The Hekla-Landmannalaugar horseback riding tour in Iceland is located in the vast interior, which comprises one of Europe’s greatest wilderness areas. While some places are extremely barren and sparse — described as similar to being on the moon, others are full of scenic diversity with rainbow-streaked mountains, moss covered lava flows and blue mountain lakes. Superimposed on this wilderness is a tough and independent society — descendants of farmers and warriors who fled the tyranny of medieval Scandinavia to settle this empty country. Although Icelanders are sometimes considered reserved, visitors often find they are some of the friendliest people found anywhere.
There can hardly be a horse in the world better adapted to cross country riding than the Icelandics which have been kept a pure breed for centuries. These sturdy, sure-footed horses have a naturally gentle and friendly disposition. They are bred to carry people for long distances and they have a smooth fourth and fifth gait which enable one to cover the miles comfortably and swiftly. This is a hard trip with very basic accommodations; a true adventure.
Participant will be picked up from the BSI central bus station in Reykjavik at 6PM for travel to Hella and the outfitters farm Austvadsholt for final preparations for the tour, dinner and overnight.
Around midday course is set through meadows and lava fields, alongside Ranga River, to the lodge at Rjupnavellir, passing the historical lava sheep-fold Landrettir and the last farms before the highlands. 5 hours riding.
Morning departure from Rjupnavellir to the wilds, crossing a desert of ashes and the lava fields of Solvahraun, close to the famous volcano Hekla (last eruption 2000). It will take 6 hours to reach the Fjallabak Nature Reserve and the historical area of Landmannahellir, where the farmers stay in the autumn when gathering their sheep in the mountains.
In the morning a 3-4 hour ride through the Domadal Valley and alongside the magnificent lake Frostastadavatn, to Landmannalaugar – a beautiful setting of old craters, glaciers and colorful mountains. The afternoon will be at rider’s leisure for exploring the surroundings or bathing in the natural open-air hot-water pool. Drive back to Landmannahellir for overnight.
In the morning drive back to the horses that stayed at Landmannalaugar. Explore the area further on horseback via another route to Landmannahellir, a wild track previously known only to farmers. Traverse superb explosive craters such as Ljotipollur and Hnausapollur, then ride across expansive and unusual landscapes and by beautiful lakes. Overnight at the lodge in Landmannahellir. 5 hours riding.
Ride through the highlands, crossing lava fields, toward Mt. Valafell to the Afangagil Valley, a special place where farmers get together in September for the “Rettir”, after the sheep have been collected. Overnight in an old shepherd’s hut. 5-6 hours riding.
Depart from Afangagil early in the morning for the return to the farm. Ride across deserts of ash, passing through the 1970 lava flow. Then on through farmland and across the Ranga River toward home. This is a long day with 7-8 hours in the saddle. Depart at 5PM with the transfer back to Reykjavik.
THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.
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The Icelandic Horses were superb. Their performance and steadiness was awe inspiring to me. The organizers and guide were also very impressive, low key on top of everything, also nice people.
Carrie Croton
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