7 Day Hekla to Landmannalaugar Highland Trail Horse Riding Holiday in Iceland

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.

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.

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You will have an opportunity to bathe in a natural hot water pool.

• 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

• 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.