Discover Iceland in Winter on Horseback Like a Viking

A Winter Tale Written in Hoofprints

If you think Iceland in winter is just for glacier hikers, aurora chasers, and those brave (or daft) enough to dunk themselves into icy lagoons, you’ve clearly never met an Icelandic horse. Because once you’ve trotted, tölting, or galloped your way through frosted lava fields on one of these majestic, shaggy marvels, you’ll realise that horse riding in Iceland in winter is a real rite of passage.

This isn’t your average “pony trek through a muddy field while questioning your life choices.” No. This is the real deal, a small-group, tailor-made adventure through volcanic valleys, steaming geothermal plains, and snow-dusted hills where the only soundtrack is your horse’s rhythmic gait and the faint hiss of distant geysers.

And the best part? You can live this cinematic dream with our team (I know, what a shocker), where local guides (and legends, frankly) pair storytelling with saddle time to create the kind of experience that makes your phone camera sigh with relief (and in winter, it gets even more interesting).

Meet the Icelandic Horse: Short, Sassy, and Built for Battle

Let’s get one thing clear right away, do not call them ponies. Unless, of course, you enjoy the collective disapproval of an entire nation (Facebook warrior Vikings these days). These sturdy creatures are horses through and through, albeit smaller, cuter, and infinitely more photogenic than most of their larger cousins.

Descended from Viking stock (literally shipped over by longboats a thousand years ago), Icelandic horses have survived everything this island has thrown at them, from volcanic ash storms to winters so cold the air feels solid. They’ve evolved into perfect winter companions: compact, warm, and clever enough not to gallop face-first into a snowdrift.

Their coats grow thick and fluffy during the colder months, turning them into walking blankets of warmth and attitude (sass guaranteed). They are incredibly strong for their size, capable of carrying adults with ease while still prancing with elegance that would put most fashion models to shame.

And yes, they have a secret superpower, the tölt.

The Tölt: Iceland’s Smoothest Export (Sorry, Skyr)

If you’ve never heard of the tölt, imagine a gait so smooth you could sip hot chocolate in the saddle without spilling a drop. It’s not a trot, nor a canter, nor anything you’ve ever experienced, it’s an entirely separate gear of motion that feels like floating.

While other horses clatter along making their riders look like bobbleheads, the Icelandic horse glides with poise and precision, one hoof always touching the ground, creating a near-magical stability. It’s the Rolls-Royce of equine locomotion; refined, effortless, and designed for those who appreciate comfort (and keeping their dignity intact).

The tölt is, quite frankly, Iceland’s answer to turbulence-free travel. Or as we see it, it's business class with a mane.

Why Winter Makes Horse Riding in Iceland Even More Magical

Now, you might be wondering, “why on earth would I choose to ride in winter?” The short answer: because it’s awesome.

Winter transforms Iceland into a monochrome masterpiece, a landscape painted in whites, silvers, and soft blues, occasionally splashed with volcanic black. It’s a season of silence, where snow muffles sound, and every breath forms its own little cloud. And amidst this serenity, the Icelandic horse becomes your noble steed through a world that looks suspiciously like Narnia (minus the talking lion).

When you ride with Viking Horses, you trace the stories of ancient travellers and Vikings who once crossed these same lands. You’ll pass frozen rivers, steaming fumaroles, and perhaps even glimpse the Northern Lights dancing above as you ride home under a star-splattered sky.

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a Viking with better thermals, this is your moment.

The Intimacy of Small-Group Horse Riding Tours

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you’re part of a small group, not lost in a caravan of tourists. With Viking Horses, the tours are designed to feel personal, warm, and wonderfully Icelandic.

It’s you, your horse, and a handful of fellow travellers sharing the same grin-inducing sense of discovery. Our guides, often local riders who know their horses like old friends, make the experience feel like joining a family rather than a tour group.

Every horse has its own personality: some cheeky, some proud, some a bit of a show-off (yes, Þór, we’re looking at you). They’ll match you with the perfect companion, and before long, you’ll find yourself whispering words of encouragement to your new furry soulmate as snowflakes gather on their mane.

Tailor-Made Adventures: Because No Two Riders Are Alike

Maybe you’re a first-time rider. Maybe you’ve galloped through the Scottish Highlands and think you’ve seen it all. Either way, we can tailor the experience to your comfort and ambition levels.

