Breed Age
1,000+ years
Genetically isolated since the Viking Age settlement
The Icelandic Horse: A Five-Gaited Breed
A breed brought by Norse settlers over 1,000 years ago, known for its five gaits and its hardiness in the Icelandic landscape.
Location
Nationwide
Farms and stables across Iceland
Quick Answer
The Icelandic horse has been isolated for over 1,000 years and has five gaits, including the smooth tölt. Breed history plus riding tours near Reykjavík and beyond.
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, uniquely gaited animal found nowhere else. There are approximately 80,000 horses in Iceland and another 100,000 worldwide. The horse remains central to Icelandic culture, and riding tours are among the country's most popular activities.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
This guide is a travel-planning summary, not emergency guidance. Conditions in Iceland can change quickly; check official alerts, roads, and weather before driving, hiking, or booking around volatile conditions.
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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 country, 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 main event for gait displays 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. Arrange a visit with the farm before arriving; roadside grazing fields are not visitor attractions. 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 and fewer crowds; temperatures 4-10°C; shorter days. November-February: Winter riding through snow-covered terrain (temperatures -2 to 4°C); northern lights may be visible on evening rides; limited daylight (4-7 hours). March-May: Spring foaling season, with new foals in the fields; lengthening daylight; a good time to photograph mares with young. For the annual autumn réttir (sheep and horse roundup), visit farms in September.
Before packing riding equipment
Used riding gloves and tack such as saddles, bridles, pads and whips cannot be imported into Iceland. Washing them does not remove that prohibition. Used riding clothes, helmets and boots fall under separate cleaning rules. Check MAST’s instructions before packing, and ask your riding operator what equipment it can supply locally.
MAST riding-equipment requirements, updated January 30, 2026
Planning help
Icelandic Horse FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
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 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 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 comfortable for long rides over rough terrain. Not all horse breeds possess this gait; it is a defining trait of the Icelandic horse.
For more context on Iceland’s people and rural life, explore our Iceland statistics.