icelandic horse riding tour in lava fields

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Horse Riding Tours

Horse Riding in Iceland - Lava Tour

Outdoor fun for individuals and families in the reykjavik area.

Riding the friendly Icelandic horses is something you have to experience at least once in your life. Ride through lava fields on excellent riding paths and along beautiful green hillsides. Look for different rock formations in the lava while experiencing the special gait, tolt.

• Horse riding in Icelandic Nature
• Mt. Helgafell
• Lava fields
• Warm drinks
• Magnificent mountain views
• 1.5-2 hours guided horseback ride
• Specially trained guide
• Riding helmets, boots & rain wear

What to bring

• Warm clothes (gloves & headwear)
• Sturdy shoes
• A camera is a good idea

Tour Snapshot

• No Booking Fees
• Fast & secure payment

An adventurous ride from the Stable through lava fields and along beautiful green hillsides. Look for different rock formations in the lava whilst experiencing the unique gait of the Icelandic horse, tölt. This tour is ideal for beginners as well as for more experienced riders.

We welcome individuals, families and all kinds of groups who want to enjoy themselves outdoors. The facilities offer people an easy way to enjoy our horses and the experience of our staff will ensure the safety of all participants.

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• Tour Collections

Easy 2-Hour Horse Riding Tour through Lava Fields with Optional Transfer from Reykjavik

Description

Come along on a fabulous tour of the Icelandic countryside on the back of a purebred Icelandic horse. This tour is ideal for anyone looking for a personal experience with the Icelandic environment and suits all riders, from beginners to masters.

Before the tour starts, you'll be matched with a mount who is perfect for your skill level, allowing you to just sit back and enjoy the ride. Groups on this tour are kept to 20 people or fewer, as well, to ensure personal attention from your guide and a truly special riding experience in the countryside.

You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Reykjavik – or you can drive yourself – to the nearby Riding Centre, for a relaxing amble about well-marked riding trails.

Lava fields through which you'll be riding were created when an eruption scrapes the plains clean of plant life, resembling a pebbled, craggy riverbed, filled with huge chunks of rocks. As you ride, look for different shapes and figures in the rock formations, a pleasant pastime for local riders.

Some lava fields are in the process of being reclaimed by plant life, covered in spongy blankets of moss, prickly scrub brush or delicate purple lupine. The environment is just as fantastic as your mount.

The Icelandic horse is a national treasure. Fiercely guarded by the Icelandic people, these shaggy horses are descended from the horses of the first settlers, imported from Norway in the 9th century.

After that, there were attempts to breed them with European stock, which led to the decline of the hardy qualities which make the Icelandic horse so valuable to the harsh lifestyle of historical Iceland.

For this reason, the Icelandic parliament banned the importation of horses into Iceland by the end of the 10th century. Today, the Icelandic horse has been protected for more than 1,000 years.

The Icelandic horse has been preserved in legends and sagas as well. A horse named Skalm was mentioned in the famous Book of Settlements, written in the 12th century. Her owner decided to make his home at the place she chose: when she stopped walking and lay down, he found his settlement.

What secret messages will your horse reveal on this tour? Reserve your place now to find out! Check availability by choosing a date.

Attractions

What to bring

Good to know.

Children must be 7 years old and up to ride. The weight limit for all tours is 110 kg (240 lbs).

If you are travelling on your own to Íshestar Horse Riding Center, please be there at least 30 minutes before tour departure.

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Lava Tour Horseback Riding

Tour ID: IH01

Minimum Age

Tour Highlights

• Horse riding
• Meeting the Icelandic horse

What’s included

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On this riding tour, you get to experience the icelandic horse in its natural surrounding in the beautiful nature of iceland, just outside of reykjavík..

Experience the Icelandic horse surrounded by unique nature right outside Reykjavík’s city center. Our friendly horses and specially trained guides will take you on a ride on excellent riding paths where you can experience the unique Icelandic horse while enjoying beautiful scenery full of lava fields and green hillsides.

