Hekla Midsummer Adventure

Join us on a tour of one of Iceland's most active volcanoes, the feared and revered Hekla. Known as the "Gate to Hell" in Medieval times, Hekla's explosive eruptions have shaped the landscape of Iceland and left a lasting impact on the surrounding area. But despite its fearsome reputation, the lava and ash from Hekla's eruptions have also enriched the soil and created lush pastures for grazing.

 

On our tour, you'll explore the lava fields from different Hekla eruptions and ride through the beautiful pastures created by the volcano. Along the way, you'll ride with a herd of horses and change mounts throughout the day. You'll stay at a beautifully renovated farmhouse and always have a view of Hekla on the horizon. This is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and power of Iceland's volcanic landscape!

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Myndir frá Róberti á Fossi Ljósmyndari: Jennifer Bechman
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IMG_7053 copy Myndir frá Róberti á Fossi Ljósmyndari: Jennifer Bechman IMG_7195 IMG_7122 2 336516497_3396264040629139_5724505100930102579_n IMG_6453 3 ICE_6288 copy IMG_7064 copy ISH_09 IMG_2621 IMG_6577 IMG_0694 IMG_6602 IMG_9242 ICE_6273 copy ICE_6266 copy ICE_6243 copy IMG_7141 copy ICE_6240 IMG_7185 copy ICE_6248 copy ICE_6264 copy ICE_6262 copy ICE_6263 copy IMG_7080 IMG_7188 IMG_7170 IMG_7151 IMG_7136 4 IMG_7178 IMG_7176 336585051_590641312716682_8918990589680295755_n

3 nights - 4 riding days


    BOOK NOW

    DURATION

    RIDING SKILLS

    Intermediate riders

    DEPARTURES

    Departure 2023: June 22-25

    ACCOMMODATION

    3 nights in double rooms (and sleeping loft) in a beautiful private cottage

    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 BY DAY ITINERARY

    Pick-up in Reykjavik between noon and 1 pm.

    Day 1: Minnivellir- Skarðsfjall - Hellar - Minnivellir (ca. 20 km)

    We drive up to the former farm Minnivellir (1,5 hours) where we settle in. After a short brief, we will catch our horses from the field next to the house, get acquainted with the gear and ready for the first ride. This ride takes us through lush fields – fertilized through the ash from the eruptions of the Hekla volcano – to the farm Hellar at Skarðsfjall mountain range. There we take a break and visit the biggest men-made cave in Iceland. We finish our visit with homemade snacks from the farmer, who´s family has lived there for centuries before we head back to Minnivellir. We take a different route this time and ride alongside the shores of the mighty river Þjórsá.

    Day 2: Minnivellir - Skarfanes - Rjupnavellir (35-40 km)

    On our second day we prepare some lunch for the ride before we head towards the shores of river Þjórsá. We ride alongside the mighty river and around the big lava field ‘Merkurhraun’, that is about 6000-8000 years old. We end our ride on the Western slopes of Hekla volcano, leave the horses there and drive back to Minnivellir for dinner and the night.

    Day 3: Rjupnavellir - Foss (35 km)

    After the breakfast we are driving to Rjupnavellir where we start our riding day. Our ride leads us south of Mt. Hekla volcano and shows both sides side of Mt. Hekla eruptions: rocky lava fields and fertile farmland. We ride through lush green fields  and cross the rivers Ytri-Rangá and Eystri-Rangá. For parts of the day we follow the well-known Hekla Trail and ride on good riding tracks where it is easy to enjoy the tölt. We leave the horses on a field and drive back to Minnivellir for the night.

    Day 4: Foss - Torfastaðir (Fljótshlið) (ca. 15 km)

    On our last day we pack up our things and Minnivellir and head to Foss, where we left the horses. Our ride takes us alongside Fiská river and the slopes of the landmark mountain Þrihyrningur (Three horns) into the region of Fljótshlið, just South of the Tindfjallajökull glacier. At the farm Torfastaðir we have a picnic lunch and then say good bye to the horses and drive back to Reykjavik.

    USEFUL INFORMATION

    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 Frequent Asked Questions and/or contact us at sales@ishestar.is