Black Beach, Hot Springs & Waterfalls
- Tölt across volcanic black-sand beaches, circle the majestic Gullfoss waterfall, and walk between two continents in Þingvellir National Park,
- Visit traditional farms, meet passionate breeders, and ride a new, well-trained Icelandic horse each day,
- Soak in Iceland’s oldest geothermal pools — from the legendary Secret Lagoon to the ocean-side Sky Lagoon — for the ultimate post-ride wellness ritual.
On your departure day, our driver will collect you from the Airport in Keflavik and transport you to your accommodation in the center of Reykjavik for the first night.
The journey to Reykjavik typically takes 45 mins from the airport.
For our set departures, the Black Beach, Hot Springs and Waterfalls Ride is tailored to accommodate intermediate to experienced riders in good physical shape, comfortable riding at all 3 paces in open country.
Each day, you will spend 2 to 3 hours in the saddle, with a small, intimate group of 6 riders, along with brave Icelandic horses.
Riders should therefore be comfortable riding a new horse every day*, riding at all 3 paces in open country, and capable of holding a hand-horse/ponying while riding (Your riding guides will explain everything you need to know and will always be available to assist).
*A highlight of this journey is immersing yourself in Icelandic horse culture: Every morning, you will visit a new farm to ride one of their horses along with part of the farm’s riding team.
If you are seeking for a private and custom experience, we are happy to craft a flexible schedule tailored to your preferred riding time and desired activities. Contact us to design your ideal Icelandic riding adventure.
In addition to our set departures, we also offer private rides to Iceland, allowing you to tailor your experience. You can customize various aspects of your journey, including the number of riding days, time spent in the saddle and preferred accommodations along with additional activities.
Tell us about it, and we will turn it into a reality : Contact us for a Tailor-Made journey.
When you reach out through our booking or contact form, our team will provide you with a comprehensive brochure of your chosen journey. This booklet includes the full itinerary, details about accommodations, rates, and available departure dates (along with many pictures to give you a glimpse of the ride!).
If the journey aligns with your wishes and you would like to join, we will send you a detailed form to complete. This helps us understand your riding level, background, and experience, ensuring you meet the required skill level for the ride. This step not only prioritizes safety but also guarantees an enjoyable experience for the entire riding group.
Once our team and riding guide confirm your suitability, you can secure your saddle by paying a 50% deposit.
For your convenience, this can be easily completed via our secure payment link or through a traditional bank transfer.
Experience Iceland’s wild and rugged beauty on a 4-day riding adventure through some of the country’s most treasured natural wonders.
The Black Beach, Hot Springs & Waterfall Ride is an immersive journey designed to showcase the very best of Iceland — its breathtaking untamed landscapes, rich equestrian culture, and traditional wellness rituals.
Gallop along the volcanic black beaches of the south shore, tölt through scenic trails around Gullfoss Waterfall, and cross the sparkling Rangá rivers alongside the brave Icelandic horses.
After exhilarating rides, unwind in Iceland’s legendary geothermal pools - Relax at the Secret Lagoon, one of the country’s oldest hot springs, and feel the sea breeze at the Sky Lagoon, where the sea meets the sky in a quite magical setting.
Combining thrilling horseback rides with SPA rituals and excursions to natural wonders and heritage sites - This journey offers a unique blend of adventure, sightseeing, cultural immersion and wellness.
THE SCHEDULE
☼ A.M – Flight to Reikjavik’s Airport. Upon arrival from your flight, our driver will be waiting for you at Reykjavik’s Airport and will take you to your hotel for the night.
Upon arrival at Hotel Borg, you can check in from 3:00 p.m.
☽ P.M – Depending on your arrival time, you may want to relax in your room, begin exploring Reykjavik’s city center, or enjoy your first Icelandic meal. If you arrive before check-in, the hotel can store your luggage so you can make the most of your time in the city.
☽ Night at 4* Hotel Borg - Reykjavik
☼ A.M – Once you've treated yourself to a delicious breakfast, meet your guide at 9a.m at the hotel and drive to Pingvellir National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site. (Thank you for wearing your riding clothes at departure).
