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Types of Skiing Explained: Alpine, Nordic, Touring & SkateIceland
Oct
Ride Iceland’s legendary horses through raw North Iceland
Beginner
Moderate
A Little Luxury
From
£2,350
(USD $3,689.50)
The Troll Peninsula, on horseback
Over three days you’ll be paired with your own Icelandic horse and learn to ride in the country this breed comes from. Brought over by Norse settlers more than a thousand years ago, the Icelandic horse has stayed pure ever since, and its famous tölt, a smooth four-beat gait, makes it one of the easiest breeds to learn on.
You’ll start in the arena and build up to riding out through the valleys of the Troll Peninsula. After each day in the saddle there’s a thermal pool and sauna back at the lodge, plus three-course dinners built around local Icelandic ingredients. The trip wraps up in Akureyri with a whale-watching boat trip out on the fjord.
An active agenda
No hidden costs
Three days riding rare hardy Icelandic Horses
An introductory hike and orientation
Forest Lagoon spa plus thermal pool at your lodge
Three hour boat tour with marine biologist guide
Three nights in a lodge, one night in a hotel.
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 gourmet dinners
Local guides and your Gutsy Girls host
Pick up and drop off from Akureyri airport
Activity Overview
Over three days you’ll go from first introductions in the arena to riding out through some of North Iceland’s most dramatic valleys. Brought to Iceland by Norse settlers over a thousand years ago, Icelandic Horses are one of the purest breeds in the world.
Their famous tölt gait – a smooth, four-beat movement unique to this breed – makes for a surprisingly comfortable ride even for complete beginners.
Activity Overview
Head out into the fjord on a three-hour boat tour with an on-board marine biologist. October brings humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins closer to shore to feed. The biologist knows what to look for – tail flicks, spout patterns, surface breaks- and will point out any wildlife they spot.
Wild animals don’t come with guarantees, but in the worst case you’ll have spent three hours on one of Iceland’s most impressive fjords.
Activity Overview
The Forest Lagoon sits at the edge of Vaðlaskógur forest. There’s a series of geothermal pools at different temperatures, a Finnish dry sauna, and a cold plunge.
The infinity pool looks out over Eyjafjörður fjord. Entry, all pool access, and towels included.
Activity Overview
There’s also an outdoor thermal pool, as well as a sauna and hot tub just a short walk from the lodge where you can soak any achy muscles whilst taking in mountain views. One evening includes an optional flotation session in the mineral-rich pool.
The Destination
Your adventure starts here
Transfer from Akureyri airport, then it’s a scenic drive north to our base for the trip.
Lunch on arrival, followed by group orientation and an introductory hike up Sótahnjúkur (404m) - a solid leg-stretch with views to match.
Dip in the thermal pool, hot tub and sauna before a three-course dinner.
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.
First ride out into Flókadalur valley. Short, scenic, and the perfect place to put the morning's practice to work.
Hot tub at the farm then back to the lodge for your three-course dinner.
Head to the stables for a session on horse care, personality and communication. Then time for another ride in the arena.
Ride out into the wider landscape of Fljót.
Aquatic stretches and flotation in the thermal pool at the lodge, then dinner.
Check-out. Then head to the stables for one last ride.
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.
Final group dinner in Akureyri and a chance to celebrate your adventure.
Early breakfast, then out on the water for a whale watching tour.
Explore Akureyri in your own time, buy your last souvenirs and take any last photos before your transfer to the airport.
Rest & Refuel
Three nights at a plush lodge on Iceland's Troll Peninsula with mountain views. Your final night is at a hotel in Akureyri - modern and central.
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Hearty breakfast buffets and lunches during activities. The real highlight? Seriously good dinners at the lodge using the best local ingredients - fresh fish, regional meats, seasonal bits from the area.
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Book now
The essentials
| Accommodation |
A Little Luxury A stylish, comfortable lodge with sweeping Troll Peninsula views and 1 night in a 3 star hotel.
|
|---|---|
| Food |
All meals included. We accommodate most dietary requirements with advance notice. Just tell us early as sourcing specialty ingredients in remote terrain takes planning. We can’t guarantee zero cross-contamination — if your allergy is severe, please get in touch before you book.
|
| Fitness Level |
2
Moderate Three consecutive days in the saddle will find muscles you didn’t know you had. You’ll also be outside and active every day regardless of the weather, because the Icelandic horse goes out in most conditions. Not sure if this is the right level for you? Visit our Difficulty Guide. You'll Need To Be
|
| Skill Level |
1
Beginner No horse riding experience needed, your guides teach everything from the ground up. Experienced riders will also get a lot out of this: the tölt is unique to this breed and the terrain is unlike anything you’ll find at home. Beginner is the skill level. It’s not an easy trip. Check the Fitness Level above. Not sure what level you are? Our Trip Rating Guide explains how we score fitness and skill. |
| Packing List |
This list is an indication of the specialist items you will need, and might need to invest in before your adventure! We Provide
You'll Need
|
| Travel |
The meeting point for this trip is Akureyri Airport. Alternative routes and travel information are in our Trip Guide. |
| Not Included |
|
| Trip Code |
ICESOTHRS |
The answers
Not at all. Your guides will walk you through everything from your first time in the saddle to riding out through the valley. No experience needed, just a decent level of fitness and a willingness to get stuck in. If you’ve ridden before, you’ll get to experience the tölt, a gait unique to the Icelandic Horse, in scenery you definitely wouldn’t find at home.
Moderate. You’ll be active for four consecutive days; around four hours in the saddle on the full riding days, a hike on arrival, and plenty of exploring on the last day. You need a solid base fitness, and aches and pains from a day in the saddle is real, even on the world’s most comfortable horses.
You won’t be pushed to the limits on this trip, but a solid base fitness will set you up well. Yoga or pilates will also help to build up core muscles and stretch out. If you have an existing condition that might make falling off a horse more of an issue, get in touch before booking.
No. Iceland has no infectious horse diseases, which makes the breed highly vulnerable to foreign bacteria. You cannot bring your own riding equipment or boots to the stables, even if it’s been washed. We provide helmets and an oversuit if needed.
North Iceland in autumn can be unpredictable. If conditions aren’t right, the guides will adjust the plan as safety is always the priority. There are indoor alternatives ready to go, and the itinerary is deliberately flexible. The guides are good at reading the day and making the most of whatever’s on offer.
Fly into Akureyri Airport (AEY) where we’ll pick you up. The transfer to the lodge then takes around two hours. On departure day, the group transfer will take you back to the airport in the afternoon. Not flying from London? Get in touch and we’ll help you work out what fits.
A group transfer is included on both the arrival and departure days. This is a shared transfer, running at fixed times to and from Akureyri Airport.
There is one transfer each way, and your flight must match the timings. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to make your own arrangements.
The transfer times are:
The transfer runs on a fixed schedule and can’t be held for delays. If you arrive earlier, you’re welcome to join the group transfer. If you need a private transfer, these can be arranged in advance at approximately £320 per car (up to four people). We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers delays and missed connections.
Cold and changeable. Temperatures sit between 2°C and 10°C, with anything from crisp sunny days to wind and rain, sometimes in the same afternoon. Pack a full layer system, a solid waterproof coat and warm gloves. There’s a weather forecast link on the packing list page to help you fine-tune closer to the time.
Yes. The guides adapt the day based on conditions, always prioritising the best experience available. Timings may shift and activities may swap, but you’ll get your full adventure. Come with a flexible mindset and trust the team.
Iceland runs almost entirely on card, the lodge, spa and shops in Akureyri all accept debit and credit cards. If you’d like to tip your guide or host, around £20–30 is a good guide.
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