What makes the Icelandic horse different from other breeds?

The Icelandic horse is unique for several reasons: it has been genetically isolated for over 1,000 years with no crossbreeding, it has five natural gaits (walk, trot, canter, tölt, and flying pace), it is remarkably hardy and sure-footed in rough terrain, and Icelandic law prohibits any horse from returning once it leaves the country.

Can beginners go horseback riding in Iceland?

Yes, many tour operators offer beginner-friendly rides with calm, well-trained horses. The tölt gait is particularly comfortable for inexperienced riders as it is smooth and bounce-free. Tours range from one-hour introductory rides to multi-day highland treks. Operators provide helmets and instructions.

Why can't Icelandic horses return once they leave the country?

This law exists to protect the breed from foreign diseases. Iceland's horse population has been isolated for over a millennium and has no immunity to many equine diseases common elsewhere. Even horses that leave for international competitions can never return. This strict policy has kept the breed remarkably healthy.

What is the tölt and why is it special?

The tölt is a smooth, four-beat lateral gait natural to Icelandic horses. Unlike the trot, where the rider bounces, the tölt keeps one foot on the ground at all times, producing a gliding motion. This makes it exceptionally comfortable for long rides over rough terrain. Not all horse breeds possess this gait — it is a defining characteristic of the Icelandic horse.

Icelandic Horse: Unique Five-Gaited Breed

A unique breed brought by Norse settlers over 1,000 years ago, famous for its five gaits and unmatched hardiness in the Icelandic landscape.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Location

Nationwide

Farms and stables across Iceland

The Icelandic horse (Equus ferus caballus) is one of the world's oldest and purest horse breeds. Brought to Iceland by Norse settlers between 860 and 935 AD, the breed has been isolated on the island for over a millennium — no horses have been imported since the Alþingi banned it around 982 AD. This genetic isolation has produced a hardy, intelligent, and uniquely gaited animal found nowhere else. With approximately 80,000 horses in Iceland and another 100,000 worldwide, the Icelandic horse remains a cornerstone of Icelandic culture and one of the country's most popular visitor experiences.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly—always check official alerts and road conditions before you drive or hike.

Sources to check

Breed Age

1,000+ years

Genetically isolated since the Viking Age settlement

Population in Iceland

~80,000

Found on farms and stables across the country

Unique Gaits

5 gaits

Walk, trot, canter, tölt, and flying pace

What to Expect

Population: ~80,000 in Iceland

Approximately 80,000 horses in Iceland and another 100,000 worldwide. Found on farms and stables across the entire country—visible grazing in fields along nearly every road.

Year-round riding tours

Many stables offer tours in all seasons. Summer: wildflower meadow rides with midnight sun. Winter: snow excursions with possible northern lights. 1-hour introductory rides to multi-day highland treks available.

Top viewing: Skagafjörður (North Iceland)

Known as the horse capital of Iceland, Skagafjörður (Route 1, between Akureyri and Blönduós) has the highest concentration of horse farms. Multi-day highland treks depart from here.

Near Reykjavík: Mosfellsbær and Laxnes

Multiple riding farms operate within 30 minutes of Reykjavík in the Mosfellsbær and Laxnes areas. No 4WD needed—paved roads to all stables. Beginner-friendly 1-2 hour tours.

The Tölt and Flying Pace

The tölt is a smooth four-beat gait unique to the breed—riders can carry a glass without spilling. The flying pace reaches 45 km/h and is used for short-distance racing.

Landsmót festival

The biennial Landsmót horse festival (late June/early July, even-numbered years) is the premier showcase of gaits and competitions. Location rotates between regions.

Where to See Them

Icelandic horses are visible grazing in fields along nearly every road in Iceland. For riding tours near Reykjavík, operators in Mosfellsbær (15 km north via Route 1) and Laxnes (25 km northeast) offer 1-hour to full-day rides on paved road access—no 4WD needed. Book in advance during summer. In Skagafjörður (North Iceland, Route 1 between Blönduós and Akureyri), the horse capital of Iceland, multiple farms offer multi-day highland treks through river valleys and mountain passes. The Westman Islands have a small but photogenic population on volcanic terrain. Most farms welcome walk-in visitors who want to meet horses even without a ride—call ahead to confirm. The Icelandic Horse History Centre in Blönduós provides breed history exhibits.

Best Time to Visit

Horseback riding tours operate year-round. June-August: Most comfortable conditions with temperatures of 10-15°C, up to 22 hours of daylight, green meadows and wildflowers; peak tourist season so book tours weeks in advance. The Landsmót horse festival takes place in late June or early July in even-numbered years. September-October: Autumn colors, fewer crowds, dramatic light conditions; temperatures 4-10°C; shorter days. November-February: Winter riding through snow-covered terrain is a unique experience (temperatures -2 to 4°C); northern lights may be visible on evening rides; limited daylight (4-7 hours). March-May: Spring foaling season—new foals in the fields; lengthening daylight; ideal for photography of mares with young. For the annual autumn réttir (sheep and horse roundup), visit farms in September.

Planning help

Icelandic Horse FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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