The Icelandic Highlands Ride

Day Before: Arrival

We recommend you arrive in Reykjavik at least one night prior to the start of your ride, not only to recover from jet lag (Iceland is a LONG way to travel), but also to explore the sights and sounds of this colourful city in the land of fire and ice.

Day 1: The Golden Circle

Your Icelandic adventure begins! You’ll be picked up from Skuggi Hotel at 10am this morning and will hit the road to discover some of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders.

First up, Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, where you’ll marvel at the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and the bubbling, steaming geothermal wonderland of Geysir. Mother Nature certainly knows how to put on a show here!

You’ll stop for a light picnic lunch amidst Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes before continuing to the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall. And here’s the magic bit – you can actually walk behind the cascading curtain of water!

With your camera roll already bursting and your first taste of Icelandic magic well and truly under your belt, you’ll make your way to Hvammur, a traditional Icelandic farmhouse surrounded by nature and overlooking the Vestman Islands. A cosy atmosphere, crackling fireplace and simple comforts make this a wonderfully authentic home away from home for the next two nights.

Day 2: Black Beach

After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to transfer to your host Martina’s farm, Mid-Grund, to meet your Icelandic horses! Once you’ve been paired with your horse for the day, your guides will take you for a ride down towards the dramatic Black Beach, leaving the herd behind so that you can get a feel for the famous tölt – the smooth, floating gait unique to Icelandic horses, with guidance from your hosts to get everyone gliding happily along.

Lunch is served back at Mid-Grund after which you’ll have a short drive back to Hvammur and time to relax this afternoon.

This evening after a delicious meal, you’ll be joined by Valborg, a dear family friend who will sing traditional Icelandic songs for you.

Day 3: Iceland's Oldest Forest

Today you’ll meet the herd by the Old Bridge, then cross into a sea of colourful lupin fields. The ride continues through the lush region of Fljótshlíð, past small houses and rich greenery, before reaching Vatnsdal – Iceland’s oldest forest. From here, the journey heads into the wilderness, finishing (after 40 kilometres!) at a rustic riverside hut.

Tonight brings your first taste of traditional Icelandic sleeping quarters: a single upstairs room with mattresses spaced out on the floor. Ideal for keeping warm, but be sure to bring your earplugs! There are no showers or electricity here, but you’ll have a wonderful view of the horses right outside the windows, and no doubt your hosts will tell some Icelandic folk tales to help you tap into the spirit of the Vikings.

Day 4: Mount Hekla

This morning’s 35-kilometre ride begins with the crossing of a 15-kilometre-wide lava field alongside the herd, moving slowly and steadily across challenging terrain. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!

As the day unfolds, the landscape gradually softens into rolling greenery, low trees and scattered shrubs, creating a peaceful contrast to the rugged lava behind you and the white slopes of Mount Hekla ahead. One of Iceland’s most active volcanoes, Hekla is a remarkable sight to behold – but then again, every landscape is remarkable in Iceland!

A river crossing brings you to your small, cosy hut for the night. Once again, everyone sleeps together in a shared space, but tonight you have the luxury of electricity and hot showers. If you’re feeling brave, you can first take a plunge in the icy river to make that shower feel all the more blissful.

Day 5: Landmannahellir

Riding from Rjúpnavellir, you’ll follow the river and pass Áfangagil, heading deep into the heart of the Icelandic wilderness. Multiple river crossings add to the adventure as the green landscape gradually transforms into stunning sand dunes.

The night is spent at Landmannahellir, in a mountain hut with a large veranda ideal for outdoor meals in good weather. There is one shared sleeping space and no electricity or hot water, but good cheer will be plentiful after your 35-kilometre ride!

Day 6: Landmannalaugar Hot Springs

Since you’re not travelling to a new destination today, a more relaxed and flexible riding experience is on offer. Everyone will choose a single horse (you’ll no doubt have a favourite by now!) for a scenic loop ride without the herd, around the nearby lake and mountain. On the way home, don’t miss the unforgettable chance to swim with your horse!

After lunch back at the hut, a short drive takes you to Landmannalaugar for a blissful, unhurried dip in the natural hot springs. Here you’ll also find hot showers – YAY – and with a small kiosk selling essentials such as hot chocolate, sweets and toiletries.

Finally, you’ll return to the hut at Landmannahellir for a good night’s rest.

Day 7: Áfangagil

You’re in for a real treat today, globetrotters. Riding high into the mountains with the herd, you’ll follow tiny trails mostly used by sheep in summer. Lunch is packed in your saddlebags, as the support vehicle takes a different route, leaving you totally immersed in the wilderness. Throughout the 40-kilometre journey, the sense of isolation and connection with the landscape is profound.

The day ends at the simplest hut of the trip in Áfangagil: partially dug into the green hillside, the hut has no electricity or showers, just sheltered rooms, a barbecue, and an outdoor table from which to absorb the secluded magic of the Icelandic highlands.

Day 8: Àfangagil to Rjupnavellir

Savour every last moment in the saddle today, globetrotters, because this is one farewell ride you won’t forget in a hurry!

With the mighty Mount Hekla as your backdrop, you’ll ride across sweeping sandbanks, gradually descending from the wild highlands towards civilisation. Think vast stretches of open sand, ancient lava fields and rugged, otherworldly landscapes. Iceland certainly knows how to save some magic for the grand finale!

Then it’s time to gather for a cosy lunch, celebrating the incredible journey you’ve shared, the wonderful horses who’ve carried you and the memories you’ll be taking home.

All too soon, it’s time for those bittersweet goodbyes (have the tissues handy!). You’ll bid farewell to your trusty steeds and newfound friends before transferring back to Reykjavik (approximately 2 hours), arriving around 8pm.

Eight days, countless pinch-me moments and a little piece of your heart left behind in Iceland. What an adventure!

Day After: Departure

Because you’re not due back to Reykjavik before 8pm the previous evening, we do suggest flying home the day after the ride ends.

The Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse is a unique breed of smallish horse that came to Iceland with the first settlers from Norway 1,100 years ago. Archeological digs in Europe have revealed that the breed is a descendant of an ancient breed of horse that is now extinct outside of Iceland. The Icelandic, as it is commonly referred to, is known for being surefooted and able to cross rough terrain with ease.

It displays two extra gaits in addition to the typical walk, trot, and canter/gallop commonly seen in other breeds. The first additional gait is a four-beat lateral ambling gait called the tölt. The tölt is known for its explosive acceleration and speed; it is also comfortable and ground-covering. The breed also performs a pace called the skeið, or “flying pace”. The skeið is used in pacing races, and is fast and smooth, with some horses able to reach up to 50 km/h. It is not a gait for long-distance travel, however.

The Icelandic horse comes in many different colours, and the Icelandic language includes more than 100 names for the various coat colours and patterns.  The Icelandic breed is extremely popular internationally, and for good reason – once you’ve ridden one, you’ll understand. A sizeable population exists in Europe and North America, but NOTHING beats riding an Icelandic horse in its natural landscape, Iceland. In their native country, they have few diseases; as a result, Icelandic law prevents horses from being imported into the country, and exported animals are not allowed to return. The breed continues to be used for farm work in addition to showing, racing, trekking and recreational riding.