The Beach Ride
4.5 – 5.5 hours riding

Experience the extraordinary, the volcanic beach, the river banks and islands of the Ölfusá delta and great views! We take the horses in the trailer to the small fishing town Thorlákshöfn where we start the tour with a ride on the long, black beach. We follow the scenic beach along the surf of the North Atlantic for a few kilometers, riding on soft black lava sand until we reach the beautiful area where the mighty glacial river Ölfusá meets the sea in a large delta. We then continue through shallow water at the edge of the river delta and ride on grassy river banks, along wetlands and meadows towards the farmland in the Ölfus area, where our farm Vellir is located. On our way we have plenty of opportunity to try the smooth gait of the Icelandic horse “tölt” on nice trails in beautiful scenery which seems to be far from civilization, and enjoy spectacular views of mountains and the volcanos Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, weather permitting. We also have good chances to see sea- and wetland birds of various kinds living in the Flói Bird Reserve between the ocean shore and the river. After we have reached the old cemetery at Arnarbæli we ride along the river Gljúfurá and pastures with grazing horses back to Eldhestar.

The tour can also start at Vellir and end at Thorlákshöfn, depending on tides. During the tour you will take a break on a scenic spot to enjoy a light lunch out in nature.

Please note:
This tour is for everyone but participants should be in good physical condition and must be able to mount a horse with little assistance. We ride through different terrain, including water in the river-delta, and cover long distances in “tölt” (comfortable gait of the Icelandic horse, about trot speed). The minimum age for children is 10 years, children 14 years and younger are required to have riding skills (riding regularly for at least one  year). The tour is subject to weather conditions and might be changed. 

Included: 4.5 – 5.5 hours riding with stops (ca. 23 km), and lunchbox (sandwich, cookies, water bottle, special sandwiches available on request). Coffee/tea/hot chocolate and home baked cake after the tour.
Hotel pick-up: In Reykjavik every day between 8:00-8:30. Pick-up in Hafnarfjörður, Mosfellsbær and Kópavogur starts at 7:45.
Meeting time at Eldhestar: At 9:00.
Return to Reykjavík: Around 17:15.

Please note: the weight limit for riders is 120 kg

Available from May 15 to September 15.

Minimum 4 participants. If the booking system below does not allow you to book the tour please contact us by email!