8 August: We will pick you up at the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik around noon and drive about 1,5 hours to our base for the following days: The farmhouse Minnivellir. There we move in and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes Hekla, Eyjafjallajökull and Burfell before going on a single horse ride to explore the area further and get acquainted with the horses and the gear.

9 August: On our first day with the herd we will ride through lava fields and fertile farmland towards the farm Hrolfsstaðarhellir, situated on Rangá river.

10 August: Departing from Hrolfstaðahellir, we journey towards Rettarnes, an ancient sheep roundup site. The ride now takes us up along the Rangá river, alternating between green expanses, rugged lava terrains and ash dunes, until we reach Galtalækur, where we leave the horses for the night.

11 August: It´s time to go home! Our group will go ahead of the heard leading the way into lush green farmland, riding through woodlands, crossing beautiful streams, and passing by the magnificent Thjofafoss waterfall through Skarfanes on our way back to Minnivellir. We round our tour up with a dinner.

12 August: The day of the eclipse

Today is the day! After breakfast we go on another single horse ride along Thjorsá river. Then we have a quick lunch, pack up and get on the bus that takes us to the Ishestar Horse Center in Hafnarfjörður for the Solar eclipse celebrations. From our stables we ride on excellent riding paths where we cross the Kaldá River and ride around Mt. Helgafell as the eclipse begins. Around 2 hours into the ride we will reach our remote break spot in time to watch as the total solar eclipse blacks out Western Iceland. Then we return on horse back to the riding center and join the celebrations there, enjoy hamburgers and lamb (and home made sides) from the barbecue.

This is truly a once in a lifetime experience where you get to combine the experience of the mighty Icelandic Viking horses with the Forces of Nature.

In the evening you can either book a night in the nearby hotel through us (check extras) or take a pick up to Reykjavik (in case you have a late night flight).

Day 1: Reykjavík  – Thorsmork Pick up around 11 am at BSI bus station. Please be ready at the earliest pick up time and be  ready in your riding clothes. We travel by a private coach in the morning to the farm Skálakot, where we will meet horses and staff. We will take the horses out for a ride in the afternoon and ride up the mountains for spectacular views towards Westman islands and Eyjafjallajökull. 

Day 2: Entering the Valley of Thor Day 2: While our horses will be herded the first bit of the way, we start the morning with a visit at Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabui waterfall. We will join the horses a bit later at the farm Stora-Mörk and saddle up! We start the ride down to the river Markarfljót and continue our ride past glacier lagoons and lava streams into the stunning nature park of Thorsmörk, crossing the glacial river Krossá on our way.  This will be our home for two 2 nights, in a cozy cabin in Húsadalur valley, where a sauna and a natural pool are also available. 

Day 3: Riding inside Thorsmörk We will spend the day riding inside the park, visiting numerous waterfalls and canyons. This is truly a wonderful area with the low bushes and glittering mountain creeks all over. Thorsmork has an especially warm climate (by Icelandic standards), better than in the rest of the southern part of the country. In the protected valley, there is green vegetation of moss, fern, birch wood and other small shrubs. (App. 25-30 km)  

Day 4: Thorsmörk This day’s ride takes us back across the river Krossá (river condition permitting) and alongside River Markarfljót. Then we have to cross all the “small” glacial rivers from Mýrdalsjökull that go into Markarfljót.  Then we will be crossing the almost 100 year old bridge across one of the biggest glacial rivers in the south,, Markarfljót – where all the water we have been crossing today + much more, is forming one huge river. Now we are getting close to the most fertile farmland in Iceland, called Landeyjar, but still we will be riding on the former riverbed from the Markarfljót, without fully entering farmland, until we reach our field for the night, an oasis close to the desert. 

Day 5: Land of the Sagas Today we will be riding again the riverbed from Markarfljót, the same paths as the first Iceland’s settlers rode, where every stone is filled with the Icelandic sagas. One of our stops today we will be at a mythical place called Drumbabót, where we have a magnificent view of Þórsmörk and the desert we have been riding, there are fossils of former huge trees that were destroyed by an eruption in Katla in the days of the first settlement in Iceland. Now we start to get closer to the fertile farmlands and end in our field for the night. 

Day 6: Going home day 5 – today will be the “easy ride home” –  we will be crossing the only none-glacial river of the tour – Hólsá – which is where three big rivers meet: Ytri-Rangá, Þverá and Eystri-Rangá, before they reach the Atlantic ocean. It’s deep and wide and we need to be careful crossing. At the end of the day will follow the banks of Hólsá to Þykkvibær and end at Týri’s and Kristín’s place  After that we return to Minnivellir for a farewell barbecue. 

Day 7: Return to Reykjavik after breakfast 

– We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary –

Day 0:

Pick up at BSI at 17:30 and drive up to Rjupnnavellir. We will all try rain gear and helmets and have a cozy dinner there.

