Skip to main content

Iceland, Hekla

Small groups, quality horses and expert guides!


Riding in Iceland has in many ways turned in to an industry, with a large- scale focus, mix between beginners and experienced rides, horses that cannot tolt and so called guides from other countries with no local knowledge. 

We are so happy that we have found Robert, a professional young man who more or less were born on horseback. He chose the Icelandic horse as career. Growing up he educated, bred and competed. He are lucky to have the base at Roberts familys farm that has 300 hectares of land where they breed horses and milk cows. The farm is located close to the vulcano Helka with its lava beaches, water falls, and endless of unspoilt nature. 

At the farm they have about 70 horses, around 20 are used for the trailrides. There is also one stallion. One of the reasons that Robert wanted to start with trails rides is that he did not want to sell his nice horses, he wanted to keep them so that he could make sure that they were well taken care of and could keep their good tolt. These horses can be compared to private owned competition horses. The passion shines through when talking to Robert about the horses and trail rides in this magical nature. Since childhood he have spent weekends and holidays on horseback in different cabins without any modern facilities and that has given him nature and horse experiences that has to be experienced. 

As a rider from another country, it is incredibly enriching and rewarding to get to know this genuine Icelandic horse culture. On the rides there are always a herd of loose horses. So if you want to take advantage of the best that Iceland can offer regarding high quality horses, nature and hosting, the choice is easy. Ride with Robert and his team.

Full text search

Accommodation & food

On the trailride you will stay the two first and two last nights near the horsefarm. There you will stay in twin rooms with bathroom outside the room, the rest of the nights you will stay in the familys cabin. It is so quiet and peaceful and extremely beautiful with the river right next to you and the mountains in the background. The accommodation is basic in bunkbeds in the big cabin. No electricity (bring powerbank). There is a kitchen and bathroom in the house. The shower is in another building. 

Every day starts with a steady breakfast and after that you make your own lunchpack that you bring in the saddlebag. Dinner is cooked and served in the cabin in the evening. Wine and beer can be purchased for those who wish. 


 

 

Hekla Trail Ride

Hekla Trail Ride

7 days: 6 nights / 5 riding days / ca. 130 km, 2-3 hours riding/day

Preliminary day-by-day program

Day 1: Arrival:
Pick up at 17:30 in Reykjavik and then drive to the farm Grimstaðir. We will get to know each other and go through the program of your riding holiday.

Day 2: Crossing the creeks: (Bakkakot – Stóra-Hof app. 20 km):
After breakfast we saddle up and prepare for the tour. We start in the paddock to get to know the horses and have basic riding instructions. Then we will head off across the bridge over Þverá and ride through green fields Northwards. We will be surrounded by magnificent views, with the volcano Hekla ahead of us and Eyjafjallajökull to our right. Our first riding day ends at the farm Stóra-Hof, where our horses will be staying until the next morning. On our way back we will stop at one of the most famous and photographed waterfall in Iceland: Seljalandsfoss. You get to walk behind it and see it in the most amazing afternoon light, before we return to our guest house and enjoy dinner there.
Accommodation: Double room with shared bathroom and other facilities

Day 3: On the trail of the Vikings (Stóra-Hof - Foss, app. 20 km)
Our second riding day will take us closer to the highlands. Riding on ancient Viking paths surrounded by old lava and purple lupin fields; we follow gravel roads and soft grass paths up and have a stop close to Keldur, the largest preserved turf farm in South Iceland, that dates back to the 12./13. century. After that we will ascend further until we reach our our mountain cottage by the river Eystri-Rangá. This is where we will spend the next three nights.
Accommodation: Mountain cottage Foss

Day 4: Chasing Waterfalls (Around Foss, app. 15 km):
Today we take one horse each and explore the area around our hut further. We leave the herd behind to venture into the beautiful landscape around Foss. We can enjoy amazing views over the mountains, lava fields, rivers and canyons. We will pass an abandoned farm and visit a man-made cave that used to be a sheepfold. Like the day before, we will go for a rides from our hut. We will ride up the hills south of Foss, where we will meet beautiful waterfalls, and enter a small cave called Thieves' Cave. If the sky is clear
we’ll get a great view over the lowlands and the mountains.
Accommodation: Mountain cottage Foss

Day 5: Winding down (Foss - Bakkakot, app. 35 km):
Time to leave Foss and head back to the lowlands. You will feel the spirit and growing excitement of the horses who know they are on the way back home! Tölting on a joyful horse, on soft grounds, in their natural
environment surrounded by mountains and glacier views, is an unforgettable experience! You’ll feel invincible! Finally, we arrive back in Bakkakot where we enjoy coffee and cake and dinner later.

Day 6 Let the sea set you free (Bakkakot - Grimstaðir – Beach app. 8km)
Today we will be riding on a black sand beach. In the morning we ride alongside a river down to Grimstaðir, where we have lunch. In the afternoon we ride to the beach, with the sea on one side and mountain panorama with the spectacular Eyjafjallajoekull on the other side. We tölt through the dunes (if the deep sand allows) and cross tidal rivers.

Day 7: Departure
Back to reality. After breakfast, you will be picked up at 10:00 and arrive back in Reykjavik around 12:00. 

