Nupshestar
Nupshestar
5
About
Nupshestar – Riding Tours offer a horse rental and horse riding tours in South Iceland. In offer are short riding tours and a few days riding tours in Thjorsa Valley. We welcome any kind of experience riders. We also offer custom tours for all kind of groups.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
222 reviews
Excellent
219
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Danny
22 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Excellent! Was a brilliant 1hr ride. Staff were super friendly super helpful. Wife was afraid but the leader made sure my wife felt safe and comfortable. Was amazed but how welcoming they were and the horses were really really calm and gorgeous! A must experience!
Written 11 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ajay R
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Amazing experience, good value, two very friendly and approachable guides, beautiful horses and great views. We did the 3 hour ride and it was a highlight of the trip. Would recommend to anyone. They also sold handmade icelandic jumpers knitted by the owners mother in law at a great price!
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pascal F
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg10 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Nupshestar is very experienced in multiday tours. It is a family-run horsefarm. The owners join the tour, accompanied by many seasoned guides.
They are absolutely amazing on managing the logistics of these tours. Participants can really enjoy the riding and the delicious meals prepared.
We went with a free herd which makes the experience so unique: the free herd following front-riders and pushed by back-riders. I went to Landmannalaugar: amazing landscapes!
The group slowly formed a big family thanks to the incredible atmosphere created.
A lifetime experience. I’m so thankful to Nupshestar!
They are absolutely amazing on managing the logistics of these tours. Participants can really enjoy the riding and the delicious meals prepared.
We went with a free herd which makes the experience so unique: the free herd following front-riders and pushed by back-riders. I went to Landmannalaugar: amazing landscapes!
The group slowly formed a big family thanks to the incredible atmosphere created.
A lifetime experience. I’m so thankful to Nupshestar!
Written 27 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronja S
11 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
Elwira and Svenni made our dream, to ride on a horseback in Iceland, come true and even more!
The horses are fantastic, calm but really powerfull and absolutely beautiful and lovely, in and outside! You will be asked which kind you prefer, so there is the perfect horse for experienced riders which want speed, as for beginners, which want to start slowly. Elwira also is so kind and considers,if possible, your favorite horse when you fall in love, so you can ride it again :)
We've rode the completely NEW 6 days around Hekla Tour and the landscape was phenomenal and breathtaking, words can truly not describe what we saw. I will remember the diversity like the Highland mountains, lava fields and beautiful strong rivers for a lifetime. We've rode with free running horses and this is pure freedom and magic. Highly recommend this new tour!
The food, oh my god ,the food was always amazing and we really looked forward to it everyday :D You have always a choice of soo many different options, so you will always enjoy the food,which is all delicious. I am Lactose intolerant and Elwira was so amazing and kind to me. She always prepared separate food for me, so that I could really relax and have had a perfect meal too. She've never get tired to offer me my special Lactose free snacks for the Tours,it was so kind and they all taste perfect. So just let her know in advance if you have a special diet and she will really consider and make you happy.
The team in general is so lovely and nice,we had the best time with them and we will always remember our perfect funny party time with singing icelandic songs, all of this made it so special to us. You really want to be a member of the nupshestar team. Our Rider Team was the best and funniest team we've could imagine and trough the fantastic atmosphere we really became friends. Precious!
Long story short : If you' re thinking about goingt there,dont hesitate,do it!
You will not regret I promise you!
We will definitely come back!
It's already on our wishlist :)
Sending love to the nupshestar team
See you hopefully soon!
Greetings Ronja & Selina
The horses are fantastic, calm but really powerfull and absolutely beautiful and lovely, in and outside! You will be asked which kind you prefer, so there is the perfect horse for experienced riders which want speed, as for beginners, which want to start slowly. Elwira also is so kind and considers,if possible, your favorite horse when you fall in love, so you can ride it again :)
We've rode the completely NEW 6 days around Hekla Tour and the landscape was phenomenal and breathtaking, words can truly not describe what we saw. I will remember the diversity like the Highland mountains, lava fields and beautiful strong rivers for a lifetime. We've rode with free running horses and this is pure freedom and magic. Highly recommend this new tour!
