Skip to main content

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.

Full text search

Accommodation & food

On the trailride you will stay the two first and last night 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 won 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. 


 

 

Travel Information

Ability descriptionTrail 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 17.00 at Reykjaviks bus station 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 riding gloves. 
Special diet: Inform when booking.


 

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!

Hekla Trail Ride

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: We pick our guests up in Reykjavik BSI, bus station at 17:00 and drive to your accommodation at Grímsstaðir Country Guesthouse (about 1,5 hrs). We will have a welcoming dinner where we get to know each other and go through the program of your riding holiday.
Accommodation: Double room with shared bathroom and other facilities

DAY 2 / Horse farm - Stóra-Hof (20 km): 
After breakfast we pick you up and head to our farm, where 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 off we go to Stóra-Hof, where our horses will be staying until the next morning. 
Accommodation: Double room with shared bathroom and other facilities

DAY 3 / Stóra-Hof - Foss (20 km): 
From Stóra-Hof we head towards the highlands. Riding on ancient viking paths surrounded by old lava and purple lupin fields. We follow gravel roads and soft grass paths up to our mountain cottage at Foss where we spend next three nights by the riverside of Eystri-Rangá. 
Accommodation: Mountain cottage

DAY 4 / Foss (15-20 km):
We ride in the beautiful landscape around Foss enjoying the grate view over the mountains, lava, rivers and canyons. We will pass an abandoned farms and visit a man made cave that used to be a sheepfold.
Accommodation: Mountain cottage

DAY 5 / Foss (15 km):
We will ride up the hills south of Foss, there 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 mountain circle. For dinner we serve traditional Icelandic lamb from the barbeque.
Accommodation: Mountain cottage

DAY 6 / Foss - horse farm (35 km):
Time to leave Foss and head back to the lowlands. You will really feel the spirits 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 view! You’ll feel invincible! Finally we arrive back in the farm.. 
You’ll get some time to say goodbye to our beloved horses before we drive you to your accommodation at Grímsstaðir Country Guesthouse, where our last dinner will be served.
Accommodation: Double room with a shared bathroom and other facilities

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

Feedback from our travellers

Feedback from our travellers

Climate

Dates and prices

DateDaysName of tripPrice from
26/05/20247Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,090Book on request
02/06/20247Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,090Book on request
16/06/20247Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,090Book on request
24/06/20247Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,090Book on request
08/07/20247Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,090Book on request
17/07/20247Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,090Book on request
26/07/20247Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,090Book on request
06/08/20247Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,090Book on request
22/08/20247Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,090Book on request
30/08/20247Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,090Book on request

Similar tours

Italy - Lazio Castle Ride

Italy - Lazio Castle Ride

Welcome to our beautiful eighteenth century castle which is situated in Lazio between the hills of Tuscany and Umbria (barely 200 km / 125 miles) from Rome. The castle was once the residence of a Card...
Sweden, Lapland - Biellugis Trail (5 days)

Sweden, Lapland - Biellugis Trail (5 days)

To choose a longer tour with Icelandic horse in the mountains is a perfect way to see the mountains. You get to know the Icelandic horse, have an adventure, be out in the nature, sit round a campfire,...
Sweden, Riding Icelandic Horses in Roslagen

Sweden, Riding Icelandic Horses in Roslagen

You will find this gem in beautiful Roslagen. Jenny and Hreggvidur (Hreggi), both multiple Swedish champions and successful national team riders, are big names in the Icelandic Horse world. Jenny is o...
Iceland, North - Autumn Colours and Nothern Lights

Iceland, North - Autumn Colours and Nothern Lights

This Riding tour provides the opportunity to experience the variety and beauty of Icelandic nature in Autumn. By August's end Iceland's summer is all but over. The days in September shorten, introduci...
Greenland

Greenland

Greenland is not a mass tourism location, but rather somewhere for the discerning traveller who is searching for unique experiences in a magnificent, clean natural environment and an exciting culture...
Finland - Finnish Lapland

Finland - Finnish Lapland

Welcome to an authentic family owned farm in Finnish Lapland, close to Levi travel resort. There friendly and happy Alaskan husky dogs, original Finnhorses, reindeer and staff are looking forward to m...
Contact us
Address:
HorseXplore
Norra Catalinagränd 17
183 68 TÄBY
Sweden