Wonders of Fjallabak

“WONDERS
OF FJALLABAK”

EXCLUSIVE
ADVENTURE for the FAROESE RIDERS

28
June – 03 July 2024

I.               
THE
AREA

This
splendid tour takes place in the vast, uninhabited region of the Fjallabak
Natural Reserve, north of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, where rugged rhyolite
mountains with deeply incised valleys treat the eye to unforgettable,
multi-coloured landscapes. Due to strong volcanic activity present on and off
throughout the geological timescale, the area is full of ash, sand, and lava,
solidified in suggestive shapes and partially covered in moss.

Ishestar
has operated horseback tours in this region for four decades and the trail in
the Southern Highlands was inspired by the company’s founders’ pioneering
spirit. We will ride from a mountain hut to a mountain hut, uphill and
downhill, at high altitudes, through mountain passes and in valleys, with
towering volcanoes in sight, such as the majestic snow-clad Eyjafjallajökull.

The
itinerary includes Fjallabaksleið syðri, an old high-altitude route, as well as
the fascinating, world-famous Landmannalaugar, with the bedrock dating back
8-10 million years and picture-postcard vistas of colourful slopes, where we
will enjoy a warm bath in the natural hot springs.

Kiddi,
who will be guiding our group, knows the area better than most. The daily
riding mileage will be considerable (especially given the demanding terrain),
so most of the days are scheduled to be long. Ishestar reserves the right to
alter the route if need be, e.g. due to weather conditions in the mountains.

II.             
THE
HORSES’ WELFARE

We
hold great respect for our equine companions on wilderness tours and take pride
in doing our best to ensure their well-being. We conduct tours with the health
and life quality of our horses in mind.

We
will have a herd of spare horses running at a distance behind or ahead of our
group (the actual number of horses depends on how many you will be). We will
change horses every several kilometres. It has been the traditional,
horse-friendly way of covering strenuous distances by groups of riders in
Iceland, ever since the Viking times. The task of herding the free-running
horses is on our experienced staff riders (the herd leader and his team).

Given
the challenging terrain and lengthy daily distances covered, this tour demands
considerable stamina and strength from the horses. We will carefully choose
horses that are fit for the task. However, if the weather or other conditions
make the challenge significantly more strenuous for the animals than
anticipated, please be aware that the tour leader is obligated to make
decisions to prevent the horses from exhaustion and other immediate health
hazards. This might involve, for instance, prolonging the breaks en route or
changing horses more often.

III.           
THE
DO AND DONT’S

There
is a code among riders on multi-day tours in Iceland that will stand you in
good stead on your riding adventure.

Never
pass your lead guide. Kiddi knows the track and the environment intimately,
while you’re a visitor under his care. If your guide signals to stop, be quiet
or point out something, follow his instructions and pass the information on to
your fellow riders behind you, who may not have seen or heard.

Be
aware of your fellow riders and their horses. If a rider has a horse that needs
to be at the front of the group to prevent it from jogging, try not to pass
that horse.

While
in the saddle, avoid being excessively loud and talkative to the extent that it
disturbs others who are enjoying the serenity of nature.

During
river crossings, don’t look down onto the current and ensure that you maintain
ample space between your horse and the rider ahead of you before entering the
water yourself.

It is
strictly prohibited to ride while under the influence of alcohol. This rule is
rigorously enforced on all Ishestar tours.

IV.           
THE
ITINERARY

Day 1 (28 June)

Entering the Highlands

Fell – Bólstaður approx. 25 km (no shower)

Upon
your arrival in Iceland (08:15), we will pick you up with our mini-bus at
Keflavik International Airport. On our way, we will drop by Ishestar
Headquarters in Hafnarfjörður to offer you fresh coffee and breakfast at our
place. Out of the foodstuffs at the breakfast table, you are welcome to make
some take-away sandwiches for yourselves for later on. The main meal of the day
will be dinner at the mountain cabin, which we will reach on horseback in the late
afternoon.

While
at Ishestar, you can comfortably change into your riding gear. Additionally,
you will have opportunity to try on and choose raingear which we will be yours
for the duration of the tour, as well as riding helmets in case you want to
borrow them from us.

Afterwards,
we will drive you towards the South-East of the country, to the mountain cabin
Fell, where you will meet Kiddi and the herding staff, and where our horseback
adventure is set to begin. The drive will take about 2 hours.

