ISHESTAR SPECIAL: Forces of Nature Western Route

Day 1:  Entering the Highlands: Fell – Einhyrningur (ca. 25 km)

Morning Pick-up in Reykjavik

Pick-up at your hotel in Reykjavik between 08.15 and 09.00.  We travel by private coach to the Southern part of Iceland to the cabin Fell where we will find our horses  and which will be our point of departure.  We start our ride alongside the mighty Markarfljót River. We follow on its Western banks through majestic scenery with the Highlands towering ahead of us. Our path leads us up to 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: Einhyrningur – Mosar – Hungurfit (ca. 30 km)

This day takes us across the mighty Markarfljót River (on a bridge). We ride through the scenic Emstrur area to Mosar. This lush grazing area in the highlands pleases our horses and we spend some time there before we continue to the new and cosy Hungurfit cabin just north of Tindfjallajökull, the smallest glacier in Iceland. It is easily recognisable by its two symmetrical peaks Ýmir and Ýma, both over 1400 meter high. A warm shower is available there, together with great views of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier where the notorious Katla crater is hidden.

Day 3:  Through the Steamy Valley: Hungurfit – Landmannahellir Mt. Cabin (ca. 45 km)

We continue our ride into the mountains, past the prominent table mountain Laufafell, through a black lava desert. Our ride takes us past the black obsidian lava fields of Hrafntinnusker and through the fascinating Reykjadalur valley with its hot springs, small geysers and colourful mountains. We end this riding day in the traditional sheep herding station of Landmannahellir where we spend the next two nights.

Day 4: The Kaleidoscope of Iceland´s colours: (car transfer to) Landmannalaugar – Landmannahellir (ca. 40 km)

Today we ride into to the famous Landmannalaugar, with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colourful mountains and lava from 1480. We spend the morning there with the opportunity to hike or take a dip in the pool or to go on the special ride further into Jökugil Canyon. For this ride we need to leave the herd behind while we venture further to explore. You will be riding through an area of outstanding beauty without the crowds from the Landmannalaugar area. After that de-tour we embark with our herd on the scenic ride returning to Landmannahellir. The colours change from the blue-yellow-reddish of the rhyolite mountain ranges of Landmannalaugar to the greenish black lava fields and unreal dots of blue lakes in between. We cross rivers and lakes and pass through an obsidian field before arriving back in Landmannahellir.  This day will be without a doubt, one of the highlights of this tour.

We leave the horses but will not spend the night here, instead drive back to the more remote and serene cabin Landmannahellir.

Departure

We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary

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 -