The rugged and partly forested Thórsmörk mountain ridge (meaning “Thor’s Forest”) is located between the Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers in southern Iceland. With its fascinating natural beauty, the area is very popular for hikers and horseback riders alike. You’ll pass waterfalls and ride through wild gorges with bizarre rock formations. On some days, you’ll ride with a free-roaming herd, which adds a special dynamic to the experience. This gives you the opportunity to try out many different horses and get a feel for riding with the herd, as it is common on longer riding tours. If you’d like, you can also book an additional day of riding. Then, at the end of the trip, you’ll head to the beach! A short but extremely varied and exciting riding tour!

Itinerary

Thorsmörk Ride (5 days):

Day 1: Pickup in Reykjavík and transfer to your accommodations at 5:30 / 6:00 p.m. After dinner together, you will be briefed on the details for the coming days.

Day 2: Ride to the starting point of the trip, the Torfastadir farm. Here, you’ll be assigned your horses and, during a short test ride, you’ll become familiar with the Icelandic riding style. The first leg of the day’s ride takes you along the Markarfljót River, past the massive Dimon crevice, which also plays a role in the Saga of Njáll. The destination is the first farm where you and the horses will be staying. Riding time: approx. 4 hours, 25 km.

Day 3: Today you’ll ride from the Stóra-Mörk farm toward Thórsmörk. You’ll follow the Markarfjót River (also known from the legend of Njáll) along the slopes of the famous Eyjafjallajökull, which brought air traffic in Europe to a standstill in 2010. The volcanic eruption significantly altered the surrounding landscape. On your ride into the valley, you’ll cross several rivers and ride alongside the rushing glacial river Krossá before reaching the beautiful Thórsmörk Nature Reserve, named after the ancient Norse god Thór. The idyllic valley is framed on three sides by glaciers: Eyjafjallajökull, Tindafjallajökull, and Mýrdalsjökull. You’ll spend the night in Thórsmörk at the simple mountain hut Básar. Riding time: approx. 5–6 hours, 25 km.

Day 4: The day begins with a visit to the Elven Church, a unique volcanic formation, followed by a ride into the majestic Stakkholtsgjá Gorge, which is an unforgettable experience. After following the previous day’s trail for a while, you’ll ride across the Hamragardaheidi heathland and then back along the trail through the Markarfljót river valley to the Stóru-Mörk farm, where you’ll spend the night again. Riding time: approx. 6 hours, 30 km.

Day 5: On the final day, you’ll first ride along well-maintained trails near the Markarfljót River, with views of the mountains. You’ll then follow an old road through a beautiful area in the Fljótshlíd hills, where an idyllic green landscape dotted with purple lupines awaits you. On the way back to Torfastaðir Farm, you’ll ride past Hlídarendi Farm, where, according to the saga of Njáll—one of Iceland’s most famous Vikings—Gunnar á Hlíðarendi lived and died. Transfer back to the guesthouse, and after a short break, you can either continue on to Reykjavik or extend your stay for another day of riding. Riding time: approx. 4–5 hours, 25 km.

Thorsmörk & Beach (6 days):

Another night at the guesthouse and a beach ride the next day. You’ll follow the fine black lava beach for a few kilometers to the delta of the mighty glacial river Ölfusá. You’ll ride through the shallow water and across the green riverbanks, then continue along the well-trodden tölt trails through idyllic horse pastures and back to the riding stable. Along the way, if the weather is good, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains surrounding the Hekla volcano. Numerous birds also live in the delta and on the beach. Afterward, you’ll head back to Reykjavik, where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Riding time: approx. 5–6 hours, 25 km.

Subject to change at any time!

Accomodation
Accommodations include 2- and 4-bed rooms at the riding stable’s guesthouse, as well as basic sleeping bag accommodations on farms and in mountain huts. Please note that shower facilities may be limited at times during this wilderness ride.

Saddle & Tack: Icelandic trekking saddles and snaffle.

Experience: You should have been riding regularly for at least 2 years and have some experience riding cross-country. The beach ride includes galloping. At times, you’ll ride with a free-roaming herd. You’ll cover 20–30 km each day. Maximum rider weight: 100 kg!

Horses: Icelandic horses