Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This tour takes us through meadows, lava fields and a small river. On our way we enjoy the nice scenery of volcanic mountains and farmland, passing several farms which give us an idea of how agriculture has developed in the last decades. Nice riding trails give a good opportunity to experience the special gait of the Icelandic horse, the “tölt”. At the end of the tour you are invited for coffee and home-baked cake.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Service animals allowed
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Weight limit: 110 kg
What To Expect
Experience a variety of scenery and impressions! We first ride up a hill on excellent riding trails, along the slopes of the mountain Reykjafjall and through a green forest, a rare sight in Iceland. We then pass many hot springs in the impressive, colorful geothermal area situated just above the village of Hveragerði, a small town also known as the “hot spring capital of the world”. This area expanded dramatically during an earthquake in 2008 and is constantly changing. The path continues along the volcanic hills above the village, which is also known for its beautiful location between the volcano Hengill and the wide plains of the southern lowlands. We have a nice view of Varmá river, called the “warm river” as geothermal water flows through it, and green valleys with rising steam in the distance. During the winter season, we stop to warm up with a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and learn more about the Icelandic horse before riding back to our farm.
Options
The Heritage Tour from Reykjavík: 1.5 to 2-Hour Ride
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Home-baked cake
English speaking guide and free pick-up & drop off
Coffee and/or Tea
Riding and safety equipment, rain gear, or insulated coveralls
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Terrific ride with Eldhestar
carolwalsh52,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I absolutely loved my ride with Eldhestar. I took the heritage tour. I had never ridden a horse before but that did not present a problem. I was assisted step of the way. I was able to tolt numerous times through out the ride. Virginia one of the two guides kept checking on me making sure I was ok. Definitely a highlight of my trip.
Fantastic horse riding experience
gilliany2026,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Experienced riders who haven't ridden for some time. One of us is 70 years young. The horses were all very well turned out, safety advice given. Mixed group of beginners and more experienced riders and horses were allocated due to experience. The guides were good at making sure everyone was happy, and able to give instructions clearly. We spent a lot of time doing tolt, which can be quite fast if you have a forward going horse. Absolutely fantastic time. One of our best experiences. We've booked again for while we are still here in Iceland.
Definitely recommend
Kayla A,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was well organized. Quick and efficient getting guests their gear, horse, mounted and out the gate. The marriage cake and hot cocoa at the end was amazing! I loved seeing the country side in another country.
Great!
316yrsar,Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really nice trip through the hot springs. The guide was very friendly and had a lot of knowledge. The horses where nice, calm and beginner friendly. Loved the trip, expecially to learn the Tölt
This is fun!
marja592015,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A good start, as the bus had the clear red logo on it. We were quickly led to the changing rooms and then to the horses. All the horses were calm. Two guides led us through the fields. We also had a chance to try the tölt, even though many of us were beginners. It was fun. Part of the path went next to the noisy motorway. I would choose a tour that avoids the roads, opting instead for paths with more variety.
Eldhestar is a great ranch but chose a better tour from them!
Sharpie197,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Eldhestar Ranch and personnel were incredible. But I would have chosen a different tour with this Ranch with fewer people and better riders. Some of the tours go to the hot springs and ride thru the lava fields. This one goes around the ranch. We ended up with about 25 people (maybe we were supposed to be two groups) and we had two difficult riders; one who refused to hold the reins and her mom who had knee issues. I think they should have been given a refund and sent back. They kept the entire group back until the end, when they allowed about 5 of us to go ahead. The horses were incredible once they did their special gait and I wish the others were able to experience that. Nice ranch. Food was great! Chose this ranch but pay a little more and get a better tour.
Not very demanding
kgrona,Jul 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Well organized. Nice scenery with forest, hills and small river. I knew that the tour was classified as easy, but for an experienced rider it was a bit too easy. If you want more demanding riding incl canter, you need to look for more advanced tours.
Very well organized
C8510UWeveb,Jun 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did the horseback ride for 3 hours it was super nice, the guide did not talk too much and not little just what it takes was perfect. The explanations were concise and relevant. The landscape was very peaceful and rich in colors. I liked the fact that we are only a small group and that the guide is planned to stop to take pictures. When you travel solo it's really a plus because having your picture taken can get complicated, and there it was automatic!:)
Our Heritage Tour...
Ian M,May 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our Heritage Tour horseback ride was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip to Iceland. The entire experience was amazing from start to finish—perfect for all levels of riders, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced. Our guide was exceptional—patient, informative, and clearly passionate about both the horses and the history of the area. The Icelandic horses themselves were a true highlight: kind, gentle, and so unique in both personality and gait. Spending two hours getting to know and ride them was magical. If we hadn’t been on a tight schedule, we would’ve booked another ride in a heartbeat. This was truly a standout moment in our journey, and we can’t recommend it enough.
Excellent riding tour for experienced riders
Velvet B,Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent riding centre with beautiful Icelandic horses. Our guides were knowledgeable and made sure we had horses to suit our experience. We got to try the tolt lots. Below the Mountains tour was great for our group of 4 experienced riders. We all had a great time!
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