Season:
JUNE, AUGUST
Price from:
£ 2,295
Duration:
8 nights-6 riding days
Departure:
-

HORSEBACK RIDING IN A SPECTACULAR VOLCANIC AREA

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Mount Hekla is a highly active volcano often titled the “Queen of Iceland”. The mountain towers regally over the region and every day we see evidence of its numerous devastating eruptions throughout the ages. In the old times, people actually believed it to be the gateway to hell. Landmannalaugar is a geothermal wonderland in the Southern Highlands. It’s natural bathing pools are only one of the highlights which make this area one of Iceland’s most popular destinations for nature lovers.

HORSEBACK RIDING IN A SPECTACULAR VOLCANIC AREA

TRAVEL DESCRIPTION

Our ride starts along the river banks of the mighty glacial river Thjórsá, with a magnificent view on glacier Eyjafjallajökull and Volcano Hekla. The beautiful area Landmannahellir is a fitting outpost in the central highlands before going on to enjoy the colorful rhyolite mountains in Landmannalaugar, surrounded by black lava fields.

Our way back to civilization leads us down from the mountains and into black lava and green valleys. The spirited and sure-footed horses make this tour an experience of a lifetime for anyone seeking a challenging highland adventure.

ITINERARY

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Arrival – Reykjavik

Reykjavik Sun Voyager

Arrival at Keflavik International Airport. Coach transfer to your accommodation in Reykjavik. Depending on your flight schedule, you can visit the Blue Lagoon Spa on your way to the city. 

REYKJAVÍK – KÁLFHÓLL

Islandic horses at Landmannalaugar © Islandshestar

Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik at 18:00, where our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Kálfhóll farm where horses and staff are waiting for us. After a lovely introductory meal where we get to know each other, we relax and rest so we are well prepared for the adventure ahead of us.

Kálfhóll – Glacier river Thjórsá – Blesastaðir Guesthouse

Islandic horses at Landmannalaugar © Islandshestar

We ride on fantastic riding paths along the mighty glacial river Þjórsá, with views of the glacier Eyjafjallajökull and the volcano Hekla. We leave the horses at Sandlækjarmýri field and drive to Blesastaðir Guesthouse. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. We stay at Blesastaðir Guesthouse and relax in the hot tub outdoors. (approx. 20 km)

Blesastaðir Guesthouse – Mountain hut Hólaskógur

Islandic horses at Landmannalaugar © Islandshestar

Today we ride along the lovely river Sandá through the National Forest Skriðufellskógur into the beautiful and famous valley of Thjórsárdalur. The mountain Dímon towers over the vast lavender-blue lupine fields along the sandy tracks. We stop at Stöng,  the ruins of a medieval farmhouse excavated in 1939. In 1104, Mt Hekla erupted for the first time in the recorded history of Iceland. The eruption destroyed at least 20 farms in the valley Thjórsárdalur, among them the farm Stöng. After a short stop at Gjáin, a mystical canyon with lots of small waterfalls and famous setting for Games of Thrones, we head for the cozy mountain hut Hólaskógur with a prime view of Volcano Hekla. (approximately 30 km)

Mountain hut Hólaskógur – Landmannahellir Mountain hut

Islandic horses at Landmannalaugar © Islandshestar

We ride over narrow tracks through black lava north of Valafell mountain. Our surefooted horses carry us comfortably through rough terrain through the Lambaskarð mountain passage. We continue on sandy paths close by lake Sauðleysuvatn and through the moonlike desert towards Mountain hut Landmannahellir, where we will spend two nights. (approximately 30 km)

Landmannahellir – Landmannalaugar – Landmannahellir Mountain hut

Landmannalaugar © Andreas Clematide

Today we ride to the famous Landmannalaugar, with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colorful mountains and lava from 1480. Our horses rest in a paddock and we have a good part of the day to relax in the hot pools or visit the numerous sights, before returning to Landmannahellir.  This day will be without a doubt, one of the highlights of this tour. (approximately 40 km)

Landmannahellir – Mountain hut Hólaskógur

Hekla

We leave the beautiful area of Landmannahellir and ride on towards the Herbjarnfell mountain. Today´s route takes us over the varying landscape. We ride across sanders, sharp lava, huge pumice fields in many colors and over green grazing fields where the farmers drive their sheep during summer. We stay overnight in the solitary mountain hut Hólaskógur with a perfect view of the Hekla volcano. Here we get the feeling of being “on top of the world”. (approximately 40 km)

Mountain hut Hólaskógur – Réttarholt Guesthouse – Kálfhóll – Reykjavík

Hallgrimskirka Reykjavik

Today we ride over the rich green mountain fields over Seljamýri to Fögruskógar and Þrengslasandur towards Réttarholt Guesthouse. Here we have to say goodbye to horses and staff. The bus will take us back to Kálfhóll farm for coffee & cake. We then drive back to your accommodation in Reykjavík. (approximately 20 km)

Departure

Airport transfer by coach from Reykjavik. Depending on your flight schedule, you can spend time in the capital or visit the Blue Lagoon before your departure flight.

FLIGHTS AND EXCURSIONS

Booking request

FLIGHTS AND EXCURSIONS

Icelandair

We can help you plan flights, additional excursions, or extend your stay. Send us an inquiry, please make sure to include your requirements in the message box, and we will find the best solution for you. 

Note:

You can find more information on Iceland as a travel destination, on travel planning and on booking with Iceland ProTravel in the section: "Frequently Asked Questions".

Prices in GBP

High Season Single Room in Reykjavik Double Room in Reykjavik
Prices in £ 2,415 2,295

Dates 2023:

June: 25 - July 1st

July: 4 - 10 

August: 11 - 17

 

 

High Season:  June - Aug.


Please note that the itinerary and overnight lodges may be altered if necessary during the riding tour.


Tour Code 0202

Prices Includes

  • Coach transfer to and from Keflavik Airport
  • 2 nights accommodation in Reykjavik incl. private facilities and breakfast
  • 6 nights in shared rooms in mountain cabins during riding tour
  • 6 riding days
  • Bus transfer from Reykjavik to the farm
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all riding days
  • Rainwear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet

Prices Excludes

  • Flights to and from Iceland
  • Free cancellation
  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Sleeping bag (please bring your own)