Black Sand Beach Tour

Black Sand Beach Tour

[URIS id=77458]

DURATION

3 hour riding tour

RIDING SKILLS

For beginners to advanced riders

DEPARTURE

Daily at 09:00 & 14:00; Other times available upon request.

HOW TO GET THERE

Meet on location: Mid-Grund, 861 Hvolsvöllur

AGE LIMIT

7 years old

An Iconic Ride in South Iceland

 

Ride one of our Icelandic horses across rivers and open fields before reaching Reynisfjara, Iceland’s world-famous Black Sand Beach. Although the farm is located near Hvolsvöllur, many guests join as an easy day trip from Reykjavík, arriving early to make the most of the ride. This tour highlights the best of South Iceland’s dramatic coastline and horses well-suited to beach terrain.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls, a panorama that changes with every step of your horse. On clear days, we may even glimpse the Westman Islands offshore or catch sight of the mighty Skógafoss cascading in the distance. The combination of dramatic landscapes and the smooth tölt gait of the Icelandic horse makes this journey both comfortable and thrilling, whether you are a first-time rider or an experienced horse lover.

This is more than just a tour, it’s a true South Iceland adventure: authentic, unforgettable, and deeply connected to the land, the horses, and the people who call this place home.


Please note: this tour depends on the water level in the Holtsós river.

If the river is too high to cross safely, we will adjust the route to an equally scenic alternative.

This tour is not operated in Hafnarfjörður, where many of our day tours are operated, but in the South part of Iceland, about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Reykjavík/Hafnarfjörður.
See location here: Mid-Grund

ATTENTION

  • Self-drive only
  • The age limit to ride on this tour is 7 years old.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled horseback riding tour to our location.
  • The weight limit for all our tours is 100 kg/220 lbs.
  • It is the responsibility of each rider to assess whether they are physically able to take part in the trip, including getting on and off the horses of their own accord.

WHATS INCLUDED

  • Experienced English-speaking guide
  • All necessary riding and safety gear
  • Rain gear, gloves, and balaclavas
  • A short introduction tailored to your riding level, with clear instructions so everyone feels comfortable and confident

WHAT TO BRING

  • Comfortable shoes (sneakers or hiking boots are fine)
  • Extra shoes, as they may get wet
  • Warm clothes in layers — Icelandic weather changes quickly
  • Thin hat/buff & gloves
  • Sunglasses & sunscreen in summer
  • Extra warm socks, gloves, and a hat in winter or rainy days
  • Small waist bag for camera/phone (backpacks cannot be taken on horseback)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RIDE

  • Horseback riding on Iceland’s famous Black Sand Beach (Reynisfjara)
  • Views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers
  • Chance to spot the Westman Islands on clear days
  • Sweeping views of rivers, mountains, and the South Coast
  • Riding one of Iceland’s unique horses, known for their smooth tölt gait

FAQ

HOW DO I BOOK?

You can book online on our website or by contacting Íshestar by email daytours@ishestar.is or by telephone +354 555 7000

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?

We recommend booking a couple of days in advance just to make sure that we have free spaces on the day you wish to arrive.

CAN I PAY BY CARD?

Yes! We accept most major debit and credit cards, as well as cash. Please note that we do not accept American Express. Whether you’re booking your horseback Iceland tour online or paying in person, we’ve got you covered.

We can also send you a secure payment link for easy payment in advance.

WHAT IS THE WEIGHT LIMITATION?

For the safety and well-being of our Icelandic horses, as well as the comfort of our guests, the maximum rider weight is 110 kg (240 lbs). Icelandic horses are strong and sturdy, but they are a smaller breed compared to many other riding horses. Keeping within this limit ensures that the horses remain healthy and comfortable, and that every rider enjoys a safe and enjoyable experience.

VISITING US FROM REYKJAVÍK OR VÍK?

Many of our guests join us from Reykjavík or Vík. Our farm is located near Hvolsvöllur, right between the two. It’s about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Reykjavík and around 45 minutes from Vík, making it an easy day trip from either direction. The drive itself is beautiful, following Iceland’s South Coast past landmarks like Seljalandsfoss and Eyjafjallajökull. We’re happy to help with directions.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE FOR MY TOUR?

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled horseback riding tour to our location. If you’re delayed, just let us know! We do our best to accommodate all riders.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR DAY TOURS?

Included in all our day tours:

  • Helmets
  • Full rain gear
  • Waterproof gloves
  • A warm balaclava (to wear under your riding helmet)

DO YOU RUN TOURS IN WINTER?

Yes, we offer horseback riding day tours all year round, even in winter. Our Icelandic horses are sure-footed in snow and ice, and our guides adapt routes to the season’s daylight and weather. We provide helmets, but recommend bringing warm layers, gloves, and sturdy shoes for comfort. Riding through snowy landscapes makes a winter tour truly unforgettable. Explore winter horse riding in Iceland.

WHAT LANGUAGES DO YOUR TOUR GUIDES SPEAK?

Our guides speak English and Icelandic as standard. If you would prefer another language, let us know when booking, and we will do our best to arrange a guide who can accommodate your request.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR?

Icelandic weather can change quickly, especially when you’re out on a horse trekking tour in Iceland. For a comfortable and safe experience, we recommend dressing warm:

  • A good wool sweater (great for riding Icelandic ponies!)
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Warm gloves
  • Flexible and comfortable trousers
  • Waterproof boots or shoes

We provide safety stirrups, so any type of footwear is acceptable, but warm and waterproof shoes are ideal — especially when you’re exploring Iceland on horseback.

CAN I BRING USED RIDING CLOTHES OR EQUIPMENT TO ICELAND?

No. Iceland has strict regulations to protect our horses. You may not bring any used riding clothes, boots, or gear that have been in contact with other horses.

Learn more here:
Import of riding equipment – mast.is