horses and hekla
black sand horses
horse water
landmannalaugar
landmannalaugar green black
view between ears
landmannalaugar colors
horse herd landmannalaugar

Mount Hekla is an active volcano often called the “Queen of Iceland”. This equestrian trail ride in Southern Iceland features the spectacular volcanic landscape created through the ages by eruptions of the& active fissure vent.& In olden times, people believed it to be the gateway to hell!

The horseback ride starts along the river banks of the mighty glacial river Thjórsá, with a magnificent view of glacier Eyjafjallajökull and Volcano Hekla. We ride through the beautiful Landmannahellir area in the central highlands, staying in mountain cabins, and then on to enjoy the colorful rhyolite mountains in Landmannalaugar, surrounded by black lava fields.

The route back to civilization leads the horseback riders down from the mountains and into black lava and green valleys and waterfalls. The spirited and sure-footed horses make this tour an experience of a lifetime for anyone seeking a challenging highland adventure. Landmannalaugar is a geothermal wonderland in the Southern Highlands. Its natural bathing pools are only one of the highlights which make this area one of Iceland’s most popular destinations for nature lovers.

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from AW of Bottesford on 07/07/2023

Ride Summary
Just awesome. Iceland is such a ridiculously beautiful place, though in a hostile kind of way, the view round every corner more breathtaking than the last. Riding with the herd was an awesome experience and to be doing it on just fantastic little horses, with such a thoroughly lovely group of people, well, it was just perfect.
I suspect I'll be back!
What was your overall impression of the holiday
Overall impression
Unicorn Trails sales staff

Riding tour leader

Additional Comments
Horses and Tack

Additional Comments
Meals

Accommodation

Miscellaneous

Was this trip accurately described to you beforehand?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
Was there anything you should have known and were not told? NO
Please give more details to explain your response:
What could we do to improve this ride?
How would you rate the difficulty of this ride out of 10 where 1 is very easy and 10 is very advanced?
8
Please explain why you scored it as you did:
Long distances covered at a fast pace, so fitness essential, though slightly less so if riding behind the herd rather than in front. Terrain often difficult. A challenging but incredible ride.
Would you recommend Unicorn Trails to your friends?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
May we use you as a reference for other people wishing to go on this ride?
YES
Any other comments:
Unicorn comments: Thank you for your feedback. Glad you had a great time! :)

Day 1
Reykjavík – Kálfhóll: Meet at the BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik at 18:00, for the bus transfer to Kálfhóll farm to meet the horses and staff. After an introductory meal meet fellow riders and rest before the adventure ahead.

Day 2
Kálfhóll – Glacier river Thjórsá – Kálfhóll: An introductory ride along the paths by the mighty river Þjórsá, with views of the glacier Eyjafjallajökull and the volcano Hekla. Leave the horses at Sandlækjarmýri field and drive to Kálfhóll to overnight and relax in the hot tub outdoors. (approximately 20 km)

Day 3
Kálfhóll – Mountain hut Hólaskógur: Today's ride is along the river Sandá and through the National Forest Skriðufellskógur to arrive at the valley of Thjórsárdalur. The mountain Dímon towers over the vast lavender-blue lupin fields while the group follow the sandy tracks. Stop at Stöng, the excavated ruins of a medieval farmhouse. In 1104, Mt Hekla erupted for the first time in the recorded history and destroyed at least 20 farms in the valley Thjórsárdalur, among them the farm Stöng. After a short stop at Gjáin, a wonderous canyon with lots of small waterfalls that was famously used in Games of Thrones, head for the cozy mountain hut Hólaskógur with a prime view of Volcano Hekla. (approximately 35 km)

Day 4
Mountain hut Hólaskógur – Landmannahellir Mountain hut: Ride over narrow tracks and through black lava north of Valafell mountain. The surefooted horses are comfortable with the rough terrain through the Lambaskarð mountain pass. Continue along sandy paths close by lake Sauðleysuvatn, and through the moonlike desert towards Mountain hut Landmannahellir, the overnight spot for two nights. (approximately 30 km)

Day 5
Landmannahellir – Landmannalaugar – Landmannahellir Mountain hut: Today's ride heads to the famous Landmannalaugar, with its natural hot pool surrounded by colourful mountains and lava from the 1480 erruption. The horses rest in a paddock while riders spend time and relax in the hot pools, or visit the numerous sights around the area before returning to Landmannahellir. This is one of the many highlights of this tour. (approximately 40 km)

Day 6:
Landmannahellir – Mountain hut Hólaskógur: Leave Landmannahellir and ride on towards the Herbjarnfell mountain. Today´s route leads over a diverse landscape. Ride across sand, sharp lava, huge pumice fields in many colours, and over green pasturelands where the farmers drive their sheep during summer. Stay overnight in the solitary mountain hut Hólaskógur that has a perfect view of the Hekla volcano. (approximately 40 km)

