Mountain Spirit Ride

Introduction
East and South Iceland
Mount Hekla is a highly active volcano often titled the “Queen of Iceland”. The mountain towers regally over the region and every day we see evidence of its numerous devastating eruptions throughout the ages. In the old  times people actually believed it to be the gateway to hell. Landmannalaugar is a geothermal wonderland in the Southern Highlands. Its natural bathing pools are only one of the highlights which make this area one of Iceland’s most popular destinations for nature lovers.

Our ride starts along the river banks of the mighty glacial river Thjórsá, with a magnificent view on glacier Eyjafjallajökull and Volcano Hekla. The beautiful area Landmannahellir is a fitting outpost in the central highlands before going on to enjoy the colourful rhyolite mountains in Landmannalaugar, surrounded by black lava fields.

Our way back to civilization leads us down from the mountains and into black lava and green valleys. The spirited and sure-footed horses make this tour an experience of a lifetime for anyone seeking a challenging highland adventure.

Accomodation

Accommodation
This is a progressive ride so you will be staying in different locations each night.

Description
During this tour, you will sleep in simple accommodations in dormitory style rooms with shared facilities. Please, bring your own sleeping bag!

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Kálfhóll Farm
Night 3: Mountain hut Hólaskógur
Night 4 & 5: Landmannahellir Mountain hut
Night 6: Mountain hut Hólaskógur

Kálfhóll Farm
The family in Kálfhóll farm is well known for their great hospitality.

Landmannahellir Mountain Hut
Landmannahellir is located in a peaceful area in Fjallabak and  has for many years been one of the main dwelling place for sheep gatherers when they round up the sheep each autumn that have been grassing in this area during the summer.
•Number of rooms:  1
•Number of beds:  24
•Made up beds: No
•Outdoor jacuzzi:  No
•Number of showers:  2
•Number of WC:  1
•GSM connection:  No
•WiFi: No

Hólaskógur Mountain Hut
This is a big mountain cabin in Þjórsárdalur, close to the glacier river Þjórsá. This cozy cabin offers simple accommodation with electricity and heating. It is used in the autumn for the sheep herders but is open for travelers during the summer.
•Number of rooms:  1
•Number of beds:  30
•Made up beds: No
•Outdoor jacuzzi:  No
•Number of showers:  2
•Number of WC:  2
•GSM connection:  yes
•WiFi: No

Room Occupancy
Single rooms are not available on this trip.



Meals
During the ride full board is provided.

The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). 
All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.

Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival.

Dietary restrictions
Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
This tour is a great riding experience that is suitable for advanced riders. You need to be comfortable and in control at all paces, have a firm seat, and feel comfortable riding for up to 7 hours per day. Riders are expected to ride regularly and be capable of handling horses in an open country. Riding days can be as long as up to 35 km in the saddle so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. You will get a thorough introduction into the gaits of the Icelandic horse and feel the Tölt, the extremely soft traveling gate of the Icelandic horse.

Riding Gear – Disinfect!
Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to disinfected at least 5 days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature!
We provide saddle bags, rain wear and safety helmet.

Tack & Riding Style
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different then the tack ordinarily used for other breeds.
The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps keeping the saddle in place. Riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to English riding style, but stirrups are worn long.
Bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.

The Farmers
The real connoisseurs of the local terrain and history. We make sure that each tour has its own charm and is organized by the local expert, the farmer, and his family. They use their own horses and ride through the part of the country they know so well.
Our farmers have over 30 years of experience in leading riding groups through Iceland.

Herd of Horses
On this ride, you will be riding several days (except for two days) with a free running herd of horses. Herding along free running horses is the traditional way of travelling in Iceland, since horses are changed at least once a day on longer tours. You get to ride a variety of horses. 

Horses
The Icelandic horse is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour.  Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience. The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience. 

Itinerary


Sample itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik or at one of Reykjavik's official bus stops near your accommodation (see: www.busstop.is) around 6:00pm. From there, our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Kálfhóll farm, where horses and staff are waiting for us. After a lovely introductory meal where we get to know each other we relax and rest so we are well prepared for the adventure ahead of us.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Kálfhóll farm

Day 2: Kálfhóll to Réttarholt Field
We ride on fantastic riding paths along the mighty glacial river Þjórsá, with views of the glacier Eyjafjallajökull and the volcano Hekla. We leave the horses at Réttarholt field and drive back to the farm. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. We stay at Kálfhóll farm and relax in the hot tub outdoors.
Riding approximately 20 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kálfhóll farm

Day 3: Réttarholt Field to Mountain Hut Hólaskógur
Today, we ride along the lovely river Sandá through the National Forest Skriðufellskógur into the beautiful and famous valley of Thjórsárdalur. The volcano Hekla towers over the vast lavender blue lupine fields along the sandy tracks. We stop at Stöng, the ruins of a medieval farmhouse. In 1104, Mt Hekla erupted for the first time in the recorded history of Iceland. The eruption destroyed at least 20 farms in the valley Thjórsárdalur, among them the farm Stöng.
After a short stop at Gjáin, a mystical canyon with lots of small waterfalls and famous setting for Games of Thrones, we head for the cosy mountain hut Hólaskógur with prime view of Volcano Hekla.
Riding approximately 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mountain Hut Hólaskógur

Day 4: Mountain hut Hólaskógur to Landmannahellir Mountain Hut
We ride over narrow tracks through black lava north of Valafell mountain. Our surefooted horses carry us comfortably through rough terrain across the Lambaskarð mountain passage. We continue on sandy paths close to lake Sauðleysuvatn and through the moonlike desert towards Mountain Hut Landmannahellir, where we will spend two nights.
Riding approximately 30 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mountain Hut Landmannahellir

Day 5: Ride to Landmannalaugar
Today we ride to the famous Landmannalaugar, with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colorful mountains and lava. Our horses rest in a paddock and we have a good part of the day to relax in the hot pools or visit the numerous sights, before returning to Landmannahellir. This day will be without a doubt, one of the highlights of this tour.
Riding approximately 40 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mountain Hut Landmannahellir

Day 6: Landmannahellir to Mountain Hut Hólaskógur
We leave the beautiful area of Landmannahellir and ride on towards the Herbjarnfell mountain. Today´s route takes us over varying landscape. We ride across sand, sharp lava, huge and colorful pumice fields and over green grazing fields where the farmers drive their sheep during summer. We stay overnight in the solitary mountain hut Hólaskógur with great view of the Hekla volcano. Here we get the feeling of being “on top of the world”.
Riding approximately 40 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mountain Hut Hólaskógur

Day 7: Mountain Hut Hólaskógur to Réttarholt Guesthouse
Today, we ride over the rich green mountain fields over Seljamýri to Fögruskógar and Þrengslasandur towards Réttarholt Guesthouse. Here we have to say goodbye to horses and staff. The bus will take us back to Kálfhóll farm for coffee & cake. We then drive back to Reykjavík.
Riding approximately 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Rates and Dates for Mountain Spirit Ride

Dates Note: Tuesday- Monday

Other Info
Meeting: Keflavík Airport
Airport: from Keflavik Airport
Transfer: Keflavik Airport

Climate:
                                                Reykjavík area