Iceland’s Best of Eldhestar Ride

Best of Eldhestar Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Take the Flybus from the airport to BSÍ station in Reykjavík. Pickup is between 17:30–18:00 at BSÍ or your hotel/guesthouse for transfer to Farm Vellir / Hotel Eldhestar in Hveragerði. Enjoy a welcome dinner and tour briefing.

Day 2: Vellir – Þorlákshöfn

Distance: 24.3 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs

Begin with riding instructions and a warm-up in the paddock. Ride along the Ölfusá River delta through Ölfusforir, taking in views of Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla. Cross shallow waters to reach the south coast and ride along the black lava sand beach to Þorlákshöfn. Drive back to Vellir.

Day 3: Kolviðarhóll – Jórukleif

Distance: 25 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs

Ride north from Kolviðarhóll along Húsmúli and Hengill mountains. Pass through Engidalur valley and hand-lead horses through a narrow cleft into hidden Marardalur (Valley of Horses). Cross Dyrfjöll for views over Lake Þingvallavatn. Finish at Jórukleif, followed by sightseeing in Þingvellir National Park before returning to the farm.

Day 4: Skógarhólar – Kringlumýri

Distance: 25 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs

Ride through Þingvellir National Park past abandoned farms Hrauntún and Skógarkot to the shores of Lake Þingvallavatn. Cross continental rift zones with views from Gjábakki farm, ending the ride at the Kringlumýri mountain hut.

Day 5: Villingavatn – Reykjadalur – Vellir

Distance: 23.3 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs

Ascend the slopes of Hengill volcano and Súlufell for views over Lake Þingvallavatn. Ride past the Kattatjörn crater lakes, Álftavatn, and hot springs at Ökuelduháls. Descend through Klambragíl gorge into Reykjadalur Valley to bathe in a warm geothermal river. Ride back to Vellir via forest trails. Bus transfer returns guests to Reykjavík (~17:15).

Eldhestar Exclusive Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Take the Flybus from the airport to BSÍ station in Reykjavík. Pickup is between 17:30–18:00 at BSÍ or your hotel/guesthouse for transfer to Farm Vellir / Hotel Eldhestar in Hveragerði. Enjoy a welcome dinner and tour briefing.

Day 2: Ölfusá Delta & The Beach

Distance: ~25 km

Ride from the farm along the Gljúfurá River to the Ölfusá glacial river delta. Pass through soft grasslands and shallow waters to reach the south coast for a brisk ride on the black lava sand beach near Þorlákshöfn.

Day 3: Heiðmörk Nature Reserve

Distance: ~20 km

Transfer to the Reykjavík stable area for a ride on the historic Landsmót oval track. Explore Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, passing Lake Rauðavatn, the 4,700-year-old Rauðhólar red pseudo-craters, and Lake Elliðaárvatn before returning to the farm by trailer.

Day 4: Þjórsárdalur Valley

Distance: ~23 km

Drive east to Þjórsárdalur Valley near Mt. Hekla. Ride through volcanic landscapes, visit an 800-year-old farm excavated from volcanic ash, and explore the waterfalls and oasis of Gjáin gorge.

Day 5: Soft Banks of Glacial River Hvítá

Distance: ~22 km

Transfer horses to Selfoss. Ride through open meadows to the Hvítá glacial river, enjoying long stretches of tölt along soft riverbanks and farmland. Return to Selfoss for a bus transfer back to Reykjavík (~17:15).

Important Notes for Both Tours:

Dinner on the final evening is not included.

Select trail sections require dismounting and leading horses on foot.