“Enjoy riding in a spectacular volcanic area”
7 Day Spectacular Volcanic Area Landmannalaugar and Mount Hekla Horse Riding Tour in Iceland
Kálfhóll Farm, Southern Region, Iceland
Horse Riding Tour Iceland
Íslandshestar invites you to go to South Iceland and ride to Landmannalaugar on the volcano mountain of Hekla! On this exciting tour, you will see Mountain Hekla towering over the region and every day, you'll find evidence of its numerous devastating eruptions throughout the ages.
Key information
- Rider weight limit: 242 pounds / 110 kilograms
- Tack type: Close to the English tack, but stirrups are worn long
- Horse breed: Icelandic horse
Meet the instructors
Hannes and family at Kálfhóll farm
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Highlights
- 6 days of picturesque horse riding
- 20 to 40 kilometers of daily horseback riding
- Ride to Gjáin, a famous setting for Game of Thrones
- Horseback ride with an amazing view of the glacier and Hekla volcano
- 3 to four horses per person and local guidance
- 6 nights accommodation
- Daily meals during the ride
- Transfer from Reykjavík to the farm included
Skill level
- Advanced
Styles
6 days with instruction
Group size: Maximum of 20 participants
Accommodation
You will stay in shared rooms in mountain cabins and sleeping bags. Please bring your own sleeping bag.
River cabins at Kálfhóll Farm
You will stay at the cozy river cabin summerhouses at Kálfhóll farm, offering views overlooking the majestic Þjórsá River. Escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Iceland’s countryside.
The cabins are simple yet comfortable, providing everything that you will need for a peaceful getaway. Enjoy the scenic beauty from your doorstep, whether you’re savoring a morning coffee or stargazing under the clear Icelandic skies.
Located just a stone’s throw from Kálfhóll farm, the cabins offer easy access to the surrounding nature and farm life.
- Number of cabins: 5
- Number of rooms per cabin: 3
- Number of beds per cabin: 5
- Number of showers per cabin: 1
- GSM connection: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Made-up beds: Yes
- Number of water closets per cabin: 1
Landmannahellir Mountain Cabin
Landmannahellir is located in a peaceful area in Fjallabak and has for many years been one of the main dwelling places for sheep gatherers when they round up the sheep each autumn that had been grassing in the area during the summer.
- Number of rooms: 1
- Number of beds: 24
- Outdoor Jacuzzi: No
- Number of showers: 2 in separate buildings
- GSM connection: No
- Wi-Fi: No
- Made-up beds: No
- Number of water closets: 2 (in the building)
Réttarholt Guesthouse
It is located on the edge of the highlands in the small village of Árnes. There are nice cabins to sleep in.
- Number of rooms: 5
- Number of beds: 24
- Outdoor jacuzzi: No
- Number of showers: 3 in separate buildings
- GSM connection: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Made-up beds: No
- Number of water closets: 4
Hólaskógur
It Is a big mountain cabin in Þjórsárdalur, close to the glacier river Þjórsá. It is used in the autumn for the sheepherders but is open for travelers during the summer.
- Number of rooms: 1
- Number of beds: 50
- Outdoor Jacuzzi: No
- Number of showers: 2
- GSM connection: yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Made-up beds: No
- Number of water closets: 2
Program
Horseback riding in the spectacular volcanic area
This highland adventure is perfect for advanced riders who love a challenge. The ride will start along the river banks of the mighty glacial river Thjórsá, with a magnificent view of glacier Eyjafjallajökull and Volcano Hekla.
The beautiful area of Landmannahellir will be a fitting outpost in the central highlands before going on to enjoy the colorful rhyolite mountains in Landmannalaugar, surrounded by black lava fields.
Your way back to civilization will lead you down from the mountains and into black lava and green valleys. The spirited and sure-footed horses will make this tour an experience of a lifetime for anyone seeking a challenging highland adventure.
