Frequently Asked Questions

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU RIDE

Planning a trip to Hestaland? Here are the questions we get asked most often about arriving, packing, the weather, the horses and life at the farm.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Arriving, weather & paperwork

We recommend arriving in Iceland a day or two before the first day of your tour. This gives you time to adjust to the time difference. On the morning of the first day of your tour you’ll be picked up in Reykjavík or at Keflavík International Airport, depending on when you arrived. On the morning of the last day you’ll be dropped off in Reykjavík or at Keflavík, depending on whether you’re flying out that day or extending your stay.

Summer weather in Iceland is relatively good, averaging 13–18°C (55–65°F) — but there are no guarantees. Plan for anything from 7–10°C (45–50°F) with rain and wind on the worst days to T-shirt weather on the best. Layering is by far the best approach, with waterproof outer layers on top.

Passport, driver’s licence, ATM and credit cards, and a list of any health issues and prescription medications (ideally in the original packaging). A copy of your eyeglass or contact-lens prescription is useful too. Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original. Let your credit-card company know you’ll be abroad, and check with your phone provider about coverage in Iceland.

Almost everything, including many over-the-counter medicines, is available in Borgarnes. Do bring anything you really can’t live without — prescription meds, contacts, glasses, sunglasses. Despite the rain, the air in Iceland is dry, so pack a good moisturiser. Things you can’t get here: Prilosec/Nexium and antibiotic ointment.

Ask for a receipt and a tax-free form for larger purchases so you can claim a VAT refund at the airport. Be prepared to show customs the items before you check in.

WHAT TO PACK

Clothing, gear & electronics

The key is layering under a waterproof jacket and trousers. Our recommended packing list:

Outer layers
• Waterproof jacket with hood (not a long coat — it gets in the way when riding)
• Waterproof trousers to wear over breeches
• Fleece-lined windstop layer to wear under the jacket
• Quilted vest or warm fleece, especially for full days out

Riding
• Riding pants / breeches
• Waterproof footwear with a heel — paddock boots, hiking boots or tall boots
• Waterproof riding gloves
• Helmet with a rain cover — or use one of ours (see below)
• Buff or open-faced balaclava to wear under the helmet

Base layers & comfort
• Long underwear (also protects against chafing)
• Layering tops and T-shirts (cotton or Coolmax)
• Warm wool or fleece sweater
• Warm socks — one pair per day
• Band-aids and second-skin plasters for chafing

Also useful
• Bathing suit (for the hot tub and hot springs)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen for face and lips
• Sleeping mask and earplugs
• Gnat net head cover
• Slippers, Crocs or warm socks for indoors — in Iceland everyone takes their shoes off inside

There is a washer and dryer at your disposal during your stay. Tip: pack outerwear in bin bags so you can take it home dirty, and bring a couple of Ziploc bags for wet swimwear.

No — Hestaland has helmets in all sizes for you to use. That said, we can’t promise the perfect fit for everyone, so if you have a helmet you really like, we recommend bringing it along with a rain cover.

Hestaland provides saddle bags and a water canteen for treks. Bring toilet paper, tissues, Ziploc bags, any medication you need, sunglasses and a bit of string for tying things onto the saddle.

Iceland has no contagious equine diseases and our horses are not vaccinated, which makes them vulnerable to infection from abroad. Icelandic regulations on used riding gear are strict, and we ask every guest to follow them.

• Riding clothes — boots, trousers, jackets, hats, gloves — must be washed at 40°C or dry cleaned before travel.
• Leather items that can’t be washed must be disinfected at least five days before arrival. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends Virkon-S or Nolvasan (Hibiclens for humans, available at pharmacies).
• Used saddles, bridles and other leather tack, as well as waxed canvas outerwear (e.g. Outback jackets), may not be brought into the country at all.

Thank you for helping us protect Iceland’s horses and fragile nature.

The electrical current in Iceland is 220 V, 50 Hz. Most phones, laptops and tablets run on 100–240 V, so you only need an adapter plug (check the charger to be sure). Hair dryers, straighteners and similar appliances need a voltage converter — we recommend leaving them at home. Hair dryers are available in every guesthouse room. Iceland is very well connected, so use Wi-Fi wherever you can.

AT HESTALAND

The horses, the riding & the farm

We have horses for all skill levels and plan our rides so that everyone has fun. Each ride is led by a professional riding instructor and horse trainer who shares tips for finding the smoothest, most comfortable tölt — the Icelandic horse’s signature gait. You’ll first be paired with a horse based on your pre-trip questionnaire and what we know about you, and we use the first day and a half to fine-tune the match so you get to know your four-legged partner before heading out.

Yes. Non-riders are welcome to stay at the guesthouse and enjoy the farm, hot tub and surrounding area while the riders are out, and to join sightseeing outings and excursions such as the Krauma geothermal baths. Contact us and we’ll help put together a stay that works for both of you.

Yes — any break you take from your phone will be entirely of your own volition.

Wine and beer are complimentary with dinner at Hestaland. You’re welcome to bring your own — the cheapest place to buy it is the duty-free shop at the airport on arrival. Elsewhere it’s expensive, but there is a Vínbúðin (state liquor store) in Borgarnes, open 11:00–18:00.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re happy to help

Send us a message or give us a call, we’ll answer anything about the tours, the horses or your stay.