Tag 1 We will pick you up at the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik around noon and drive to the Ishestar riding center. There we will start to pick out our riding equipment (helmet, saddle), that we will keep for the rest of the tour. Then we will meet our horses of the day and start our introductory ride. We will venture through vast lava fields and hills covered in lupins towards the volcano Helgafell. This mountain was formed through an eruption under a glacier during the last ice age and though not very high (338m), it is a landmark towering over its surroundings. Our ride will take us around it through outlandish landscapes and surprisingly green oases. After the ride we will pack our gear (plus rain gear, just in case) into the trailer and then enjoy a coffee while watching the horses and waiting for dinner.
After the dinner we embark our bus for a 1,5 hour drive to our base for the following days: The farmhouse Minnivellir. There we move in and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull and Burfell.
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 will wrap up our day at Rjupnavellir, where the horses will rest for the night.
After the ride, we will have the opportunity to visit the longest manmade cave in Iceland. Here, a local farmer will meet us and share insights about the history of the cave and the sinister lore behind Hekla's nickname, 'Gateway to Hell'.
Tag 3: As we get to know our horses, and their gaits, we 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 the base of Hekla, 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 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 Hrólfstaðahellir, 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.
