Lýtingsstaðir · Skagafjörður, Iceland
A friendly family horse farm in Skagafjordur, Iceland's horse-breeding heartland
A riding holiday at Lytingsstadir, a welcoming family horse farm in Skagafjordur in North Iceland, the country's horse-breeding heartland, run as a licensed riding company since 2000. Small-group rides on well-trained Icelandic horses head out into the valley for riders of all levels, and you stay in cosy self-catering cottages on the farm. A turf-built old stable houses a little exhibition on how horses were once kept in Iceland.
Rides go out in small groups with experienced guides and well-schooled horses, and suit both beginners and experienced riders. Days and routes are matched to the group, from gentle valley rides to longer outings for the more confident.
Well-trained Icelandic horses from a farm in Iceland's main breeding region, famous for the smooth tolt.
Rides head out from the farm into the Skagafjordur valley and hills, in small groups matched to ability, with time to enjoy the tolt and the scenery. Back at the farm there are cosy cottages to relax in, and the turf-built old stable to explore.
Three cosy self-catering wooden cottages on the farm, each with a kitchen, en-suite and deck, sleeping up to five or six.
The cottages are self-catering with well-equipped kitchens; meals and farm dinners can be arranged.
Best months: May to September
The main riding season is the Icelandic summer, with long daylight; the farm welcomes visitors year-round.
Nearest airport: Keflavik (KEF), then drive north; the farm is about 20 km from Varmahlid off Route 1
Transfers: Roughly a four to five hour drive from Reykjavik, or fly to Akureyri and drive; a hire car is easiest
Drive north from Reykjavik to Skagafjordur, near Varmahlid.