Day 1: Where
lava shaped the Earth – Rjupnavellir – Foss (30 km)

Starting from Galtalækur, our ride leads us south of Mt. Hekla volcano and shows both sides of Mt. Hekla eruptions: rocky lava fields and fertile farmland. We ride through lush green fields and cross the river Ytri-Rangá. For parts of the day we follow the well-known Hekla Trail and ride on good riding tracks where it is easy to enjoy the tölt and for parts of it we walk through rough lava. We stay in the mountain cabin Foss for the night.

Day 2: Where
the wild sheep roam – Foss – Hungurfit (25 km)

Our riding day leads us up North, with the infamous Mt. Hekla volcano to our left side. Hekla is one of the most active and most feared volcanos in Iceland, the lava fields in the South date back to the 12th century. Constant eruptions have not only destroyed human settlements throughout the centuries but also created fertile soil. Our ride takes us on the slopes of Tindfjallajökull  through lush farmland at the edge of lava fields, following Eystri-Rangá river upstream and crossing it. We stay in the hut Hungurfit for the night. This is a recently rebuilt, cosy cabin. It is bravely located in the proximity of Tindfjallajökull (easily recognizable by its two symmetrical peaks, Ýmir and Ýma, both over 1400 metres high)

Day 3: Passing
the Peaks: Hungurfit – Mosar – around Mosar (30 km)

We ride Eastwards through valleys and over mountains, with beautifull views towards Grænafjall mountain. We continue through the green Botnar valley and stop at a cave used in earlier times as a shelter for farmers when gathering their sheep until we reach our cabin Mosar.

After lunch we leave the herd behind and continue on individual horses to further explore this wonderful area some more. The highlight of this day will be looking down at the impressive Markafljotsglúfur, a gorge that is 200 meters deep.

Day 4:
Through the Black Sand Desert (50 km) Mosar to Holmsáa

The longest day of our tour lies ahead of us. Our ride will take us Northeast, between Mýrdalsjökull and Torfajökull Glacier. We follow the Fjallabak Trail across Mælifellssandur, a black sand desert named after the prominent cone shaped volcano Mælifell that rises above the black sand and provides great contrast with its’ moss green slopes. We ride past it and continue East. At the end of the path we turn South and get really close to the glacier on our way to the field for the night. We leave the horses and drive to our place for the night (Tungusel).

Day 5: In
Katla´s shadow (ca 25 km) Holmsáa to Hrífunes

Today we continue our ride down South. We follow Holmsá river and venture a bit into Merkigiljasandur, a small sander area of Myrdalsjökull. After our long day yesterday, we take it easier today and end the riding day in Hrifunes.

Day 6: Let´s get our feet wet (Hrífunes –Höfðabrekka/Kerlingadalur) (app. 35 km)

We drive to meet with our herd in Hrifunes. Today we will cross the extensive black sand sander area Myrdalssandur and cross some glacial streams on the way. We will reach the mountain ranges before Vik and turn right into one of the valleys to end in Kerlingardalur.

Day 7: Into
the Wild mountains (Kerlingadalur – Þakgil – Heiði)

Today will take us deeper into the mountain ranges South of Myrdalsjökull. We cross a high plateau and venture deep into the gorges. From there, ride to Heiði through the gorges at Höfðabrekkuheiði, including Þakgil. This is a magical environment that will transport us straight into a Lord of the Rings movie. (app. 35 km)

Day 8: The (in)famous Black Beach

We will ride out of the mountains and down to the infamous Black Beach (Reynisfjara). We will cross the lagoon and ride up to the cliffs of  Dyrhóley, and the sandbanks of Klifanda, and end in Pétursey. (app. 30km)

Day 9: Between glacier and the ocean (Pétursey – Skálakot /Fornusandar) app. 40 km

We ride from Peturséy across Sólheimasandur and the famous plane wreck. In 1973 a transport aircraft operated by the US Navy crashed there during severe weather conditions and was left there. It has since become a popular tourist spots.  We follow the glacier river Jökulsá á Sólheimasandi upstream to the bridge and follow alongside the ring road for a bit to catch the sight of impressive Skógarfoss.

When we reach the mountain Lambafell we turn left towards the coast and to Eyjafjallasandur and around the Eyjafjöll lagoon, if the conditions allow.  We ride along the coast under the mountains Eyjafjöll and Eyjafjallajökull.  and end close to Seljalandsfoss.  (app. 40 km).

Day 10:
Skalakot – Torfastaðir or up the mountains in Skalakot

On our last day we take it easy, we take our favourite horse and our lunch pack and climb up the mountains towards Eyjafjallajoekull and enjoy the amazing views from up there, towards the glaciers, black beaches and the Westman islands. Perfect spot to let it all sink in.

In the afternoon we drive back to Reykjavik.

10th of September:

Pick up at BSI at 17:00 and drive close to the meeting point where the horses are (app. 1,5 hours). You have dinner and accommodation there.

11th of September: Entering the Valley of Thor

We meet at Gamla Brú around lunchtime. We ride into the stunning valley of Þórsmörk, with Mýrdalsjökull glacier on one side and the mighty Markarfljót river on the other. Along the way, we ride with the herd, cross several small rivers, and pass the beautiful canyon of Nauthúsagil. You’ll often spot sheep grazing peacefully along the route.

