Icelandic Horse Festival

About

The Landsmót Icelandic Horse Festival is a spectacular biennial celebration showcasing Iceland's unique five-gaited horses through competitions, exhibitions, and cultural displays. Families will be captivated by the colorful parades of horses, thrilling riding demonstrations, and the chance to meet these friendly, sturdy animals up close. It's an unforgettable opportunity for kids to experience authentic Icelandic culture while surrounded by hundreds of beautiful horses and enthusiastic locals in traditional dress.

What to Expect

Expect a lively outdoor festival atmosphere with horse breeding shows, riding competitions demonstrating the unique tölt gait, and children's activities centered around horses. The festival features vendor stalls selling Icelandic wool products, traditional foods, and horse-related crafts. Families can watch everything from speed races to elegant dressage performances, meet horse breeders, and often participate in petting areas or short pony rides for children. The event draws thousands of visitors and has a festive, community feel with Icelandic music, dancing, and plenty of photo opportunities with horses in traditional tack.

Highlights for Kids

• Watching horses perform the unique tölt gait—a smooth, fast walk that's mesmerizing to watch
• The colorful opening parade featuring hundreds of horses and riders in traditional Icelandic costumes
• Meeting gentle Icelandic horses up close in designated petting and interaction areas
• Seeing foals and young horses, which are especially adorable and capture children's hearts
• Traditional Icelandic cultural performances including folk dancing and music between competitions

Pro Tips for Families

1. Book accommodation well in advance as the festival draws visitors from across Iceland and internationally, causing nearby hotels to fill up months ahead
2. Dress in warm, waterproof layers even in summer—Icelandic weather is unpredictable and the festival is primarily outdoors with limited shelter
3. Arrive early on the first day to explore before crowds peak, and bring binoculars for kids to see the action in the riding rings from a distance
4. Download the festival program in advance (usually available in English) to plan which competitions and demonstrations your family most wants to see

Best Time to Visit

Morning sessions (9-11 AM) are less crowded and ideal for younger children to see the horses being prepared and groomed before competitions. The main riding demonstrations typically occur mid-day and early afternoon when the most exciting events are scheduled. If attending a multi-day festival, visit on the opening day for the grand parade and Saturday for the most family-friendly activities and entertainment.

Food & Drinks

The festival typically features food stalls offering traditional Icelandic fare including lamb soup (kjötsúpa), hot dogs (pylsur), and sweet treats like kleinur (twisted donuts). Expect to find international options like burgers and pizza to satisfy picky eaters, along with coffee and hot chocolate to warm up. Prices are high by international standards—plan for $15-25 per person for a meal. Consider packing snacks and refillable water bottles, as some vendors accept only Icelandic cards, though most now take international credit cards.

Parking & Access

Parking arrangements vary by year and location, but expect large designated parking areas with shuttle services to the main festival grounds. Arrive early as parking fills quickly, especially on weekend days. The terrain is typically grassy fields which can be challenging for strollers—consider baby carriers for young children instead. Shuttle buses or walking paths from parking may be 10-15 minutes. Check the official Landsmót website closer to the event date for specific transportation details and consider using Reykjavik's public buses or organized tour services from the city center.