Iceland

Icelandic Horse Riding Adventure

4 nights from £2350 • €2700 • $3175

Activities

4 days guided adventures

Accommodation

4 nights in a cosy lodge and hotel

Level

Beginner friendly

Food

Delicious high quality meals

Difficulty

Group Size

Moderate

Transfers

11 new friends

Dates

October 2026

Fly into Akureyri, Iceland.

  • Horse Riding

    Discover the Troll Peninsula on horse back 

  • Icelandic Horses

    Learn all about this incredible and unique breed

  • Skagafjörður region

    Discover the home of Icelandic horsemanship

  • Thermal pool

    Ease achy muscles in the lodge’s thermal pool and sauna

  • Delicious local dishes

    Enjoy incredible meals with seasonal ingredients from the region

  • Forest Lagoon spa

    Unwind with a relaxing visit to the Forest Lagoon Spa

This beginner-friendly riding adventure pairs you with a legendary Icelandic horse for three days of riding through some of North Iceland's most dramatic landscapes. You'll learn everything there is to know about this unique breed and discover its deep roots in the country’s history and culture. There will also be lessons on grooming, stable work and horse communication too. By the end of this trip you'll understand exactly why Icelanders have been so attached to this breed for thousands of years.

You’ll stay in a cosy lodge on the Troll Peninsula with a thermal pool, hot tub, sauna and delicious meals waiting for you after each day in the saddle. We then finish the week back in Akureyri with a session at the Forest Lagoon Spa and a whale watching tour on the fjord. 

Location

Nestled on the Troll Peninsula, our lodge sits in one of North Iceland's most dramatic valleys, with views to match, and the Arctic Ocean just outside the front door.

It’s not only an incredible landscape to investigate on horseback - the Skagafjörður region is also considered the heartland of Icelandic horse culture and exactly why we’ve chosen it. More horses are bred here than anywhere else in the country, and the local farmers have been working with them for over a thousand years.

Activities

  • Icelandic Horses

    Icelandic Horses are compact, hardy, and built for tough terrain. Brought over to Iceland by the Norse settlers over a thousand years ago, these horses are a firm part of the country’s heritage. Their isolation also makes them one of the purest breeds in the world. 

    With their famous unique gaits - the smooth four beat tölt and two-beat pace - and great personalities, these horses are incredibly fun both in the saddle and out of it. On this trip you’ll be paired with your own pony and can spend a few days quickly learning why Icelanders are so attached to this gorgeous breed.

  • Horse Riding

    Over three days, you'll go from first introductions in the arena to riding out through some of North Iceland's most dramatic landscapes. On day one you’ll meet your horse, learn the basics and get your first session in the saddle, but by day two you’ll already be out riding in the nearby valleys. You'll also spend time learning how to care for and communicate with your horse, as understanding their personality is as much a part of this trip as the riding itself.

    For those with more riding experience, this trip is also a great opportunity to get to know these unique horses and ride amongst scenery you definitely wouldn’t get at home.

  • Whale Watching

    Head out into the fjord on a three-hour boat tour searching for the whales and dolphins that hunt there. The on-board marine biologist will point out things you'd otherwise miss, but be on the look out for these deep sea giants. There are never any guarantees with wild animals, but in the worst case, you've sailed through one of Iceland's most incredible fjords.

  • Forest Lagoon Spa

    After several days on horseback, your muscles will thank you as you dip into the geothermal pools at the Forest Lagoon Spa. Set at the edge of a forest, the complex has a series of pools at varying temperatures, a Finnish dry sauna, and a cold plunge for the brave. The pools also offer incredible views out over the fjord and Akureyri.

  • Thermal Pool

    Just a short walk from the lodge, the thermal pool is where you'll want to end most days - geothermally heated water, a sauna and a jacuzzi. There’s also the chance one night to try a flotation session. 

Icelandic Horses

Icelandic Horses are compact, hardy, and built for tough terrain. Brought over to Iceland by the Norse settlers over a thousand years ago, these horses are a firm part of the country’s heritage. Their isolation also makes them one of the purest breeds in the world. 