☽ P.M – After a short walk "in between the continents", enjoy a lovely lunch at renowned Friðheimar Greenhouse. Then, visit the stables and meet your Icelandic horses for your first ride gentle ride over good tölting tracks through the lush countryside. (2 hours Ride)
Car transfer to the hotel.
☽ Night at 4* Geysir Hotel
☼ A.M – Upon a hearty breakfast, car transfer to the Geysir hot spring area, where we’ll admire Strokkur's eruptions - every 5-7mins! (Early morning or evening to avoid the crowds). Then, prepare to ride to the wonderful Gullfoss or Golden waterfall, enjoying stunning views along the Hvítá river canyon.
☽ P.M – At Gullfoss, the horses rest while we admire the falls and have lunch at the café. Afterwards, we will have a private ride to the Haukadalur forest and towards beautiful rivers and fields, in order to experience a truly nature-oriented ride. Be prepared to cross some rivers and ride deeply into Icelandic nature! Then, head to the Secret Lagoon, one of Iceland's oldest geothermal pools, for a well-deserved relaxing time before returning to the hotel. (3 hours Ride)
☽ Night at 4* Geysir Hotel
☼ A.M – Upon breakfast and preparing your luggages, get ready for a sightseeing tour along the Southshore, visiting the mighty Skógafoss waterfall and Dyrhólaey bird sanctuary where we might spot some puffins and village of Vík where we enjoy lunch.
☽ P.M – Upon lunch, transfer to the farm and set for a ride towards the ocean, for a fabulous tölt and canter in the soft sand along the volcanic beach & Ölfusá delta, enjoying stunning views of the North Atlantic & glacial river. If we are fortunate, we may see a curious seal popping its head up to greet us!
After the ride we visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall (without the crowd) and take a walk behind the fall. From there is only a short drive to our hotel where we stay for one night. (3h30 Ride)
☽ Night at 3* Loa Hotel
☼ A.M – After breakfast and check-out, we will set for a ride along the Rangà river banks for a nature-oriented experience, crossing rivers, riding through green meadows and immersing ourselves in Icelandic landscapes. This 3-hour ride concludes with a delicious lunch at the Farmer’s Bistro, featuring their famous mushroom soup.
☽ P.M – Upon lunch, we drive the southshore route to the Sky Lagoon, where the sea meets the sky, to soak into the Blue Water, rub our face with the silica mask and feel 10 years younger, for a well-deserved last post-ride relaxation. From there, we transfer to Reykjavik for an arrival in late afternoon. (3 hours Ride)
☽ Night at 4* Hotel Borg - Reykjavik
☼ A.M – Upon breakfast at the hotel, our driver will take you to Reikjavik’s Airport according to your departure flight.
Please note that the check-out from Borg Hotel is at 12 p.m.
National/International Flight.
What our riders say
Optional activities
Accommodations
Throughout the Black Beach, Hot Springs & Waterfall Ride, your accommodations have been thoughtfully chosen for their harmony with the surrounding landscape, warm hospitality, and cozy rooms and lounges, ensuring you enjoy the utmost comfort after each day’s adventure.
Your journey begins at Hotel Geysir, a modern retreat located beside the famous Geysir geothermal area, in Haukadalur Valley. With spacious rooms offering panoramic views and warm Icelandic cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, Hotel Geysir is the perfect place to unwind after a day in the saddle.
Along the South Shore, you will stay at Hotel Lóa, a cozy Nordic-style hotel that combines contemporary comfort with warm Icelandic hospitality. From there, you can have a walk to the neighbouring charming town of Hvolsvöllur, before settling into Lóa’s comfortable rooms, and savoring Icelandic cuisine from its welcoming restaurant.
4* Hotel Borg Reykjavik
"ART DECO HOTEL IN REYKJAVIK'S HEART"
4* Hotel Geysir
"MODERN HOTEL BESIDE ICELAND'S LEGENDARY GEYSIR"
3* Hotel Lóa
"COSY NORDIC HOTEL STEPS FROM ICELAND’S SOUTH COAST WONDERS"
The most unique Icelandic region
The Black Beach, Hot Springs & Waterfall Ride takes you first in West Iceland, and into the South, a region celebrated for its striking contrasts — where volcanic black-sand beaches meet the wild North Atlantic and distant glaciers crown the horizon.
