Horseback Riding in Iceland
HEKLA-LANDMANNALAUGAR |
The Hekla-Landmannalaugar trail is located in Iceland’s vast interior, which comprises one of Europe’s greatest wilderness areas. While some reas are extremely barren and sparse — areas described as similar to being on the moon, others are full of scenic diversity with rainbow-streaked mountains, moss covered lava flows and blue mountain lakes. Superimposed on this wilderness is a tough and independent society — descendants of farmers and warriors who fled the tyranny of medieval Scandinavia to settle this empty country. Although Icelanders are sometimes considered reserved, visitors often find they are some of the friendliest people found anywhere.
There can hardly be a horse in the world better adapted to cross country riding than the Icelandics which have been kept a pure breed for centuries. These sturdy, sure-footed horses have a naturally gentle and friendly disposition. They are bred to carry people for long distances and they have a smooth fourth and fifth gait which enable one to cover the miles comfortably and swiftly. This is a hard trip with very basic accommodations; a true adventure.
Check out our other rides around the world on gaited horses.
The Icelandic Horses were superb. Their performance and steadiness was awe inspiring to me. Nicole and Jon were also very impressive, low key on top of everything, also nice people.
- Carrie Croton
What made the trip for us was the family, who were FABULOUS. They made the ride very special and personal, and got us away from the crowds whenever they could by leading us on shepherds' trails. We saw one or two other groups riding with outitters along the way, who were clearly being 'packaged', and thanked our lucky stars that we had found Equitours.
- Deborah Gage
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Participants should make their own way to Hella the afternoon before the ride starts. From there, transfer by jeep to the farm Austvadsholt for dinner and overnight. After final preparations, assignment of horses for the tour and lunch the next day set course through meadows and lava fields, alongside Ranga River, passing the historical lava sheep-fold Landrettir and the last farms before the highlands. Overnight in a new lodge at Merkihvoll which is close to the river. 4-5 hours riding.
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| Day 2: | Morning departure from Merkihvoll to the wilds, crossing a desert of ashes and the lava fields of Solvahraun, close to the famous volcano Hekla (last eruption 2000). Overnight in a lodge at Landmannahellir, where the farmers used to stay in the autumn when gathering their sheep in the mountains. 7-8 hours riding.
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| Day 3: | In the morning, ride through the Domadal Valley and alongside the magnificent lake Frostastadavatn, to Landmannalaugar - a beautiful setting of old craters, glaciers and colorful mountains. The afternoon will be at the client's leisure for exploring the surroundings or bathing in the natural open-air hot-water pool. Overnight in the mountain hut at Landmannalaugar.
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| Day 4: | The morning is spent in further exploration of the area with a return to Landmannahellir via another route - a wild track previously known only to farmers. Traverse superb explosive craters such as Ljotipollur and Hnausapollur, then ride across expansive and unusual landscapes and by beautiful lakes. It will take approximately four hours to reach the mountain hut.
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| Day 5: | Ride through the highlands, crossing lava fields, toward Mt. Valafell to the Afangagil Valley, a special place where farmers get together in September for the "Rettir", after the sheep have been collected. Overnight in an old shepherd's hut.
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| Day 6: | Depart from Afangagil early in the morning for the return to the farm. Ride across deserts of ash, passing through the 1970 lava flow. Then on through farmland and across the Ranga River toward home. This is a long day with six to eight hours in the saddle. A transfer to Selfoss will be provided, in order to catch an evening bus departing for Reykjavik. Or, clients may choose to overnight at the farm in Hella (at no extra charge), with a bus transfer to Reykjavik the next morning.
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| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Hella |
| Length of Ride | 6 days, 5 nights and 6 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-6 Maximum-14 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-8 hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | Icelandic |
| Horses | Icelandic |
| Weight Limit | 225 lbs |
| 2008 Dates | June 23-28, Aug 4-9, Aug 18-23 |
| 2008 Price | €1380
Due to rapidly changing market please call for the current US dollar rate. |
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