“Ride next to the volcano in Hekla!”
7 Day Hekla to Landmannalaugar Highland Trail Horse Riding Holiday in Iceland
Austvaðsholt 851, Hella, Rangárþing ytra, Southern Region, South Constituency, Iceland
Horse Riding Holiday Iceland
The participants of the riding tours travel off main traffic roads on horseback. They are led by two very experienced guides who know all the historical paths and trails of the highlands. All luggage, food and necessary equipment are transported by a 4×4 vehicle between the stopovers. Accommodation is provided in well-kept mountain huts. According to the old tradition of Icelandic horse traveling in Iceland, it is usual to take some extra horses along so that one can change mounts if and when necessary which makes the ride even more fun.
Highlights
- 6 days of horse riding
- Use of horses and tack
- Service of a guide (Icelandic, French, and English speaking guide)
- Around 40 horses running free next to you when you are riding your horse
- Transfer from / to bus station of Hella and transport of luggage by 4x4 vehicle
- Dinner before and after the riding tour
- Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- 6 nights' accommodation
Styles
6 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: French
Group size: 6-15 participants
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in a dormitory type cabins with sleeping bag accommodation. The accommodation can be with or without full board for 18 people in a separate house with self-catering located a short distance from the house of the family. It is built in 1990 in an old traditional Icelandic style with turf on the roof which makes the house fit perfectly into the natural surrounding.
The turf makes a unique isolation so sounds from the outside such as wind that is bare to be heard. Whatever your interest, whether it is an overnight stay, a riding vacation, a sightseeing excursion, or longer stay in conjunction with the activities on the farm, you are welcome.
Program
Day 1: Arrival in Hekla
Hekluhestar picks up the riders in Hella supermarket around 18:00 o’clock. You will have dinner together and talk about the coming adventures.
Day 2: Hekla to Rjúpnavellir
Around midday, the course is set through meadows and lava fields, alongside Ranga river, passing the historical lava sheep-fold Landrettir and the last farms before the highlands. The riding hours is 6 hours. Overnight in a newly built lodge at a place called Rjúpnavellir close to the river.
Day 3: Rjúpnavellir to Landmannahellir
Morning departure from Rjúpnavellir to the wilds, crossing a desert of ash and the lava field of Solvahraun, close to the famous volcano Hekla (last eruption in the year 2000). About 6 hours ride before reaching the green and peaceful area of Landmannahellir, where farmers stay while gathering their sheep in the mountains. Overnight in a lodge at Landmannahellir.
Day 4: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar and back to Landmannahellir
In the morning, you will have 3-4 hours ride through the valley of Domadal passing Frostastadarvatn lake on the way to the popular area of Landmannalaugar, a grandiose setting of old craters and colorful mountains. Afternoon at leisure exploring the fabulous neighborhood or bathing in a natural hot water pool. Drive back to Landmannahellir for the overnight stay.
Day 5: Landmannahellir, Landmannalaugar, Ljotipollur, Hnausapollur, and back to Landmannahellir
Drive back to the horses at Landmannalaugar in the morning. Ride exploring the area via another route to Landmannahellir, a wild track previously known only to farmers. Traversing the inactive explosive craters such as Ljotipollur and Hnausapollur, passing several lakes, always in this unusual volcanic rough and soft landscape. It is a 5-hour ride. Overnight at the lodge in Landmannahellir.
Day 6: Landmannahellir to Afangagil
Crossing lava fields on the way back from the highland, heading towards Afangagil valley, a special place where sheep farmers and their friends get together in September for the "Rettir”. It is a 5-to-6-hour ride. Overnight in a shepherd lodge at Afangagil.
Day 7: Afangagil to Hekla
Departure from Afangagil early in the morning for the return to the Austvadsholt farm. Crossing the deserts of ash and other impressive uninhabitable regions of Hekla. On through farmlands and across the Ranga river to get to the home meadows where the horses are released from their duties and get a well-earned rest. It is a 7-to-8-hour ride. Then, you will be transferred to the bus station.
Location
Austvadsholt farm, in the heart of Hekluhestar, is located in a vast open area of 100 kilometers. It is in the east of Reykjavik in the vicinity of the volcano of Mount Hekla. At this working farm, the main activity is the breeding and training of the Icelandic horses. Most of the horses used by Hekluhestar in the riding tours are born, bred, and trained at Austvadsholt. Guests are encouraged to share in this close relationship with all the horses, which is one of the key ingredients in making the Hekluhestar riding tour so special.
The Icelandic horse itself is uniquely well-adapted to the varied and dramatic volcanic terrain. The horse has two additional gaits, the “tölt” and “pace”, compared to other horse breeds. These extra gaits allow the horses to make comfortable, fast yet sure-footed progress over long distances riding tours, in both the fertile valleys and the rugged hilltops.
Food
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
You will have an opportunity to bathe in a natural hot water pool.
What's included
- 6 days of horse riding session
- Use of horses and tack
- Service of a guide (Icelandic, French, and English speaking guide)
- Around 40 horses running free next to you when you are riding your horse
- Use of helmets and rain gear
- Transport of luggage (by 4x4 vehicle)
- Transfer from / to bus station of Hella
- 6 nights' accommodation
- Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- Dinner before and after the riding tour
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.
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