The food, oh my god ,the food was always amazing and we really looked forward to it everyday :D You have always a choice of soo many different options, so you will always enjoy the food,which is all delicious. I am Lactose intolerant and Elwira was so amazing and kind to me. She always prepared separate food for me, so that I could really relax and have had a perfect meal too. She've never get tired to offer me my special Lactose free snacks for the Tours,it was so kind and they all taste perfect. So just let her know in advance if you have a special diet and she will really consider and make you happy.
The team in general is so lovely and nice,we had the best time with them and we will always remember our perfect funny party time with singing icelandic songs, all of this made it so special to us. You really want to be a member of the nupshestar team. Our Rider Team was the best and funniest team we've could imagine and trough the fantastic atmosphere we really became friends. Precious!
Long story short : If you' re thinking about goingt there,dont hesitate,do it!
You will not regret I promise you!
We will definitely come back!
It's already on our wishlist :)
Sending love to the nupshestar team
See you hopefully soon!
Greetings Ronja & Selina
Written 3 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura H
Irvine, CA79 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
If you love riding I cannot recommend this tour company enough. Family-owned and operated by Elwira & Sveinn (and their amazing crew), our ride around Hekla volcano was magical and unforgettable. Every detail was carefully planned out for the benefit of the guests. Part of a small international group of riders, I rode with my young daughter (we both have
Icelandics experience) and loved how each horse was perfectly matched to our skill level and preferences. Definitely challenging, lots of tölting and galloping through majestic lava landscapes and scenic grasslands. So much team building. The homemade meals just made the days that much more enjoyable. No matter the riding skill, they have a horse for you. We come to Iceland annually and can’t wait to do another tour - so that should tell you everything. Takk fyrir Núpshestar!
Icelandics experience) and loved how each horse was perfectly matched to our skill level and preferences. Definitely challenging, lots of tölting and galloping through majestic lava landscapes and scenic grasslands. So much team building. The homemade meals just made the days that much more enjoyable. No matter the riding skill, they have a horse for you. We come to Iceland annually and can’t wait to do another tour - so that should tell you everything. Takk fyrir Núpshestar!
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathrine Frederiksen
15 contributions
Jul 2020
This summer I was on a six days trip to Landmannalaugar with Núpshestar and had the time of my life!
I travelled in a mixed group with both experienced riders and total beginners. Everyone had a spectacular time - no matter their level of experience. The horses are amazing and many of them bred by the farmers themselves, so they know their horses so well! Every horse comes with a story - this especially makes the experience very personal and extremely authentic. The farmers carefully match the horses with the riders to ensure that everyone experiences the perfect level of challenge. We travelled with the farmers themselves, who tended to all our needs - from ensuring everyone was happy and comfortable on horse back, cooking wonderful meals every evening and creating a warm and embracing atmosphere at every cabin. Hostmanship on the highest level!
We rode from camp site to camp site for approx. 5-7 hours a day depending on the distances that needed to be covered. Most of the trip we rode with the herd of horses running free - guessing we were 10 riders with 25 horses. It was such an amazing experience, and so much fun and a great learning experience taking part in herding the horses. We also rode with “hand horses” - meaning being on horse back and holding two additional horses by your side.
Núpshestar’s horses are amazing! During the six days I tried nine different ones - all incredible, gentle and highly skilled creatures. All of them extremely well-trained in the famous Icelandic fourth gait: Tölt. I also experienced the fifth gait: Pace, which was absolutely incredible. Even as an experienced rider I learned so much from these horses - not to mention the farmers, who were great in giving advice and instructions on how I could improve my skills and connection to the individual horses.
