Skalakot Manor

There’s one compelling reason to stay at this manor house on the south coast – it’s one of the top places to experience Icelandic horse riding.

Located on a working farm, the triple-gabled timber building offers elegant, traditionally furnished rooms, some tucked in under the eaves, others with spoils like clawfoot bath tubs or Nespresso machines.

The views over the surrounding countryside are superb, and there’s a refined restaurant and spa, too.

Various horseback trips are on offer, from 1-hour introductory rides, to half-day trips to Irarfoss, Eyjafjalla and local beaches, and multi-day rides deep into the Icelandic wilds. You can also snowmobile to the famous Eyjafjallajokull volcano (2-3 hours, ideal for beginners), and hike on the Solheimajokull glacier.