A truly unique experience is a ride along the ancient Sprengisandur highland route—an Icelandic classic. The overwhelming vastness of the highland desert between the Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull glaciers surrounds you as you head north. In the heart of the highlands, a warm spring in an oasis invites you to take a refreshing and relaxing dip. In northern Iceland, you’ll reach inhabited areas again in the narrow mountain valleys in the inner part of Eyjafjördur. Total distance: approx. 300 km; daily riding distances: 25–60 km.
On this riding tour, daily stages of up to 10 hours await you! This ride therefore demands the best physical condition of all our Icelandic riding tours. However, you’ll be rewarded, as you’ll cover incredible distances and can imagine yourself in the Iceland of days gone by, when all paths were still traversed on horseback.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik and transfer to the riding stable at 5:30 / 6:00 p.m. After dinner together, you will be briefed on the details of the coming days.

Day 2: From Hveragerdi, you’ll drive to the vicinity of the Hekla volcano, where your journey begins. From there, you’ll follow gentle trails through a birch forest. You’ll spend most of the day riding along the banks of the mighty Thjórsá River (Iceland’s longest river). Along the way, you’ll pass the Thjófafoss waterfall and the striking Búrfell mountain, which was once home to giants and trolls. From there, you’ll ride to the Hólaskógur cabin, where you’ll spend the night. Riding time: approx. 5 hours, 25 km.

Day 3: You’ll continue riding northeast along the Thjórsá River. The landscape gradually transforms into unspoiled wilderness. The horses will spend the night in a meadow near Hrauneyjar. The riders will spend the night again in a cabin in Hólaskógur. Riding time: approx. 7 hours, 35 km.

Day 4: Today you’ll set out early for a long leg of the journey to Versalir, a rest stop at the start of Sprengisandur. This spot is known from the famous song “Á Sprengisandur.” Along this route, you’ll see the Vatnajökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. You’ll spend the night in a mountain hut. Riding time: approx. 9 hours, 55-60 km.

Day 5:You’ll cover a very long distance again today. The landscape is similar to that of the previous day, but now you’re approaching the glaciers. The Icelandic highlands stretch out around you in their endless expanse. To the east, you’ll see Mount Arnarfell, considered the center of Iceland. You’ll spend the night in a large mountain hut in Nýi-Dalur. Riding time: approx. 10 hours, 60 km.

Day 6: Today you’ll ride across vast sand dunes. A spectacular view of the landscape of northern Iceland unfolds before you. You’ll spend the night at the Laugafell mountain hut, where you can enjoy a well-deserved bath in a hot spring. Riding time: approx. 8 hours, 45 km.

Day 7: You’ll ride from Laugafell towards the Eyjafjörður fjord, where the green natural landscape, with its lush shrubs and scattered forests, increasingly dominates the view. You’ll catch your first glimpses of Eyjafjördur and the colorful city of Akureyri. The tour ends in Eyjafjördur. From there, you’ll be driven to Akureyri Airport and fly back to Reykjavík. The scheduled arrival time there is around 6:00 p.m. Riding time: approx. 6 hours, 35 km.

The first tour starts in the south, the second in the north.

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 staying at farms or hiking huts in sleeping bag accommodations, where all guests sleep 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. Please 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. Excellent physical condition is required! The ride is equivalent to an endurance ride. You will ride between 25 and 60 km per day. Maximum rider weight: 100 kg!

Horses: You’ll ride sturdy Icelandic horses that are extremely sure-footed and eager to move. The pace is usually quite brisk, at a trot or tölt. On steeper sections, you’ll need to dismount and lead the horse. Each rider has 3–4 horses to choose from, which are herded along with a free-roaming herd. For experienced riders, it’s easy to learn and a truly special experience!