Please note that the riding time is 1 1/2 - 2 hours, a total of 4 hours with transfer.

When we arrive back at the stables enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate is available and feel free to ask our staff any questions about the Icelandic horse. This tour is ideal for both beginners and more experienced riders and is a fantastic choice for a day tour in Reykjavík.  Before the Lava Tour starts we organize the groups according to riding skill level to ensure everyone gets an experience and adventure according to their skill level! At Íshestar we take pride in our personal service and limit group sizes to ensure a safe and enjoyable tour for all of our guests.

Our stables are located a short 20-minute drive outside of Reykjavik’s city center.

What is Included?

• The age limit to ride on this tour is 7 years old. 
• The weight limit for all our tours is 110 kg/240 lbs
• If you are arriving by own car, please be at our stable 30 minutes before departure
• Riding helmets, rubber boots and rainwear / warm outfit during the ride
• Trained guides who speak multiple languages (English, Scandinavian and German)

Please note that it is not allowed to ride with backpacks or bags but Íshestar provides complimentary safety boxes at the stables for valuables. 

What to Bring

Know before you go.

• The age limit to ride on this tour is 7 years old
• If you are arriving by own car, please be at the Íshestar stables 30 minutes before departure
• Riding gear (riding boots, riding trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C), dry cleaned or disinfected before arriving in Iceland. Used leather gear may not be brought into the country. Disinfecting of riding equipment can be found here .
• Note that the riding time is 1 1/2 - 2 hours, a total of 4 hours with a transfer

This product is likely to sell out!

If you cannot find date, you might want to check on other Sleipnir Tours.

You can find a tutorial on HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR HERE 🤗 Having trouble with booking? We will gladly assist you. Give us a call at +354 5654647 or send us an email at [email protected] . We are available Monday-Friday from 8:00 to 16:00 GMT.

No cancellation fee if the booking is cancelled at least 24 hours before departure.

CONTACT SLEIPNIR TEAM

+354 5654647

[email protected]

Office Hours: mon - fri 8:30-16:00

Stálhella 2, 221 Hafnarfjörður

ID: 700896-2779

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

SLEIPNIR GLACIER TRUCKS

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

PRIVACY POLICY

[email protected]

Reykjavik Horseback Riding

No booking fee, best price guarantee, free cancellation, secure payments, fully licensed local tour operators, information.

Pick up, Self Drive

• The Icelandic Horse
• Horseback riding
• The red hills of Reykjavik
• Rauðarvatn Lake
• Lava landscapes & pseudocraters

Iceland’s breathtaking natural wonders, including towering waterfalls, geysers, and vast lava fields, make it a magnet for travelers seeking adventure and environmental enthusiasts from around the globe. For those who love horses or simply want to immerse themselves in Iceland’s natural beauty, it is a must to go on a Horse Riding tour. And the Reykjavik Red Lava Horse Riding Tour is an experience that should not be missed if you are staying in Reykjavik. 

This tour offers the chance to get up close with nature on the back of a friendly Icelandic horse, even if you’ve never ridden before. Icelandic horses are known for their gentleness and sure-footedness, making them ideal for traveling across rough terrain. They’re also the only breed with five different types of gaits, making them a unique and fascinating companion on your ride.

The Reykjavik red lava horse riding tour is a 5-7 km journey that typically takes around 2 hours, but can vary depending on the experience level of the riders. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; the tour guides are there to help and ensure a comfortable and enjoyable ride for everyone. The route takes you through the smooth-riding path of the Redhills and by the Rauðarvatn, offering stunning views of massive lava landscapes, pseudocraters, and magnificent mountains.

To fully enjoy this experience, be sure to bring warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a first-timer, the Reykjavik Red Lava Horse Riding Tour is an unforgettable way to experience Iceland’s natural beauty and spend quality time with these majestic animals.

