SOUTHERN ICELAND & THE HIGHLANDS

2024 dates and prices are now available - see below.

Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime as you discover the untamed beauty of Southern Iceland on horseback. Ride through lava fields and volcano ash, and gallop at the footsteps of glaciers as you fall in love with the small but mighty Icelandic horses! You will be charmed by the hospitality of your hosts, learn about the history of the magical land of ice and fire, and leave knowing this trip will have changed you forever :)

Adventure riders: This one is for your bucket list!

Southern Iceland & The Highlands
Intermediate to advanced riders
4-8 day rides
Starting at €2,050 per person

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Rides are from May to Sept only!

***World On Horseback Exclusive:

Get 5% off any rides with code WOH5***

Information Concerning all Rides in Iceland

Situated in a sprawling open space, approximately 100 km east of Reykjavik, near the iconic Mt. Hekla volcano, the farm is home to 90 horses, and primarily focuses on breeding and training Icelandic horses, which are extensively used for riding tours.
These mighty horses will surprise you with their strength and agility, as well as the smoothness of their gait. Agile like mountain goats, Icelandic horses have strong and steady hooves. Many of them will join you on the 6 and 8 day highland trails.
You will be staying in shepherd cabins in shared rooms (dormitory and sometimes bunk beds). You must bring your own sleeping bag.
A breakfast buffet is available each morning, and hot traditional Icelandic meals, often with meat or fish, are served at dinner.
Riders will be able to pack their own lunch to take with them for the ride in provided saddlebags. Vegetarian options available- please inquire when booking.
-Pick up and drive off in Reykjavik.
-All meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner).
-Accommodation in mountain huts
-All horse tack, helmets and rain gear.
-French, English and Icelandic speaking guide
Flights, travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, tips & other personal expenses.
Vaccines: There are no required vaccines to travel to Iceland. However, it is recommended to have all of your vaccines up to date.
Visa: Please check with your local embassy website for visa requirements.
Currency: The currency is Icelandic Króna. Possibility to pay by card in most places.
Weather: The weather in Iceland can change from one hour to the next - be prepared for all weather by bringing warm sweaters, waterproof jackets and waterproof pants to wear over your breeches. The hosts will give you rain gear if needed. The sun also can shine bright so make sure to bring some lighter clothing too.
Days are very long in the summer in Iceland- if you want to see the midnight sun, make sure to book in June or July!
Health & Safety note: The Icelandic is the only breed allowed on the island. These horses are not vaccinated and in order to protect the breed, you must ensure to disinfect all of your riding gear before coming to Iceland.
Experienced rider, comfortable riding in all terrains at all gates.
Able to ride fast gallop through different terrain.
Able to mount the horse without a step or help from other.
Comfortable riding in a group with 15 other riders.
Comfortable sleeping in a mountain hut, dormitory style with 15 others.
90 kg weight limit.
ULTIMATE 5-DAY TOUR - €2450 per person
23-27 MAY, 2024
11-15 JUN, 2024
2-6 SEPT, 2024
4-DAY TRAIL TO THORSMORK
9-13 JUN, 2024 - €2,050 per person.
14-17 JUN, 2024 - €2,850 per person
9-13 SEPT, 2024 - €2,050 per person.
14-17 SEPT, 2024 - €2,850 per person
6-DAY HIGHLANDS TRAIL - €3100 per person
23-29 JUN, 2024
7-13 JULY, 2024
6-12 AUG, 2024
18-24 AUG, 2024
8-DAY HIGHLANDS TRAIL - €3955 per person
21-29 JULY, 2024

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Itinerary

4-DAY TRAIL / RIDE TO THORSMORK

From €2,050 PER PERSON

Pick up at BSI bus station in Reykjavik at 18 o’clock and driving to the farm. Dinner and discussion about the upcoming adventure.
Around midday, course is set through meadows and lava fields, alongside Ranga river, passing the historical lava sheep-fold Landrettir and the last farms before the highlands. 5 hours riding. Overnight in a new built lodge at a place called Rjúpnavellir close to the river.
Morning departure from Rjúpnavellir to the wilds, crossing a desert of ash and the lava field of Solvahraun, close to the famous volcano Hekla (last eruption in the year 2000). About 6 hours ride before reaching the green and peaceful area of Landmannahellir, where farmers stay while gathering their sheep in the mountains. Overnight in a lodge at Landmannahellir.
In the morning a 3-4 hours ride through the valley Domadal passing Frostastadarvatn lake on the way to the popular area Landmannalaugar, a grandiose setting of old craters and colorful mountains. Afternoon at leisure exploring the fabulous neighbourhood or bathing in a natural hot water pool.
Drive back to Landmannahellir for overnight.
Drive back to the horses at Landmannalaugar in the morning. Ride exploring the area via another route to Landmannahellir, a wild track previously known only to farmers. Traversing the inactive explosive craters such as Ljotipollur and Hnausapollur, passing several lakes, always in this unusual volcanic rough and soft landscape. 5 hours ride. Overnight at the lodge in Landmannahellir.
Crossing lava fields on the way back from the highland, heading towards Afangagil valley, a special place where sheep farmers and their friends get together in September for the ,,rettir”. 5-6 hours ride. Overnight in a shepherds lodge at Afangagil.
Departure from Afangagil early in the morning for the return to the farm Austvadsholt. Crossing deserts of ash and other impressive uninhabitable regions of Hekla. On through farmlands and across the Ranga river to get to the home meadows where the horses are released from their duties and get a well earned rest. 7-8 hours ride. Transfer to the bus or overnight at the farm.

