Day 1: Entering the Highlands: Fell – Bólstaður (approx. 25 km)

We will pick you up in Reykjavik between 10:00 and 10:30, and travel southeast for around 2,5 hours. We might make a stop at a tack shop in Selfoss. Apart from its culturally specific charm as a place full of items designed for Icelandic equestrianism, it's useful in case you need to equip yourself with, for instance, a head flynet or an extra pair of riding gloves.

Our meeting point with the herd and herding staff is a paddock near the Fell mountain cabin, where our horseback adventure begins. Before we saddle up, we'll enjoy a lunchtime snack to ensure we have enough energy for the ride.

We commence our journey alongside the mighty glacial Markarfljót river, which winds its way through picturesque valleys, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Following its Western banks, close to the foothills of Mt. Thorolfsfell, we ride through majestic scenery with the vast highlands towering ahead of us. Before changing horses at a paddock at Hellisvellir, we ford Markarfljót at its shallowest point, following the guide’s lead. Our path takes us up towards the slopes of Mt. Einhyrningur, to our cabin Bólstaður, where we spend the first night. Enjoy the great view of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier and Thorsmörk Nature Park!

Day 2: Passing the Peaks: Bólstaður – Mosar – Hungurfit (approx. 30 km)

The trail takes us into the mountains, northwest of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, towards Emstrur - highland pasture land, used for sheep grazing in summer. Our herd will love this lunch-break venue. If the weather happens to be beautiful, we will spend ample time there for the horses to graze peacefully and for ourselves to eat our sandwiches while marvelling at the distant sight of the stunning Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon, which we crossed via a long bridge on our way to this comfortable vantage point.

After the lunch break, we resume collecting indelible memories on horseback against the backdrop of panoramic vistas, finally reaching Hungurfit – a recently rebuilt, cosy cabin. It is bravely located in the proximity of two glaciers: Tindfjallajökull (easily recognizable by its two symmetrical peaks, Ýmir and Ýma, both over 1400 metres high) and Mýrdalsjökull (under which the notorious Katla crater is buried).

Day 3: Through the Smokey Valley: Hungurfit - Landmannahellir (approx. 45 km)

Today we venture deeper into the mountains, navigating the rugged terrain that unfolds before us. The landscape features the imposing table mountain Laufafell, the captivating Hrafntinnusker obsidian lava fields, and the enchanting Reykjadalur valley - with hot springs, small geysers, and mountains adorned with a vibrant palette of colours.

The trail weaves at high altitudes, including the very top of the dramatic mountain massif of Pokahryggur. Here we dismount and walk our horses downwards for some distance not only to ensure our safety but also to protect the horses’ front legs from excessive health-risk strain.

As the day's ride draws to a close, we reach Landmannahellir. Nestled amidst the wilderness, this traditional sheep round-up outpost becomes our shelter for the next two nights, providing a unique glimpse into the rich heritage of Icelandic sheep farming.

Day 4: The Kaleidoscope of Iceland's colours: Landmannahellir to Landmannalaugar (approx. 22 km)

Today the landscape undergoes a mesmerising transformation of colours, shifting from the greenish-black lava fields to the vibrant blue, yellow, and reddish tones of the rhyolite mountain ranges in Landmannalaugar. Our ride through obsidian fields, where the stark contrast of black rocks against the surrounding terrain creates a visually arresting scene, will be one of many highlights of this gorgeous day.

Upon reaching Landmannalaugar, we will soak ourselves in the thermal hot springs surrounded by colourful mountains and lava from 1480 — an invigorating experience amidst the surreal landscape. Those who seek enriching their exploration even further can go on a leisurely 2-hour hike through distinctive geological features and breathtaking vistas.

After this wonderful experience, we leave the herd at the paddock and drive back to our base in Landmannahellir.

Day 5: On the road to Nowhere: Landmannalaugar – Lambaskarðshólar (approx. 45 km)

A long exciting day lies ahead of us. This mountainous region will challenge us as we ride with our herd Southwards through mountain ranges, crossing rivers and valleys. Upon going past the Eldgjá Canyon, we enter the Southern part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve.

We reach a comfortable cabin of Lambaskarðshólar, beautifully located close to River Skaftá. The valley carries an air of fascination, inviting us to marvel at the natural wonders that grace its expanse. The evening promises a hot shower and a homemade dinner, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for camaraderie, story-sharing, and perhaps even some impromptu singing.

Day 6: Exploring the Fire Canyon: Around Eldgjá (approx. 20 km)

After the long ride the day before, we start today a little bit later and leave the herd at home to rest. We will ride down to the banks of the glacier river Skaftá. Our ride will take us further North to the edge of Eldgjá, the “Fire canyon”. It is around 40 km long, approximately 270 metres deep at its deepest point, and 600 metres wide at its widest point. The eruption at 939 AC released approximately 18 cubic kilometres of lava and caused a drop in temperature. The ash cloud could be traced as far as Central Asia. We have a short break there with the opportunity to walk a bit into the canyon to see its dimensions.

Day 7: Fire and Ice: Lambaskarðshólar - Mosar (approx. 58 km)

The longest day of our tour lies ahead of us. We ride past Lake Álftavatn and through the Álftavatnskrókur grazing area. The adventure includes passing Ófæragíl, a narrow canyon which the horses have to pass through one by one.

We follow the Fjallabak Trail, between the glaciers of Mýrdalsjökull and Torfajökull, and across Mælifellssandur, a black sand desert named after the prominent cone-shaped volcano Mælifell. While riding past this magnificent mountain, whose moss-green slopes starkly contrast with the black sand, we feel awed by the present moment. When the trail turns South towards Mosar, the horses realize with joy that the green fields await them soon.

The tiny mountain hut offers no frills such as a shower or electricity. There is not much, except for a heartly dinner and a bottle of wine, to distract us from experiencing the remoteness of the venue. This cosy conclusion adds a touch of communal charm to our day in the heart of the Icelandic highlands.

Day 8: Descending from the Highlands: Mosar - Fljótshlid (approx. 35 km)

We leave the scenic Emstrur behind by crossing the Markarfljót river on a bridge. Our path leads us further into the mountains, around the Einhyrningur mountain. From there we get great views of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier and Thórsmörk Nature Park. We reunite with Markarfljót and follow its Western banks for about half of the day. Since the early times of settlement, this area has proven to be fertile farmland and it was also the scene for the Saga of Njál, one of the most famous sagas in the Icelandic culture. We descend from the mountains, down the slope Þórolfsfell. We ride past lush farmland and waterfalls cascading down the slopes, Merkjáfoss (also known as Gluggafoss) being one of the most remarkable ones in this area. We conclude our adventure with unforgettable memories of the Icelandic highlands.

We round up our trip by leading our horses to their field where they will rest for a week. While watching our herd enjoying the freedom, rolling and snorting, we will have a brief picnic on the grass by their field - to gently transition from being close to nature to being back in the city. The Ishestar minibus will transport us to Reykjavik. The drive takes about 2.5 hours.