Iceland - Northern Lights Ride
These rides take place in the south of Iceland and are a great introduction to the Icelandic horse and an opportunity to search the skies for the Northern Lights.
There are two itineraries available. The Northern Lights Comfort Ride is suitable for accompanying non-riders, and for those who prefer hotel accommodation with private facilities.
The Icelandic horse is a pure-bred descendant of those brought to Iceland by the Vikings over a thousand years ago. Horses remain an important part of Icelandic culture; they are used on remote farms to round up livestock and are still the best means of getting around in many parts of the island. Although small (the average height is 13hh to 14hh), the Icelandic is a powerful horse with great stamina and strength of character.
What makes the Icelandic Horse extra special is its fourth gait, the tölt, which is comparable to a running walk. Most riders can master it fairly quickly; it's fast, comfortable and enables the horse to cover great distances.
These trails are suitable for intermediate riders and are ideal for families or groups of mixed abilities.
Riders are expected to care for their horse (grooming and tacking up) but help is always on hand should you need it.
The riding style is English.
Hard hats are mandatory.
Accommodation on the Northern Lights Ride is at Blesastaðir guesthouse. The accommodation is shared in two to four person rooms with made up beds. Bathrooms are shared (three showers and three toilets). Single rooms (with shared facilities) may be available on certain dates at a supplement. There is a hot tub at this guesthouse and WiFi is available.
On the Northern Lights Comfort Ride, accommodation is at Fosshotel Hekla, close to Mt. Hekla, with Eyjafjallajökull and Fimmvörðuháls volcanoes close by. The accommodation is double/twin ensuite rooms. Single accommodation is available at a supplement. There is a restaurant, bar and on site hot tub.
Set arrival and departure dates. Depending on your flight times you may need a night in Reykjavik before and after the ride.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 29 Jan 2020 - 1 Feb 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 19 Feb 2020 - 22 Feb 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 26 Feb 2020 - 29 Feb 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 4 Mar 2020 - 7 Mar 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 11 Mar 2020 - 14 Mar 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 18 Mar 2020 - 21 Mar 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Comfort Tour | 26 Mar 2020 - 28 Mar 2020 | 2 nights 2 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Comfort Tour | 2 Apr 2020 - 4 Apr 2020 | 2 nights 2 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 8 Apr 2020 - 11 Apr 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 16 Sep 2020 - 19 Sep 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 30 Sep 2020 - 3 Oct 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 7 Oct 2020 - 10 Oct 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Comfort Tour | 15 Oct 2020 - 17 Oct 2020 | 2 nights 2 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Comfort Tour | 22 Oct 2020 - 24 Oct 2020 | 2 nights 2 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 28 Oct 2020 - 31 Oct 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 4 Nov 2020 - 7 Nov 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 18 Nov 2020 - 21 Nov 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 25 Nov 2020 - 28 Nov 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 9 Dec 2020 - 12 Dec 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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| Northern Lights Ride | 16 Dec 2020 - 19 Dec 2020 | 3 nights 3 ngts |
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INCLUDES Accommodation and meals on the ride; riding; transfers on the ride.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Northern Lights Ride $153.85 / Northern Lights Comfort Ride $205.13 to guarantee a single room. Please note, single rooms are not always available on the Northern Lights Ride. There is no single supplement if you are willing to share.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Drinks; tips; airport transfers.
NEAREST AIRPORT Keflavik.
TRANSFERS Included from Reykjavik city at set times.
NOT INCLUDED International flights to Keflavik (Reykjavik); accommodation in Reykjavik.
Return transfers are included from Reykjavik BSI central bus station at 16:00 on the first day of the ride, dropping off on the last day at about 17:30.
There is a regular Flybus service (http://www.re.is/flybus) between Keflavik airport and Reykjavik BSI central bus station. To allow sufficient time to transfer by Flybus, we recommend your flights arrive before 14:00 on the first day and depart Keflavik after 21:30 on the last day.
Depending on the time of your flights, you may need to make your own accommodation arrangements in Reykjavik for the nights before and after the ride. Please check with us if you are unsure of the timings.
It is possible to arrange drop off on the last day for some hotels in Reykjavik, except those in the very centre. For these hotels you will be dropped off at the nearest designated bus stop. You will find a map of the bus stop locations and further information at www.busstop.is.
Return transfers are included from Reykjavik BSI central bus station at 17:00 on the first day of the ride, dropping off in Reykjavik city on the last day at about 18:00.
There is a regular Flybus service (http://www.re.is/flybus) between Keflavik airport and Reykjavik BSI central bus station. To allow sufficient time to transfer by Flybus, we recommend your flights arrive before 15:00 on the first day and depart Keflavik after 22:00 on the last day.
Depending on the time of your flights, you may need to make your own accommodation arrangements in Reykjavik for the nights before and after the ride. Please check with us if you are unsure of the timings.
It is possible to arrange drop off on the last day for some hotels in Reykjavik, except those in the very centre. For these hotels you will be dropped off at the nearest designated bus stop. You will find a map of the bus stop locations and further information at www.busstop.is.
A ride in southern Iceland.
The climate in Iceland is milder than its name and latitude suggests. However, the weather can change very quickly, going from warm and sunny to freezing cold in a few hours, and it is often very windy. Therefore, you must be prepared for all types of weather, especially at this time of year.
Definitely met or even surpassed expectations. Horses were incredibly well cared for and tack was new and in good condition.
Kt ,Devon
Overall rating: 5/5This trip combines really well with additional nights in Reykjavik.
Chris says
This is a great introduction to riding in Iceland and such fun! Plus the added chance of seeing the Northern Lights.