Hekla Adventure

DAY-BY-DAY INTINERARY 

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 the lush green farmland, navigate an Icelandic forest, cross beautiful streams, and pass by the magnificent Þjofafoss waterfall.  We'll wrap up our day at Rjupnavellir, where the horses will rest for the night. Additionally, we will have the choice to visit Iceland's longest manmade cave. Here, a local farmer will meet us and share insights about the cave's history and the sinister lore behind Hekla's infamous nickname, 'Gateway to Hell'.

Day 3: As we get to know our horses, and their gaits, we'll venture closer to Hekla. The journey starts with a river crossing into  into a remote area under the roots of the volcano. Post-lunch, we part with the herd to tour private farmland at Hekla's base, 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 a nearby thermal pool.

Day 4: Today we'll descend from Hekla, enjoying smooth paths through the impressive and ever-changing lava fields reinforcing the 'Gateway to Hell' epithet. Our route follows the river Rangá which we will cross before arriving at Hrolfstaðahellir, where the horses rest for the night. After the ride, we have the option to visit a local craft shop to explore handmade Icelandic woollen goods.

Day 5: Departing from Hrolfstaðahellir, we journey towards Rettarnes, an ancient sheep roundups. The ride takes us along the Rangá river, alternating between green expanses and rugged lava terrains, until we circle back to the farmhouse at 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.