Hannes and family at Kálfhóll farm offer this tour. Íslandshestar reserves the right to alter the itinerary if necessary.
- Riding skills: Advanced riders
Tack type
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different from the tack ordinarily used for other breeds. The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps keep the saddle in place.
The riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to the English riding style, but stirrups are worn long. The bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip-on reins.
Daily itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík - Kálfhóll
Pick up at BSÍ bus station in Reykjavik will be at 18:00, where the bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Kálfhóll Farm, where the horses and staff will be waiting for the group. After a lovely introductory meal where you get to know each other, relax and rest so you will be well prepared for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Kálfhóll - Glacier river Thjórsá - Réttarholt
Ride on fantastic riding paths along the mighty glacial river Þjórsá, with views of the glacier Eyjafjallajökull and the volcano Hekla. You will leave the horses at Sandlækjarmýri field and drive to Réttarholt.
This day will be the perfect start to getting to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. You will stay at Kálfhóll and relax in the hot tub outdoors.
- Approximate riding distance: 20 kilometers
Day 3: Réttarholt - Mountain hut Hólaskógur
This day, you will ride along the lovely river Sandá and through the national forest Skriðufellskógur, into the beautiful and famous valley of Thjórsárdalur. The Volcano Hekla towers over the vast lavender-blue lupine fields along the sandy tracks.
You will stop at Stöng, the ruins of a medieval farmhouse excavated in 1939. In 1104, Mt Hekla erupted for the first time in the recorded history of Iceland. The eruption destroyed at least 20 farms in the valley Thjórsárdalur, among them the farm Stöng.
After a short stop at Gjáin, a mystical canyon with lots of small waterfalls and a famous setting for Games of Thrones, you will head for the cozy mountain hut Hólaskógur, with a prime view of Volcano Hekla.
- Approximate riding distance: 35 kilometers
Day 4: Mountain hut Hólaskógur - Landmannahellir mountain hut
You will ride over narrow tracks through the black lava north of Valafell mountain. The surefooted horses will carry you comfortably through rough terrain through the Lambaskarð mountain passage.
You will continue on sandy paths close to Lake Sauðleysuvatn and through the moonlike desert towards mountain hut Landmannahellir, where you will spend two nights.
- Approximate riding distance: 30 kilometers
Day 5: Landmannahellir - Landmannalaugar - Landmannahellir mountain hut
This day, you will ride to the famous Landmannalaugar, with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colorful mountains and lava from 1480. The horses will rest in a paddock and you will have a good part of the day to relax in the hot pools or visit the numerous sights, before returning to Landmannahellir. This day will be without a doubt one of the highlights of this tour.
- Approximate riding distance: 40 kilometers
Day 6: Landmannahellir - Mountain hut Hólaskógur
You will leave the beautiful area of Landmannahellir and ride on towards the Herbjarnfell mountain. This day's route will take you over varying landscape. You will ride across sanders, sharp lava, huge pumice fields in many colors, as well as over green grazing fields where the farmers drive their sheep during summer.
You will stay overnight in the solitary mountain hut Hólaskógur, with a perfect view of the Hekla volcano. There, you will get the feeling of being “on top of the world.”
- Approximate riding distance: 40 kilometers
Day 7: Mountain hut Hólaskógur - Réttarholt Guesthouse - Kálfhóll - Reykjavík
This day, you will ride over the rich green mountain fields of Seljamýri to Fögruskógar and Þrengslasandur, towards Réttarholt Guesthouse. There, you will have to say goodbye to horses and staff. The bus will take you back to Kálfhóll farm for coffee and cake. You will then drive back to Reykjavík BSÍ.
- Approximate riding distance: 35 kilometers
Instructors
Hannes and family at Kálfhóll farm
For a long long time Íslandshestar's farmers Gestur and Margrét operated the tours in the south. Now they have past over the legacy to their son Hannes and his right hand Sophie who helped out all those year. The family at Kálfhóll farm are well known for their great hospitality and to lead their guests into the magic world of the southern countryside and incredible highlands of the south.
