We are located on the farm Vellir. From this unique location between volcanoes, rivers and the ocean, our riding tours take us through scenic landscapes in the heart of Iceland‘s south-western countryside. The area around the volcano Hengill with its beautiful valleys, hot springs and the chance to bathe in natural warm water is ideal for horseback riding. This is also what inspired our name: Volcano Horses, or Eldhestar in Icelandic. It makes for a beautiful scenery for horseback riding.

Since the beginning of our activities in 1986, we have been striving to combine pleasure, comfort and adventure. It is important to us to respect and protect nature in all our endeavors. We emphasize personal service, safety and an environmentally friendly operation. Eldhestar is a participant of VAKINN, Iceland tourism’s official quality and safety label.

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Why Choose Us

Tour variety

Eldhestar has one of the most varied selections of horse riding tours in Iceland. We offer short tours, day tours and multiday tours for all experience levels.

Happy horses

The horses are the stars of our show. It is their contribution, willingness and spirit that make your experience special. We make sure our horses are happy, healthy and well-taken care of.

Proven Quality

Eldhestar participates in Vakinn, Iceland’s tourism’s official quality and safety label. The aim is to strengthen quality and safety in tourism by means of guidance, support and developing a sense of social responsibility.

Our tours

Eldhestar has one of the largest variety of horse riding tours in Iceland. We want to be able to cater to a wide group of travelers that are interested in exploring Iceland on the unique Icelandic horse. We offer half-day tours for those who are short on time but still want to meet and ride the Icelandic horse. These tours usually range from 1 – 3 hours in length. Our day tours are perfect to get an authentic riding experience and are 4 – 6 hours long. The multi-day tours range from 2 – 8 days and is an amazing experience for those that want to connect with the wild Icelandic nature on a horse. Accommodations, meals and riding gear are included in the multi-day tours.

Icelandic horses have played an integral role in Iceland over the years and were necessary for the colonization of the country. In the 10th century the Icelanders decided to stop importing horses and since then it has been strictly forbidden to import horses in Iceland, resulting in the unique breed that we have today. The Icelandic horse is known for its individual character. It is patient, adaptable, uncomplicated and sometimes very spirited, it has a friendly personality and a special affinity for people. One of the greatest characteristics of the Icelandic horse is that it has five different gaits: In addition to normal walk, trot and canter/gallop there is also tölt and skeið (flying pace).

Icelandic horse

Important information

Please make sure to read all tour details and information before booking a tour. You will find all necessary information on our F.A.Q page, you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions along with detailed information about what to bring on your tour, information about itineraries, meals, accommodations and what is included in the tours and can also be found on the tour pages.

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F.A.Q

A dream I didn't know I had

Absolutely wonderful 2-hour short ride. My mother and I are both advanced riders and were lucky enough to have a private ride (the others who booked on didn’t turn up!) with Eva, our guide. She was wonderful and our ponies were even better. Can’t recommend this experience enough!

Absolute highlight!

We did this tour at the end of our 5-day-trip in Iceland and it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. The tour guides were very caring, committed, professional and friendly (the friendliest people we talked to in a week!). The scenery was amazing, the horses were funny and warm-hearted. Loved it!

The best!

During our 5 night stay this was the best activity we had during this stay. Even though the weather was the worst, rain and wind up to 20m/s, both the guides and the horses did amazing. Extra thanks to Elise, you’re the best.

Best horse ride I've had

As an experienced rider, I had a great time on a lively and fun pony. My friend, a beginner, also had a great ride on a steady safe pony. A really nice place and the ponies look well cared for and are obviously very fit as they were still raring to go after 3 hours. A must do for anyone who enjoys horse riding.

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Hotel Eldhestar

Hotel Eldhestar offers single, twin, double, triple and 1 large family room, all with private bathroom facilities. The hot tub and on-site restaurant are perfect to enjoy after a day of horse riding. The hotel is unique as we drew inspiration from the colours and materials in Icelandic nature and culture. Genuine craftsmanship and old tradition inspire the interior in a structure built with ecological technology. Hotel Eldhestar was the first lodging in Iceland to receive the Nordic ecolabel Nordic Swan. We follow the guidelines of the Swan for both the building process as well as the daily operations at the tour hotel.

Guesthouse Eldhestar

Guesthouse Eldhestar offers 19 beds in twin, triple or quad rooms. The guesthouse is cosy and offers a small fully-functioning kitchen, eating area and shared bathroom facilities.

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