On horseback, you’ll discover Iceland at its most iconic: the legendary Golden Circle with its UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park, erupting geysers, and thundering waterfalls, as well as the rich birdlife along the banks of the Rangá River.
Riding through this diverse and dramatic landscape with Icelandic horses offers a perspective found nowhere else, immersing you in one of the country’s most breathtaking regions.
Local & Passionate Guides
Growing up in Iceland and riding since their childhood, our guides have always had a special connection with horses. With over 30 years of experience as local travel experts, they have worked with some of the most renowned Icelandic Tour Operators. In addition to acquiring a deep reservoir of knowledge about Icelandic culture, they all carry a genuine passion for sharing it with others.
Currently breeding their own horses and fuelled by their desire to share their passion with others, they embarked on a family-adventure of curating the very best riding experiences in Iceland. As you ride alongside our guides through Iceland’s stunning landscapes, they will not only lead you to explore the unspoiled natural reserves in their truest form but also offer a rich learning experience about the diverse flora and fauna that call Iceland home.
The horses
As you ride, you will pass traditional farms and riding clubs, offering a unique chance to meet passionate horsemen and women and discover Iceland’s deep-rooted equestrian culture. At the heart of it all are their beloved Icelandic horses — a true symbol of the nation’s pride, culture, and history.
The breed’s origins trace back to between 860 and 935 CE, coinciding with the arrival of the first Viking ships and Norse settlers. Strong, intelligent, and friendly, these horses have been steadfast companions to Icelanders for centuries.
You will soon understand why the Icelandic horse holds such a special place in the hearts of locals. It is the only breed in the world with five distinct gaits, including the tölt and the skeið, or “flying pace.” The tölt — a smooth, four-beat gait — offers both speed and unmatched comfort in the saddle, while the skeið, a fast and fluid canter, gives riders the exhilarating sensation of gliding across Iceland’s landscapes. On this riding adventure, prepare yourself to spend most of your riding time enjoying the tölt.
About this ride
Frequently asked questions
The Black Beach, Hot Springs & Waterfall is tailored for good intermediate and experienced riders who are confident at all gaits across varied terrain and open countryside.
You will spend between 2 and 3.5 hours per day in the saddle.
During your ride, you will be expected to saddle your own horses - as you will be riding two different horses per day - and to confidently handle a hand horse (ponying).
As you will be visiting a new farm every morning, riders should therefore be comfortable riding a new horse every day*, riding at all 3 paces in open country, and capable of holding a hand-horse/ponying while riding (Your riding guides will explain everything you need to know and will always be available to assist).
If you are looking for a more intense experience, we recommend exploring our Patagonia Expedition, in Chilean Patagonia, The Golden Circle Ride, in Iceland, or The Castles of Tuscany Tour, in Italy – all tailored to suit experienced riders.
If you find yourself uncertain about your horse-riding experience, please feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, and we will be more than happy to guide you.
Yes - Our commitment lies in curating tailor-made experiences that cater to the unique preferences and needs of each of our guests. This includes accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Prior to embarking on a horse riding holiday or day trip, we request guests to complete a comprehensive form. This form allows us to gather essential information, not only about dietary restrictions and allergies but also about your gastronomic preferences. By doing so, we can craft an experience that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Your safety, well-being and satisfaction are at the forefront of our personalized service, making every ride with us a truly unforgettable experience.
As a general guideline, the minimum age for participants is 6 years old. However, age restrictions can vary based on the destination and individual circumstances. We take into consideration factors such as size, stamina, and riding ability, as well as the dynamics of the group.
At the heart of our philosophy is a commitment to providing tailor-made experiences for each guest. We understand that everyone is unique, and our goal is to design experiences that cater to individual preferences and needs.
If you find yourself unsure whether a horse-riding holiday is the perfect fit for your family, particularly when considering the participation of your children, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We understand that safety and comfort are paramount, especially when it comes to younger riders. We will be more than happy to assist you in making an informed decision.
Feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, with any questions or concerns, and we will work together to ensure that your horse-riding adventure becomes a cherished and memorable experience for every member of your family.
