Hekluhestar · Austvaðsholt, Iceland
Riding the unique tölt and pace gaits across volcanic terrain since 1981
Hekluhestar has run riding tours since 1981 from Austvaðsholt farm, 12km from Hella and 100km east of Reykjavík, in the shadow of Mount Hekla and bordered by the river Rangá. Now led by Anita, continuing the family tradition started by her parents Jón and Nicole, using horses bred and trained on the farm itself, using their tölt and pace gaits to cover volcanic terrain comfortably. The 6-day route crosses the Sólvahraun lava field near Hekla, overnighting at a purpose-built lodge at Rjúpnavellir before reaching Landmannahellir.
Hekluhestar do not take absolute beginners on these tours. You should be balanced and in control at walk, trot and the tolt, and happy on a forward horse over open, sometimes rough volcanic ground. The Icelandic horse's extra gaits make the miles comfortable.
Farm-bred and farm-trained Icelandic horses, sure-footed and comfortable over long distances thanks to their tolt and pace.
Riding tours from Austvadsholt farm head up into the highlands around Hekla, covering ground each day on farm-bred horses, with a free herd driven along so you change to a fresh horse through the day in the Icelandic way. The six-day route crosses the Solvahraun lava field and overnights at a purpose-built highland lodge at Rjupnavellir before reaching Landmannahellir, with evenings spent together over dinner.
The home farm and well-kept mountain huts and highland lodges along the route.
All meals included on the tour, home-cooked and taken together.
Best months: June to September
Tours run through the Icelandic summer, with the multi-day highland rides at their best in the long days of July and August.
Nearest airport: Keflavik (KEF), Iceland's international airport, about 45 minutes from Reykjavik
Transfers: Hekluhestar collect guests from the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik; the farm is around 100 km east of the city
Fly to Keflavik, make your way to Reykjavik, and the farm collects you from there.
