Southern Highland Adventure

On this tour, we introduce you to Iceland’s Southern Highlands and take you through Fjallabak, on some of Iceland’s wonderful, hidden bridle paths. We ride through multi-coloured landscapes with the towering glaciers and extensive lava fields giving the area a magical touch. We will go to the fascinating area of Landmannalaugar where we will enjoy a refreshing bath in its natural hot springs.

One of Iceland’s most active and beautiful volcanoes, Eyjafjallajökull, towers over the landscape. This area is perfect for riding since the soft trails of volcanic ashes give the Icelandic horses an excellent ground for their special gait, the comfortable tölt.

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 ( Landmannahellir ca. 20 km)

After an exhilarating ascent up to the highlands, we leave the herd behind for a well deserved rest and go on a single horse ride exploring the area. After a warm lunch in the hut we go by bus to Landmannalaugar passing through an obsidian field and experiencing the colors change from greenish black lava fields to the blue-yellow-reddish of the rhyolite mountain ranges in Landmannalaugar. In Landmannalaugar we will have time to enjoy a soak in the thermal hot spring as well as a hike through the area. Then we return by bus to out hut in Landmannahellir for a warm dinner and a cozy evening.

Day 5:  The Gateway to Hell (Landmannahellir Mt. Cabin – Rjúpnavellir Summer Cottages ca. 35 km)

We leave the scenic Landmannahellir area and ride north of Mt. Hekla volcano, down from the highlands. A desert of black ash and light pumice is a witness to numerous eruptions of this volcano, the most active one in Iceland and known as the Gateway to Hell. Rjúpnavellir summer cottages are our first step back into “civilization”. We enjoy our last night with barbecue and beautiful views of Mt. Hekla before we spend our last night right underneath the volcano.

Day 6:  Winding Down: (Rjúpnavellir – Fljótshlíð ca. 35 km)

Our last riding day leads us south of Mt. Hekla volcano and shows another, rather positive side of Mt. Hekla eruptions: 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. Our ride ends in Fljótshlíð where we say goodbye to our horses before we drive back to Reykjavik in the afternoon.

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 -