When gearing up for your horse-riding adventure, packing the right essentials is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Each horse-riding holiday is unique, and your packing list will be influenced by factors such as the weather conditions, the ride’s difficulty, the destination’s disease risks and sometimes dress code requirements for riding in nature. Before embarking on your journey, we provide guests with a comprehensive list tailored to their specific horse-riding holiday.
We have outlined a typical packing list designed to cover the basics for riders :
For the time in the saddle:
- Riding Pants: Choose the fabric based on the weather of the destination, ensuring comfort and adaptability.
- Riding Boots and Chaps: If not provided on-site, these are essential for a secure and comfortable ride.
- Lightweight Riding Helmet: Ensure you have a suitable helmet for protection, especially if not provided on-site.
- Sports Bras for Women: Prioritize support and comfort during rides.
- Long Socks: Opt for woolen ones in colder weather to keep your feet warm and cozy.
- Button-Up Long-Sleeved Cotton Shirts: Choose thermal options in cold weather for added warmth.
- Fleece or Wool Jumper: Layering is key, and a jumper provides insulation during cooler rides.
- Waterproof Windbreaker Jacket: Be prepared for unexpected weather changes with a reliable, waterproof jacket.
- Waterproof Over Trousers: Protect yourself from rain and wind with these essential over trousers.
- Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from sun, wind, and dust for a clear and comfortable ride.
- Riding Gloves: Ensure a good grip and protect your hands during the ride.
- Filtered Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with clean water throughout your journey.
- Sunscreen: Guard against sun exposure, especially for extended rides under the open sky.
For after the ride:
- Hat and Gloves : Stay warm during chilly evenings after your ride.
- Sun Hat: Shield yourself from the sun during the afternoon visits.
- Soft Shoes: Slip into comfortable footwear after hours in riding boots.
- Comfortable Loungewear: Relax and unwind post-ride with comfortable clothing.
- First-Aid Necessities: Be prepared with a basic first-aid kit, based on your medical needs.
- Paracetamol: For general pain relief and fever.
- Gastro-Stop Medication: To address digestive issues if they arise.
- Nurofen or Ibuprofen: In case of muscle soreness for a comfortable recovery.
Lip Balm: Keep your lips moisturized, especially in varying weather conditions.
On The Black beach, Hot springs & Waterfall, you will be welcomed and guided by passionate horseman and women, who are fluent in English.
For The Black beach, Hot springs & Waterfall, our partnering tour operator does not require participants to have travel insurance and medical coverage. However, we highly recommend securing travel insurance and medical coverage for your convenience and peace of mind.
Should you decide to purchase insurance, please ensure that it covers personal liability, medical expenses (including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation), accidental injury, and holiday cancellation. The coverage must be valid from the moment your booking is confirmed until the end of your trip.
While travel and medical insurance are not included in our standard packages, we are happy to arrange it for you at an additional fee of 5% of the total journey cost.
We recognize the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, and, upon request, we will provide a comprehensive insurance package to ensure you can travel with confidence.
If you have any questions about the insurance options available, please don’t hesitate to reach out via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp. Your safety and peace of mind are our highest priorities.
To confirm a ride’s booking with us, guests have the possibility of sending a deposit through two payment options: Traditional bank transfer or Secure payment link.
Traditional bank transfer provides a secure and direct way to process payments.
Alternatively, secure payment link offers more convenience but usually includes additional card payment fees.
We acknowledge that unforeseen events may occur, leading to changes in plans, and we are committed to providing our guests with a fair and transparent cancellation policy. It is important to note that our cancellation policy may be subject to variations based on the conditions of our guiding partners.
If you need to cancel your reservation, the following terms apply:
- Cancellations made 120 days or more before departure: 75% of the total payment will be refunded.
- Cancellations made 30 days or more before departure: 50% of the total payment will be refunded.
- Cancellations made less than 30 days before departure: Unfortunately, no refunds can be provided.
Please note: A booking fee of €150 per participant will be deducted from all refunds.
Feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, and we will be more than happy to guide you and find a suitable solution.
For The Golden Circle Ride, we accept riders weighing up to 95kg (209lbs).
This limit ensures the safety and well-being of our horses, as they cannot comfortably carry more weight.
A glimpse into an Icelandic Signature Ride
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