We
commence our ride alongside the mighty glacial Markarfljót river, which winds
its way through picturesque valleys, offering breathtaking views of the
surrounding peaks. We follow its Western banks, close to the Southern foothills
of Mt. Thorolfsfell, through majestic scenery with the vast highlands towering
ahead of us. Before changing horses at a paddock at Hellisvellir, we ford the
Markarfljót river at its shallowest point, following Kiddi’s lead. 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 (29 June)

Passing the Peaks

Bólstaður – Mosar – Hungurfit approx. 30 km (shower)

As we
ascend into the highlands, the Icelandic horse's sure-footedness becomes a
testament to its adaptation to the challenging environment. Amidst the
elemental grandeur, we forge a special connection with our horses, the land,
and its storied past. The crisp mountain air fills our lungs, and the scent of
wildflowers mingles with the earthy aroma of moss-covered lava rocks.

The
trail takes us northwest of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, towards Emstrur -
highland pasture land, used for sheep grazing in summer. Our herd will love
this lunch-break venue. If the weather happens to be beautiful, we will spend
ample time there for the horses to graze peacefully and for ourselves to eat
our sandwiches while marvelling at the sight of the stunning
Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon, which we crossed via a long bridge on our way to
this comfortable vantage point. The spectacular gorge, which delves down 200
metres, was born about 2000 years ago in a dramatic eruption of Volcano Katla.

After
the lunch break, we resume collecting indelible memories on horseback against
the backdrop of panoramic vistas, finally reaching Hungurfit – a recently
rebuilt, cosy cabin. It is bravely located in the proximity of two glaciers:
Tindfjallajökull (easily recognizable by its two symmetrical peaks, Ýmir and
Ýma, both over 1400 metres high) and Mýrdalsjökull (under which the notorious
Katla crater is buried).

Day 3 (30 June)

Through the Steamy Valley

Hungurfit – Landmannahellir approx. 45 km (shower)

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. The trail
weaves at high altitudes, including the very top of the dramatic mountain
massif of Pokahryggur. On the way down towards the valley of Landmannahellir,
we dismount and walk our horses downwards for some distance not only to ensure
our safety but also to protect the horses’ front legs from excessive
health-risk strain. We end the ride at the traditional sheep herding station of
Landmannahellir, where we will spend the night.

However,
before dinner, we will drive to Landmannalaugar to see the gorgeous obsidian
fields on the way and the world-famous place itself, but also to enjoy a soak
in the thermal hot spring. The otherworldly beauty of Landmannalaugar lies in
the harmonious blend of geological wonders, vibrant hues, and the untouched
natural environment.

Day 4 (1 July)

The Gateway to Hell

Landmannahellir – Rjúpnavellir approx. 35 km (shower)

We
leave the scenic Landmannahellir area and ride north of Mt. Hekla, descending
gradually 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”.
Along the route, we can admire an unparalleled blend
of raw volcanic beauty, serene landscapes, and untamed wilderness.

The
herd will rest in a field at Rjúpnavellir, while we will spend the night at the
welcoming former farmhouse Minni-Vellir, located a short drive from
Rjúpnavellir. The house has recently been renovated with the aim of offering a
"home away from home" ambiance to the guests.

Day 5 (2 July)

Winding Down

Paddock by Mt. Burfell– Torfastadir approx. 35 km (shower)

Our
final day of riding sees us reuniting with our herd at a paddock at the
Southern foothills of Mt. Burfell, a squat basalt tuya, which stands in the way
of Thjorsa, compelling the mighty river to meander around it. The trail leads
us away from the towering mountains of Hekla and Burfell, and shows us another, rather positive side of the 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.

Day 6 (3 July)

Drive back to Reykjavik

After
a tasty breakfast, we will drive back to Reykjavik.

If
time permits and you'd like to see some exquisite hand-knitted masterpieces
(and perhaps purchase a souvenir for someone dear to you), a detour to
Thingborg along our route would be well worth your while. This is a distinctive
wool shop, operated by locals since 1991, offering meticulously crafted,
high-quality items. These include coloured and hand-dyed yarn made from
specially selected lambswool, along with artfully knitted sweaters adorned with
traditional Icelandic patterns.