Under A Darkened Sun

Under a Darkened Sun - Riding During The Solar Eclipse

Smooth trails, epic views – Riding and Sightseeing in South Iceland

 

The event of the summer in Iceland 2026 is the total solar eclipse on August 12th.

The eclipse reaches totality between 5:48PM and 5:50PM and what better way to experience it than letting a mighty Viking horse take you to a carefully selected viewpoint in the path of totality in West Iceland?

This tour is perfect for families and friends looking for a more relaxed riding experience while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of South Iceland.

Explore the diverse landscapes surrounding the mighty volcano Hekla — ride through lush valleys, across lava fields, and along scenic rivers.

Whether you’re in the saddle or exploring off the horse, this tour offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation in one of Iceland’s most breathtaking regions.

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DURATION

3 nights - 4 riding days

RIDING SKILLS

Intermediate riders

DEPARTURES

2026: 12-15 August

ACCOMMODATION

3 nights in a beautifully restored farm house owned and decorated by Magnús and Þorey. The house has 3 private rooms available upon request when booking and a cozy sleeping loft accommodating up to 14 people. The house has a spacious bathroom and a restroom as well as a cozy living room for relaxing.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm.

During the ride full board is provided. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available on request when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.

Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands.

Rain wear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet.

ATTENTION

Individual travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We encourage clients to obtain relevant travel insurance before visiting Iceland.

Flight to and from Iceland is not included

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

 

12 August: Pick up in Reykjavik at 3pm. We will welcome you at the riding center close to Reykjavik and after an introduction to the Icelandic Horses we will match you with your horse for the afternoon. From our stables we ride on excellent riding paths as the eclipse slowly begins. Roughly 20 minutes before the total eclipse we will reach a carefully selected view point where we will have an undisrupted view of of the eclipse over the lava fields as it blacks out Western Iceland. After around half an hour of break we will mount the horses again and continue our loop back towards the riding center. During the totality of the eclipse all riders will be on the ground and the horses will be tended to by the guides. Riders will be offered to have their pictures taken with their own phones or cameras on the horses either before or after the totality.

After the ride we will join the other riding tours for a cozy barbeque at the Íshestar Riding Center. There will be burgers, lamb legs, hotdogs and vegetarian options on the barbeque, and we will serve some homemade sides.

All food is included in the price and soft drinks can be bought on location.

If you wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, please bring your own as we do not sell them.

After the party we drive 1,5 hours to the East to the farm Minnivellir, where we stay for the next three nights.

During the next three days (13-15 August) we will explore the surroundings of Thjorsa river and Hekla volcano on horseback (app. 3-4 hour ride per day, single horse rides).

On our last day, after a nice coffee break we will pack our things, say good bye to the horses and drive back to Reykjavik.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Airport Transfer

We recommend that you book your transfer with airport direct, as they have more flexible options.

 

Keflavik – Reykjavik (Bus hostel)

Reykjavik (Bus hostel) – Keflavik

 

Terms & Conditions:
If you book online you will be asked to pay the full amount. Please contact us for different payment options.

 

Liability:
Íshestar reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. No liability is accepted for loss or expenses due to delays or changes of arrival or departures of flights or other services, injury, sickness, accident, strikes, damage, negligence, weather, wars or other causes outside the control of Íshestar. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveler. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions.

For more information please see also our Frequently Asked Questions and/or contact us at multidaytours@ishestar.is