FAQs

Icelandic Horse Riding Adventure

Book Now
View Trip

Travel

  • You are responsible for booking flights to Akureyri.

    We will pick you up from Akureyri Airport at 9:20 on arrival day and drop you off at 15:55 on departure day. These transfers line up with our suggested flights below.

  • London to Akureyri - Easyjet

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

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

  • We do not provide individual transfers for anyone arriving at different times, so if your flight times do not align with the transfer times specified above, you will be responsible for making your own way to the accommodation. 

    If you arrive on an earlier flight, we will be able to offer you a spot on the transfer from the airport.

    HOWEVER if your flight is very delayed, the transfer may not wait for you and you'll need to make your own way to the accommodation. If you depart on a later flight, you are welcome to use the transfer to the airport; this will have a drop off time at the airport for the specified flight time.

  • The journey takes approximately 2 hours.

  • Yes, private transfers can be arranged at an additional cost of approximately £320 for the car (up to four people). Please contact us in advance to arrange this.

  • Yes, Akureyri is worth spending extra time in! Known as the "Capital of North Iceland," it offers stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and unique experiences like whale watching, exploring the Botanical Garden, soaking in geothermal pools, and enjoying local food and art. It’s also a great base for exploring nearby attractions like Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss Waterfall.

  • We will connect you with others on the trip via WhatsApp, so you may be able to arrange to travel together. 

Accommodation & Food

  • We have full occupancy of a stylish lodge, with private and twin rooms, en-suite bathrooms and access to a geothermal swimming pool and sauna. Meals are eaten in the dining room, with space afterwards to chill out and enjoy a drink. Tea and coffee is available 24/7. Please note that the lodge has an alcohol licence. 

  • Yes, towels and hairdryers are provided.

  • Shampoo, shower gel, and conditioner are provided. Additionally, at the pool, you'll find samples of Chitocare, an award-winning product from Siglufjörður, for you to try.

  • For this trip the lodge will be able to do a small amount of laundry for guests, however bring hand wash if you just want to freshen a few bits up.

  • The food on this trip is delicious. Breakfast is a continental buffet, whilst dinner is a full-service three-course dinner made from locally-sourced meat and fish. The cuisine is dictated by what’s in season, guaranteeing fresh, authentic dishes. 

    • Meals include:

      • Breakfast: Continental breakfast buffet

      • Lunch: Hearty lunches served at the stables

      • Dinner: Full-service three-course meal 

  • Yes, we can accommodate all dietary requirements. Please inform us in advance for any dietary preferences however as it’s difficult to cater for last minute changes in such a remote location.

Activities

  • Not at all! Our excellent guides will teach you everything you need to know about Icelandic Horses, from mounting to feeling confident in the saddle and on the ground. 

    Horse riding isn’t overly strenuous, but it does require a good level of fitness to truly enjoy the experience. If you have any specific concerns, such as an existing condition that might make falling off a horse more problematic, please do get in touch—we’re here to help. And if you’re over 90kg, let us know, and we’ll liaise with the stables to check if we can accommodate you.

  • Absolutely! While this trip is ideal for beginners, it’s also a great opportunity for those with prior riding experience to get to know such a special breed and ride in an incredible location. You’ll get to experience the tolt, a pace unique to the Icelandic Horse, and learn more about the country’s equine heritage.

  • For this trip you need to have a good base fitness and be prepared to be outside and active for four consecutive days. You’ll also need to be prepared for three days in the saddle, which can leave you saddle sore, regardless of how comfy the Icelandic Horse is!

    If you have any specific concerns, such as an existing condition that might make falling off a horse more problematic, please do get in touch. If you’re over 90kg, also please let us know, and we’ll liaise with the stables to check if we can accommodate you.

Gear & Packing

  • No. Unless they’ve been professionally cleaned and sterilised, you won’t be allowed to wear any of your own horse riding equipment around the stables. There are no infectious horse diseases in Iceland, which makes the breed very vulnerable to any foreign germs that may come in on clothing that’s been around other horses. 

  • Yes! You can find a detailed packing list here.

Other

  • Mid to late October in North Iceland is unpredictable — often cold, sometimes wet, and occasionally all four seasons in one afternoon. Temperatures sit between 2°C and 7°C so pack a full range of layers and waterproofs and you’ll be prepared.

  • No need to stuff your wallet with cash in Iceland, as most places accept debit and credit cards, including both hotels, the spa and shops in Akuyeri.

  • Guests of all ages join our adventures. As long as you're active, up for the challenge and willing to get stuck in as part of the group, we don't care how old you are (as long as you're over 18, sorry!) The mix of ages in a group is actually one of the best things about our trips as you’ll spend time with women you’d probably never usually chat to.

    We do recommend you read through all our information on fitness and experience levels for your trip however, to make sure it's right for you, and to get in touch with the Bookings Team if you have any questions.

  • Absolutely! Many of our participants join solo, and it’s a great way to meet new, like-minded friends. We’ll connect you with other participants via a WhatsApp group before the trip.

  • Whenever possible we use female instructors and guides, however we cannot always guarantee this, simply because there are fewer female instructors available unfortunately!

    Our first priority is to work with the most highly experienced and considerate instructors and guides, who are patient, friendly and as passionate as we are about building women’s confidence in the outdoors.

  • If the weather doesn’t play ball, we’ll adjust the plan accordingly. Safety is always our top priority, and we’ve got plenty of indoor or alternative activities lined up, just in case. You’re in safe hands!

  • You can find the full itinerary on the Gutsy Girls website. Just a heads-up, though, our itineraries aren’t set in stone. Our guides are experts at making the most of the weather each day, so they may adjust things to ensure we get the best out of the conditions. Please be flexible – they work hard to balance adventure with safety, so we can all have a fantastic time!

  • Our hosts are volunteers who are passionate about our mission and want to help more women get outdoors. They're not professionals in the sports or from the countries the trips are based in. Instead, they are there for you. Our guides on the other hand are employed by our local partners in-country and are there to teach you epic activities, lead your sessions and answer all your questions.

  • Tipping is not compulsory on our adventures, but if you've had a great trip and brilliant service, a tip for your guide or host is always appreciated. We recommend giving €20-€30, or whatever you can or feel is the right amount.