Tölt, Glacier & Wellness
- Ride on the land of the Vikings, in Iceland’s most spectacular Natural Reserves,
- Treat yourself in natural SPAs, hot springs and geothermal pools,
- Admire the unparalleled views of glacier Langjökull and discover Iceland’s largest lava cave.
Optional : Extend your stay for a wellness retreat at the Blue Lagoon
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 Tölt, Glacier and Wellness Ride is tailored to accommodate intermediate to experienced riders; comfortable riding at all 3 paces and cantering.
Each morning, you will spend 3 to 5 hours in the saddle, covering 15 to 25km with a small group of 4 riders on Icelandic horses.
Non-riders are also welcome to join the journey : While equestrians explore the trails in the morning, we offer tailored alternative experiences including SPAs, hiking, golf and more - ensuring every participant enjoys a memorable and personalized day out.
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 accommodations along with other activities.
Tell us about it, and we will turn it into a reality : Contact us for a Tailor-Made journey.
*Our Tölt, Glacier and Wellness is fully booked for the 2025 season. Contact us to be notified once we release the 2026 calendar.
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 remote Icelandic wilderness, its famous Fire and Ice breathtaking landscapes in one of the country's most spectacular Canyon Baths Reserve: Húsafell.
The Tölt, Glacier & Wellness is tailored to offer a unique blend of exhilarating horseback rides through the land of the Vikings in the mornings, and rejuvenating wellness treatments in the afternoons; the perfect retreat to nourish both body and soul.
This journey allows you to discover the best Iceland has to offer : Impressive glaciers, majestic volcanoes, lava caves, natural geothermal pools & historic saga sites.
Ride the remarkable Icelandic horses and feel the unique comfort of their four-beat "tölt" gait as you traverse the hidden trails of the breathtaking Húsafell Natural Reserve, guided by our passionate local riding guides.
The schedule
ARRIVAL TO REYKJAVIK
☼ AM : 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.
☽ P.M – Upon arriving to your hotel, you can take a rest in your room, enjoy your first Icelandic meal and discover the city of Reykjavik.
☽ Night at Borg Reykjavik
FROM REYKJAVIK TO HÚSAFELL
☼ A.M – Once you’ve treated yourself to a delicious breakfast from the Hotel, your guide will be ready to drive you to the farm into the charming Nature Reserve Húsafell.
☽ P.M – Meet your horses and ride through the idyllic birch tree forest Hraunásskógur, until the Hraunfossar waterfalls and the rugged brims of the Hallmundarhraun lavafield. After this first ride, your guide will take you to the sumptuous 4-star Húsafell Hotel, where you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the geothermal pool or hot tub, a round of gold or a drink from the cozy hotel bar.
☽ Night in 4* Húsafell Hotel
TUNGA, LAVA CAVE & FIELDS
☼ A.M – After enjoying a breakfast from the gorgeous buffet, your guide will take you to your horses. Expect a beautiful morning ride along the banks of a Salmon river into the stunning landscapes around Tunga.
Riding : 20km.
☽ P.M – After the ride, your guide will take you to one of the largest Lava Caves of Iceland : Viðgelmir. You will be able to admire the lava stalagmites and other lava formations in the large dome underneath the Hallmundarlava field.
☽ Night in 4* Húsafell Hotel
LAVAFIELDS & HOT SPRINGS
☼ A.M – Back to the stables to ride through the huge lava field Hallmundarhraun on remote tracks through different types of lava, birch forest und wide open spaces of remote fields. You will be able to admire the spectacular views of mountains and the glacier Langjökull in the background.
☽ P.M – After enjoying lunch, a well-deserved relaxing bath in the stunning Giljaböð Canyon baths awaits you. Made of locally sourced ad natural materials, the baths are hot-spring fed pools designed to blend into the environment seamlessly using the age-old methods that created Snorralaug, a heritage site pool dating back to the 10th century.
☽ Night in 4* Húsafell Hotel
KALMANSTUNGA, SPA & REYKJAVIK
☼ A.M – After checking-out from the hotel, saddle up for the last time and explore Kalmanstunga through the Húsafell Nature Reserve.
☽ P.M – For a last dose of relaxation, we invite you to the modern Krauma SPA with steam rooms, hot tubs and a relaxing room with a crackling open fire. Transfer to Reykjavik in the end of afternoon, and to your hotel for the last night before departure.
☽ Night at Borg Reykjavik
DEPARTURE FROM REYKJAVIK
☼ A.M – Upon breakfast at the hotel, our driver will take you to Reikjavik’s Airport for your International Flight.
What our riders say
Optional activities
Accommodations
For more than 15 years our guides have been perfecting The Tölt, Glacier & Well-Being, carefully curating the best places to stay for their guests. Except in Reykjavik, the accommodation for the journey is the 4-star Husafell Hotel. Member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, this hotel is a welcoming oasis blending subtle luxury and rugged wilderness.
Nestled between the Glacier, the birch forest, and a Laval field, we invite you to relax in their modern Nordic-style decorated rooms and savor traditional Icelandic gourmet cuisine from their restaurant, each offering views of some of the most unique wonders of Icelandic nature. If you are looking to relax or play, a golf course and a geothermal pool are located only a few steps away from the hotel. Thanks to the guides’ personal connections with the hotel’s management, guests can expect exceptional service for a truly comfortable experience.
