ISHESTAR SPECIAL: Forces of Nature Southern Route

Our ride starts in the beautiful and renowned Fljótshlíð area which is south-east of the town Hvolsvollur and leads alongside Markarfljót River up into the mountains. Despite the fact that this is our first day in the saddle - please make sure you take a look around and enjoy the breathtaking landscape and scenery! We are in ancient Viking country, home to one of our most renowned and tragic sagas, The Saga of Njáll.  Looking south on a bright day you can see the Westman Islands, home to some 4.300 people and one of Iceland´s largest puffin colony. We follow good riding tracks through black ash from Mt. Hekla’s past eruptions but Hekla is one of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, as we venture out into the heart of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. We continue across the black sand desert Mælifellssandur and into lava fields originating from Laki’s craters during Skaftáreldar, a devastating eruption in the 18th century. About 135 craters erupted on a huge fissure and they covered the area with lava and the whole country with ashes for about two years. Animals succumbed to hunger or volcanic poisoning, a large part of the human population died and only 38.500 people survived the disaster. We spend a day close to Eldgjá, the biggest volcanic canyon in the world before returning home.

Part one

Day 1: Fljótshlið – Fell (ca. 25 km) On the traces of Njál’s Saga

Pick-up in Reykjavik in the morning and a 1,5 hour drive to our starting point in the historical Fljótshlíð area, where we meet staff and horses and start our ride alongside the Markarfljót River. We are riding past lucious farm land and waterfalls cascading down the slopes, Merkjáfoss (also known as Gluggafoss) being one of the most remarkable ones in this area. Since the early times of settlement this area has been proven to be fertile farmland and it was also the scene for the Saga of Njál one of the most famous sagas in Icelandic culture. We follow the Markafljót river upstream and ascend into the mountains, up the slope Þórolfsfell to Fell Cabin for an overnight stay. From there we get  great views of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier and Thórsmörk Nature Park. (25 km)

Day 2:  Fell – Mosar (2x) (ca. 25 km) Entering the highlands

We follow the mighty Markarfljót River on the Western banks for about half of the day. Then our path leads us further into the mountains, around the Einhyrningur mountain. We meet Markarfljót again, crossing it this time (on a bridge) and enter the scenic Emstrur area. This grazing area in the highlands pleases our horses and we spend the night in a mountain cabin. 

Day 3: Around Mosar (ca. 25-35 km): Where the wild sheep roam

We leave the herd behind and continue on individual horses to further explore this wonderful area some more. We ride into the beautiful Botnar valley and stop at a cave used in earlier times as a shelter for farmers when gathering their sheep. The highlight of this day will be looking down at the impressive Markafljotsglúfur, a gorge that is 200 meter deep. Before heading back to the cabin we stop at a hilltop and enjoy a great 360 degree view over the Southern highlands, including Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and the notorious Katla crater.

Day 4: Mosar – Lambaskarðshólar (2x) (60 km) Fire and Ice

The longest day of our tour lies ahead of us. Our ride will take us North East, between Mýrdalsjökull and Torfajökull Glacier. We follow the Fjallabak Trail across Mælifellssandur, a black sand desert named after the prominent cone shaped volcano Mælifell that rises above the black sand and provides great contrast with its’ moss green slopes. We ride around it and turn North through the Álftavatnskrókur grazing area and past Lake Álftavatn. cross several small glacier fed rivers on our way to the cabin. Before reaching the cabin, we have to pass Ófæragíl, a  narrow canyon where the horses have to pass through one by one. We end our ride at Lambaskarðshólar cabin, close to River Skaftá. After this long riding day, the hot showers at the cabin will be highly appreciated (60 km).

Day 5: Around Eldgjá - Exploring the Fire Canyon (ca. 30 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. ca. 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 it´s dimensions.

The riders that only take the 5 day tour will leave us after an early dinner.

We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary

This tour can be booked as a tour with 9 riding days, 5 riding days (part 1) or 4 riding days (part 2)

ACCOMMODATION 

Shared rooms in simple mountain cabins and sleeping bag accommodation during the ride. Please bring your own sleeping bag. 

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 if requested when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.

Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price.

Rainwear, 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.

- For more information please visit our website www.ishestar.is -