Small but mighty! The Icelandic horse is famous for its unique four-beat gait, the tölt, which is incredibly smooth and comfortable—perfect for long rides. Riding an Icelandic horse in its homeland is an authentic experience you won’t forget. These horses are not only strong but also friendly and affectionate!

On this tour, we’ll also be herding alongside free-running horses, a traditional way of traveling in Iceland. With a fast pace, you’ll switch horses at least once or twice a day!

Max rider weight: 110kg / 240 lbs

Accommodation: You’ll stay 5 nights in a beautifully restored farmhouse. There are 3 private rooms available (upon request for an extra cost) and a cozy sleeping loft that sleeps up to 14 people. The house has a spacious bathroom, a separate restroom, and a comfy living room where you can relax after a long day of riding.

We suggest bringing your own sleeping bag, but if needed, you can rent one at an additional fee.

Food: The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available on request when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.

• €2690 per person

• Optional add-ons:

  Single room supplement: €150

  Renting a sleeping bag: €50 per person

  Renting a safety vest: €75 per person

  Visit to Sumarliðarbaer breeding stable and exclusive hot pools: €90 per person

Included:

• Bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm

• 5 nights shared accommodation in farmhouse

• Full board (all meals provided)

• Rainwear, water bottle, saddle bag, and riding helmet

Not Included:

• Flights to and from Iceland

• Travel insurance (We recommend arranging your own travel insurance before your trip to Iceland)

• Alcoholic beverages

Day 1: Getting started (Reykjavik - Minnivellir - Hellar - Minnivellir)

Late morning pick up in Reykjavik We drive up to the former farm Minnivellir (1,5 hours) where we settle in. After a short brief, we catch our horses from the field next to the house, get acquainted with the gear and ready for the first ride. This ride takes us through lush fields – fertilized through the ash from the eruptions of the Hekla volcano – to the farm Hellar at Skarðsfjall mountain range. There we take a break and visit the biggest man-made cave in Iceland. We finish our visit with homemade snacks from the farmer and his family that has lived there for centuries before we head back to Minnivellir. We take a different route this time and ride alongside the shores of the mighty river Þjórsá. Accommodation: Minnivellir (3 double bed rooms for single occupancy, and a large sleeping loft)

Day 2: Towards the volcano

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 lush green farmland, riding through woodlands, crossing beautiful streams, and passing by the magnificent Thjofafoss waterfall. We will wrap up our day at Rjupnavellir, where the horses will rest for the night.

Day 3: The Gateway to Hell

As we get to know our horses, and their gaits, we venture closer to Hekla. The journey starts with a river crossing into a remote area under the roots of the volcano. After lunch, we part with the herd to tour private farmland at the base of Hekla, joined by the landowner. This ride takes us to hidden spots rich with mystical local tales. Optional: Visit to the breeding farm and private hot pools at Sumarliðarbaer (extra cost of 90 eur per person)

Day 4: Following the river

Today we descend from Hekla, enjoying smooth paths through the impressive and everchanging lava fields reinforcing the 'Gateway to Hell' epithet. Our route takes us down-stream along the river Rangá which we will cross before arriving at Hrólfstaðahellir, where the horses rest for the night. After the ride, we have the option to explore woollen goods hand-made by local women in a craft shop situated on a nearby farm.

Day 5: Winding down

Departing from Hrolfstaðahellir, we journey towards Rettarnes, an ancient sheep roundup site. The ride now takes us up along the Rangá river, alternating between green expanses, rugged lava terrains and ash dunes, until we circle back home to 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.

Airport Transfer

We recommend booking your transfer from Keflavík Airport to Reykjavík (and back) with Reykjavik Excursions using their Flybus service.

Departure Times: The Flybus departs approximately 35-40 minutes after each flight arrival.

Booking: You can book your Airport Direct Ticket to and from Reykjavík

Buses are located just outside the terminal building.

Liability:
Our operator, Íshestar reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise and depending on road or weather conditions.

Make sure to bring comfortable riding clothes and shoes! We recommend high riding boots with a heel, but low boots are also acceptable. Make sure to bring a couple pairs of comfortable shoes, such as hiking or rubber boots, in case they get wet.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Riding Gear: All riding gear (trousers, jackets, etc.) must be washed at 40°C or dry cleaned before arriving in Iceland. For items that can’t be washed (boots, helmets), clean and disinfect them at least five days before your trip. We recommend using Virkon S for disinfecting.
Please note that used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps, or other leather items are not allowed to be brought into Iceland.
Note: Iceland has no contagious animal diseases, and the horses are not vaccinated. To protect their health, we ask for your help in following these guidelines. For more information, visit www.mast.is.