Hekla Adventure

Hekla, one of the most active volcanoes in Iceland, was once considered by Icelanders to be the 'Gateway to Hell' due to regular and powerful eruptions. Despite this fearsome reputation, the lava and ash from these eruptions enriched the soil, which with time created rich pastures around the volcano. The ash and light pumice lava stone have formed incredibly smooth paths ideal for riding adventures in the land of fire and ice. On this exciting 5 day tour, you traverse trails through lava fields and lush lands and travel with a herd of horses - always with Hekla in sight! Riders on this tour will have the opportunity to get great insight into the history of the area through local activities in the afternoons as well as the option to try different horses each day and stay at a beautifully renovated farmhouse.

 

This tour is operated by Beggi.

Myndir frá Róberti á Fossi Ljósmyndari: Jennifer Bechman
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Myndir frá Róberti á Fossi Ljósmyndari: Jennifer Bechman ICE_2079_8227 copy ICE_2105_8252 copy ICE_2107_8254 copy Hekla Adventure ICE_2120_8267 copy ICE_2060_8206 copy Icelandic Horses Icelandic Horses Riding in Iceland ICE_2065_8214 copy ICE_2117_8264 copy riding in Iceland ICE_2101_8248 copy Riding in Iceland ICE_2141_8288 copy ICE_2181_8328 copy ICE_2112_8259 copy ICE_2179_8327 copy Hekla riding adventure Hekla Adventure Minnivellir Icelandic sheep Icelandic Horse Hekla Adventure Minnivellir Minnivellir Minnivellir ICE_2148_8295 copy ICE_2209_8356 copy Traveling around Iceland riding the icelandic Horse on a multi day tour ICE_2063_8209 copy ICE_2003_8150 copy ICE_1999_8146 copy Traveling around Iceland riding the icelandic Horse on a multi day tour ICE_2070_8217 copy ICE_2076_8223 copy riding in Iceland ICE_2043_8190 copy ICE_1997_8144 copy Riding the Icelandic Horse ICE_2109_8256 copy ICE_2210_8357 copy Minnivellir Minnivellir Minnivellir Hekla Adventure ICE_2211_8358 copy Hekla Adventure Minnivellir


    DURATION

    6 days - 5 nights - 5 riding days

    RIDING SKILLS

    Intermediate to advanced riders

    DEPARTURES

    2025: 21-26 of June, 14th-19th July

    ACCOMMODATION

    5 nights in a beautifully restored farm house owned and decorated by Magnús and Þorey. The house has 3 private rooms available upon request when booking and a cozy sleeping loft accommodating up to 14 people. The house has a spacious bathroom and a restroom as well as a cozy living room for relaxing.

    WHAT IS INCLUDED

    Bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm.

    During the ride full board is provided. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available on request when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.

    Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands.

    Rain wear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet.

    ATTENTION

    Individual travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We encourage clients to obtain relevant travel insurance before visiting Iceland.

    Flight to and from Iceland is not included

    Day 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.


    Day 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'.


    Day 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.

     

    Day 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.


    Day 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.

     

    Day 6: Today we pack, bid our horses farewell, and return to Reykjavik.

    Airport Transfer

    We recommend that you book your transfer with airport direct, as they have more flexible options.

     

    Keflavik - Reykjavik (Bus hostel)

    Reykjavik (Bus hostel) - Keflavik

     

    Terms & Conditions:
    If you book online you will be asked to pay the full amount. Please contact us for different payment options.

     

    Liability:
    Íshestar reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. No liability is accepted for loss or expenses due to delays or changes of arrival or departures of flights or other services, injury, sickness, accident, strikes, damage, negligence, weather, wars or other causes outside the control of Íshestar. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveler. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions.

    For more information please see also our Frequently Asked Questions and/or contact us at multidaytours@ishestar.is