Experience the extensive beaches of Löngufjörur on a four-day Riding Journey combining the freedom of travelling with a free-running herd and the pleasure of riding individual horses along Iceland’s Atlantic coast.
On the southern shores of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the rhythm of riding is shaped by the sea.
Here, vast stretches of firm sand appear as the tide retreats, creating exceptional conditions for tölting over long distances. The landscape is open and dramatic, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and ancient lava fields and mountains on the other.
Our Journey begins with a single-horse ride near Gaul, allowing us to enjoy the coastline at a different pace before setting out with the herd.
Over the following three days, we travel eastwards along the coast, through shallow waters, across light-coloured sands and beside the dark lava fields surrounding Eldborg.
The combination of individual riding and traditional herd travel makes this a particularly varied beach riding experience.
Day 1 – Hooves on the Beach
Gaul – Single-horse ride on the beach
Our Journey begins with a memorable introduction to the beaches of Löngufjörur.
Today, we leave the free-running herd behind and ride individual horses along the coastline near Gaul.
The wide-open landscape and firm sands provide wonderful opportunities for tölting, with views towards the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier.
This first day allows us to experience the beach at a more relaxed rhythm before the herd-riding adventure begins.
After our ride, we return to Stóri-Kálfalækur farmhouse for dinner and the evening.
Day 2 – Riding with the Herd
Gaul – Kolviðarnes
Today, the character of our Journey changes as we set out with the free-running herd.
We follow the Atlantic coastline across the expansive sands of Löngufjörur, where the retreating tide reveals a remarkable natural riding trail.
With the herd moving ahead and the sound of the ocean beside us, we experience the freedom and excitement of traditional Icelandic herd riding.
Our route takes us towards Kolviðarnes, where the horses rest before the following day’s ride.
Day 3 – Between Ocean and Lava
Kolviðarnes – Staðarhraun
We continue our Journey eastwards, leaving the broadest stretches of beach behind as the landscape changes once again.
Ancient lava fields, volcanic formations and grasslands create a striking contrast to the open Atlantic coast.
Travelling with the herd, we ride through the varied landscapes surrounding Eldborg, one of the region’s most distinctive volcanic landmarks.
At Staðarhraun, we leave the horses and return to the farmhouse for the evening.
Day 4 – The Journey Home
Staðarhraun – Stóri-Kálfalækur
Our final riding day takes us home to Stóri-Kálfalækur through the volcanic countryside of Snæfellsnes.
The route offers another perspective on the landscapes we have travelled through, from ancient lava formations to open farmland.
Riding with the herd, we complete our four-day Journey in the comfort of Stóri-Kálfalækur.
Please note: The itinerary describes our planned route, but conditions in Iceland can change quickly can change quickly. Weather, trail conditions and water levels in rivers may require us to adapt the route. Our guides will always make these decisions with the safety and wellbeing of our guests and horses in mind.
Smaller Groups. Bigger Herds.
We deliberately travel with a generous number of horses for the size of the group. This allows riders to change horses regularly and experience their different characters and abilities, while sharing the work between the horses throughout the Journey.
Riding with a free-running herd brings its own rhythm to the Journey. The horses travel together through the landscape, and as the terrain changes, so does the pace and character of the riding.
You will ride a number of different horses, getting to know the versatility of the Icelandic horse while becoming part of the movement of the herd across the Löngufjörur beaches.
Long days in the saddle. Varied terrain. A Journey for experienced riders.
This Journey is designed for experienced riders who are confident riding independently at all paces and comfortable spending several hours in the saddle.
The first day is spent riding individual horses along the coast. On the following three days, we travel with a free-running herd, changing horses during the day. The firm sands of Löngufjörur offer exceptional conditions for long-distance tölting, while the open coastline gives riders a wonderful sense of space and freedom.
Riding with the herd can be exhilarating, particularly when the horses move together across the beach. There is something almost magical about riding across Löngufjörur. As the horses tölt over the firm, wet sand, their hooves produce a deep, rhythmic sound unlike anything you hear on ordinary trails. Together with the movement of the herd and the vast Atlantic horizon, it creates an experience that stays with you long after the ride.
Coastal riding is influenced by the tides, and our guides adapt the route and pace to the conditions.
Throughout the Journey, we stay at Stóri-Kálfalækur farmhouse, returning each evening after our ride.
Made-up beds, shared facilities and home-cooked meals provide a welcoming base for the Journey.
Good food after a day in the saddle
Each morning begins with a breakfast buffet, where you can also prepare sandwiches and snacks to take with you for the day. Lunch is carried in our saddlebags or brought to us along the route where access allows.
In the evening, we come together over a chef-prepared dinner, with an emphasis on Icelandic food and locally sourced ingredients. It is a chance to relax, talk about the day and enjoy the company of the group.
On our final evening back at Stóri-Kálfalækur, we gather for dinner one last time and celebrate completing the Journey together.
Arrival & First Ride
Our Journey begins with a pickup in Reykjavík at 9:30 and a transfer to Stóri-Kálfalækur which is ideally situated between the mountains and the beaches. After arriving and settling in, we prepare the horses and set out on the first stage of our riding Journey.
Final Day & Return to Reykjavík
On our last day, we end with a ride home to Stóri-Kálfalækur. After dining and saying our goodbyes to the horses, we head back to Reykjavik.
Support Along the Way
Our support team meets us at accessible points along the route, bringing supplies and support and arranging transfers between Stóri-Kálfalækur and where the day’s ride finishes. Some sections of the Journey take us beyond vehicle access. Here, we carry everything needed for the riding day in our saddlebags.
Maximum weight for a rider is 110kg/242lb.
Riding clothes. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which can not be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be cleaned and disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Kindly note that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature! For further information please take a look at: Import of riding equipment | Matvælastofnun
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