Spirit of Hekla
A four-day Riding Excursion for experienced riders, discovering the Icelandic tradition of riding with a free-running herd through the spectacular volcanic landscapes beneath Hekla.
2,390 Euro per person
Spirit of Hekla
Riding with a free-running herd is one of Iceland’s oldest riding traditions, and at the heart of Spirit of Hekla. We travel through the open countryside beneath Hekla, changing horses regularly and discovering their different characters and abilities as we ride together with the herd.
But not every ride needs to be with the herd. From our base at Minni-Vellir, we can also set out on individual horses to explore quieter trails and places less suited to travelling with a free-running herd. This combination brings variety to the riding and allows us to make the most of the surrounding landscape.
Between rides, there is time to discover the area Beyond the Saddle or simply enjoy life at Minni-Vellir. Each evening we return to the farmhouse, where a hot tub, good food and a relaxed atmosphere await.
Excursion Snapshot
- Duration
- 4 riding days, 3 nights
- Group Size
- Maximal 12 rider
- Typical Riding
- Riding with a free-running herd · Regular horse changes · Individual-horse rides
- Riding level
- Strong intermediate
- Riding Style
- Riding with a free-running herd · Regular horse changes · Individual-horse rides
- Accommodation
- Minni-Vellir Farmhouse · Private rooms available Riders’ Loft · Made-up beds · Hot tub · Icelandic hospitality → Accommodation
- Region
- South Iceland – beneath Hekla → Map
- Evenings
- Chef-prepared dinners · Relaxed farmhouse atmosphere
The Excursion
Riding, exploring and life at Minni-Vellir.
After breakfast, we usually head out riding in the morning. Days spent travelling with the free-running herd can extend into the afternoon, with breaks along the way to rest, change horses and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
On shorter riding days, there is time to explore the region Beyond the Saddle, visit local attractions or simply return to Minni-Vellir to relax and enjoy the farmhouse.
Our first afternoon includes an introductory ride, giving everyone a chance to get acquainted with the horses and the surroundings. On the final morning, we enjoy one last ride before returning to Minni-Vellir for lunch and our transfer back to Reykjavík.
Riding with the Herd
The herd is at the heart of this Excursion. Travelling with a herd of free-running horses is one of the most distinctive traditions of Icelandic riding. Riders change horses throughout the day, discovering the individual character, movement and abilities of different horses.
Watching the herd move freely across the landscape can be every bit as memorable as riding itself. There is a natural rhythm to travelling this way, as horses and riders move together through the countryside – a tradition deeply connected to Iceland and its history.
Smaller Groups. Bigger Herds. We deliberately travel with a generous number of horses for the size of the group. This allows riders to change horses regularly while sharing the work between the horses throughout the Excursion. Combined with a smaller group of riders, it also gives our guides more opportunity to look after each guest and helps create a safer, more personal riding experience.
No Two Days Are Alike
Our guides shape each day’s riding around the weather, trail conditions, horses and riders. Alongside riding with the herd, there are opportunities to set out on individual horses, exploring trails and places less suited to travelling with a free-running herd.
And sometimes there is room for something extra – an evening ride beneath the midnight sun, or riding out to meet the herd as it grazes in the surrounding countryside. These moments are not scheduled, but when conditions are right and the group is keen, they can become some of the most memorable parts of the Excursion.
Home at Minni-Vellir
Minni-Vellir Farmhouse is more than our accommodation – it is part of the Excursion.
Set beneath Hekla in the South Iceland countryside, it gives us a comfortable home to return to after each day’s riding. There is no need to pack your bags each morning or move between accommodations. When the day’s ride finishes away from the farm, we transfer back to Minni-Vellir.
Accommodation is in our shared Riders’ Loft, with made-up beds for your arrival. Three private rooms are also available for an additional charge, subject to availability. The farmhouse has shared spaces where riders can relax together. Outside, the hot tub is waiting – particularly welcome after a good day of riding.
Mornings begin with a generous buffet-style breakfast. Guests prepare sandwiches and snacks for the day’s ride and, depending on the route, lunch is either carried in the saddlebags or brought out by our driver or chef. In the evening, our chef prepares fresh, Icelandic-inspired food, using local ingredients where possible, and we gather around the farmhouse table for dinner.
Make more of your time beneath Hekla.
The riding is of course at the heart of Spirit of Hekla, but being based at Minni-Vellir gives you the opportunity to discover this part of South Iceland.
Depending on the programme, season and conditions, possibilities include (some of these come at an additional cost):
- visiting Háifoss, Hjálparfoss and Fossabrekkur
- exploring the historic caves at Hellar
- meeting our neighbours and discovering Icelandic craft at Fjárhúsloftið
- Visit and tasting at the nearby Flóki Whisky Distillery, where Icelandic whisky is made from locally grown barley (additional cost).
- relaxing in the geothermal waters of Laugarás Lagoon (additional cost).
- discovering more of South Iceland with our driver and guide (additional cost).
- or simply enjoying the hot tub and a relaxed evening at Minni-Vellir
HAGNÝTAR UPPLÝSINGAR
- The age limit to ride on this tour is 16 years old.
- The weight limit for all our tours is 110 kg/240 lbs.
- It is the responsibility of each rider to assess whether they are physically able to take part in the trip, and to choose the tour according to their riding experience.
- Please check with your travel/accident insurance that horse riding tours are covered.
Arrival & First Ride
Pickup in Reykjavík is at 11:00 on the first day. We arrive at Minni-Vellir around 13:00, where a light lunch awaits before we prepare for our first ride.
Final Day & Return to Reykjavík
Our final day includes a morning ride before we say goodbye to Minni-Vellir. We aim to depart around 14:00, arriving back in Reykjavík at approximately 16:00.
Support During the Excursion
Our guides and support team take care of the practical arrangements throughout the Excursion, including managing the herd and coordinating the daily riding routes.
When a ride finishes away from Minni-Vellir, transport back to the farmhouse is arranged. Our team also helps coordinate activities Beyond the Saddle, depending on the group’s interests and available time.
- All food and accommodation during the tour
- Helmets, saddle bags, water bottles
- Íshestar gift bag, including an exclusive Íshestar T-shirt
- A great riding experience
- All-in pricing – No additional booking fees
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT ON A RIDER?
Maximum weight for a rider is 110kg/242lb.
CAN I WEAR MY OWN RIDING CLOTHES?
Riding clothes. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which can not be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be cleaned and disinfected at least five 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.
Kindly note 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! For further information please take a look at: Import of riding equipment | Matvælastofnun
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€2,390 per person
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