The scenery on the trip was otherworldly. The beauty of Iceland simply cannot be put into words. We travelled through areas covered in blue lupin flowers, black sand deserts, wild rivers, mountain ridges with snow and the most incredible views. I’ve been to Iceland five times before this trip and have visited both the South, North, East and the highlands, but never have I experienced this magnificient country in such an amazing way as I did on horse back.
After returning to Denmark I’ve shared my experience with multiple Icelandic horse back riding enthusiasts similiar to myself. Some of which have been on similar horse back riding trips in Iceland with other, larger, competing companies - and been very dissapointed. Apparently a lot of the other companies don’t allow you to travel with the herd of horses, but just drive you by bus each day to the location where the horses are. I guess if you want the true and authentic Icelandic horse back riding adventure you go with Núpshestar! Here you truly get a taste of the real horse herding, cabin living, cowboy life close to nature.
My trip for next summer is already booked and I can’t wait!
Ps. Both pick up and drop up from Reykjavík was included and I didn’t even have to worry about taking pictures while on horse back - the farmers and their staff did that as well!
I travelled in a mixed group with both experienced riders and total beginners. Everyone had a spectacular time - no matter their level of experience. The horses are amazing and many of them bred by the farmers themselves, so they know their horses so well! Every horse comes with a story - this especially makes the experience very personal and extremely authentic. The farmers carefully match the horses with the riders to ensure that everyone experiences the perfect level of challenge. We travelled with the farmers themselves, who tended to all our needs - from ensuring everyone was happy and comfortable on horse back, cooking wonderful meals every evening and creating a warm and embracing atmosphere at every cabin. Hostmanship on the highest level!
We rode from camp site to camp site for approx. 5-7 hours a day depending on the distances that needed to be covered. Most of the trip we rode with the herd of horses running free - guessing we were 10 riders with 25 horses. It was such an amazing experience, and so much fun and a great learning experience taking part in herding the horses. We also rode with “hand horses” - meaning being on horse back and holding two additional horses by your side.
Núpshestar’s horses are amazing! During the six days I tried nine different ones - all incredible, gentle and highly skilled creatures. All of them extremely well-trained in the famous Icelandic fourth gait: Tölt. I also experienced the fifth gait: Pace, which was absolutely incredible. Even as an experienced rider I learned so much from these horses - not to mention the farmers, who were great in giving advice and instructions on how I could improve my skills and connection to the individual horses.
The scenery on the trip was otherworldly. The beauty of Iceland simply cannot be put into words. We travelled through areas covered in blue lupin flowers, black sand deserts, wild rivers, mountain ridges with snow and the most incredible views. I’ve been to Iceland five times before this trip and have visited both the South, North, East and the highlands, but never have I experienced this magnificient country in such an amazing way as I did on horse back.
After returning to Denmark I’ve shared my experience with multiple Icelandic horse back riding enthusiasts similiar to myself. Some of which have been on similar horse back riding trips in Iceland with other, larger, competing companies - and been very dissapointed. Apparently a lot of the other companies don’t allow you to travel with the herd of horses, but just drive you by bus each day to the location where the horses are. I guess if you want the true and authentic Icelandic horse back riding adventure you go with Núpshestar! Here you truly get a taste of the real horse herding, cabin living, cowboy life close to nature.
My trip for next summer is already booked and I can’t wait!
Ps. Both pick up and drop up from Reykjavík was included and I didn’t even have to worry about taking pictures while on horse back - the farmers and their staff did that as well!
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VerenaDresen
Innsbruck, Austria20 contributions
Aug 2020
The best horse farm in Iceland. Our inquiry by email was answered immediately and very friendly. On the booked tour we were all alone and it was perfectly suited to us. Elvira was super friendly and explained everything to us. The horses are well trained. Everything is clean and tidy. We will come back next year and then for the 6-day tour.
Best riding experience in Iceland. We enjoyed it very much.
Best riding experience in Iceland. We enjoyed it very much.
