An extremely varied ride through what is arguably one of Iceland’s most beautiful regions. You’ll follow an ancient route, crossing rivers and lava fields, with glaciers and the rugged mountain landscape of the highlands right at your doorstep. The route takes you through a green, hilly area north of the Hekla volcano to the Landmannalaugar volcanic region, where a naturally warm river invites you to take a dip. The landscape of this remote nature reserve is absolutely unique: between rugged mountains in every imaginable shade of color, steam rises from hot springs, and streams wind their way through red earth. A beautiful, challenging tour with long riding days of up to 9 hours!

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Reykjavik at 5:30 p.m. / 6:00 p.m. and dinner together.

Day 2: Drive to Fellsmuli Farm and ride through a fertile, green area at the foot of the Hekla volcano. You’ll cross the Ytri-Ranga River and continue riding to Rjúpnavellir, where you’ll check into your lodging for the night. Riding time: approx. 4 hours, 18 km.

Day 3: Today you’ll ride along the Ytri-Rangá River until you can cross the river again at Fossabrekkur. From there, you’ll ride to Áfangagil, where Icelanders have been herding their sheep down from the highlands in the fall since 1980. From there, the route continues to the Langasáta and Raudufossafjöll mountains until you reach your next overnight camp in Fridland ad Fjallabaki. Riding time: approx. 8–9 hours, 37 km.

Day 4: A ride through the mountains to the remote Landmannalaugar Valley. After a dip in the warm river and a short walk through the incredible landscape with steaming hot springs, you’ll ride back to Landmannahellir. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the unique mountain scenery, where patches of snow linger even in summer. Red, black, and green mountains form a picturesque back . Riding time: approx. 7–8 hours, 38 km.

Day 5: Your ride takes you along sandy trails near Lake Saudleysuvatn. The horses will carry you safely through the rugged terrain over the Lambaskard Pass before you reach the black lava field north of Mount Valafell. You’ll end the day by crossing the bridge over the Thjórsá River before we reach the Hólaskógur mountain hut and settle into your accommodations. Riding time: approx. 6–7 hours, 30 km

Day 6: Today you'll ride back to Rjúpnavellir. The route takes you across lava fields and along a soft trail to Mount Búrfell. Riding time: approx. 7–8 hours, 35 km.

Day 7: After a few miles through the highland desert, you’ll catch sight of Thjófafoss (the Thieves’ Waterfall). You’ll continue riding along sandy trails before the tour ends at the Fellsmuli farm, which offers a stunning view of Mount Hekla. From here, you’ll take the bus back to Vellir, where we’ll have a light snack before you’re taken to Reykjavík. Riding time: approx. 6–7 hours, 30 km.

Subject to change!

Accomodation
On the first day, you’ll spend the night in the cozy guesthouse at the riding stable in 2- to 4-bed rooms. You’ll enjoy dinner and breakfast in the beautiful hotel restaurant. In the often very remote areas you’ll be riding through, there are no hotels available along the way. Therefore, you’ll be accommodated on farms or in hiking huts in sleeping bag accommodations, where all guests stay together. Hot showers are usually available (for a fee), but occasionally a lodging may only have washing facilities and restrooms. Electrical outlets are also not available every night. You will have to bring your own sleeping bag.

Saddle & Tack: Snaffle and Icelandic trekking saddles

Experience: You should have ridden regularly for at least 5 years and be able to handle unfamiliar horses in all gaits without instruction. Brisk riding tours on challenging terrain; there will also be brisk downhill riding—mostly in tölt. You’ll ride between 20 - 40 km per day. Maximum rider weight: 100 kg!

Horses: You to ride on very sure-footed and enduring Icelandic horses. There are 2-3 riding horses available for each rider to stand rider, who are accompanied in a free-roaming herd.