With their famous unique gaits - the smooth four beat tölt and two-beat pace - and great personalities, these horses are incredibly fun both in the saddle and out of it. On this trip you’ll be paired with your own pony and can spend a few days quickly learning why Icelanders are so attached to this gorgeous breed.

Horse Riding

Over three days, you'll go from first introductions in the arena to riding out through some of North Iceland's most dramatic landscapes. On day one you’ll meet your horse, learn the basics and get your first session in the saddle, but by day two you’ll already be out riding in the nearby valleys. You'll also spend time learning how to care for and communicate with your horse, as understanding their personality is as much a part of this trip as the riding itself.

For those with more riding experience, this trip is also a great opportunity to get to know these unique horses and ride amongst scenery you definitely wouldn’t get at home. 

Whale Watching

Head out into the fjord on a three-hour boat tour searching for the whales and dolphins that hunt there. The on-board marine biologist will point out things you'd otherwise miss, but be on the look out for these deep sea giants. There are never any guarantees with wild animals, but in the worst case, you've sailed through one of Iceland's most incredible fjords.

Forest Lagoon Spa

After several days on horseback, your muscles will thank you as you dip into the geothermal pools at the Forest Lagoon Spa. Set at the edge of a forest, the complex has a series of pools at varying temperatures, a Finnish dry sauna, and a cold plunge for the brave. The pools also offer incredible views out over the fjord and Akureyri.


Thermal Pool

Just a short walk from the lodge, the thermal pool is where you'll want to end most days - geothermally heated water, a sauna and a jacuzzi. There’s also the chance one night to try a flotation session. 

Fitness and Experience Level

  • This trip is rated moderate.

    You’ll spend several hours a day out at the stables or on horseback, but there’s also plenty of time to relax in the lodge’s pool or catch up with the other guests in the lounge. 

  • Duration: You’ll spend three days in the saddle or at the stables, with a combination of arena sessions and rides out into the valley. When not in the saddle, you’ll spend time learning more about horsemanship, grooming and stable work so do need to be comfortable being outside for long periods.

    Time in the Saddle: Each session will last approximately 1-2 hours, so on the full days you’ll spend approximately four hours in the saddle over two sessions. 

    Consecutive Activity: Four consecutive active days - a hike on arrival day, followed by three days of horse riding. On the final day you’ll also be out exploring, first on the whale watching tour and then checking out Akuyeri town.

    Weather: North Iceland in early autumn is changeable. Expect anything from dry sunny days to cool winds and rain, often in the same afternoon. Layers are non-negotiable, and waterproofs should always be in your bag. 

  • This trip is for anyone who wants to learn more about the incredible Icelandic horse and see the Troll Peninsula from a completely different perspective. It’s not just about the riding, it’s also about getting to know this breed and how it ties into the history and culture of Iceland itself. 

    It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner to horse riding, you just need to be active, fit and ready for the challenge.

  • A comfortable lodge in the heart of the Troll Peninsula, with views across the valley and everything you need after a full day in the saddle. The private and twin rooms are cosy and well furnished, and both have en-suite bathrooms. There’s also a thermal pool, hot tub and sauna on-site, perfect for easing any achy muscles after a day in the saddle.

  • Each morning starts with a continental breakfast buffet to set you up for the day, followed by stews or soups for lunch. Evenings are three-course dinners built around local ingredients: fresh fish, regional meats, and whatever the season has to offer. Dietary requirements? Just let us know in advance and we'll make sure you're sorted.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Morning: Transfer from Akureyri airport, then it’s a scenic drive north to our base for the trip.

    Afternoon: Lunch on arrival, followed by group orientation and an introductory hike up Sótahnjúkur (404m) - a solid leg-stretch with views to match.

    Evening: Dip in the thermal pool, hot tub and sauna before a three-course dinner. 

