Landmannalaugar and Mount Hekla Trail

We ride on fantastic riding paths along the mighty glacial river Þjórsá, with views of the glacier Eyjafjallajökull and the volcano Hekla. We leave the horses at Sandlækjarmýri field and drive to Réttarholt. 

This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. We stay at Kálfhóll and relax in the hot tub outdoors. (approximately 20 km)

Today we ride along the lovely river Sandá through the National Forest Skriðufellskógur into the beautiful and famous valley of Thjórsárdalur. The volcano Hekla towers over the vast lavender-blue lupine fields along the sandy tracks. 

We stop at Stöng, the ruins of a medieval farmhouse excavated in 1939. In 1104, Mt Hekla erupted for the first time in the recorded history of Iceland. The eruption destroyed at least 20 farms in the valley Thjórsárdalur, among them the farm Stöng. 

After a short stop at Gjáin, a mystical canyon with lots of small waterfalls and famous setting for Games of Thrones, we head for the cozy mountain hut Hólaskógur with a prime view of Volcano Hekla. (approximately 35 km)

We ride over narrow tracks through black lava north of Valafell mountain. Our surefooted horses carry us comfortably through rough terrain through the Lambaskarð mountain passage. 

We continue on sandy paths close by lake Sauðleysuvatn and through the moonlike desert towards Mountain hut Landmannahellir, where we will spend two nights. (approximately 30 km)

Today we ride to the famous Landmannalaugar, with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colorful mountains and lava from 1480. Our horses rest in a paddock and we have a good part of the day to relax in the hot pools or visit the numerous sights, before returning to Landmannahellir.  

This day will be without a doubt, one of the highlights of this tour. (approximately 40 km)

We leave the beautiful area of Landmannahellir and ride on towards the Herbjarnfell mountain. Today´s route takes us over the varying landscape. We ride across sanders, sharp lava, huge pumice fields in many colors and over green grazing fields where the farmers drive their sheep during summer.

We stay overnight in the solitary mountain hut Hólaskógur with a perfect view of the Hekla volcano. Here we get the feeling of being “on top of the world”. (approximately 40 km)

Today we ride over the rich green mountain fields over Seljamýri to Fögruskógar and Þrengslasandur towards Réttarholt Guesthouse. Here we have to say goodbye to horses and staff. 

The bus will take us back to Hannes's farm for coffee & cake. We then drive back to Reykjavík BSÍ. (approximately 35 km)