Day 7
Mountain hut Hólaskógur – Réttarholt Guesthouse – Kálfhóll – Reykjavík: On this last day, ride over rich green mountain fields over Seljamýri to Fögruskógar and Þrengslasandur towards Réttarholt Guesthouse. Say goodbye to the horses and staff. The bus takes riders back to Kálfhóll farm for coffee & cake. Transfer back to the the BSI station in Reykjavík. (approximately 35 km)

It's recommended to use bags rather than hardcover suitcases for packing as space is limited, so please pack light (see packing list).

Please don't bring a long riding raincoat as they tend to flap.

Please bring cash for purchases at the farm.

 

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Horses & Riding

Clients ride the traditional Icelandic horses (called horses not ponies despite being pony sized!) who have a special gait known as the tölt which is very comfortable and anyone comfortable with English (or McLellan) or Western tack will be able to adapt to sitting to the new gait without any problems – the trail leaders explain how to sit it before the first day’s riding. The guides will explain how to tack up the horses, mount and how to ride the tölt before setting off. All the guides are English-speaking.

Horses are responsive, calm and relaxed. They are used to being ridden in groups in open countryside and are lovely to ride! The pace of this ride is very relaxed and will be geared to the ability of the group. You will switch horses throughout the trail meaning you'll get to try out a number of the horses. The comfort of each horses tölt can vary!


Rider requirements

Hours per day in the saddle ranges from two to four hours although the pace is relaxed. The minimum age for this ride is 7 years old. Assistance will be given in tacking up and mounting your horse and you will receive instruction on riding in the Icelandic style.

Used riding clothes must be disinfected before entry to Iceland. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland's fragile nature! For further information please take a look at: www.mast.is

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this ride is 242 lb/110 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation is a mixture of guesthouse and remote mountain cabins with shared bunk rooms and showers in a separate block, so you will need to bring a sleeping bag. Large breakfasts are traditional and lamb and fish are the staple dinners though special diets (vegetarian, etc.) can be provided if advance notice is given. Riders make their own lunches up from the large food selection at the breakfast table (a tip: bring a small box, Tupperware or similar, to pack it in). Alcoholic beverages are very difficult to find in the highlands and if desired, these should be purchased from the duty free shop at the airport.

Extra accommodation: We recommend that you arrive the day before the ride begins and stay in a hotel in Reykjavik. Some riders may also want to stay an extra night at the end of the ride before flying home. There are many hotels to choose from in Reykjavik, some recommendations are Cabin Hotel and Brim Hotel,

As part of an initiative to improve the centre of Reykjavik for locals and travellers, the local authorities banned all buses to drive within the central part of the City in 2017. Instead, vehicles with group licenses will pick up and drop off all passengers staying at hostels and guesthouses within the area at designated bus stops, including airport transfers and tours. Please take a look at the available bus stops here http://www.busstop.is/ to find the stop closest to your intended accommodation.


Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.

NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures.

Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.

Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.

In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iceland

In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Iceland.html

In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/iceland

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions


Climate Summary

Come prepared for all kinds of weather as the day can change very quickly! Summer temperatures usually reach around 17°C but can be less than 10°C.

Climate Chart

Health

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Iceland and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

You should make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays, adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

Sunscreen and insect repellent is advised.

No special health precautions are required for the rides.

If you need to contact the emergency services, call 112.

Health (ride specific)

No special health precautions are required for visits to Iceland.

Electricity

In Iceland the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

Mobile, WiFi and charging

There is electricity available in the evening accommodation to charge cameras etc. Wifi is also provided at the guesthouse but not in the mountain cabins but there is usually mobile phone reception. If using a GoPro please ensure the group is willing to be filmed.

Packing List

You should be ready for all kinds of weather as the weather can change very quickly. We recommend that the following items are included when preparing for riding tours in Iceland:

• Helmet (also possible to borrow)
• Warm jacket (windproof and waterproof/water-resistant)
• Warm sweater (woolen or fleece)
• Warm socks
• Riding gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• Warm and comfortable underwear
• Riding trousers x 2 (water-resistant material is a great option)
• Riding shoes/boots (waterproof & comfortable, some prefer hiking boots)
• Casual clothes for evenings
• A pair of slippers
• Swimsuit
• Blister plasters
• Chocolate or glucose sweets for long riding days
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen with high protection for face/lips (in summer the sun is very strong in Iceland!)
• Vaseline or similar for lips
• Earplugs (there might be some snoring in shared accommodation)
• Sleeping mask (it’s bright outside around the clock in summer)
• Sleeping bag + small pillow (if you wish)
• Power bank

Items provided:
• Towel
• Saddle bag
• Rain wear
• Helmet
• Water bottle

- WASHING - DISINFECTING - FORBIDDEN -

Geographical isolation and strict importation rules have protected the Iceland horse population from serious infectious diseases. As a result, Iceland is in a unique situation where strangles, equine influenza, equine herpes virus type 1, and many other diseases have never reached the country.

Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help Iceland to protect the fragile nature by following the instructions:

RIDING CLOTHES NEED TO BE WASHED AND DISINFECTED AS FOLLOWS:

Used riding clothes must be washed (40°C) in a washing machine or dry cleaned prior to entering the country.

Riding clothes and boots that cannot be cleaned this way should be washed and disinfected as follows:
1. Rinse thoroughly with detergent
2. Dry
3. Spray with 2% Virkon® S (20g per liter of water)
4. Store for at least 5 days prior to bringing the clothes into contact with horses in Iceland

FORBIDDEN ITEMS:
• Used riding equipment such as gloves, chaps, whips, saddles, bridles, pads etc.
• Used leather gear


If you have any doubts or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Programmes

7d / 6n programme with 7 riding days. Available on set dates.

Departure Dates

2025: 30 June; 7, 20, 28 July; 4 August

Pricing
No single rooms available (on some or all nights). Riders must be prepared to share with someone of the same sex.


No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description £
2025 7d/6n6double pp2,615
2025 7d/6n6Child under 121,965
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description
2025 7d/6n6double pp3,079
2025 7d/6n6Child under 122,309
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description US $
2025 7d/6n6double pp3,369
2025 7d/6n6Child under 122,529
No of   
days/nights
Riding days Product item description SEK
2025 7d/6n6double pp36,775
2025 7d/6n6Child under 1227,579
Recommended Reading

WH Auden and Louis MacNeice Letters from Iceland

Chris Casseldine Most Unimaginably Strange: An Eclectic Companion to the Landscape of Iceland 

David Roberts 'Iceland Land of the Saga's';

Terry Lacy 'Ring of Seasons'.

For a broad selection of equestrian travel books, many previously unavailable visit www.HorseTravelBooks.com - inspiring adventure!


Other Activities

Blue Lagoon / Sky Lagoon / Whale watching / FlyOver Iceland

Other Information

Disinfecting of used riding gear: Riding gear (riding boots, riding trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C), dry cleaned or disinfected with Virkon S before arriving in Iceland. Saddles, bridles and other leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases (i.e. rabies or foot and mouth diseases) in Iceland and therefore important to protect the animals of the country. Please help us to protect Iceland's fragile nature!
For further information please take a look at: www.mast.is

Other Country Information

Iceland is known as the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ and is a large island in the North Atlantic Ocean, close to the Arctic Circle. It has close ties with Scandinavia and is part of Europe. Historically, Iceland was settled by Vikings and later came under Danish rule. Known for having the world's first parliament during Norse times, Iceland passed an act centuries ago banning horse imports, leading to today's pure breed. In 1944, Iceland gained full independence. Iceland also boasts a rich horse culture, with nearly every Icelander being a rider or adept at horseback riding.

Iceland is a true gem in the world of travel. With its incredible landscapes that seem to come straight out of a storybook, this destination is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The opportunity to witness volcanoes, stunning beaches, geothermal springs, rocky formations, and mineral-packed pools sparkling with color is truly unique. Plus, its wild landscapes are home to some of the world's most awe-inspiring natural phenomena, such as the midnight sun in June where you can experience almost 24 hours of daylight. And there's no better way to immerse yourself in this natural wonderland than by taking a horseback ride through the glacial river valleys and ancient routes. With its vast uninhabited land, Iceland is an adventure waiting to happen for those who are willing to explore off the beaten path. Only approximately 15% of Iceland is populated and most people choose to live around the coast, leaving the rest of the country's rugged beauty to be discovered by travellers.

Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, is picturesque with modern architecture and commerce mixed with traditional colourful wooden houses. The nearby geothermal hot springs have been harnessed to provide a cheap natural heating system. This leaves the air pristine and pollution free. Your photographs will benefit from the fabulous clear sharp light. The sea also plays a vital role in Icelandic life, supporting the fishing industry. The coast and fjords are rich in bird species, especially sea fowl.


Travel Summary

Meeting-point (getting there):
BSÍ bus station in Reykjavik
Transfer:
2025: Included from BSI bus station in Rekjavik.
Flight Guide:
2025: London to Reykjavik (KEF) return from £210pp (Season Dependent)
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