Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Best Horse-Riding Regions
Southern Snæfellsnes
The wild beaches under the shadow of a glinting glacier are per-
fect places for a ride. Several award-winning stables are located here.
Hella
The flatlands around Hella that roll under brooding Hekla host a constellation of horse
ranches offering multiday rides and short sessions.
Skagafjörður
The only county in Iceland where horses outnumber people has a proud tra-
dition of breeding and training.
Horse riders, Snæfellsnes Peninsula
ARCTIC IMAGES/ALAMY ©
Swimming & Spas
Thanks to Iceland's abundance of geothermal heat, swimming is a national institution, and
nearly every town has at least one
sundlaug
(heated swimming pool - generally outdoors).
Most pools also offer
heitir pottar
(hot-pots; small heated pools for soaking, with the water
around 40°C), saunas and Jacuzzis. Admission is usually around Ikr600 (half-price for
children).
The clean, chemical-free swimming pools and natural hot springs have a strict hygiene
regimen, which involves a thorough shower without swimsuit before you enter the swim-
ming area. Instructions are posted in a number of languages. Not following them is a sure-
fire way to offend the locals.
