Ride Under Hekla
A three-day Riding Excursion exploring the volcanic landscapes beneath Hekla on individual horses, with beautiful trails, small groups and the freedom to make the most of each day.
€1,790 per person
Ride Under Hekla
From our home at Minni-Vellir, we set out each day to explore the remarkable countryside beneath Hekla. Smooth volcanic trails take us through open landscapes, across farmland and lava fields, and alongside rivers – ideal country for enjoying the Icelandic horse and its unique tölt.
With no fixed route to follow, we can adapt each day’s riding to the horses, riders and conditions. Riding individual horses gives us the freedom to explore different trails, enjoy the landscape at our own pace and get to know the character of the horses we ride.
Beyond the riding, thee is time to discover the surrounding countryside, visit local attractions or simply relax at Minni-Vellir. Each day ends back at the farmhouse, with a hot tub, good food and the pleasure of an evening together.
Excursion Snapshot
- Duration
- 3 riding days, 2 nights (Private departures can be longer)
- Group Size
- Maximum 8 riders
- Typical Riding
- 2-4 hours per day
- Riding level
- Intermediate – Private departures adapted to riding levels
- Riding Style
- Flexible Riding on individual horses
- Accommodation
- Minni-Vellir Farmhouse · Riders’ Loft · Made-up beds · Hot tub · Icelandic hospitality → Accommodation
- Region
- South Iceland – beneath Hekla
- Evenings
- Chef-prepared dinners · Relaxed farmhouse atmosphere
The Excursion
Three days of riding and exploring beneath Hekla.
Our days at Minni-Vellir are shaped around the weather, trail conditions and the interests of the group, giving us the freedom to make the most of each day.
After breakfast, we usually head out riding in the morning, exploring the smooth volcanic trails beneath Hekla. With no fixed route to follow, we can adapt the riding to the conditions and enjoy different landscapes and horses along the way.
Rides typically last 2–4 hours, leaving time to discover the surrounding area Beyond the Saddle or simply to return to Minni-Vellir to enjoy the farmhouse, relax in the hot tub and share meals together.
Our first ride takes place on the afternoon of arrival, once we’ve settled in at Minni-Vellir. On the final day, we enjoy one last morning ride before returning to the farmhouse for lunch and our transfer back to Reykjavík.
A series of single-horse rides. Different horses. Different trails. No fixed itinerary.
The country surrounding Minni-Vellir is made for exploring on horseback. On Ride Under Hekla, we ride on individual horses rather than travelling with a free-running herd, giving us the flexibility to choose where we ride each day.
Our guides choose each day’s route according to the weather, trail conditions and the group. We might ride across open volcanic country beneath Hekla, follow rivers through farmland or explore the lava fields surrounding the farm.
The smooth volcanic trails are particularly well suited to the Icelandic horse, with long stretches where you can settle into the tölt and simply enjoy travelling through the landscape.
Guests generally ride one or two horses each day. Over the course of the Excursion, there is an opportunity to discover different horses and their individual characters and abilities – and perhaps return to a horse with whom you have made a particularly good connection.
Home at Minni-Vellir – Unpack once, come home every evening.
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 from which to explore. 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 few hours in the saddle.
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 horses are at the heart of Ride Under Hekla, but being based at Minni-Vellir gives you the opportunity to discover more of 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
Beyond the Saddle is about making the most of where we are and discovering this magnificent region.
Practical Information
- 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 the horses and head out 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. Routes and daily plans are adapted to the conditions, and when a ride finishes away from Minni-Vellir, transport back to the farmhouse is arranged.
We also help 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 DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME ON THE TOUR?
We reccomend that you bring warm gloves and a thin hat that can fit under the riding helmet. Included in the price is that you can borrow a helmet, warm overall or rain coat and rain pants as well as rubber boots.
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
HOW DO I BOOK?
You can book online on our website or by contacting Ishestar by email daytours@ishestar.is or by phone +354 555 7000
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?
We recommend booking a couple of days in advance just to make sure that we have free spaces on the day you wish to arrive.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR DAY TOURS?
Included in all Day Tours:
- riding helmets
- rubber boots
- rainwear or a warm winter overall
- Live Guide in English
- Please note that riding tours at Mið-Grund and Grimsstaðir do not include transfer as they are Meet on location-only tours.
Book Now
€1,790 per person
Contact us for more Information about this tour
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