The beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula extends far out into the Atlantic from the west coast. You can find many features of the Icelandic nature in this part of the country. We start our ride from the Stóri-Kalfalækur horse farm and ride into the mountains and through valleys enjoying the rich colors of nature.
Living the Dream: Riding Löngufjörur on Horseback
The beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula stretches far into the Atlantic from Iceland’s west coast, showcasing many of the country’s natural wonders.
Our ride will take us through lava fields and along hillsides, as well as on light-coloured Löngufjörur, one of the world’s most renowned beaches for riding. This long stretch of coastline is a dream for Icelandic horse enthusiasts. It offers a unique experience of tölting, with the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier standing proudly in the distance.
Over six days, the Journey takes us from Reykjavík into the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and across some of the region’s most varied landscapes.
We travel with the herd from the farmland beneath the mountains, through colourful hillsides and ancient lava fields, before reaching the Atlantic coast and the remarkable Löngufjörur beach.
South to North (starting on 30 June and 14 July)
Day 1 – Getting Started · approx. 25 km
Reykjavík – Stóri-Kálfalækur – Grímsstaðir
We leave Reykjavík in the morning and drive to Snæfellsnes, a journey of approximately one and a half hours.
After arriving at Stóri-Kálfalækur, we drop off our luggage, collect our equipment and meet the guides and horses who will accompany us during the Journey.
Our first ride takes us across grassy plains and through rocky terrain at the base of a mountain range.
We ride through fertile farmland and pause for lunch at a traditional sheep round-up site, offering a glimpse into Icelandic farming heritage.
The landscape is peaceful and colourful as we continue towards Grímsstaðir.
Approximately 25 km / 5 hours.
Day 2 – Into the Mountains · approx. 22 km
Grímsstaðir – Staðarhraun
Today the Journey takes us further into the mountains.
The terrain becomes rocky, so we move at a more leisurely pace. After crossing a mountain pass, we ride through colourful hillsides and alongside a fertile fishing river.
The landscape continues to change as we travel deeper into the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Approximately 22 km / 6 hours.
Day 3 – Through Ancient Lava Fields · approx. 32 km
Staðarhraun – Kolviðarnes
We continue through a mystical volcanic valley, surrounded by ancient lava landscapes and local stories of trolls and outlaws.
We cross rivers and ride through grasslands bordered by picturesque rocks, with views extending towards the Atlantic Ocean.
On a clear day, Snæfellsjökull appears in the distance, its snow-capped glacier visible at the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Our destination today is a field beside the Atlantic Ocean, where the horses will rest for the night.
Approximately 32 km / 6 hours.
Day 4 –Let the sea set you free
Kolviðarnes – Gaul
Today we reach one of the defining experiences of the Journey: Löngufjörur.
We follow the magnificent beach along the coastline, with the herd moving ahead of our group and the sound of the ocean providing the backdrop.
The firm sand creates ideal conditions for long-distance tölting. Our horses move smoothly along the shoreline, splashing through the shallow water as the coastline stretches ahead.
The route continues along softer ground, with water beneath the horses’ hooves and the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier rising in the distance.
Our destination is a farm field directly beside the Atlantic shore, where the horses rest for the night.
Approximately 35 km / 5 hours.
Day 5 – Hooves on the Beach · approx. 15 km
Gaul
We enjoy another day on the beach, this time riding individual horses.
Carefree tölting takes us along the coastline, with views towards the glacier ahead.
The shorter ride gives us time to enjoy the beach at a different rhythm before leaving the horses behind.
After the ride, we set out by vehicle for a scenic drive around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with sightseeing stops along the way, including the famous “Arrow Mountain” from Game of Thrones.
Approximately 15 km / 3–4 hours.
Day 6 – Returning to Reykjavík
After breakfast, we leave Snæfellsnes and begin our journey back towards Reykjavík.
We arrive at BSI around noon, bringing the Journey to an end.
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The tours starting on 5 July and 19th of July will run the opposite way from North to South
Day 1: Pick up at 17:00 at BSI, Reykjavik. Drive to the farm, introduction and dinner
Day 2:
Hooves on the Beach · approx. 15 km, Gaul
We enjoy another day on the beach, this time riding individual horses.
Carefree tölting takes us along the coastline, with views towards the glacier ahead.
The shorter ride gives us time to enjoy the beach at a different rhythm before leaving the horses behind.
After the ride, we set out by vehicle for a scenic drive around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with sightseeing stops along the way, including the famous “Arrow Mountain” from Game of Thrones.
Approximately 15 km / 3–4 hours.
Day 3: Let the sea set you free, Gaul – Kolviðarnes
We follow the magnificent beach along the coastline, with the herd moving ahead of our group and the sound of the ocean providing the backdrop.