• Outdoor clothing for horse riding.
• Protection helmets
• Professional Horse Riding Guides
• Free Pick up in Reykjavik

What to bring

• Warm clothing

Good to know

• Dress according to weather. 
• Pick up from Reykjavik is available and included in the tour price. 
• If you ask for pick up, we will be at your location 30 minutes before the set riding time. 
• The total duration of the tour is 2,5 hours. You will be spending 1,5 – 2 hours horse riding. 
• This tour is ideal for single travelers, groups, families and children. 
• No prvious horse riding experience is required on this tour. 
• This tour offers small groups and personal services. 

Most frequent questions and answers

The meeting point is at Surtlugata in Reykjavik.

The driving distance from Reykjavik is around 13 kilometers – 16 minutes.

The driving time from Reykjavik to the meeting point is approximately 45 minutes (53 kilometres) in good road condition.

You should schedule to be at our departure point at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.

This tour is available with a pick up from Reykjavik. The pick up is included in the price of the tour. 

You will be picked up in Reykjavik 60 minutes before the tour starts. 

We offer pick up from ION Adventure hotel for extra fee of ISK 7.000. The pick up starts 60 minutes before set riding time. 

You will be on the horse for 1,5 – 2 hours. 

This is a 5-7 kilometres horse riding tour.

This tour is ideal for beginners. 

If the tour gets cancelled due to weather you can choose between rescheduling the tour for another departure or receiving a full refund. 

• 2 days notice: 100% charge
• 6 days notice: 70% charge
• 8 days notice: 0% charge

Yes, and you definitely should! The setting on the tour is full of amazing, scenic views.

We do not recommend horse riding tours for pregnant women. 

There are plenty of free parking lots next to the meeting point of the tour. 

Do you have a question?

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Hidden Gems

Lava Field Horseback Riding in Reykjavik

• Duration 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Pickup Optional
• Difficulty Easy
• Minimum age 10 years
• Starting from Reykjavik

What will you do?

Ride the Icelandic horse through the amazing lava field in Heidmork Nature Reserve, located just outside Reykjavik. The best way to enjoy the Icelandic horse is by riding through its natural habitat, just like the original Viking settlers did. Get the best price with our Last-minute deals. Family owned and operated horse ranch since 2010

I went on the Lava field horseback riding tour in Reykjavik, and I've got to say it's one of my favourites. Even though I have limited experience I had a great time. Take a sneak peak in my video below.

Why book with us?

Húsavík Iceland

Lava horse riding tour at lake mývatn, pictures from the tour, what to expect in this tour, tour details.

The Lava Horse Riding Tour at Lake Mývatn

Join us for an amazing 1.5 – 2 hour horse riding tour from our base at Lake Mývatn (200m south of the information centre at Reykjahlid). Lake Mývatn is a very popular destination due to it´s magical surroundings.

The trail leads you through bushy vegetation and lava fields. When we get to a certain point you will have great views of the Mývatn area that is surrounded by mighty Volcanoes.

The Icelandic horse is really kind and easy to ride and we offer a selection of horses fit for both beginners and advanced riders.

We have experienced guides on all our tours.

Please be there 15 minutes before and dress according to weather

• No booking fees or any hidden cost.
• Booking directly from supplier.
• Best price guarantee!

We accept these major credit cards.

Travel in Iceland remains normal. See details on the latest eruption

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Combo Tours

Horse Riding & Caving

Horseback riding & lava caving tour.

This tour combined two excellent activities in Iceland. One is horseback riding through the incredible landscape of Iceland, and the other is an underground adventure to the lava cave. It’s hard to pick one, so we put them together into this incredible Icelandic adventure!

• Bláfjöll (Blue mountains)
• Helgafell Mountain
• Raufarhólshellir Lava Tube
• The Icelandic Horse
• Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík
• Guided Caving Tour
• All Caving Gear
• Guided Horseback Riding
• All Horseback Riding Gear

What to bring

• Warm outdoor clothing
• Waterproof jacket and pants

Tour Snapshot

• Expert Guides
• Small Group Experience
• No Booking Fees
• Fast & Secure Payment
• Best Price Guarantee
• Operated by our trusted partner

Get ready for a day full of adventures! First up is the lava-caving adventure. We will immerse you beneath the surface of Iceland when we take you into the velvet darkness of the  Raufarhólshellir lava tube . Explore and discover the marvels the volcano created over 5200 years ago!

