Iceland, Hekla

Small groups, quality horses and expert guides!

Riding in Iceland has in many ways turned in to an industry, with a large- scale focus, mix between beginners and experienced rides, horses that cannot tolt and so called guides from other countries with no local knowledge.

We are so happy that we have found Robert, a professional young man who more or less were born on horseback. He chose the Icelandic horse as career. Growing up he educated, bred and competed. He are lucky to have the base at Roberts familys farm that has 300 hectares of land where they breed horses and milk cows. The farm is located close to the vulcano Helka with its lava beaches, water falls, and endless of unspoilt nature.

At the farm they have about 70 horses, around 20 are used for the trailrides. There is also one stallion. One of the reasons that Robert wanted to start with trails rides is that he did not want to sell his nice horses, he wanted to keep them so that he could make sure that they were well taken care of and could keep their good tolt. These horses can be compared to private owned competition horses. The passion shines through when talking to Robert about the horses and trail rides in this magical nature. Since childhood he have spent weekends and holidays on horseback in different cabins without any modern facilities and that has given him nature and horse experiences that has to be experienced.

As a rider from another country, it is incredibly enriching and rewarding to get to know this genuine Icelandic horse culture. On the rides there are always a herd of loose horses. So if you want to take advantage of the best that Iceland can offer regarding high quality horses, nature and hosting, the choice is easy. Ride with Robert and his team.

Accommodation & food

On the trailride you will stay the two first and two last nights near the horsefarm. There you will stay in twin rooms with bathroom outside the room, the rest of the nights you will stay in the familys cabin. It is so quiet and peaceful and extremely beautiful with the river right next to you and the mountains in the background. The accommodation is basic in bunkbeds in the big cabin. No electricity (bring powerbank). There is a kitchen and bathroom in the house. The shower is in another building.

Every day starts with a steady breakfast and after that you make your own lunchpack that you bring in the saddlebag. Dinner is cooked and served in the cabin in the evening. Wine and beer can be purchased for those who wish.

Hekla Trail Ride

7 days: 6 nights / 5 riding days / ca. 130 km, 2-3 hours riding/day

Preliminary day-by-day program

Day 1: Arrival:
Pick up at 17:30 in Reykjavik and then drive to the farm Grimstaðir. We will get to know each other and go through the program of your riding holiday.

Day 2: Crossing the creeks: (Bakkakot – Stóra-Hof app. 20 km):
After breakfast we saddle up and prepare for the tour. We start in the paddock to get to know the horses and have basic riding instructions. Then we will head off across the bridge over Þverá and ride through green fields Northwards. We will be surrounded by magnificent views, with the volcano Hekla ahead of us and Eyjafjallajökull to our right. Our first riding day ends at the farm Stóra-Hof, where our horses will be staying until the next morning. On our way back we will stop at one of the most famous and photographed waterfall in Iceland: Seljalandsfoss. You get to walk behind it and see it in the most amazing afternoon light, before we return to our guest house and enjoy dinner there.
Accommodation: Double room with shared bathroom and other facilities

Day 3: On the trail of the Vikings (Stóra-Hof - Foss, app. 20 km)
Our second riding day will take us closer to the highlands. Riding on ancient Viking paths surrounded by old lava and purple lupin fields; we follow gravel roads and soft grass paths up and have a stop close to Keldur, the largest preserved turf farm in South Iceland, that dates back to the 12./13. century. After that we will ascend further until we reach our our mountain cottage by the river Eystri-Rangá. This is where we will spend the next three nights.
Accommodation: Mountain cottage Foss

Day 4: Chasing Waterfalls (Around Foss, app. 15 km):
Today we take one horse each and explore the area around our hut further. We leave the herd behind to venture into the beautiful landscape around Foss. We can enjoy amazing views over the mountains, lava fields, rivers and canyons. We will pass an abandoned farm and visit a man-made cave that used to be a sheepfold. Like the day before, we will go for a rides from our hut. We will ride up the hills south of Foss, where we will meet beautiful waterfalls, and enter a small cave called Thieves' Cave. If the sky is clear
we’ll get a great view over the lowlands and the mountains.
Accommodation: Mountain cottage Foss

Day 5: Winding down (Foss - Bakkakot, app. 35 km):
Time to leave Foss and head back to the lowlands. You will feel the spirit and growing excitement of the horses who know they are on the way back home! Tölting on a joyful horse, on soft grounds, in their natural
environment surrounded by mountains and glacier views, is an unforgettable experience! You’ll feel invincible! Finally, we arrive back in Bakkakot where we enjoy coffee and cake and dinner later.