Húsafell Hotel, HUSAFELL
"Where serene luxury meets rugged wilderness"
BORG HOTEL, REYKJAVIK
"Art Deco hotel in Reykjavik's heart"
Húsafell natural reserve
Located in the southwestern region of Iceland, the Húsafell Natural Reserve encompasses some of the most picturesque landscapes found on the island. Enveloped by glaciers, woodlands, waterfalls, and rugged lava, this secluded area remains distant from coastlines, roads, or any kind of construction, promising an unparalleled off-the-beaten-path experience.
Within this pristine haven, you will find yourself partaking in a variety of exhilarating and traditional Icelandic activities, such as horse-riding through untamed pastures, indulging in a warm and soothing soak in geothermal hot springs, and exploring the awe-inspiring Víðgelmir cave. The Húsafell Natural Reserve presents a multitude of opportunities to immerse oneself in the island’s splendid nature and its rich cultural heritage.
Local & passionate horse riders
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 the 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
Strong, intelligent, brave and friendly, the Icelandic horse stands as a treasured jewel and a source of pride for Iceland. Its history is deeply intertwined with Icelandic myths and legends, portraying the Icelandic horse as a loyal friend and companion. The breed’s origins trace back to 860 CE, coinciding with the arrival of the first Viking ships and Norse settlers. Holding a special place in Icelanders’ hearts, the Icelandic horse is the only breed to possess five gaits.
While most horses are limited to walking, trotting and cantering, the Icelandic horse has two additional gaits: The “Tölt” and the “Skeið », also known as the “flying pace”. While the tölt is a four-beat lateral ambling gait, offering speed and exceptional riding comfort, the skeið is a very rhythmic canter, creating the illusion of flying for riders. The Tölt, Glacier and Well-being undoubtedly offers a unique horse-riding and off-the-beaten-path experience, as you will find yourself riding alongside herds of loose horses, traveling the same way the Vikings did centuries ago.
About this ride
Frequently asked questions
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.
Nevertheless, we have outlined our general cancellation policy conditions tailored to the type of rides :
- Day Trips:
- If you cancel more than 15 days before departure: Full refund (excluding 50€ booking fee),
- If you cancel between 15 and 7 days before departure: 50% refund (excluding 50€ booking fee),
- If you cancel less than 7 days before departure: No refund.
- Horse-Riding Holidays:
- If you cancel more than 120 days before departure: Full refund (excluding 50€ booking fee),
- If you cancel between 120 and 60 days before departure: 50% refund (excluding 50€ booking fee),
- If you cancel less than 60 days before departure: No refund.
In the case your initial booking no longer fits your schedule or an unexpected event arise, we are open to flexibility and willing to consider alternative options where feasible. 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.
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.
Our mission is to accommodate riders with diverse horse-riding backgrounds and offer the opportunity to anyone – from beginners to advanced riders – to enjoy the unique experience of traveling on horseback. This is why we have designed and selected horse holidays that cater to riders from different levels:
If you are looking for a « first-time in the saddle » experience, we recommend exploring The Imperial Heritage Forest Ride or Versailles & its gardens on horseback – both tailored to suit both novices and experienced riders. These rides are crafted with gentle and calm horses, navigating mostly flat lands to provide a more relaxed introduction to horse-riding tours.
If you are seeking a more challenging and exhilarating ride, consider options such as The Royal Marwar Safari in Rajasthan, India; The Tölt, Glacier, and Well-being in Iceland; or Venice & The Dolomites on Horseback in Italy. These holidays are designed for more fit and experienced riders as they feature spirited horse breeds, navigating rough terrains, with long canters and more time spent in the saddle.
If you find yourself uncertain about your horse-riding experience, we are here to help and assist you.
Please feel free to contact us via our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp, and we will be more than happy to guide you.
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.
For those who may not wish to participate in every aspect of the ride, we also offer the flexibility of one-base options and the possibility of following the journey by car. Our aim is to ensure that every guest, regardless of age or preference, can enjoy the beauty of horse riding in a way that suits them best.
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 all of our rides, you will be welcomed and led by local and passionate horse-riding guides, all of whom are fluent in English to ensure seamless communication.
As part of our commitment to delivering a cultural experience, our itineraries often include historical visits. To enhance these activities, we curate them with guides who are proficient in various languages such as French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, German, Japanese, and more. This multi-lingual approach ensures that our guests can fully appreciate the depth of the destinations explored, making their horse-riding holiday not only adventurous but also culturally enlightening
Due to the inherent risks of horse-riding in nature, we require all participants to have adequate travel insurance and medical coverage, which is mandatory for booking. Travel insurance should cover for personal liability, medical (including repatriation) and holiday cancellation, and be valid from the date when the contract between us comes into existence until the holiday is completed.
While our typical package rates do not include travel insurance and medical coverage, we are more than happy to include it for an additional fee. We understand the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, and upon inquiry, we will provide you with a comprehensive insurance package for your convenience, ensuring you depart with serenity.
If you have any doubts or need guidance on the insurance that best suits your holiday, feel free to reach out to us through our Contact form, email, or WhatsApp. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE TÖLT, GLACIER & WELLNESS JOURNEY
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