Read about riding in highland

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Itinerary

6-DAY HIGHLAND TRAIL / HEKLA-LANDMANNALAUGAR
€3100 PER PERSON

Highlight: Ride with the herd!

We meet our riders at 18 o‘clock at BSI bus station. We drive to the farm of Hekluhestar were we have dinner together and talk about upcoming adventures. Sleeping bag accommodation in the Hekluhestar guesthouse. Dormitory style.
We have breakfast around 8:30 and we make picknick from the breakfast table. After a relaxing morning we go to meet up with the horses. We ride through the meadows of Hekluhestar farm to the river Ranga. We cross the river and be prepared to get wet feet. We ride through farmland and the histiorical Landgræðslan, the soil conservation service of Iceland. We ride from there to a beautiful mountain hut called Foss, situated next to the river Rangá eystri with a fantastic view on the mountains around. Ride of the day is around 5 hours.
We have breakfast and start to prepare our horses. We ride from Foss to Fljótshlið and take a break there. Next up is riding in the lupin flower beds next to the mountain Stóri Dímon. We have a break there and enjoy the views. We continue our ride with the loose horses and end our day in Stóra Mörk. Ride of the day around 5 hours.
We have breakfast at Stóra Mörk and then we continure our journey with the loose horses. We see some glacier tongs and beautiful mountains all around. We reach the nature reserve Thorsmork that is truly a magical place with three glaciers around and a natural birch forrest. We stay at the cabin in Básar. The ride of the day is around 4-5 hours.
We have breakfast and then each rider choose one horse for a lasure ride in the Thorsmork reserve. Where we enjoy the scenic place with glacier views, estonishing mountains, brigh green moss, bushes and water creeks everywhere. After enjoying the ride of the day we take our time to say goodbye to the horses and people ether take the bus from Thorsmork to Reykjavik at 15:00 o‘clock or continue their adventure in Thorsmork.
We advise people to stay longer in Thorsmork as it‘s a beautiful hiking area and there is the option of hiking between the two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull, from Thorsmork to Skógar. It‘s an amazing hike but a difficult one, it takes around 12 hours. There are accomodation in Skógar and buses that can take you both to Reykjavik and further east.

Learn More

Itinerary

8-DAY HIGHLAND TRAIL / LANDMANNALAUGAR-FJALLABAK

€3955 PER PERSON

Highlight: Ride with the herd!

Pick up at BSI bus station in Reykjavik at 18 o’clock and driving to the farm. Dinner and discussion about upcoming adventures.
Around midday, course is set through meadows and lava fields, alongside Ranga river, passing the historical lava sheep-fold Landrettir and the last farms before the highlands. 5-6 hours riding. Overnight in a new built lodge at a place called Rjúpnavellir which is close to the river.
Morning departure from Rjúpnavellir to the wilds, crossing a desert of ash and the lava field of Solvahraun, close to the famous volcano Hekla (last eruption in the year 2000). 5-6 hours ride before reaching the green and peaceful area of Landmannahellir, where farmers stay while gathering their sheep in the mountains. Overnight in a lodge at Landmannahellir.
In the morning a 3-4 hours ride through the valley Domadal passing Frostastadarvatn lake on the way to the popular area Landmannalaugar, a grandiose setting of old craters and colorful mountains. Afternoon at leisure exploring the fabulous neighbourhood or bathing in a natural hot water pool.
Drive back to Landmannahellir for overnight.
Drive back to the horses at Landmannalaugar in the early morning.
Taking the old Fjallabak trail through the highland, up and down hills, crossing streams until reaching Eldgja, the largest eruptive crater on the earth. 7 hours ride. Overnight in the lodge of Holaskjol.
Leaving Holaskjol for the Skafta river and Ofaera, passing the “Swan Lake” Alftavatn. On over Maelifellssandur; a black sand of volcanic ash near the glacier Myrdalsjokull. A 7-8 hours ride. Overnight at Hvanngil.
A 4-5 hours ride through variable soft and rough landscapes to the funny astounding mountain Einhyrning surrounded by three glaciers. Overnight in shepherds lodge at Bolstad
Following the path down to the historical Fljotshlid area along the big Markarfljot river, with the glaciers Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull still in the background. A 6 hours ride. Overnight in the guesthouse at the Smaratun farm.
From Smaratun over to the Vatnsdal valley before crossing the Ranga river to get to Austvadsholt land. The horses are released in their home meadows. A 6-7 hour ride. Transfer to the bus or overnight at the farm.