Raufarhólshellir lava tube, situated in one of the most active volcanic areas in the world, is a perfect example of Iceland's volcanic activity. This uniquely daring adventure will exhibit the Icelandic lava fields from two very different angles, giving you a deep understanding of how Iceland was created and how the primal forces of nature continue to shape it every day! The cave offers easy access, and no climbing or crawling is required.

Horse riding

Next up is the horse riding adventure with our partners at Íshestar. From their stables, we will saddle up on the beautiful Icelandic horses. We go for a great stroll into the lava surrounding Mt. Helgafell volcano and continue through lava fields, and beautiful hillsides to the old Kaldársel sheep corral. As we ride through this majestic scenery, you will see different unique formations in the rough lava and the Bláfjöll Mountains towering above the horizon. The horses follow safe paths through the beautiful countryside to give you a fun and peaceful horseback experience in Iceland.

*Please note that this is a combination of two tours. There is a short break in Reykjavík between the tours during lunchtime.

Practical information

Pick-up is around  8:15 am  (Oct-May) or  7:45 am  (June-Sept) from your hotel or a nearby meeting point in Reykjavík. Picking everyone up can take up to 30 minutes. Your patience is much appreciated.

Available pick-up points :  Arctic Adventures’ pick-up list .

Weight limit : Maximum weight for a rider is 110kg/242lb.

What does meet on location entail?

Meet on location  means travelling to the location of the tour yourself and then meeting our tour guides rather than being picked up and taken to the location.

How is it best to be ready for a pick-up for a tour with Arctic Adventures?

This is a great question. We ask all participants to be ready from the start of the pickup time indicated. This is because you may well be the first pick up of the day. Please be at your assigned location at the start time that you chose when booking the tour.

Here you should wait for your guide.

Have your email and phone number listed with us so we can contact you if we run into any trouble finding you.

View our pick-up locations in Reykjavík.

Can I drink alcohol before or during Arctic Adventures tours?

Before and during activities on the multi-day tours consumption of alcohol is prohibited. If we suspect that a participant is intoxicated, we will prohibit them from joining the activity.

After the activities of the day are finished, you are welcome to have a drink and relax.

Do you offer any family friendly tours, for younger children?

Yes, we do. Langjökull Ice Cave is a magical experience, the tour has no minimum age and is a wonderful option for the whole family. Whale Watching with our partner company Elding has been a favourite with families traveling with young children, these guys have a great success rate in seeing whales (upwards of 98% in the summertime).

Another option would be the Landmannalaugar Safari on this tour you get to explore parts of the Icelandic highlands and bathe in natural hot springs. Most of our super jeep tours are also suitable for children over the age of 6 years old. If you would like a nice and relaxing experience we would also recommend the Golden Circle & Secret Lagoon tour .

Can the itinerary for the tour change?

Your safety is our number one priority! Keeping this in mind, Arctic Adventures reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and/or take different routes depending on conditions. Please read more information in our cancellation policy .

Is there a guide on each Arctic Adventures tour?

Yes, there is a specially trained and certified guide on each of our tours. The only exception to this is for our self-drive tours .

All of our tours are guided in English.

Can the guide advise if I am eligible for rescheduling the tour and/or a refund?

No, for all your questions and concerns you would need to contact our customer service.

What type of power outlets are used in Iceland? Do I need to bring an adapter?

The standard in Iceland is 230V and 50Hz and we use F-type power sockets and plugs, so you might have to bring an adaptor if you are visiting from UK, USA, Canada or other countries using a different voltage, Hz or plugs.

How are the tours rated in terms of difficulty?

