Lækjamót: Horse breeding and riding culture in Víðidal

Lækjamót is a modern Icelandic horse-breeding farm in Víðidal and has been owned by the same family for more than 200 years. Horse breeding and riding activities give the place a clear focus for a trip through Húnaþing vestra. Those looking to combine horses, training and a grass-rich farm landscape in Iceland will find several specific points of interest here. Other natural destinations lie nearby and complement the riding theme.

Location and horse landscape in Víðidal

Lækjamót is located in Víðidal in Húnaþing vestra, on a national road and roughly halfway between Reykjavík and Akureyri. The estate is large and rich in grass; it also has access to Víðidalstunguheiði. In summer, young horses spend time roaming freely on the heath alongside hundreds of other horses. This combination of a breeding farm and summer horse grazing gives the area a special connection to Icelandic horse culture.

Riding activities and training

Lækjamót offers riders of all levels in Europe, Iceland and locally at Lækjamót courses, clinics, seminars, private lessons and training assistance. Training is provided by qualified horse professionals and combines traditional methods with modern developments. It has been a long-standing tradition at the farm for decades. If you plan to include lessons or training assistance in your trip, confirm the specific service details with the farm in advance.

Hikes, waterfalls and legends

Nearby, a steep and challenging hiking trail from the farm Jörfi leads up Rauðkollur on Víðidalsfjall. If you are also considering a mountain hike, you can take its challenging nature into account when planning. Kolufossar is a pair of waterfalls in Kolugljúfur in Víðidal. Hiking trails run along both sides of the gorge; caution is advised because of the proximity to the gorge.

From Kolufossar, it is not possible to follow a circular route through the gorge to Víðidalsbrú, because Þvergil interrupts the path on the west side. Check trail conditions locally before setting out. The landscape also has a legend: Kolurúm lies near the bridge on the west side of the gorge and, according to tradition, was where a giantess slept.

Another activity in Víðidal is available at Stóra-Ásgeirsá. Alongside farming, Magnús and Rannveig run a horse-breeding operation, a horse-rental service and an animal park with various animals. If you plan to visit this farm, check the current opening hours and activity details on its social media page.

Choose the right focus for your trip

When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to distinguish between destinations at the farm and in the surrounding area: Lækjamót is known for horse breeding and riding activities; the hiking trail to Rauðkollur starts at Jörfi, while Kolufossar is in Kolugljúfur. If horses are at the heart of your trip to Iceland, Lækjamót offers a clear local connection. If you would also like to include hikes, waterfalls or the animal park, take these destinations into account when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations: Varmahlíð, Vidhidalstunga, Skagaströnd, Miklibær, Svínavatn, Hofsós, Hólar, Undirfell

Return to the main travel overview: Northwest Iceland.