Tag 1 We will pick you up from Reykjavik and drive you to your accommodation, Minni-Vellir farmhouse, in the afternoon. After settling in, we'll have dinner followed by an initial 1-2-hour horse ride where we will familiarize ourselves with the horses, the tack and the area. We will then head back for a restful night.
Tag 2: Today we get ready after breakfast for our first day of riding with the herd. Our group will go ahead of the heard leading the way into lush green farmland, riding through woodlands, crossing beautiful streams, and passing by the magnificent Thjofafoss waterfall. We'll wrap up our day at Rjupnavellir, where the horses will rest for the night.
After the ride, we will have the opportunity to visit Iceland's longest manmade cave. Here, a local farmer will meet us and share insights about the cave's history and the sinister lore behind Hekla's infamous nickname, 'Gateway to Hell'.
Tag 3: As we get to know our horses, and their gaits, we'll venture closer to Hekla. The journey starts with a river crossing into a remote area under the roots of the volcano. After lunch, we part with the herd to tour private farmland at Hekla's base, joined by the landowner. This ride takes us to hidden spots rich with mystical local tales.
Evening options include a hike around Minni-Vellir with Dora or a calming dip in the local pool.
Tag 4: Today we'll descend from Hekla, enjoying smooth paths through the impressive and ever-changing lava fields reinforcing the 'Gateway to Hell' epithet. Our route takes us down-stream along the river Rangá which we will cross before arriving at Hrolfstaðahellir, where the horses rest for the night. After the ride, we have the option to explore woollen goods hand-made by local women in a craft shop situated on a nearby farm.
Tag 5: Departing from Hrolfstaðahellir, we journey towards Rettarnes, an ancient sheep roundup site. The ride now takes us up along the Rangá river, alternating between green expanses, rugged lava terrains and ash dunes, until we circle back home to Minni-Vellir. We round our tour up with a dinner and one last night of having fun together in Iceland.
Tag 6: Today we pack, bid our horses farewell, and return to Reykjavik.