Sturlureykir Viking Ride, Reykholt

Reykholt: Viking Ride with Icelandic Horses runs through Sturlureykir Horse Farm. 0 reviews on the listing. Runs 1.5 - 2.5 hours. From $129.

Overview

The Viking Ride at Sturlureykir, a traditional horse farm at Reykholt in Borgarbyggð, is built around riders who already have a little experience in the saddle and want to try the famous Icelandic tölt. The whole visit runs roughly one and a half to two and a half hours, and the riding portion on the track makes up about one to one and a half hours of that.

The tour does not begin on horseback. First there is a presentation about what makes Icelandic horses unique, with time for questions, followed by a stable visit where guests can feed and pet the animals and hear about their daily routines. The farm also shows off two older traditions: a geothermal heating system built in 1907 and an underground bakery where Icelandic rye bread is baked, which visitors get to taste.

After that comes the practical side. Staff help each rider match with a suitable horse, then everyone brushes and tacks up in the riding hall with assistance at every step. A short preparation session covers how Icelanders ride before the group heads out along the river, walking, trotting and tölting, with a photo stop built in. Riders who want something more tailored can arrange a private tour instead. Pickup from hotels is not part of this product, so travellers make their own way to the farm.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at the farmMake your own way to Sturlureykir Visiting Horse Farm in Reykholt, Borgarbyggð. Hotel pickup is not included.
2. Presentation on the horsesThe visit opens with an informational talk about the uniqueness of Icelandic horses, with time for questions.
3. Stable visitGuests meet the horses up close, feed and pet them, and learn about their personalities and daily life.
4. Geothermal system and bakeryThe farm explains its geothermal heating system, built in 1907, and its underground bakery, with a tasting of traditional Icelandic rye bread.
5. Match, brush and tack upStaff pick a suitable horse for each rider, then everyone brushes and tacks up in the riding hall with help at every step.
6. Riding preparationBefore mounting, guides teach the Icelandic way of riding so riders know what to expect from the tölt.
7. Ride along the riverThe group rides about one to one and a half hours on the track, walking, trotting and tölting, with a photo stop along the way.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to sort out before booking, based on the listing itself.

• Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport to Sturlureykir in Reykholt, Borgarbyggð. Check the meeting point details on the booking page before setting off.
• Riding level. The tour is aimed at riders with a little bit of riding experience, since the goal is to try the tölt. Staff help with brushing, tacking up and every step of the preparation.
• What to wear. The listing asks for comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. Dress for Icelandic weather, since part of the visit and the full ride take place outdoors.
• Food and drink. A rye-bread tasting is included, along with the stable visit, preparation course and ride. Additional drinks, food and meals are not covered, so bring anything else you might want.
• Seasonal variation. The route depends on the time of year and the weather, with different ride options along the river. The exact track may differ from visit to visit.
• Photos. A photo stop is part of the ride, and staff can help take pictures.

Common issues. There are no traveller reviews available for this tour yet, so the practical limits come from the listing. Hotel pickup is not included, extra food and drink cost more, and the route along the river varies with season and weather, so the ride itself may differ between visits. The tour is described as suited to riders with a little bit of riding experience. Smoking, alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the tour. Private tours can be booked separately for a more tailored experience.

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