A total solar eclipse in Iceland
Enjoy the Solar Eclipse with the Icelandic Horse
A total solar eclipse is among the most amazing sights that can be witnessed in the nature. Many people, however, never have the opportunity to see this phenomenon, due to its rarity. In Iceland, a total solar eclipse was last seen in 1954.
Weather conditions were exceptionally favourable, allowing many people to witness the eclipse. No living person at that time had previously witnessed a total solar eclipse in Iceland, as more than a century had passed since such an event had last occurred.
A total solar eclipse is among the most amazing sights that can be witnessed in the nature. Many people, however, never have the opportunity to see this phenomenon, due to its rarity. In Iceland, a total solar eclipse was last seen in 1954.
Weather conditions were exceptionally favourable, allowing many people to witness the eclipse. No living person at that time had previously witnessed a total solar eclipse in Iceland, as more than a century had passed since such an event had last occurred.
The 12th of August 2026, Iceland will become one of the rare places on Earth where a total solar eclipse can be experienced in full. At Íshestar, we have created a collection of horseback riding tours that allow you to witness this extraordinary event from the saddle, moving through wide open landscapes where sky, land, and horse come together in unforgettable ways.
Traveling on horseback offers a unique perspective on such a moment. Days are spent riding across volcanic plains, river valleys, and open countryside, building a deep connection with your horse and the land beneath you. When the Moon’s shadow finally passes over Iceland, the experience is heightened by the stillness, the scale of the surroundings, and the sense of having truly journeyed to be there.
Our solar eclipse riding tours are designed for riders with different levels of experience and time, ranging from shorter journeys to demanding multi-day rides for advanced riders. Each tour has its own character, pace, and route, but all share a common focus: meaningful riding, well-cared-for Icelandic horses, experienced guides, and carefully chosen locations for viewing the eclipse itself.
Below you will find an overview of the solar eclipse tours we offer, including key highlights such as tour length, riding level, daily distances, and what makes each journey distinct. Whether you are seeking an ambitious riding challenge or a more accessible way to combine horseback riding with this rare celestial event, there is a tour designed to match your sense of adventure.
Solar Eclipse Ride – Day tour for beginners to intermediate riders
Duration: 1,5-2 hours
Let the horses take you to a carefully selected view point in time for experiencing the 2026 Solar Eclipse and join us in celebrating afterwards at the riding center.
Ideal for beginners and less experienced riders, this shorter and more accessible tour combines comfortable riding with an unforgettable eclipse experience. With a relaxed pace and supportive guidance, it offers a meaningful way to witness the total solar eclipse from horseback.
More info about this riding experience HERE
Solar Eclipse Ride – Day tour for advanced Riders
Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Created for confident riders,
From our stables in Hafnarfjörður we ride on excellent riding paths where we cross the Kaldá River and ride around Mt. Helgafell as the eclipse begins. Around 2 hours into the ride we will reach our remote break spot in time to watch as the total solar eclipse blacks out Western Iceland.
More info about this riding experience HERE
The Dark Side of the Sun – Family friendly multi-day tour
Duration: 5 days – 4 nights – 5 riding days (5th night optional)
This atmospheric multi-day ride is family friendly and open for experienced kids 11 and older. For four days we will take you through the area around Hekla, This tour will culminate in experiencing the total solar eclipse during a ride around the volcano Mt. Helgafell in Hafnarfjörður as the eclipse begins, after that ride we head to Minni-Vellir where we will spend the next 4 days riding around Hekla one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland, the lava and ash from the eruptions of Hekla enriched the soil, which with time created green pastures around the volcano. The ash and light pumice lava stone have formed incredibly smooth paths ideal for riding adventures in the land of fire and ice. We will take a herd of horses with us on most days.
This is truly a once in a lifetime experience where you get to combine the experience of the mighty Icelandic viking horses with and being a part og the forces of nature. More info about this riding experience HERE
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