A Heartwarming Visit from Exploring Iceland
Recently the Exploring Iceland riding tour team, along with some of our beloved retired horses, paid a special visit to Hrafnista Retirement Home in Reykjavik. Our goal? To offer the older members of our community a chance to reconnect with the gentle, four-legged friends that played such a vital role in their earlier lives.
For generations, horses have been an integral part of Icelandic society. Many of today’s elderly, now in their 80s, grew up during a time when horses were essential for everyday life. From transportation to haymaking, postal services, and carrying goods across Iceland’s challenging terrain—including deep glacier rivers and high mountain passes—horses were not just companions; they were lifelines. During our visit, we witnessed firsthand how deeply these memories still resonate. Meeting Kári (25 years old) and Hljómur (24 years old), two of our retired horses, stirred sweet recollections and old stories from the seniors. The sight of these majestic animals evoked tender memories of days gone by and beloved animals long since passed. It was heartwarming to watch how our horses, now retired themselves, patiently stood still, waiting to be petted and admired by the elderly.
The experience was deeply touching for everyone involved. We at Exploring Iceland were moved by the warm response from the residents of Hrafnista, and it only reinforced our belief that our connection to the local community is just as important as the adventures we offer to tourists. In light of this, we are committed to making this visit an annual tradition. At Exploring Iceland, we firmly believe that tourism and the well-being of local communities should always go hand in hand. By creating moments like this—where history, nature, and human connection all come together—we hope to bring a little joy and nostalgia to the lives of those who helped shape our society. We look forward to many more visits, where we can continue to bridge the past and present, hearts and hooves, for the well-being of all.
In 2024, we were selected to be part of CE4RT (Circular Economy for Regenerative Tourism), a fully funded European project aimed at assisting small and medium-sized tourism enterprises on their journey toward sustainability. Regenerative tourism shifts the focus from "do no harm" to "leave it better than you found it," fostering a deeper, more mindful relationship between tourism and the environment—whether that means nature or local communities. The CE4RT journey has been incredibly inspiring, and the Exploring Iceland team has wholeheartedly embraced this philosophy! To learn more about our journey towards Regenerative Tourism and what we do to support nature, students, children and the elderly, please have a look at our policies and sustainability statement.
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