The firm sand creates ideal conditions for long-distance tölting. Our horses move smoothly along the shoreline, splashing through the shallow water as the coastline stretches ahead.
The route continues along softer ground, with water beneath the horses’ hooves and the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier rising in the distance.
Our destination is a farm field directly beside the Atlantic shore, where the horses rest for the night.
Approximately 35 km / 5 hours.
Day 4 – Through Ancient Lava Fields · approx. 32 km
Kolviðarnes – Staðarhraun
Today we leave the ocean and continue our journey through a mystical volcanic valley, surrounded by ancient lava landscapes and local stories of trolls and outlaws.
We cross rivers and ride through grasslands bordered by picturesque rocks.
Approximately 32 km / 6 hours.
Day 5 – Down from the Mountains · approx. 22 km
Staðarhraun – Grímsstaðir
Today the Journey takes us further into the mountains.
The terrain becomes rocky, so we move at a more leisurely pace. After crossing a mountain pass, we ride through colourful hillsides and alongside a fertile fishing river.
Approximately 22 km / 6 hours.
Day 6: Riding Home
Our last ride takes us through rocky terrain and across grassy plains at the base of a mountain range.
We ride through fertile farmland and pause for lunch at a traditional sheep round-up site, offering a glimpse into Icelandic farming heritage.
The horses tolt eagerly home and at Stori Kafalekur we will finish the tour with a light dinner before we return to Reykjavik.
Approximately 25 km / 5 hours.
Please note: The itinerary describes our planned route, but conditions in the Icelandic Highlands can change quickly. Weather, trail conditions and water levels in rivers may require us to adapt the route. Our guides will always make these decisions with the safety and wellbeing of our guests and horses in mind.
Travelling with a free-running herd is at the heart of this Journey.
The herd travels with us as we leave the farmland behind and move through the mountains, valleys and volcanic landscapes of Snæfellsnes.
Riders experience the changing terrain together with the herd, moving between tölt, trot and a more leisurely pace depending on the landscape.
As we approach the coast, the character of the Journey changes again.
Along Löngufjörur, the herd travels ahead of the riding group while the Atlantic forms the backdrop. The horses move through the shallow waters of the shoreline and across the firm sands of the beach. The combination of open space, free-running horses and the long coastline gives this part of the Journey a distinctive sense of freedom.
On the final riding day, we leave the free-running herd behind and enjoy a single-horse ride along the beach, giving us a different way to experience the coastline and the Icelandic horse.
Smaller Groups. Bigger Herds. We deliberately travel with a generous number of horses for the size of the group. This allows riders to change horses regularly and experience their different characters and abilities, while sharing the work between the horses throughout the Journey.
Riding with the herd requires confidence, awareness and good control at different speeds. The pace can be lively, and riders should be comfortable spending several hours in the saddle over consecutive days.
Prior experience riding with a loose herd is not required. Our guides introduce the way we ride and manage the herd along the route.
Snæfellsnes – Magical and Mysterious is designed for intermediate to advanced riders who are comfortable spending several hours in the saddle and riding across varied terrain.
The terrain changes considerably throughout the Journey.
We begin across grassy plains and through fertile farmland, with opportunities for tölt and trot. As we approach the mountains, the terrain becomes rockier and the pace becomes more leisurely.
Mountain passes, colourful hillsides, fertile rivers and volcanic valleys form part of the route before we descend towards the Atlantic coast.
River crossings and ancient lava landscapes are also part of the Journey, creating a varied riding experience throughout the five days.
When we reach Löngufjörur, the rhythm changes again.
The firm sand provides ideal terrain for long-distance tölting. We follow the coastline with the herd moving ahead, splashing through the shallow waters of the shore while Snæfellsjökull stands in the distance.
The final riding day brings another change of rhythm. We ride individual horses along the beach, enjoying a more carefree day of tölting with views towards the glacier.
Riders should be confident riding independently at all paces and comfortable adapting to varied terrain and changing conditions.
Accommodation and board are included throughout the Journey. There is a breakfast buffet and guests make their sandwiches for lunch. Dinners are hearty and home-cooked meals.
At Stóri-Kálfalækur, guests have access to a large kitchen and spacious dining room.
The farmhouse provides a comfortable place to gather at the beginning and end of the Journey, while the route itself takes riders away from the farm and into the mountains, volcanic landscapes and along the Atlantic coast.
Arrival & First Ride
South to North: Pickup in Reykjavík is at 9:00 on the first day, Drop off at noon on the last day
North to South: Pick up is at 17:00 on the first day and drop off around 19:00 on the last day
Our luggage remains at the farm house throughout the Journey, so there is no need to pack and unpack each day.
Maximum weight for a rider is 110kg/242lb.
Riding clothes. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which can not be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be cleaned and disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Kindly note that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature! For further information please take a look at: Import of riding equipment | Matvælastofnun
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