Written 14 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike K
Helsinki, Finland7 contributions
Aug 2020
So we came to Nuphestar after comparing many different options in Iceland. We were a group of 5 from a mix of countries, Finland, Australia and Luxemborg, only one of us had experience riding horses.
The reason we chose Nuphestar initially was because after emailing many locations and asking some questions, the response we received from Nuphestar was the best. The lady writing the emails was very kind, and very flexible which was great as we were arriving from another city some hours away. She was willing to offer a ride tailored specifically to our needs!
When we arrived we were quickly welcomed and the staff were very friendly. It didn't take long for us to have an introduction to the horses, their names, and given equipment (like helmets and raincoats) and information on how to ride. A nice touch was that we took several extra horses with us so we could try multiple different horses and give them a rest, which comfortably trotted alongside us as we rode the "horse highways." It was a funny experience to be riding a horse for the first time and also be leading two others. The horses were very calm and friendly, I quickly felt comfortable despite never having ridden a horse.
We took a five hour ride where we got to cross rivers, climb hills, and see some great river rapids.
The two staff, Maddie and Andrea, who led the tour were incredible. They gave us tips, kept us talking, and told us some history about Iceland as we rode along. Along the ride they also made sure we stayed positive and happy. I have rarely met staff that were as positive and bouncy as these two were, which made the ride greatly enjoyable.
Along the ride we got to experience the many gaits Icelandic horses are a capable of, including the famous "tölt" which only Icelandic horses are capable. The more bold of us got to try the canter and "Flying" pace, which is similar to a gallop.
The ride also included a lunch which was great, as riding can have you build up quite an appetite, the lunch was quite nice and Nuphestar was nice enough to accommodate some of the specific dietary needs of the group.
When we returned to the stables we got a nice hot chocolate to warm us up and a small snack, which was greatly appreciated after several hours of riding, which at times became quite chilly. The staff at the stable debriefed us and asked how we enjoyed it and again kept us chatting.
I would highly recommend to choose Nuphestar for the amazing experience they provided. The horses were great, and the staff were the best. Which is what really made it an excellent choice for us.
5/5 I would go to the same place again.
The reason we chose Nuphestar initially was because after emailing many locations and asking some questions, the response we received from Nuphestar was the best. The lady writing the emails was very kind, and very flexible which was great as we were arriving from another city some hours away. She was willing to offer a ride tailored specifically to our needs!
When we arrived we were quickly welcomed and the staff were very friendly. It didn't take long for us to have an introduction to the horses, their names, and given equipment (like helmets and raincoats) and information on how to ride. A nice touch was that we took several extra horses with us so we could try multiple different horses and give them a rest, which comfortably trotted alongside us as we rode the "horse highways." It was a funny experience to be riding a horse for the first time and also be leading two others. The horses were very calm and friendly, I quickly felt comfortable despite never having ridden a horse.
We took a five hour ride where we got to cross rivers, climb hills, and see some great river rapids.
The two staff, Maddie and Andrea, who led the tour were incredible. They gave us tips, kept us talking, and told us some history about Iceland as we rode along. Along the ride they also made sure we stayed positive and happy. I have rarely met staff that were as positive and bouncy as these two were, which made the ride greatly enjoyable.
Along the ride we got to experience the many gaits Icelandic horses are a capable of, including the famous "tölt" which only Icelandic horses are capable. The more bold of us got to try the canter and "Flying" pace, which is similar to a gallop.
The ride also included a lunch which was great, as riding can have you build up quite an appetite, the lunch was quite nice and Nuphestar was nice enough to accommodate some of the specific dietary needs of the group.
When we returned to the stables we got a nice hot chocolate to warm us up and a small snack, which was greatly appreciated after several hours of riding, which at times became quite chilly. The staff at the stable debriefed us and asked how we enjoyed it and again kept us chatting.
I would highly recommend to choose Nuphestar for the amazing experience they provided. The horses were great, and the staff were the best. Which is what really made it an excellent choice for us.
