Day 1: We pick you up from Reykjavik at 8:30 and drive you to your accommodation, Minni-Vellir farmhouse. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. At Mini-Vellir, we will chat about horses and the plan for the day over a snack and a cup of tea or coffee, and then we will go horseback riding. It will be a steady 2- to 3-hour ride, where we will familiarise ourselves with the horses, the tack, and the “Icelandic outdoors”. Riding distance approx. 10 km.
An extra attraction of the day is a visit to Iceland's longest manmade cave, which happens to be located on our neighbour’s farmland. He will be delighted to show us around and share interesting insights about the cave's history and the sinister lore behind Hekla's infamous nickname. The day ends with a homemade dinner and a relaxing chat with fellow riders.
Day 2: After breakfast, we set off for our first day of travel with the herd. The free-running horses that accompany us on this adventure are herded by Ishestar’s staff, while our group is led by the guide at a distance ahead of the herd or behind it. On our way towards the mighty Volcano Hekla, we will pass endless pastures and beautiful fields of lupins in the early stages of blooming. Riding distance approx. 20 km.
After the ride, we will leave the horses on a green field for the night. On our way back home, we will treat the eye with the magnificent sight of the Thjofafoss waterfall, and at Minni-Vellir we will of course treat the stomach with a hearty meal.
Day 3: Today, we will approach the dormant volcano. Our horses have known peaceful Hekla all their lives and offer us their comforting assistance in the venture. It actually starts with a river crossing, as it is the only way into a remote area at the foot of the mountain. After a lunch break, we part with the herd and go on a horseback visit to a private farmland located at the very slopes of the volcano. The landowner takes us to hidden spots rich with mystical local tales. What a viewpoint! Riding distance approx. 17 km.
When dining at Minni-Vellir, you will feel compelled to exchange thoughts on the experience with those who have been there together with you - in the very same way we all do after watching an exciting movie with a like-minded person.
Day 4: Today, we will turn away from Hekla, heading towards Fljótshlíð. With multiple strata of volcanic ashes trodden by horse hooves along the paths, we will enjoy a smooth ride through impressive and ever-changing lava fields and green pastureland. Riding distance approx. 25 km.
The horses will be thrilled to stay at a grassy paradise for the night. And there is a surprise for ourselves as well - we will drive to an outdoor geothermal hot spring in order to indulge in a muscle-relaxing soak. Another finishing touch of the perfect day will, of course, be a delicious dinner at our farmhouse.
Day 5: On our last day, we will ride against the gentian purple backdrop of lupins, through fields of eerie lava formations and across small streams. At a certain point, we will make our way over a small mountain pass, as if entering into a secret fairyland. On the other side, we will see a breathtakingly beautiful gorge and ride through an Icelandic forest. Riding distance approx. 17 km.
We round up our trip by leading our horses to their field where they will rest for a week. While watching our herd enjoying the freedom and have a picnic on the grass by their field - to gently transition from being close to nature to being back in the city. We will enjoy a final dinner and evening in Minnivellir.
Day 6: After breakfast the Ishestar bus will transport us to Reykjavik. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. We will arrive there around 12:30.
Íshestar reserves the right to alter the route, if need be, e.g. due to weather conditions.