Icelandic horses are one of the country’s greatest treasures: small but powerful, incredibly friendly, and uniquely adapted to Iceland’s wild landscapes. If you’re planning a trip to West Iceland and wondering where to see Icelandic horses up close, you’re in the perfect region. From green valleys and black-sand shores to dramatic fjords, West Iceland offers some of the most beautiful settings to meet these remarkable animals.
Staying with Ourhotels.is puts you right in the heart of horse country, with easy access to farms, riding tours, and scenic drives where horses graze just off the road.
Icelandic horses in West Iceland
The Icelandic horse is famous for its sure-footedness, thick mane, and unique gaits—especially the smooth tölt. In West Iceland, you’ll find them in open fields, along rivers, and near coastal roads. Many local farms welcome visitors for short visits or guided riding tours, and several are within comfortable driving distance of Ourhotels.is locations.
Where to see Icelandic horses near Hvítá Inn (Borgarfjörður)
Hvítá Inn, just outside Borgarnes, is an ideal base if you want to see Icelandic horses in classic countryside surroundings.
– Borgarfjörður countryside: The valleys and farmlands around Borgarfjörður are dotted with horse farms. As you drive the local roads, you’ll often see herds grazing in front of mountain backdrops and lava fields. Pull into designated viewpoints or farm entrances (with permission) to take photos.
– Local horse farms and riding tours: Several stables in the Borgarfjörður area offer short riding tours for beginners and experienced riders alike. Ask the staff at Hvítá Inn for current recommendations; they can point you to nearby farms where you can meet the horses, learn about their history, and try a gentle ride through fields and along rivers.
– Húsafell and surrounding valleys: A day trip from Hvítá Inn toward Húsafell and the inner Borgarfjörður region often includes sightings of horses along the way. The contrast of green pastures, glacial rivers, and horses grazing in front of distant glaciers makes this one of the most photogenic areas in West Iceland.
Staying at Hvítá Inn means you can explore these areas at a relaxed pace, returning in the evening to a quiet riverside setting and views that often include horses in nearby fields.
Where to see Icelandic horses around Stykkishólmur Inn (Snæfellsnes Peninsula)
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is sometimes called “Iceland in Miniature” because it has a bit of everything: mountains, lava fields, beaches, and charming fishing towns. It’s also a wonderful place to see Icelandic horses in dramatic coastal landscapes.
– Coastal drives near Stykkishólmur: From Stykkishólmur Inn, take short drives along the peninsula’s roads and you’ll frequently spot horses grazing with views of Breiðafjörður Bay and its countless islands. The combination of sea, sky, and horses makes for unforgettable photos.
– Horse farms on Snæfellsnes: There are several horse farms on the peninsula that offer riding tours over lava fields, along beaches, or beneath the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Many tours are suitable for beginners and families. The team at Stykkishólmur Inn can help you find a stable that matches your experience level and interests.
– Scenic stops and viewpoints: When exploring popular sights like Kirkjufell, Berserkjahraun lava field, or the southern coast of Snæfellsnes, keep an eye out for horses near the road. Always stay outside fences and respect private land, but feel free to pause at pull-outs to admire and photograph them.
Stykkishólmur Inn offers a comfortable harbor-side base, so you can spend your days discovering both the peninsula’s nature and its horses, then return to town for good food and a peaceful night’s sleep.
Where to see Icelandic horses near Ísafjörður Inn (Westfjords)
The Westfjords feel more remote and wild, and that’s part of their charm. While horses are less densely concentrated than in some farming regions, you can still find beautiful herds in striking fjord landscapes.
– Fjord-side pastures: As you drive in and out of Ísafjörður, you’ll pass farms with horses grazing along the shoreline or on the lower slopes of the mountains. The contrast of steep cliffs, narrow roads, and calm horses is uniquely Westfjords.
– Day trips from Ísafjörður: Exploring nearby fjords such as Súgandafjörður, Önundarfjörður, and Dýrafjörður often includes horse sightings. These quieter roads let you take your time, stop at viewpoints, and enjoy the scenery without crowds.
– Local stables and experiences: Depending on the season, there may be opportunities to join small-group riding tours or farm visits in the Ísafjörður area. The staff at Ísafjörður Inn can help you check what’s available during your stay and connect you with local providers.
From Ísafjörður Inn, you can combine horse encounters with hikes, sea views, and the raw beauty that makes the Westfjords so special.
Tips for seeing and photographing Icelandic horses
To make the most of your encounters with Icelandic horses, keep a few simple guidelines in mind:
– Respect fences and private land: Never cross fences or enter fields without permission, even if the horses are close.
– Don’t feed the horses: They have specific diets, and unfamiliar food can make them sick.
– Approach calmly: If you’re near a fence and the horses come over, move slowly and speak softly. Many are curious and friendly, but sudden movements can startle them.
– Stay safe near roads: When stopping to take photos, always park in a safe pull-out, not on blind corners or narrow shoulders.
– Ask locals: Staff at Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn know the area well and can often suggest current spots where horses are easy to see.
Why base your horse experiences with Ourhotels.is
Choosing Ourhotels.is in West Iceland gives you three well-placed bases—Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords. From these locations you can:
– Explore different landscapes and horse environments in one trip
– Join local riding tours suited to your experience level
– Enjoy comfortable, welcoming accommodation after days outdoors
– Get up-to-date, local advice on where to see horses and what routes to drive
If Icelandic horses are on your must-see list, planning your journey around these three inns lets you experience them in lush valleys, along dramatic coasts, and in quiet fjords—all within the wild beauty of West Iceland.
