Iceland on Horseback

Saddle up to ride in Iceland, the ancient Viking landscape and home of the free-roaming, talented Icelandic horse. Ride with the wind through glacial gorges, past rugged fiords, active volcanoes, thundering waterfalls, lava fields, steaming hot springs, and along smooth beaches framed by the Atlantic Ocean along trails known only to locals.

The amazing Icelandic horses are a breed beloved by equine enthusiasts all over the world – sure-footed, compact, very hardy, and uniquely five-gaited – walk, trot, tolt (a smooth running walk), canter and pace.

AdventureWomen’s Horseback Riding in Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice tour is the way to go. This trip has just been recognized as one of National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” for 2013.

Off trail, participants will sail out to sea to visit the bird cliffs, visit the shark museum in Bjarnarhöfn, and explore the colorful, historic western fishing village of Stykkishólmur.  Back in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, adventurers will enjoy a rousing “Viking Feast celebratory farewell dinner, and spend a relaxing afternoon soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Iceland’s famous “Blue Lagoon” Hot Springs and Spa.

After years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa, founder and President Susan Eckert, created AdventureWomen in 1982 for women traveling solo, with sisters, mothers, daughters, partners, and/or friends. She is passionate about this particular trip. “I went to Iceland 16 years ago to set up a horseback trip, and fell in love with the legendary and gaited Icelandic horse. My life changed and I’ve had two wonderful Icelandic horses of my own in Montana for 15 years.”

Rated “moderate-to-high energy” there is only one thrilling trip this year.  August 9-18, 2013 at the cost of $3995. for land arrangements. For their other upcoming women’s adventures such as to Borneo, France via barge and Thailand, click here.