Horses

At the farm they have abouit 70 horses, around 20 of them are used for the rides. They also have one stallion. This riding center is different from others, you get to ride well educated horses of high quality, that is it is no regular trail horses. One of the reasons that Robert wanted to start with trails rides is that he did not want to sell his nice horses, he wanted to keep them so that he could make sure that they were well taken care of nad could keep their good tolt. These horses can be compared to private owned competition horses. 

You will ride a horse that suits your level of riding. All riders must know how to handle a horse in all gaits, these rides are for experienced riders. Normally you ride 5-10 km on one horse, after that there is a short break and you change to another horse. This way the horses will stay happy and energetic. The flock of wild horses will accompany you every day. Each rider rides 2-3 horses per day. Given the high quality of the horses, it is a pleasure!

Travel Information

Ability descriptionTrail ride level 2-3

Included in the price: Hekla trail ride: 6 nights, 5 days riding, fullboard incl. water, coffee/tea, return transfer from Reykjavik bus station.

Not included: Flight, alcoholic beverages, bus to Reykjavik bus station

Travel: Fly to Iceland, Keflavik

Arrival:  Pick up at 17.00 at Reykjaviks bus station on arrival day.

Season: Specific dates

Single room: No single rooms are available

Group size: Min. 8 and max. 12. 

Currency: Icelandic crown (ISK). 
Credit card: Not accepted at the riding center, only cash
Tip: Not expected but appreciated

Wifi: At the farm yes, in the cabin no
Electricity jack: Standard EU 2 plug at the farm. In cabin no electricity.
Pool: No

Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: Helmet, raingear
Other equipment to borrow: Sleeping bag, towel
If you bring your own riding equipment it has to be disinfected. Do not bring used riding gloves. Read more here (PDF)>>
Special diet: Inform when booking.


 

Feedback from our travellers

"The food was generous and plentiful, with both meals and drinks. One evening was especially memorable when we were served an absolutely fantastic lamb roast!
The horses were amazing. Well-trained, and we all got to ride different horses each day. For me, the highlight was riding alongside a herd of free-running horses.
I have traveled many times with HorseXplore and have never been disappointed."
Katarina Palm

"All food in Iceland is excellent, and this trip was no exception. It was simple, but tasty and plentiful. Great ingredients, including home-produced meat for the lasagna on the first day.
The riding was like a dream! It truly felt like a real trailride, and we got to experience a variety of landscapes and environments, from grasslands to black sand, lava fields, and rocky terrain. The scenery was breathtaking!
It was fantastic to change horses so often, ensuring we always had fresh mounts.
Riding through rivers was very exciting. Competing in tölt across grassy fields was a highlight!
The people were warm and considerate, fun, and genuine. They also gave us plenty of freedom to ride ahead of the herd and guides.
It’s clear that HorseXplore is owned by true horse lovers. We heard great things about you from one of the participants, who had been on several trips and was very satisfied. Even the owner, Robert, spoke highly of you!"
Karin Aase

"This was truly an amazing trip into the wilderness with Icelandic speed and character. My best experience ever with HorseXplore after nearly 20 years visiting different destinations. I felt more like a member of the team than a tourist."
Tormod Lundemo

Climate

Dates and prices

"Book on request" means that we cannot confirm your booking immediately, but we will get back to you as soon as possible with a booking confirmation, normally within 24 hours on weekdays.

DateDaysName of tripPrice from
14/06/20257Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,100Book on request
25/06/20257Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,100Book on request
08/07/20257Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,100Book on request
20/07/20257Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,100Book on request
15/08/20257Iceland - Hekla Trail RideEUR 2,100Book on request

Similar tours

Italy - Lazio Castle Ride

Italy - Lazio Castle Ride

Welcome to our beautiful eighteenth century castle which is situated in Lazio between the hills of Tuscany and Umbria (barely 200 km / 125 miles) from Rome. The castle was once the residence of a Card...
Iceland, North - Autumn Colours and Nothern Lights

Iceland, North - Autumn Colours and Nothern Lights

This Riding tour provides the opportunity to experience the variety and beauty of Icelandic nature in Autumn. By August's end Iceland's summer is all but over. The days in September shorten, introduci...
Norway, Mountains of Lofoten

Norway, Mountains of Lofoten

This itinerary focuses on scenic and demanding rides where the rider is put to the test in different types of terrain. We do several new tours in the Lofoten mountains and nature with spectacular view...
Sweden, Lapland - Biellugis Trail (5 days)

Sweden, Lapland - Biellugis Trail (5 days)

To choose a longer tour with Icelandic horse in the mountains is a perfect way to see the mountains. You get to know the Icelandic horse, have an adventure, be out in the nature, sit round a campfire,...
Sweden, Riding Icelandic Horses in Roslagen

Sweden, Riding Icelandic Horses in Roslagen

You will find this gem in beautiful Roslagen. Jenny and Hreggvidur (Hreggi), both multiple Swedish champions and successful national team riders, are big names in the Icelandic Horse world. Jenny is o...
Greenland

Greenland

Greenland is not a mass tourism location, but rather somewhere for the discerning traveller who is searching for unique experiences in a magnificent, clean natural environment and an exciting culture...
Contact us
Address:
HorseXplore
Norra Catalinagränd 17
183 68 TÄBY
Sweden