Iceland’s Northern Lights Ride

This tour includes half day tours and a day tour on horseback, relaxing in thermal pools and sightseeing to the most famous natural sights in South Iceland. After the morning ride you warm up at lunch with soup and coffee at our comfortable hotel before you continue with riding, bathing in Hveragerðis excellent thermal swimming pool or sightseeing.

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Intermediate
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January to April & September to December
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4-6 Days
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Reykjavik
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Iceland
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2-18 Members
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Hotel

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All Meals Included

Overview

  • Trip Details

    This tour includes half day tours and a day tour on horseback, relaxing in thermal pools and sightseeing to the most famous natural sights in South Iceland. After the morning ride you warm up at lunch with soup and coffee at our comfortable hotel before you continue with riding, bathing in Hveragerðis excellent thermal swimming pool or sightseeing.


    On the last day you have an excursion to the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall, the hot springs at Geysir and Thingvellir National Park. When the sky is clear and the Aurora Borealis forecast promising, you can just walk outside to observe the stunning phenomena or we drive where the chances to watch the Northern Lights are the best.


    ***Note: This tour is dependent on weather and Northern Lights sightings are not guaranteed. The transportation from airport to Reykjavík & Reykjavík to airport is not included.


    3 Nights 2026:

    Dates:   Sept. 21-24, Oct. 5-8, Oct. 12-15, Oct. 26-30, Nov. 9-12, Nov. 23-26


    2026 Rates:  Hotel Accommodation:  $1,670.00 USD additional fee per person sharing (or 1,420€)  Single supplement on request.

    Guesthouse Accommodation:  $1,330.00 USD additional fee person sharing (or 1,135€) Single supplement on request.


    3 Nights 2027:

    Dates:  Jan. 25-28, Feb. 8-11, Feb. 22-25, March 8-11, March 15-18, March 29-Apr. 1, Apr. 5-8, Apr. 12-15, Sept 20-23, Oct. 4-7, Oct. 11-14, Oct. 25-28, Nov. 8-11, Nov. 22-25


    2027 Rates: January-March:

    Hotel Accommodation:  $1,670.00 USD additional fee per person sharing (or 1,420€)  Single supplement on request.

    Guesthouse Accommodation:  $1,330.00 USD additional fee person sharing (or 1,135€) Single supplement on request.

    2027 Rates:  April-November: Coming soon!


    * * * * *


    5 Nights 2026:

    Dates:   Sept. 21-26, Oct. 5-10, Oct. 12-17, Oct. 26-Nov. 1, Nov. 9-14, Nov. 23-28


    2026 Rates:

    Hotel Accommodation:  $2,750.00 USD additional fee per person sharing (or 2,350€)  Single supplement on request.

    Guesthouse Accommodation:  $2,175.00 USD additional fee person sharing (or 1,860€) Single supplement on request.


    5 Nights 2027:

    Dates:  Jan 25-30, Feb. 8-13, Feb. 22-27, March 8-13, March 15-20, March 29-Apr. 3, Apr. 5-10, Apr. 12-17, Sept. 20-25, Oct. 4-9, Oct. 11-16, Oct. 25-30, Nov. 8-13, Nov. 22-27


    2027 Rates:  January-March:

    Hotel Accommodation:  $2,750.00 USD additional fee per person sharing (or 2,350€)  Single supplement on request.

    Guesthouse Accommodation:  $2,175.00 USD additional fee person sharing (or 1,860€) Single supplement on request.

    2027 Rates:  April-November:  Coming soon!


    See the video HERE!


    For reliable travel insurance ART recommends Squaremouth for their excellent packages and rates.

  • Itinerary

    Day 1: Evening Arrival

    Meeting Point: Pick-up between 17:30 and 18:00 at the BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík or at your hotel/guesthouse. (Same-day arrivals can take the "Flybus" airport shuttle to BSÍ).


    Destination: A 40-minute drive to Eldhestar’s farm, Vellir, near the village of Hveragerði.


    Accommodation: Hotel Eldhestar or Guesthouse Eldhestar.


    Evening: You will receive a detailed itinerary letter, followed by a welcome dinner at the hotel.


    Day 2: Meadows, Mountains & Winter Warmth

    Morning: After breakfast, meet your guide at the stable for an introduction and to gear up. Enjoy a 4 to 4.5-hour horseback ride along soft trails, following the Gljúfurá river towards the slopes of Reykjafjall mountain.


    Lunch: A light, warming lunch back at the farm.


    Afternoon: One more hour of riding, followed by a trip to the thermal swimming pool in Hveragerði. Relax in the soothing geothermal water, steam saunas, and outdoor hot tubs.


    Late Afternoon/Evening: Coffee and home-baked cake at the hotel. The staff will check the Northern Lights forecast; if skies are clear, you will hunt for the auroras!