We stop at prepared paddocks for the horses before reaching our accommodation for the night – the cozy mountain huts in Húsadalur. Here you can relax and unwind in the sauna or enjoy a soak in the heitur pottur (hot tub).

Distance: Approximately 35 km.

12th of September:  Ride to Almenningar
The next day, we leave the herd at home and head out for a more relaxed ride into the beautiful Almenningar area. The trail takes us through one of Iceland’s oldest birch forests – a true hidden gem filled with greenery, birdsong, and peaceful silence. We ride through gentle valleys and open clearings where time seems to slow down.

It’s a day to breathe, enjoy the calm, and take plenty of photos – perfect for those who want to truly feel the tranquility of the Icelandic wilderness.

There is also time to explore the area on foot – take a hike, stretch your legs, and enjoy the incredible views surrounding Þórsmörk.
We return to the same cozy cabins in Húsadalur for another peaceful night in nature.

Distance: Approximately 25 km.

13 September: From Húsadalur to Gamla Brú
On our final day, we saddle up and ride from Húsadalur back towards Gamla Brú. The journey takes us once again through the breathtaking landscapes of Þórsmörk, with glaciers, rivers, and mountain views accompanying us along the way.

Riding with the herd, we cross several streams and follow the open trails that lead us out of the valley. It’s the perfect chance to take in the last views of this magical area and reflect on the adventure we’ve shared.

We arrive back at Gamle Bru in the afternoon, where we say goodbye to our horses and to each other – with hearts full of memories and maybe a bit of Icelandic dust on our boots.

Distance: Approximately 35 km.

Day 1
10th of September – Tuesday
Reykjavík – Myrkholt

Pick up at one place in Reykjavík. Arrival to Myrkholt during the evening for an easy evening. 

Day 2
11th of September – Wednesday
Myrkholt – Fremstaver

Arrival to Myrkholt farm is at noon where we settle in, meet our guides and fellow travelers before having refreshments. We will start by visiting the stables, meet the horses and gear up for the first part of the ride. We ride with a free running herd of horses towards the highlands and experience Icelandic wilderness at its best, with magnificent mountain peaks and Langjökull glacier in all its glory. We stop for a short break with the herd on the highland right next to Sandá river where we change horses. We now head towards Mt. Bláfell (1160 m. above sea level) to our overnight cabin, Fremstaver, which is our destination for the day. There we spend the night while our horses feed on hey in the paddock adjacent to the cabin.

Approx. distance traveled: 26KM.

Day 3
12th of September – Thursday
Fremstaver – Myrkholt

After breakfast, we saddle the horses and say our goodbyes to this peaceful place in the highlands of Iceland. We ride with our herd south-west towards Ásbrandsá river. We cross the river into Haukadalsheiði, a black desert of stones and sand. Riding through the desert we start going down the highlands and into a polar-opposite; a green, bushy and unique forest.

The trails are soft and the views are impressive into Haukadalur, where we look over the entire Geysir hot-spring area and the Árnessýsla county. We head down through Haukadalsskógur forest, the biggest of its kind in Iceland, and towards the Geysir area. There we unsaddle and leave our horses in a paddock in one of the most well-known geological hotspots in the world, where we visit the world-famous geysers Geysir (the one and only!) and Strokkur.

After this adventure, we saddle our horses and head back to the Myrkholt farm where we rest overnight in the lovely Skálinn – our home for the remainder of the tour

Day 4
13th of September – Friday
Myrkholt- Myrkholt

After breakfast, we ride from Myrkholt to Hvítá (the white) river. We ride along the Hvítárgljúfur canyon, towards the Gullfoss waterfall, there we will rest our horses while taking in the views of this massive waterfall. But on we go! Into the saddle again to ride towards the farmers that have spent the previous week in the highlands rounding up about 6000 sheep. The sheep have roamed the highlands freely during the summer but are now back into “civilization” for the winter.

We join these mountain-men and women back to Myrkholt for lunch and then head back out to on our horses towards Tungnaréttir-gathering, which stands by Tungnafljót river and the waterfall Faxi. It is here where the thousands of sheep are sorted and will be placed with their rightful owner tomorrow morning.

After socializing with the team and seeing Tungnaréttir-gathering we head back to Myrkholt for our overnight rest. A good night’s sleep is important as we head back out to Tungnaréttir-gathering early in the morning. Exciting day ahead!

Day 5
14th of September – Saturday
Myrkholt – Tungnaréttir

We wake up early and head out to Tungnaréttir-gathering event, where we are greeted by the locals and their families, their horses and their sheep. They invite us to take part in the gathering and the celebrations which continue on throughout the day.

After the event, we head back to Myrkholt where we feast on a traditional Icelandic meat-soup and spend our last evening together.

Day 6
15th of September – Sunday
Myrkholt – Reykjavík

All good things must come to an end. Here we say our goodbyes to our hosts, farmers, and horses. After breakfast, a bus will pick you up and drive you to Reykjavík.

Sleeping bag arrangement in huts and guesthouses