Þórsmörk (Thorsmörk) Tour – Horseback Riding Trip 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.
3 Days of Adventure in the Thorsmörk Nature Reserve
Starting in South Iceland — within easy reach of Reykjavík — this 3-day horseback riding adventure takes you deep into the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve, one of Iceland’s most breathtaking regions.
Ride with a free-running herd for two of the days, crossing countless rivers and open valleys framed by glaciers and mountains. Experience the heart of Icelandic nature as we journey between Gamla Brú and Þórsmörk, surrounded by rugged beauty and peaceful wilderness. Along the way, we explore ancient birch forests, pass hidden canyons, and end each day in cozy mountain cabins with a sauna and hot tub — the perfect way to unwind after a day in the saddle.
Explore Each Day
Day 1 – From Gamle Bru to Þórsmörk (Húsadalur)
We meet at Gamle Bru around lunchtime. Riders who bring their own horses are welcome to arrive the day before and can leave their trailers on site.
From Gamle Bru, we ride into the stunning valley of Þórsmörk, with Mýrdalsjökull glacier on one side and the mighty Markarfljót river on the other. Along the way, we ride with the herd, cross several small rivers, and pass the beautiful canyon of Nauthúsagil. You’ll often spot sheep grazing peacefully along the route.
We stop at prepared paddocks for the horses before reaching our accommodation for the night – the cozy mountain huts in Húsadalur. Here you can relax and unwind in the sauna or enjoy a soak in the heitur pottur (hot tub).
Distance: approximately 35 km
Day 2 – Ride to Almenningar
The next day, we leave the herd at home and head out for a more relaxed ride into the beautiful Almenningar area. The trail takes us through one of Iceland’s oldest birch forests – a true hidden gem filled with greenery, birdsong, and peaceful silence. We ride through gentle valleys and open clearings where time seems to slow down.
It’s a day to breathe, enjoy the calm, and take plenty of photos – perfect for those who want to truly feel the tranquility of the Icelandic wilderness.
There is also time to explore the area on foot – take a hike, stretch your legs, and enjoy the incredible views surrounding Þórsmörk.
We return to the same cozy cabins in Húsadalur for another peaceful night in nature.
Distance: approximately 25 km
Day 3 – From Húsadalur to Gamle Bru
On our final day, we saddle up and ride from Húsadalur back towards Gamle Bru. The journey takes us once again through the breathtaking landscapes of Þórsmörk, with glaciers, rivers, and mountain views accompanying us along the way.
Riding with the herd, we cross several streams and follow the open trails that lead us out of the valley. It’s the perfect chance to take in the last views of this magical area and reflect on the adventure we’ve shared.
We arrive back at Gamle Bru in the afternoon, where we say goodbye to our horses – and to each other – with hearts full of memories and maybe a bit of Icelandic dust on our boots.
Distance: approximately 35 km
🗓️ Availability:
11th – 13th September 2026
⏳ Duration:
3 days, 2 nights
✨ Price:
Price: without renting horses (bring your own): 195 000 ISK
Price with horse rental (horses provided by us): 250 000 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 2-3 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.