Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort - Riding and Exploring in South Iceland

Smooth trails, epic views – Riding and Sightseeing in South 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. With daily rides ranging from 3 to 5 hours, the schedule is tailored to suit the pace and preferences of each group. Whether you’re new to riding or just want to get comfortable with the Icelandic horse and its unique tölt gait, we can begin the tour with optional riding lessons.

 

Explore the diverse landscapes surrounding the mighty volcano Hekla — ride through lush valleys, across lava fields, and along scenic rivers. Combine your riding adventure with visits to some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders: the hidden oasis of Gjáin, the dramatic Háifoss waterfall, and the powerful falls of the South Coast, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

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.

Please note that on the tour on 21 July we start the tour in the afternoon with a 2 hour ride

Please note that the tour starting on 30 August is just 2 riding days and 1 night

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DURATION

2 nights - 3 riding days

RIDING SKILLS

All levels, from beginners to advanced.

DEPARTURES

2026: 29-31 May, 12-14 June, 6-8 July, 21-23 July and upon request

ACCOMMODATION

2 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

Southern Comfort is the perfect tour for families and friends who prefer a slightly easier riding schedule than the longer, more demanding highland expeditions. Each day includes 3–5 hours of riding, carefully adjusted to the wishes and comfort of individual riders. For those who are new to Icelandic horses, the tour can begin with an introductory riding lesson where guests can get to know the unique gaits of the Icelandic horse, including the smooth tölt.

Please note that on the tour on 21 July we start the tour in the afternoon with a 2 hour ride

Please note that the tour starting on 30 August is just 2 riding days and 1 night

We provide horses for every level of rider, making it easy for groups of mixed experience to enjoy the same journey at a pace that suits them best.

Optional points for sightseeing:

Háifoss, Lýðveldisbærinn, Stöng, Gjáin, Þjófafoss, Waterfalls of the South, Hike up Skarðsfjall, the caves, Fjárhúsloftið, visit to a breeding farm nearby

Háifoss
One of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland (about 122 meters high), located in Þjórsárdalur valley in South Iceland. Very dramatic cliffs and a powerful waterfall.

Gjáin
A beautiful oasis in Þjórsárdalur, filled with small waterfalls, streams, lava formations, and lush vegetation. Often called one of the most picturesque hidden gems in Iceland.

Þjófafoss
A waterfall on the river Þjórsá, not far from the volcano Hekla. The name means “Thieves’ Waterfall” — legend says thieves were once drowned there as punishment.

Waterfalls of the South
Chain of waterfalls along the south coast of Iceland, such as Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, and Skógafoss, which are all easily visited on a tour.

Hike up Skarðsfjall
Skarðsfjall means “Mountain of the Pass.” It’s a mountain ridge in the Þjórsárdalur area that offers a hike with panoramic views over valleys, rivers, and volcanoes.

Lýðveldisbærinn
This is a reconstructed Viking Age farmstead in Þjórsárdalur. It was built in 1974 to commemorate Iceland’s 1100th anniversary of settlement. Visitors can see how people lived in the Viking era.

 Stöng
The ruins of a Viking longhouse (original farmstead) buried by an eruption of Mt. Hekla in 1104. The modern “Lýðveldisbærinn” reconstruction was based on Stöng.

The caves (in Þjórsárdalur valley)
In the same area, there are caves that were historically used for shelter, storage, and sometimes habitation. Some are lava caves, others man-made.

Fjárhúsloftið is a cozy farm shop where local farmers sell handmade goods from Icelandic wool and other farm products. A charming stop to discover authentic crafts and take home a piece of Icelandic tradition.

Visit to a breeding farm nearby
A stop at a local Icelandic horse breeding farm in the area, where guests can meet farmers, see Icelandic horses, and learn about breeding traditions.

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