    Day 3: Horses, Hot Springs & Soft River Banks

    Morning: The "Horses & Hot Springs" tour takes you along the slopes of Reykjafjall and through the colorful Gufudalur geothermal valley, packed with hot springs. Stop for refreshments before riding back.


    Lunch: Meal served at the farm.


    Afternoon: The "Soft River Banks" ride follows the Gljúfurá river down to the banks of the mighty Ölfusá glacial river. Weather permitting, you will have fantastic views of the Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes.


    Evening: Dinner at the hotel.


    Day 4: The Heritage Tour & The Golden Circle

    Morning: "The Heritage Tour" takes you through meadows, lava fields, and streams, passing local farms to see how agriculture has developed over the decades.


    Lunch & Check-out: Light lunch with coffee/tea.


    Afternoon: A bus tour of South Iceland's famous Golden Circle, visiting three incredible natural sights:


    The Geysir geothermal area (featuring the active Strokkur geyser).


    Gullfoss (the "Golden Waterfall").


    Thingvellir National Park (a site of immense geological and historical importance).


    Note (5-Night Tour Guests): You will head to Reykjavík's old harbor for a 3-hour whale-watching tour in Faxaflói bay.


    Return: Arrival in Reykjavík around 18:00 (for those ending their tour here).


    Details for Guests Staying Extra Days (Extended Tour)


    Day 5: Ingólfstrail & Hiking into Reykjadalur Valley

    Morning: The "Long Mountain Tour" (Ingólfstrail) follows the ancient Viking route of Iceland's first settler, Ingólfur Arnarsson, at the foot of mount Ingólfsfjall.


    Lunch: Meal at the hotel.


    Afternoon: A short drive through Hveragerði to begin a scenic hike up into the magnificent Reykjadalur geothermal valley. You will see the Djúpagilsfoss waterfall and have the unforgettable opportunity to bathe in a warm geothermal river.


    Evening: Refreshments at the hotel, Northern Lights forecast checking, and a spectacular movie about the phenomenon.


    Day 6: Soft River Banks & The Siggi Tour

    Morning: After breakfast and check-out, ride the "Soft River Banks" route again toward the Ölfusá glacial river, enjoying views of the famous volcanoes.


    Lunch: A light meal back at the farm.


    Afternoon: "The Siggi Tour" (1.5 to 2 hours). The exact route is chosen on the spot to provide the best possible ride based on that day's weather and wind conditions.


    Farewell: Coffee and home-baked cake at the farm before your final transfer.


    Return: Drop-off in Reykjavík around 18:00.

  • What's Included

    • 3 or 5 nights accommodation
    • 2.5 or 4.5 days of riding
    • Half day excursion to the Golden Circle
    • All meals but dinner on the last night
    • Horse and all tack
    • Transfer to/from Reykjavik city
    • All local taxes

  • What's Not Included

    • Airfare
    • Travel insurance
    • Airport transfer to Reykjavick city
    • Dinner on the last night
    • Gratuities for the team at the end of the stay

Reviews

Nancy W.

I can’t say enough how spectacular this entire experience was. We stayed for 3 nights and rode for 3 days. All of the horses were outstanding, they were so fun to ride (I own horses and have ridden for decades). I was on the tour with two friends with same background – and we all agreed that our tour guides, Anna and Rachael, made the spectacular tours even BETTER. Their dedication to our safe rides were always paramount, but above and beyond, those two ladies were so very personable, and their on-the-trail stories of the history and tales of your wonderful country really made the experience over the top.


Thank you to all the staff for every single detail – our Golden Circle bus tour was also fantastic, as Nicholas was equally passionate about every stop on that tour, and in between stops he was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic.


Highly recommend this tour and this company for anyone looking to experience these wonderful horses and breathtaking scenery.


Jess C.

This trip went off without a hitch! I was grateful to Active Riding Trips for enabling me to join back-to-back tours (this one and the Nature’s Treasures tour) and booking an extra night for me in between.


The tours themselves were awesome and the groups I was with were so good that I made some friends I’m sure I will keep in contact with. The food and accommodation were top-notch. I even got lucky and saw a spectacular northern lights display! It’s good to watch right from the hotel with very little light pollution.


I can’t say enough good things about the horses and the well-maintained trails and excellent guides. 10/10 would recommend and the custom departure was much appreciated!

From   $1,670  per person

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FAQ's

  • What is included in the tour price?

    Tour prices typically include accommodation, guided activities, transportation during the trip, and some meals. Exact inclusions may vary depending on the itinerary.

  • Can I customize my itinerary?

    Yes. Most of our trips can be tailored to match your interests, schedule, and travel style. Just let us know your preferences and we’ll help design the perfect adventure.

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and adventure activities.

  • How many people are in a tour group?

    Group sizes are usually small to ensure a more personal and immersive experience. The exact number may vary depending on the expedition.