Day 6 Let the sea set you free (Bakkakot - Grimstaðir – Beach app. 8km)
Today we will be riding on a black sand beach. In the morning we ride alongside a river down to Grimstaðir, where we have lunch. In the afternoon we ride to the beach, with the sea on one side and mountain panorama with the spectacular Eyjafjallajoekull on the other side. We tölt through the dunes (if the deep sand allows) and cross tidal rivers.

Day 7: Departure
Back to reality. After breakfast, you will be picked up at 10:00 and arrive back in Reykjavik around 12:00.

Horses

At the farm they have abouit 70 horses, around 20 of them are used for the rides. They also have one stallion. This riding center is different from others, you get to ride well educated horses of high quality, that is it is no regular trail horses. One of the reasons that Robert wanted to start with trails rides is that he did not want to sell his nice horses, he wanted to keep them so that he could make sure that they were well taken care of nad could keep their good tolt. These horses can be compared to private owned competition horses.

You will ride a horse that suits your level of riding. All riders must know how to handle a horse in all gaits, these rides are for experienced riders. Normally you ride 5-10 km on one horse, after that there is a short break and you change to another horse. This way the horses will stay happy and energetic. The flock of wild horses will accompany you every day. Each rider rides 2-3 horses per day. Given the high quality of the horses, it is a pleasure!

Travel Information

Ability description: Trail ride level 2-3

Included in the price: Hekla trail ride: 6 nights, 5 days riding, fullboard incl. water, coffee/tea, return transfer from Reykjavik bus station.

Not included: Flight, alcoholic beverages, bus to Reykjavik bus station

Travel: Fly to Iceland, Keflavik

Arrival: Pick up at 17.30 at Reykjaviks bus station (BSI) on arrival day.

Season: Specific dates

Single room: No single rooms are available

Group size: Min. 8 and max. 12.

Currency: Icelandic crown (ISK).
Credit card: Not accepted at the riding center, only cash
Tip: Not expected but appreciated

Wifi: At the farm yes, in the cabin no
Electricity jack: Standard EU 2 plug at the farm. In cabin no electricity.
Pool: No

Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: Helmet, raingear
Other equipment to borrow: Sleeping bag, towel
If you bring your own riding equipment it has to be disinfected. Do not bring used riding gloves. Read more here (PDF)>>
Special diet: Inform when booking.

Feedback from our travellers

Unforgettable Riding Experience with Fantastic Horses
"The food was generous and plentiful, both in terms of meals and drinks. One evening was particularly special when we were treated to an absolutely amazing lamb roast! The horses were incredible—well-trained, and we got to ride different horses every day. For me, the highlight was riding alongside a herd of loose horses. I have traveled many times with HorseXplore and have never been disappointed."
— Katarina Palm

Dreamlike Riding Through Iceland’s Magical Landscapes
"All food in Iceland is excellent, and this trip was no exception. Simple but delicious meals in generous portions, made with great ingredients—including homegrown meat for the first day's lasagna. The riding was like a dream! A true long-distance ride where we experienced every type of terrain, from grass and black sand to lava and stone. The nature was absolutely breathtaking! It was fantastic to switch horses often so that we always had fresh and energetic horses. Riding through rivers was thrilling, and racing in tölt across the grasslands was a highlight! The warm and caring people made the experience even better. They were fun, genuine, and gave us plenty of freedom to ride ahead of the herd. You can tell that HorseXplore is run by true horse people. We also heard great things about you from another participant who had been on several trips and was very satisfied. Even the owner, Robert, spoke highly of you!"
— Karin Aase

An Unforgettable Wilderness Adventure with Icelandic Speed and Spirit
"This was truly an incredible journey into the wilderness, infused with Icelandic speed and spirit. My best experience ever with HorseXplore after almost 20 years of traveling to different destinations. I felt more like part of the team than a tourist."
— Tormod Lundemo

Climate

"Book on request" means that we cannot confirm your booking immediately, but we will get back to you as soon as possible with a booking confirmation, normally within 24 hours on weekdays.