Our tours are split into four different categories that help participants to understand what to expect from the tour. The categories are Easy, Moderate, Challenging and Demanding. Each tour is rated making it easier to find tours that suit you.

For further information about the difficulty ratings and descriptions.

How does carbon offsetting work?

We’ve partnered with the Kolviður Fund in a new carbon offsetting program, which passengers can select to participate in at the time of booking.

The Kolviður Fund is the oldest, most respected carbon offsetting program in Iceland. With your support, one tree will be planted in special Kolviður forests in Iceland to carbon offset your tour with us.

Kolviður forests are strategically planted to absorb the maximum amount of CO2 and the forests are protected for a minimum of 60 years. During their lifetime the trees absorb carbon and store it in their root system, trunk, and branches. Trees also prevent soil erosion and maintain storage of carbon in the soil.

What equipment do you provide for the lava tube caving trip?

We provide you with a headlight and a helmet.

What should I wear on a lava caving tour in Iceland?

Like always in Iceland, it’s best to dress in layers. Warm layers closest to you preferably wool/thermal underwear, pants sweater and on top waterproof outdoor clothing. We also recommend that you wear good hiking boots and gloves. Jeans have proven to be a bad choice.

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Contact us for more information about this tour.

Arctic Adventures offers pick up service from selected Reykjavík pick up points. Note that you can always update your pick-up / drop-off location through our customer portal: https://my.adventures.is You can press the login button in your confirmation email for an easy login to the customer portal. If you experience an error with logging into the customer portal or can't find your booking, please contact us on Facebook Messenger, or send us a message here below. Chat with us on Facebook Messenger

Lava Horseback Riding Tour

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From Reykjavík: Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in Lava Fields

• Wildlife spot
• Horseriding

Seeing Iceland’s volcanic fields on a horse, with local guides who know the area like the back of their hands on this 1.5-2 hour horse-riding excursion from Reykjavík, with optional hotel transfers. Enjoy friendly horses on excellent riding paths at the Íshestar Stables in Hafnarfjörður. Ride through lava fields and along beautiful green hillsides. Look for different rock formations in the lava while experiencing the special gait of these horses, known as tölt. The Íshestar Stables are unique in Iceland with fantastic facilities set in beautiful surroundings just outside the town of Hafnarfjörður, about a 20-minute drive from Reykjavík. The facilities and the fascinating area provide endless opportunities for riding, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The changing room of the Stables is well-equipped. All customers are provided with warm overalls, rain gear, riding boots, and helmets in their sizes. The Íshestar staff take pride in finding horses to suit individual needs, as well as secure the safety of everybody.

Type of tour

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• Reykjavík Airport
• Keflavík Airport

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• Stable Visits
• Private Riding Experience
• Longer Trail Rides
• Private Rides
• Reiðnámskeið fyrir fullorðna
• Reiðklúbbur
• Reiðskóli Íshesta og Sörla
• Fyrirtækjaferðir
• Barnaafmæli hjá Íshestum

We have a great selection of day tours and shorter rides from our Íshestar  stables in the Reykjavík area, only 15 minutes from the city center.⁣ ⁣ Our operation is surrounded by beautiful lava fields, untouched nature, and a great mountain view that you can enjoy while riding the Icelandic horse.  Our riding tours in the Reykjavik area are suitable for both beginners up to experienced riders. The rides vary in length and difficulty for all ages. Check out our tour selection, duration and pick-up possibilities!⁣ ⁣ Guests are welcome to visit and meet us on location.

IF YOU CAN NOT BOOK ONLINE PLEASE CALL +354 555 7000 TO BOOK A TOUR OR EMAIL [email protected]

Looking for something different? –  Private Riding Experiences

We offer private tours from just one hour to multiple days, from a single person to a family or a bigger group of friends.

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Horses and Waffles

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Embark on an unforgettable horse riding adventure surrounded by beautiful nature. Our friendly horses and trained guides will take you through excellent riding paths.

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Visit our stables.

