Mýrdalsjökull Glacier Tour – Horseback Riding adventure in South 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.

Explore Iceland on Horseback: A Multi-Day Riding Tour from Vík to Fljótshlið

Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland on this unforgettable horseback riding tour, beginning in Vík í Mýrdal — an easy drive from Reykjavík along the scenic South Coast. From here, we ride past the mysterious Hafursey mountain and the powerful Hólmsárfossar waterfalls. The highlight of the journey is crossing the vast Mælifellssandur black desert, an endless expanse of sand and lava fields surrounded by stunning glaciers. Riding here feels like entering another world, with the dramatic contrast between the dark volcanic ground and snowcapped peaks creating an almost surreal atmosphere.

Our route continues past the striking green pyramid-shaped mountain Mælifell before we reach the mountain hut in Emstrur, where we spend a night in the wilderness. From Emstrur, we ride towards Fell, enjoying a barbecue dinner under the Icelandic sky. On the final day, we take a ride through the serene Icelandic lowlands, concluding our adventure at Gamla Brú.

This Iceland horseback riding tour is perfect for adventurers seeking to explore the country’s volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and wilderness on horseback.

Explore Each Day

Day 1 Vík – Hrífunes
We meet in the charming village of Vík. For those bringing their own horses, you’re welcome to arrive a day early. International guests can take advantage of airport pick-up and overnight accommodation.

Our ride today takes us from Vík í Mýrdal through stunning landscapes to Hrífunes. We pass the mysterious Hafursey, cross lush meadows, and ford sparkling rivers before reaching our overnight stop at Hrífunes, where the horses enjoy excellent grazing. We lodge in a bright, spacious hall, giving the group a warm and friendly vibe called Tungusel.

Distance: approximately 35 km

Day 2 Hrífunes – Holmsarfossar

We set off from Hrífunes, riding further inland as the landscape gradually transforms from the gentle lowlands to the rugged highlands. Along the way, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking views of rolling hills, lava fields, and winding rivers – a true taste of Iceland’s dramatic scenery.

Our destination for the day is the stunning Hólmsárfossar waterfalls, where the horses will stay overnight in a safe and comfortable area. After leaving the horses, we enjoy a relaxing ride back to our accommodation in Tungusel. Since we’re staying in the same place tonight, there’s no need to pack – just relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Distance: approximately 20 km

Day 3 Hólmsarfossar – Emstrur
Today is truly the highlight of our adventure. We leave our cozy lodge in Tungusel and venture deep into the wild Icelandic highlands. Our ride takes us toward the striking Mælifell mountain and across the vast, dramatic sands – a surreal landscape framed by the glaciers Mýrdalsjökull, Torfajökull, and Tindfjallajökull.

The sand is firm and perfect for tölt and gallop, stretching for about 20 km of thrilling riding. Along the way, we pass through the rugged beauty of Hvanngil and Hattfell, before reaching the charming mountain hut at Emstrur. Perched atop a hill, the hut offers breathtaking views over the majestic Markarfljót River – a perfect spot to relax and take in the grandeur of Icelandic wilderness.

Distance: approximately 40 km

Day 4 Emstrur, Þverabotnar – Fell

In the morning, we take a single horse and leave the herd behind for a peaceful ride down through Þverabotnar, a hidden gem of Icelandic wilderness. This remote valley is a peaceful haven, surrounded by towering mountains, moss-covered lava fields, and crystal-clear streams. As we ride slowly through this untouched landscape, you can breathe in the fresh mountain air, listen to the gentle sounds of the rivers, and truly connect with nature.

After fully experiencing the magic of Þverabotnar, we return to Emstrur to gather the herd and continue our journey over the highlands toward Fell. Along the way, we traverse gentle valleys, cross sparkling rivers, and make our way over the iconic Einhyrning mountain. We stop for a short break in Bólstaður before arriving at Fell, where a cozy mountain hut awaits, with the horses comfortably settled just outside.

Distance: approximately 26 km

Day 5 Fell – Gamle Brú (Old Brigde)

We return to the gentle lowlands and ride into Fljótshlíð, passing quaint farms and charming summer cottages along good riding trails. At this time of year, the lupines are in full bloom, painting the fields in vibrant shades of purple, pink, and blue. Riding through these endless carpets of flowers, with the fresh scent in the air, feels like drifting through a magical, colorful tapestry.

Our path follows Markarfljót River, passes the majestic Stóra Dímon mountain, and finally brings us to the historic Gamla Brú bridge. Here, we say farwell to our horses, watching them graze peacefully in the surrounding fields. As we take a final look at the Icelandic landscape, it’s a calm moment to appreciate the scenery and reflect on our journey we made together.

For those bringing their own horses, there is the option to leave them here overnight.

🗓️ 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)