Three days of riding through the changing landscapes of Snæfellsnes, travelling with a free-running herd of Icelandic horses from ancient lava fields and mountain valleys to the extraordinary beaches of Löngufjörur.
Living the Dream: Riding through volcanic valleys to Löngufjörur beaches
This Journey takes us through some of the most distinctive landscapes of West Iceland. From Stóri-Kálfalækur, we ride across volcanic terrain, through a colourful valley shaped by ancient geological forces, and towards the wide-open Atlantic coast.
Along the way, we cross rivers, travel through grasslands and ancient lava fields, and enjoy views towards the snow-capped Snæfellsjökull glacier.
The Journey culminates on Löngufjörur, where firm sands and shallow coastal waters provide exceptional conditions for long-distance tölting. Riding alongside a free-running herd, with the ocean stretching towards the horizon, is an unforgettable experience.
Day 1 – Into the Volcanic Landscape
Stóri-Kálfalækur – Staðarhraun
We begin our Journey at Stóri-Kálfalækur, meeting the horses and guides before setting out with the herd.
Our route takes us into the varied volcanic landscapes of Snæfellsnes, where rocky terrain, colourful hillsides and ancient geological formations create a constantly changing backdrop.
As we travel towards Staðarhraun, we experience the traditional Icelandic way of riding with a free-running herd, changing horses along the way.
At the end of the riding day, we return by vehicle to Stóri-Kálfalækur for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 2 – Through Ancient Lava Fields
Staðarhraun – Kolviðarnes
Today’s ride leads through a mystical volcanic valley, surrounded by ancient lava landscapes and local stories of trolls and outlaws.
We cross rivers and ride through grasslands bordered by distinctive rock formations as the landscape gradually opens towards the Atlantic Ocean.
On a clear day, the snow-capped Snæfellsjökull glacier appears in the distance.
We leave the horses near Kolviðarnes and return to the farmhouse for the evening.
Day 3 – Let the Sea Set You Free
Kolviðarnes – Gaul
Our final riding day brings us to one of Iceland’s most extraordinary riding landscapes: the vast beaches of Löngufjörur.
With the free-running herd moving ahead, we follow the coastline across firm sands and through shallow waters.
The open beach provides wonderful opportunities for long-distance tölting, while the Atlantic Ocean and distant Snæfellsjökull glacier form an unforgettable backdrop.
Our Journey ends at Gaul, after three days of riding through the contrasting landscapes of Snæfellsnes..
Please note: The itinerary describes our planned route, but conditions in Iceland can change quickly. Weather, trail conditions and water levels in rivers may require us to adapt the route. Our guides will always make these decisions with the safety and wellbeing of our guests and horses in mind.
Smaller Groups. Bigger Herds.
We deliberately travel with a generous number of horses for the size of the group. This allows riders to change horses regularly and experience their different characters and abilities, while sharing the work between the horses throughout the Journey.
Riding with a free-running herd brings its own rhythm to the Journey. The horses travel together through the landscape, and as the terrain changes, so does the pace and character of the riding.
You will ride a number of different horses, getting to know the versatility of the Icelandic horse while becoming part of the movement of the herd across the Löngufjörur beaches.
Long days in the saddle. Varied terrain. A Journey for experienced riders.
Designed for experienced, riding-fit guests who are confident riding independently at all paces.
We travel with a free-running herd, changing horses during the day. The terrain varies from rocky volcanic tracks and river crossings to grasslands and open coastal sands.
Riding with the herd can be fast and exhilarating when conditions allow. On the wide-open beaches, the horses seems to almost fly across the firm sands, making this one of the most extraordinary places to experience the smooth Tölt of the Icelandic horse.
Riders should be confident and balanced at all paces, comfortable riding different horses and physically prepared for consecutive days in the saddle.
Throughout the Journey, we stay at Stóri-Kálfalækur farmhouse, returning each evening after our ride.
Made-up beds, shared facilities and home-cooked meals provide a welcoming base for the Journey.
Good food after a day in the saddle
Each morning begins with a breakfast buffet, where you can also prepare sandwiches and snacks to take with you for the day. Lunch is carried in our saddlebags or brought to us along the route where access allows.
In the evening, we come together over a chef-prepared dinner, with an emphasis on Icelandic food and locally sourced ingredients. It is a chance to relax, talk about the day and enjoy the company of the group.
On our final evening back at Stóri-Kálfalækur, we gather for dinner one last time and celebrate completing the Journey together.
Arrival & First Ride
Our Journey begins with a pickup in Reykjavík at 9:30 and a transfer to Stóri-Kálfalækur which is ideally situated between the mountains and the beaches. After arriving and settling in, we prepare the horses and set out on the first stage of our riding Journey.
Final Day & Return to Reykjavík
On our third day, we end with a ride to Gaul farm. After saying our goodbyes to the horses, we drive back to Stóri-Kálfalækur where we will spend our last night together. After breakfast the following morning we gather our things and head back to Reykjavik.
Support Along the Way
Our support team meets us at accessible points along the route, bringing supplies and support and arranging transfers between Stóri-Kálfalækur and where the day’s ride finishes. Some sections of the Journey take us beyond vehicle access. Here, we carry everything needed for the riding day in our saddlebags.
Maximum weight for a rider is 110kg/242lb.
Riding clothes. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which can not be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be cleaned and disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Kindly note that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature! For further information please take a look at: Import of riding equipment | Matvælastofnun
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