing your own horses, we recommend
bringing 3–5 horses.
🧳 Packing List
Essentials:
🛏 Sleeping bag, pillow & towel
🧴 Toiletries, sunscreen & personal medications
🧦 Base layers & warm sweater (preferably wool)
🌧 Good rain gear
🥾Riding trousers and good riding shoes.
🧤 Riding gloves, buff & light hat/beanie
🧦 Warm socks (wool is best)
🦟 Mosquito net
👟 Indoor shoes & comfortable clothes for evenings
Extras:
Charger & power bank (limited electricity)
Musical instruments or games
Water bottle
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Headlamp or flashlight
Snacks or energy bars
Swimsuit (for the heitur pottur – hot tub)
For those bringing their own horses:
Shoes that fit your horse & suit the terrain
Label your equipment (e.g., with colored tape)
More Practical Information:
Riding Equipment and Disinfection
Iceland is, as many know, a country with strict regulations regarding the import of riding equipment. This is primarily because Icelandic horses are not vaccinated against infectious diseases and are therefore very sensitive to bacteria, which in the worst case can make them seriously ill.
Used riding boots, helmets, saddle bags, and similar items must be disinfected before arriving in Iceland. Leather chaps and other leather equipment cannot be brought into the country.
Riding clothes, such as pants, jackets, etc., should be washed and then disinfected with Virkon S or Iodine. More information about disinfection can be found here: https://www.mast.is/en/import-export/import-of-riding-equipment
We provide approved helmets, orange waterproof suits, and a saddle bags for loan, as well as all the necessary equipment for the horses.
Insurance
Remember to take out a good travel insurance before your trip. Please note that all riding is at your own risk. Don’t forget to bring your European Health Insurance Card (E-111 form) in case it’s needed.
Food
We love good food! We use local ingredients whenever possible. Breakfast, a warm light lunch (e.g., soup or stew), and a proper cooked dinner are provided. Please inform us of any allergies or special dietary requirements. Alcohol and snacks/candy are not included in the price.
Luggage
Please pack in a soft and preferably waterproof bag. Try to limit your luggage as space in the vehicle is limited.
It’s also helpful to bring a small day bag for items you may need during the day, such as sunscreen, rain gear, an extra sweater, or snacks.
The number of participants will range from 6 to 15 people.
Payment
The confirmation fee is 30% of the total price and is non-refundable. The remaining balance must be paid no later than eight weeks before the start of the trip, otherwise you risk losing your place.
For those bringing their own horses: The horses are driven the entire way and therefore need to be in good shape and accustomed to 'rekstur.
Also, check out our other tours:
– Discover our Day Tours near Reykjavík
– Ride across glaciers on the Mýrdalsjökull Tour
– Journey through colorful mountains on the Landmannalaugar Tour
– Explore the dramatic landscapes on the Tindfjöll / Fjallabak Tour
🇮🇸 Á íslensku
Ferðin verður rekstrarferð þar sem hrossin eru rekin alla leið og þurfa því að vera í góðu formi og rekstrarvön. Ferðahraðinn og lengd stoppa verður eftir óskum ferðahópsins. Trússbíll er innifalinn og keyrir með allan tímann.
Allur matur í ferðinni er innifalinn. Staðgóður morgunmatur alla morgna, léttur heitur matur í hádeginu og góður kvöldmatur. Grill síðasta daginn. Vegan og grænmetis valkostur verður einnig í boði.
Skálarnir eru hefðbundnir fjallaskálar og taka þarf með svefnpoka og kodda. Fjöldi þátttakenda verður á bilinu 6-15 manns.
Staðfestingargjald er 30% af heildarverði og er óafturkræft. Rest greiðist 8 vikum áður en ferð hefst.