5/5 I would go to the same place again.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Árni J
Reykjavik, Iceland47 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Went to Núpshestar with my 7year old wich dreams of horses and she or I where not dissapointed.
Very nice welcome and the ride was great.
Along the river and great landscape had my girl smiling all day.
The guide Andrea was great answearing every question a 7year old can dream up.
Ended up after 2 hours wich is in my opinium is minimum getting the horses clean and ready for rest..
Great ride and great service😁
Very nice welcome and the ride was great.
Along the river and great landscape had my girl smiling all day.
The guide Andrea was great answearing every question a 7year old can dream up.
Ended up after 2 hours wich is in my opinium is minimum getting the horses clean and ready for rest..
Great ride and great service😁
Written 27 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Revhedge
Marana, AZ67 contributions
Aug 2019
Near the beginning of our trip around "Ring Road", my 10-year-old daughter and I went on a very nice Icelandic horse ride with another company, but we didn't get to "tolt" (a particular gait that is unique to Icelandic horses). Since my wife and son did a different activity at that same time, we decided we would try to go again, this time all together. We had an opening on the very last full day of our trip. I saw that Nupshestar had great ratings, and so we called. Elwira, the owner, was glad to set us set up for a 2-hour ride in the late afternoon. She was so helpful on the phone, and also when we arrived, and so I was a bit disappointed when she turned us over to another person for the ride. But that didn't last long, because the person she turned us over to - Jenna - was absolutely delightful. She made sure we were taken care of the entire time. She looked back all the time to make sure we were doing good, and smiled and talked with us a lot. She led us in "tolting" many times during the trip, which was amazing. I loved the geography of the area, too, with a great view of the Hekla volcano (with Eyjafjallajökull in the distance). We even saw some beautiful swans as we rode near the Olfusa River. At the end of our trip, another person, Andrea - equally kind and helpful as the other two people - got us some refreshments and took our very reasonably-priced payment.
This was a super way to end our vacation.
This was a super way to end our vacation.
Written 17 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darren J
Vancouver, Canada2 contributions
Would this be suitable for kids ages 2.5 and 5 years old?
Elwira K
1 contribution
Hi Darren!
Your 2.5 year old is welcome to try but not sure if it could make a long ride. 5 year old child should be able to do it up to 1 hour ride :) We do it very personal so the children will get all attention they need to feel save and have fun but as much as they ready for.
amsholtes
Endwell, NY11 contributions
I have been trying to get a hold of you for the last 3 days. I have sent 3 emails but no response. Do you have availability for 2 adults on either a one or two hour horseback ride tomorrow Wednesday aug 30?
Elwira K
1 contribution
Im very sorry but could not find any missed email, hope you founded some good place to ride and enjoyed.
Valentine P
Paris, France25 contributions
Bonjour, proposent ils des journées pour les cavaliers expérimentés ? Trot, galop ? Plusieurs heures et pas un tour de 3 jours ? merci ;)
Elwira K
1 contribution
Bonjour! Oui, nous avons toutes sortes de visites de 1 heure jusqu'à 6 heures. Veuillez nous contacter par e-mail pour les réservations. Merci :)
Lauren M
20 contributions
We will be there the last week in March. Seems like many of the stables are closed in winter. Any one know of one that is not?
Nupshestar (Selfoss) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Nupshestar
- Hotels near Nupshestar:
- (0.67 km) Klettar Tower Iceland
- (3.73 km) Alftrod
- (9.10 km) Brekkugerdi Guesthouse
- (14.22 km) Sel Guesthouse
- (11.38 km) Guesthouse Fludir
- Restaurants near Nupshestar:
- (12.62 km) Fludasveppir Farmers Bistro
- (15.72 km) Friðheimar
- (15.60 km) Restaurant Mika
- (11.30 km) Minilik
- (11.79 km) Kaffi-Sel