Want a leisurely tölt through the snowy lava landscapes? Easy.
Fancy exploring steaming valleys and ancient lava fields like a Viking scout? Done.
Need a romantic sunset (or mid-afternoon twilight) ride followed by hot chocolate and local treats? Consider it arranged (let's go big with a proposal!)

These tours are crafted around the weather, the horses, and, most importantly, you. Because no two days in Iceland are ever the same, and that’s precisely the beauty of it.

Why the Icelandic Horse Is the Ultimate Winter Companion

Aside from being objectively adorable, Icelandic horses are perfectly adapted to winter conditions. Their thick coats insulate against brutal cold, and their hooves grip icy terrain with the confidence of someone who’s done this for over a thousand years (because, well, they have).

They are fearless but calm, spirited yet steady; a combination that makes winter riding not just possible but positively delightful. When the winds whip across the plains and the snow sparkles like crushed diamonds, your horse will march forward without hesitation, as if saying, “Relax, human, I’ve got this” (in some kind of horse accent).

And they truly do.

A Viking Legacy on Four Hooves

The Icelandic horse is woven into the country’s DNA. These horses were the Vikings’ trusted partners, carrying them through fire, ice, and the occasional saga-worthy adventure.

Vikings prized the tölt for good reason: when you’re riding into battle (or perhaps just to the next settlement for a pint of mead), you’d prefer not to arrive looking like you’ve wrestled a barrel. The tölt allowed them to travel great distances swiftly, comfortably, and with the kind of stoic grace we now associate with Nordic cool.

Today, when you ride across Iceland’s winter terrain, you’re stepping into that ancient rhythm of horse and human, of trust and travel, of heritage and heart.

The Perfect Pairing: Horses, Hot Springs, and Northern Lights

Imagine you’ve spent the afternoon tölting through snow-blanketed fields, the sky turning from steel grey to indigo. You return to the stables, cheeks flushed, heart full, and fingers in desperate need of thawing (maybe an extra hot coffee).

And then, bliss. A steaming geothermal bath, a mug of something hot and chocolatey, and, if the universe is feeling generous, the Northern Lights swirling above like ribbons of neon silk (we do sometimes see them on our evening tours).

It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. The warmth, the cold, the stillness, the glow. A moment where you realise that Iceland is an experience that will make you crave to come back (and follow us on Instagram).

Why Choose Viking Horses

Because these aren’t cookie-cutter tours. Viking Horses is built on passion, storytelling, and genuine Icelandic hospitality. The guides (often horse whisperers masquerading as comedians) share not just their knowledge, but their love for these animals and the landscapes they call home.

Expect laughter, warmth, and that unmistakable Icelandic charm that makes even the iciest day feel welcoming. You’ll leave with a story that starts, “Once upon a time, I rode through Iceland in winter…”

Whether you’re looking for a one-hour introduction to the tölt or a full-day ride into the wilderness, our team crafts experiences that balance comfort and adventure perfectly. And unlike many places in the world, these horses are truly treated like family. They're cared for, loved, and doted on like the royalty they are (but we don't allow them to have any mead).

Practical Magic: What to Expect

• Location: Near Reykjavík, perfectly accessible yet blissfully removed from the city buzz.

• Season: Winter (November to March): when Iceland transforms into its most cinematic.

• Gear: Warm clothing provided; you just bring your sense of adventure (and perhaps a decent camera).

• Skill level: No experience needed, your horse knows exactly what to do (and might even teach you a thing or two about balance).

Rides typically last one to three hours, and you’ll be guided through scenic trails surrounded by snowy hills, volcanic formations, and that unmistakable Icelandic stillness.

The Final Word: Don’t Just Visit Iceland, Ride It

Some people come to Iceland and drive the Golden Circle. Others soak in hot lagoons and tick off waterfalls like they’re collecting Pokémon. But those who come for horse riding in Iceland in winter discover something else entirely.

They get to feel Iceland. Beneath them, beside them, in the rhythm of hooves against frozen earth and the quiet companionship of a creature bred for this very landscape alone.

So stop scrolling, stop wondering, and start planning. Book a ride with Viking Horses, meet your noble steed, and prepare to glide across Iceland like a Viking who discovered comfort and never looked back.

Because no story of Iceland is complete until it’s been written in hoofprints.