Arctic Ice, Black Sands & Northern Lights

The ride

Discover the magic of Iceland’s Arctic winter on a unique horseback adventure along the remote northern coast.

When we ride

Day by day

1. DAY1

   – Goðafoss Waterfall & Welcome to Bjarnastaðir

   Meeting point is in Reykjavík domestic airport at 06:20, for a flight north to Akureyri, at 07:10 (flight is approx. 45 minutes). Your guide will be meeting you at the airport.

   Halldór our farmer will pick you up in Akureyri and take you on a scenic journey through the beautiful landscapes of North Iceland. Along the way, we stop at the magnificent Goðafoss waterfall, the famous Waterfall of the Gods, especially breathtaking in its winter setting. We then continue to Bjarnastaðir farm, where we meet our hosts and the Icelandic horses that will accompany us over the coming days. In the afternoon, we enjoy a short introductory ride through the peaceful countryside surrounding the farm, getting comfortable with our horses and experiencing the unique atmosphere of winter riding in Iceland. In the evening, we gather for a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening together. If the skies are clear, we may even be lucky enough to catch our first glimpse of the Northern Lights.

2. DAY2

   – Riding on Frozen Lakes & the Bakki Baths

   Today we head towards Kópasker for a truly extraordinary winter riding experience. Depending on ice and weather conditions, we may have the rare opportunity to ride our Icelandic horses across safely frozen lakes, surrounded by the vast and peaceful wilderness of Northeast Iceland. The stillness of the landscape, crisp winter air and beautiful natural light create a magical atmosphere unlike any other riding experience. After our ride, we visit the charming Bakki Baths in Kópasker, where we can relax in naturally heated outdoor hot tubs overlooking the Arctic coastline and Öxarfjörður Bay. We then return to our accommodation for a delicious dinner and a cosy evening together. Riding time: approximately 2–4 hours.

3. DAY3

   – Black Sands & the Arctic Ocean

   Today brings another unforgettable adventure as we ride towards the breathtaking black-sand shores of Öxarfjörður. Experience the freedom of riding Icelandic horses through wide-open landscapes, with the dramatic Atlantic Ocean stretching out beside us. The contrast between black volcanic sands, winter light, snow-covered mountains and the restless sea creates a truly spectacular setting. Weather and ice conditions permitting, our route may also include riding across frozen lakes before continuing towards the coast. After this memorable day in the saddle, we return to Bjarnastaðir for our final dinner together. And as darkness falls, we once again have the opportunity to look for the magical Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky. Riding time: approximately 4 hours.

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