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We create private riding tours designed to accommodate groups. Tell us your dream horseback riding experience, and we'll take care of the perfect equestrian adventure tailored just for you.

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Departure on fridays and mondays, experienced riders.

This tour for experienced riders is a unique way to feel the power of the Icelandic horse. Explore lava fields and visit the ancient volcano, Mt Helgafell. Dynamic routes suited to weather and season.

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Sörlaskeið 26 220 Hafnarfjörður Iceland

+354 555 7000 [email protected]

www.ishestar.is

Íshestar | allur réttur áskilinn | 2021.

LAVA HORSES

Lava Horses is a family-run horse rental in Húsavík North Iceland. We offer short riding tours suitable for families and experienced riders, including a day tour for experienced riders.

A family-run company

We are a small company that offer tours for small groups. This means we can be flexible and provide a personal service.

Experienced guides

Our guides are experienced riders. They know the area inside out and will give you fascinating information about the landscapes you will be riding through.

We love our horses

We pride ourselves on our horses and therefore we make sure they are well trained and taken care of.

Our riding tours

Book a riding tour.

Lava horses riding tour

Family riding.

Don’t miss out on our 1-hour easy-going and comfortable family riding tour suitable for your family for 5 years old and older. A short riding lesson and off we go into beautiful landscapes.

Enjoy the differences

A perfect 2-hour ride for those who want to experience the diverse landscape of Iceland on a horseback. Lava landscape, birch forest, and a crossing through a small lake are one of your experiences.

The day tour

Get the full experience on this 5-7 hour long tour. Suitable for intermediate or experienced riders. River crossing and a stunning view are one of our promises on this tour. Try the Icelandic tölt on some of the suitable tracks.

Private custom-made tour

Lava Horses are happy to create a private and custom-made riding tour for you. Please send us a message with your requirements and we will answer as soon as possible with an idea of your dream riding adventure.

Our accommodation

Lava horses studio apartment.

Lava Horses offers a beautiful and spacious studio apartment for up to 5 persons. All facilities are available including a fireplace.

The studio apartment is ideal for families and smaller groups and is located on the Hraunkot Farm where you can interact with and pet the animals.

Please contact us for bookings.

Our history

Over 200 years ago, our family settled down on this land of lava, called Hraunkot, and has lived here for generations. In fact, the word “Hraunkot” means “a small house in the lava”. Somehow, our forefathers found a way to culture the land and explore the resources while keeping the wild Icelandic nature.

Here on the farm Hraunkot, we can offer you horseback riding and homemade handicrafts, using our own materials. Our aim is to let you experience Iceland in an authentic and natural way, just as generations before us have done.

Lava Horses is a family-run company. Our family of four welcomes you and takes you out riding in the beautiful landscape surrounding our farm Hraunkot. 

Tora Katinka, our main guide and director, was born in Norway and moved to Iceland in 2003. Being from another country she saw the farm and its land with a tourist’s eyes and realized that Hraunkot was a natural pearl that other people should be able to experience.

We have always had horses on our farm. In the past, they were working horses – used to pull the plow and cut the grass, as well as gather the sheep in the autumn, but we still use them for these purposes to this day.

We opened the horse rental in 2010 with 6 horses but the business slowly grew and today we use 20 horses for our tours, most of whom are bred and trained by ourselves.

Youtube channel

Videos from riding tours.

Check out our YouTube Channel where you can have a look at videos from our horse riding tours.

Get directions

From akureyri.

Take road number 1 as you are going to Húsavík, After about half an hour you get to a crossroad where you take off from road number one and into road 85. Follow road number 85 and the sign to Húsavík for about 20 minutes. Take a left turn into the gravel road number 852, drive 4 km and then you are here!

From Húsavík

Take road 85 as you are driving to Akureyri. Drive for about 10 minutes, 14 km. Take a right turn when you get to a gravel road number 852, drive 4 km and then you should find us!

