The riding tour Volcano Helka & Landmannalaugar leads to the volcano Hekla, the "queen of the mountains" in Iceland. The ride offers one of the most beautiful views in Iceland and, in addition to riding, there is the opportunity to go hiking and enjoy a hot bath. During this riding holiday, the accommodation is simple mountain huts or farms.
Pick up at BSI Bus station in Reykjavik at 18:00 for the onward journey to the Kalfholl guesthouse. Your tour guide and the other guests will be waiting for you here and you can get to know them over dinner afterwards.
Today we ride on soft paths along the banks of the mighty glacial river Thjorsa - always with the glacier Eyjafjallajokull and the volcano Hekla in view. Our horses stay in the pastures of Sandlaekjarmyri while we take the bus back to Kalfholl. Afterwards we enjoy the hot water in the hotpot at the Kalfholl guesthouse. (approx. 12 miles)
We start the day on the banks of the river Sanda, which flows through the Skridufellskogur forest into the beautiful Thjorsardalur valley. The volcano Hekla towers above dark blue lupine fields that frame the sandy bridle paths. During a break, we can visit the ruins of the Stoeng farm, which was buried under the ashes of Hekla in 1104. At least 20 farms in Thjorsardalur were destroyed in this massive eruption. We take another break at the Gjain gorge, which is famous from scenes in the Game of Thrones series. We spend the night in the cosy mountain hut Holaskogur. (approx. 22 miles)
Today our sure-footed horses carry us along mystical, narrow paths, past the black lava north of Mount Valafell and the wild landscape of the Lambaskard mountain trail. We continue along sandy paths near Lake Saudleysuvatn and finally through a moon-like desert to the Landmannahellir mountain hut, where we spend two nights. (approx. 19 miles)
Today we ride to the famous Landmannalaugar area with its natural swimming area surrounded by colourful mountains. Our horses rest in a pen and we have time to relax in the natural, warm water of the river before returning to Landmannahellir. This day is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this tour. (approx. 25 miles)
We leave the beautiful Landmannalaugar area and ride towards the Herbjarnfell mountain. The trails of today's riding day show us many faces: deserts of black ash, bizarre lava and pumice are evidence of the many eruptions of Hekla. We continue across green pastures where the sheep spend the summer. We spend the night in the mountain hut Holaskogur, which offers an excellent view of Hekla. (approx. 25 miles).
We saddle our horses for one last ride and trot across the green highland pastures over the Seljamyri moor to Fogruskogar and Threngslasandur and to the Rettarholt guesthouse. Here we say goodbye to the horses and tour guides before the bus takes us to Kalfholl farm, where we fortify ourselves with coffee and cake before travelling back to Reykjavík. (approx. 22 miles)
We can help you plan 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.
Suitable for:
Enduring, experienced riders: Can easily control the horse in all gaits, sit securely in the saddle and feel comfortable in the saddle for up to 7 hours a day. They are able to ride at a fast pace over uneven terrain and up and down slopes. Experienced riders can follow the herd at any pace.
Accommodation:
Sleeping bag accommodation in shared rooms in simple mountain huts during the ride (please bring your own sleeping bag).
Duration:
8 days-7 nights-6 riding days - approx. 125 miles
Dates 2025:
30th June - 06th July
07th July - 13th July
28th July - 03rd August - fully booked
04th - 10th August
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".
| Accommodation | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag accommodation in shared rooms | £ 2,526 |
You can request the holiday you would like to book, and we will check the availability and contact you via e-mail within two business days to confirm the availability.
Please note that the itinerary and overnight lodges may be altered if necessary during the riding tour.
Tour Code ILH19