Location
Mount Hekla is a highly active volcano often titled the “Queen of Iceland.” The mountain towers regally over the region and every day, you will see evidence of its numerous devastating eruptions throughout the ages. In the old times, people actually believed it to be the gateway to hell.
Landmannalaugar is a geothermal wonderland in the Southern Highlands. Its natural bathing pools are only one of the highlights that make the area one of Iceland’s most popular destinations for nature lovers.
Tour highlights
Þjórsá
This is a glacier river with its source in Hofsjökull. It is the longest river in Iceland, at around 230 kilometers.
Eyjafjallajökull
This glacier is located in south Iceland. Under its small ice cap rests a caldera of an active volcano that famously erupted in 2010. Despite its relatively small eruption, it caused a massive air traffic disturbance in Europe for a week.
Hekla Volcano
Mount Hekla, often titled the “Queen of Iceland,” is a highly active fissure vent and a stratovolcano in south Iceland. Its numerous and frequent eruptions have produced a massive amount of lava and a big coverage of tephra layers. In the Middle Ages, it was referred to as the gateway to hell by Europeans.
Sandá
This is a river that runs beside Þjórsá and is a good salmon river. The name translates to "sand river."
Þjórsárdalur
The valley takes its name from the river Þjórsá. It is rather flat and is marked by Hekla’s numerous eruptions both with fields of lava and tephra. Famous sites of interest are the Commonwealth Farm, Stöng, the 122-meter waterfall Háfoss, the waterfall Hjálparfoss, and Vegghamrar.
Mount Dímon
This is around 200 meters high and is located in the forest Skriðufellskógur, surrounded by birch and spruce forest.
Stöng
In 1104, Mount Hekla erupted for the first time in the recorded history of Iceland. The eruption destroyed at least 20 farms in the valley Thjórsárdalur, among them the farm Stöng. The ruins of a medieval farmhouse were excavated in 1939.
Gjáin
This is a mystical canyon with lots of small waterfalls and is a famous setting for Games of Thrones.
Hólaskógur
This is a cozy cabin hostel with a beautiful view of the volcano Hekla. It is located near Háifoss Waterfall, Gjáin, and Hjálparfoss Waterfall.
Lambaskarð
This is a mountain passage.
Sauðleysuvatn
It is an unusually deep lake within walking distance of Landmannahellir. It is not accessible by car.
Landmannahellir
This is a cave that was formerly a well-known resting place for travelers of Landmannaleið and farmers rounding up their sheep. Later, the mountain hut next to it was built.
Landmannalaugar
With breathtaking landscape and geology, this place is famous for its colorful rhyolite mountains, natural hot pool to bathe in, and lava field from 1480. There are plenty of short and long interesting hiking trails with breathtaking scenery. The beginning of the famous hiking trail Laugavegur ends in Þórsmörk or Skógar.
Food
During the ride, full board meals will be provided and included in the price. The menu will consist of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking. All riders will make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price at the duty-free store in Keflavík International Airport (KEF) upon arrival.
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)
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- 6 days of riding
- 3 to four horses per person and local guidance
- Rainwear, saddle bag, water bottle, and a safety helmet
- Bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm
- All transfers during the riding tour
- 11% VAT
- 6 nights accommodation
- Full board meals while on the riding tour
What's not included
- Airfare
- Alcoholic beverages
- Individual travel insurance
How to get there
Recommended Airports
KEF
Keflavík International Airport
41 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by bus
Íslandshestar's pick up for the tours will be from BSÍ bus station, except for the tours that use domestic flights. You can book your Flybus ticket to and from Reykjavík. The Flybus departs the airport and reaches the location 35 to 40 minutes after each arrival. Buses are located right outside the terminal building.
Íslandshestar will pick you up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik or at Reykjavik official bus stops near your accommodation between 18:00 and 19:00.
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 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.
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