  • Day 2

    Morning: Walk to the horse farm to meet the team and your horse for the week. Introduction to the Icelandic breed, a demo of the basics, then in the saddle for your first session in the arena.

    Afternoon: First ride out into Flókadalur valley. Short, scenic, and the perfect place to put the morning's practice to work.

    Evening: Hot tub at the farm then back to the lodge for your three-course dinner.

  • Day 3

    Morning: Head to the stables for a session on horse care, personality and communication. Then time for another ride in the arena.

    Afternoon: Ride out into the wider landscape of Fljót.

    Evening: Aquatic stretches and flotation in the thermal pool at the lodge, then dinner.

  • Day 4

    Morning: Check-out. Then head to the stables for one last ride. 

    Afternoon: A final dip in the thermal pool, then transfer back to Akureyri. Check in to the hotel, then it’s time for an early evening session in the Forest Lagoon Spa’s geothermal pools.

    Evening: Final group dinner in Akureyri and a chance to celebrate your adventure!

  • Day 5

    Morning: Early breakfast, then out on the water for a whale watching tour. 

    Afternoon: Explore Akureyri in your own time, buy your last souvenirs and take any last photos before your transfer to the airport. 

    • Tue 6 October - Sat 10 October

Dates

Price

Twin Room: £2350 (approx. €2700 / $3175)

Private Room: £2700 (approx. €3100 / $3645)

  • Gutsy Girls is a UK-based adventure company welcoming women worldwide. Prices are in pounds (£) with estimates in euros (€) and US dollars ($). The final amount depends on your card provider’s conversion rate at payment time and may fluctuate.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the trip.

Included

  • 2 Arena horse riding sessions

  • 3 Rides out of the arena

  • 3h Whale watching tour

  • Guided hike

  • Forest Lagoon spa visit

  • 4 Nights Accommodation, 3 nights Sóti Lodge, 1 night in 4-star hotel in Akureyri

  • All meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners

  • Use of the Lodge wellness facilities

  • Expert local guiding 

  • Rooms with bathrobes

  • Gutsy Girls Host

  • Single timed group airport transfers

Book now

    • Flights

    • Personal clothing (see packing list)

    • Drinks

    • Personal travel insurance

    • Lunch on the last day

  • The cancellation will only be effective from the date that the cancellation is received in writing by email. Cancellation charges will be payable as follows:

    • Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip

    • Cancellation fee of 30% is charged if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip

  • Guaranteed to run

    Dates marked "guaranteed" are locked in and happening, no matter what. Book your flights, we're going.

    Minimum numbers required

     Other dates need at least 6 people signed up to confirm the adventure. We'll keep you in the loop on numbers as they come in, and we'll give you the green light (or full refund) 30 days before departure. Just hold off on booking any flights until you hear from us.

Travel

  • We offer one group transfer to and from Akureyri Airport on arrival and departure days. The transfer times are:

    • Arrival day: 9:20

    • Departure day: 15:55

    These times align with our recommended flights. You are welcome to book other flights if they match the transfer schedule.

    Please note: If you book non-recommended flights and experience delays, we cannot wait for you. Private transfers are very expensive, so we strongly recommend booking the suggested flights.

  • Flights aren’t included, but we’ve listed some options that align with the group transfer times to make planning easier.

    Women join us from all over the world, so this isn’t a complete list — just a helpful starting point. You’re welcome to book any flights that work with the transfer times.

    Transfers run on a fixed schedule and can’t be delayed, even if your flight is listed. You’re responsible for arriving on time.

    We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays, cancellations, and missed connections.

    London to Akureyri - Easyjet

    • Arrival Day: LGW 6:00 ✈ AEY 8:20  | EZY8849

    • Departure Day: * AEY 17:55 ✈ LGW 22:20 | EZY8850

    Not sure if your flight works? Just ask — we’re happy to help.

Full FAQs

Packing List

    • Horse riding helmet

    • Oversuit if it gets too cold

  • Please see our full packing list here.

Questions?

If you have any questions, check our FAQs or drop us a message below!