The routine itinerary in Iceland usually involves a visit to a hot spring (generally the overcrowded Blue Lagoon), a waterfall trek, and some adventuring around the capital city of Reykjavik. However, if you want to get off the beaten path and experience something extraordinary, we have news for you: There is an Icelandic town that's called the whale-watching capital of Europe. On the northern coast, where the frigid waters of the North Atlantic meet the shores of Skjálfandi Bay, lies Húsavík. This hidden gem offers nature adventures, local history, and 100% whale sighting rates during the summer season. While it may not have the bustling tourism of Reykjavik or the fame of the Blue Lagoon, Húsavík is a destination that begs to be explored by those seeking an authentic Icelandic experience.

Húsavík's reputation as a premier whale-watching destination is well-earned. In fact, it pioneered whale-watching tourism in all of Iceland, being the first place in the country to offer whale-watching tours since the mid-1990s. On a single whale-watching trip, you might be lucky enough to witness one (or many) of Iceland's 23 species of whales, with the most common ones being the humpback whale, minke whale, and the blue whale, the largest animal on the planet. But whales aren't the only marine life you'll encounter in Húsavík! Skjálfandi Bay is also home to dolphins, porpoises, and a wide variety of seabirds, including puffins, making each expedition diverse and unpredictable. 

Whale-watching and exploring Húsavík

There are numerous options for setting out to sea on a whale-watching tour in Húsavík. Oak fishing boat tours, lasting two to three hours, provide a classic experience. RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) excursions are shorter (typically under two hours) but packed with more adrenaline. RIBs are faster and smaller, rendering a closer look at the whales. Alternatively, sailing offers a laid-back three- to four-hour expedition, allowing visitors to relax as they glide across the bay on eco-friendly vessels. With experienced guides and a high success rate for sightings, you'll have a firsthand experience with Iceland's whales as they breach, spout, and dive beneath the waves. North Sailing, Húsavík Adventures, Salka Whale Watching, and Gentle Giants are four local tour providers.

Although whale watching is the main attraction, Húsavík offers much more. With a population of just over 2,000, Húsavík invites  the alternative traveler . The town's colorful buildings, traditional homes, and scenic harbor feel welcoming and unspoiled by mass tourism. One of its most iconic landmarks is Húsavíkurkirkja, a wooden church built in 1907. Húsavík is also home to the Exploration Museum, which features exhibits on exploration from the Viking Age to the Space Age. Surprisingly, this small Icelandic town played a role in the training of Apollo astronauts in the 1960s. To dive deeper, visit the Húsavík Whale Museum, with fascinating exhibits on whale biology, behavior, and conservation (including a life-sized skeleton of a blue whale!).

Adventures in northern Iceland and travel tips

Húsavík also serves as an excellent base for exploring some of the natural wonders of northern Iceland, all of which are within a short drive from the town. One such wonder is Lake Mývatn, located about an hour away from Húsavík. This shallow, nutrient-dense lake is surrounded by a surreal landscape of various volcanic landforms. The nearby Mývatn Nature Baths, an unforgettable destination dupe to the Blue Lagoon , offers a relaxing soak in mineral-rich geothermal waters without the crowds.

Another place to check out nearby is Ásbyrgi Canyon, a horseshoe-shaped canyon believed to be the hoofprint of Odin's eight-legged horse. The canyon is part of Vatnajökull National Park, which offers stunning hikes through massive glaciers (the largest in Europe!), moss-grown lava fields, and tranquil ponds. This park, which makes up 13% of Iceland's area, is rich in folklore, with stories of elves said to inhabit the cliffs.

The best time of the year to go whale watching in Húsavík  is between May and September, which also coincides with Icelandic summer when the midnight sun bathes the town in 24/7 daylight — perfect for whale watching and exploring the outdoors. In the winter,  you are most likely to see the Northern Lights and experience Iceland in its snow-covered, ethereal beauty. No matter when you visit, Húsavík offers an authentic, underrated experience that is often overlooked by those who stick to Iceland's more famous tourist routes.