Tag 1 
10 July

DRIVING: Reykjavík to Stóri-Kálfalækur
RIDING: Fíflholt to Grímsstaðir (approx. 18 km)
ACCOMMODATION (linen): Stóri-Kálfalækur  

The Íshestar bus will collect you from Reykjavík at around 10:00 a.m. for a scenic two-hour drive to Stóri-Kálfalækur, a working farm and guesthouse tucked away on the southern shores of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by Halldór Ingi and his team with a warm welcome, a light snack, and a steaming cup of tea or coffee to set the tone for the adventure ahead.  

Our herd will be waiting for us at Fíflholt, a paddock nearby. We’ll ride through rolling meadows and gentle hills, with views of the region’s iconic volcanic features. Our destination for the day is Grímsstaðir, a remote farmhouse with an antique touch, perched on a mountainside overlooking lush green fields. While our horses graze and recharge for tomorrow, we’ll hop back on the bus to return to Stóri-Kálfalækur for the evening.  

Tag 2 
11 July
 

RIDING: Grímsstaðir to Seljaland (approx. 35 km)
ACCOMMODATION (sleeping bags): Seljaland   

The journey will take us through a stunning chain of valleys: Hraundalur, Langavaetnsdalur, Laugardalur and Hordudalur. As we ride, we’ll ford sparkling streams that eventually flow into the deep waters of Lake Langavatn.   

The valley Hordudalur, our today’s destination, is named after a crew member of one of the settlers, who gave him the valley for his own farm. We’ll spend this night, as well as the following one, at Seljaland - a perfect place to unwind, surrounded by the beauty of nature.  

Tag 3
12 July  

RIDING: Seljaland to Leikskálar (approx. 28 km)
ACCOMMODATION (sleeping bags): Seljaland 

With Kristín and Valtyr leading the herd, we’ll traverse variety of landscapes, before setting our sights on the Haukadalur valley. While broad, it is also deep enough that the farms on its southern side endure a staggering 25 weeks of winter without a glimpse of the sun. Even so, the trout lake and salmon river add to its timeless allure.   

In centuries past, the valley floor was blanketed in lush forests, though only a few trees remain today. Erik the Red lived here at famed Eiríksstaðir until his exile led him to Greenland, where he founded a new settlement. His son, Leif the Lucky, born in Eiríksstaðir, later sailed westward to become the first European to set foot in North America around the year 1000.   

Day 4
13 July   

RIDING: Leikskálar to Melar (approx. 26 km)
ACCOMMODATION (sleeping bags): Laugabakkar Ásbyrgi  

We’ll follow Ormsá (Worm River), which meanders northwards through quiet valleys to Hrútafjörður - Ram’s Fjord. Right in the middle of the fjord sits Hrútey, or Ram Island (yes, the naming theme is strong here!). When we reach Melar, you’ll feel the pioneering spirit of Iceland’s earliest settlers, who braved these remote landscapes - virtually unchanged to this day.   

While our horses enjoy the grassy fields of Melar, we’ll spend the night at a nearby community centre - just like local horsemen do when passing through this area. Staying at these community centres is a true slice of Icelandic culture that you’ll get to experience first-hand.

Day 5 
14 July  

RIDING: Melar to Staðarbakki (approx. 32 km)
ACCOMMODATION (linen): Túnfífill  

Today's ride takes us across the windswept moors southeast of Hrútafjörður -  proper stretch of wild, open landscape. For the final few kilometres, we'll follow the banks of Miðfjarðará, one of the country's finest salmon rivers. After hours in the saddles, we’ll arrive at Staðarbakki, where our horses will spend the night grazing peacefully in a lush field.

As there’s no place for ourselves to stay out here in the middle of nowhere, the bus will whisk us off to Túnfífill, a cosy guesthouse with a sauna waiting to warm us up. Bliss!  

Day 6
15 July  

RIDING: Staðarbakki to Stóra-Ásgeirsá (approx. 35 km)
ACCOMMODATION (linen): Túnfífill  

Once we’re back with our horses at Staðarbakki, we’ll cross the Miðfjarðará and set off into a landscape shaped by glaciers, scattered with post-glacial lakes and moraine hills. We’ll ride across the moors to Fitjárdalur, then follow the river Fitjá northward until it meets the Víðidalsá. From there, we’ll be almost at our destination for the day – the hospitable farm Stóra-Ásgeirsá, nestled in the wide valley of Víðidalstunga.

The horses will enjoy their peaceful overnight spot at Stóra-Ásgeirsá, and we’ll be just as happy unwinding back at Túnfífill. 

Day 7 
16 July  

RIDING: Stóra-Ásgeirsá to Gottorp (approx. 20 km)  
ACCOMMODATION (sleeping bags): Laugarbakkar Ásbyrgi  

Heading north, we’ll spend most of the day riding through the beautiful Víðidalur Valley, following the Víðidalsá as it flows peacefully toward the ocean. Along its way, the river gets entrenched in the stunning Kolugljúfur gorge, home to waterfalls named after the troll Kola.

In the evening, our trusty companions will settle in for the night in a field at Gottorp, perched between the vast waters of Vesturhópsvatn and Hóp, while we drive to Laugarbakki Ásbyrgi - the warm and welcoming community centre where we stayed on Day 4.

Day 8 
17 July 

RIDING: Gottorp to Lake Hop and back to Gottorp (approx. 32 km)
ACCOMMODATION (sleeping bags): Stóra-Ásgeirsá  

Our final day’s ride takes us along a loop-shaped trail, beginning and ending at Gottorp, with the grand finale being the crossing of Lake Hóp. This saline lake owes its unique characteristics to its low elevation and the influence of tides. We’ll ford it at Vaðhvammur by Myrkubjörg, making our way towards the stunning sands of Þingeyrar. The water's depth promises a splashy and joyful experience for the horses. A friendly tip: rubber boots could be quite useful!

 
As for us, we’ll head to Stóra-Ásgeirsá for our last night. It’s a cosy farm run by a musician who’s always up for a bit of a jam session. If the mood strikes, there might be live music, a singalong, and plenty of good vibes to wrap up the trip in style. 

Day 9 
18 July  

DRIVING: Stóra-Ásgeirsá to Reykjavík 

After breakfast, we’ll make our way back to Reykjavík. The Íshestar bus will drop us off at BSI and Bus Hostel. While the adventure may be over, the memories will linger in our hearts forever – and what a treasure they are!