Below The Mountains

Overview

On this day tour, we explore the stunning scenery between the volcanic mountains and the Atlantic Ocean in southern Iceland. We start by riding on pleasant trails across our meadows, perfect for trying the unique gait of the Icelandic horse, "tölt." We follow the river Gljúfurá to an old cemetery near the mighty glacial river Ölusá, where we can take in the spectacular view of the river delta and the famous volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, depending on the weather. We then travel along a grassy path to the soft, black lava sand on the river banks and through shallow water to the lush island of Lambey. Along the way, we have the chance to spot various types of birds living in the wetlands of the nearby bird sanctuary. We stop for a lunch break outdoors before continuing through farmland to Mount Ingólfsfjall, a table mountain named after the first settler of Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarson. We take an old Viking path along the mountain Reykjafjall, where sheep and horses graze in the summer. On our way back to our farm Vellir, we have a great view of the surrounding area and the village of Hveragerði. When we return to our farm, coffee and home-baked cake await us.

We may slightly alter the tour during the winter season. We ride down to the river banks and then return to our hotel for steaming bowls of traditional Icelandic meat soup before continuing our ride toward the mountains.

Location Pick-up

Daily tours start at 09:00. We offer pick-up service from the BSI central bus station, hotels, guesthouses, and designated bus stops between 7:45 and 8:30 in the morning and between 13:00 and 13:20. Please note that we cannot pick up from private apartments and Airbnb accommodations.

Return to Reykjavík at around 17:15.

Is the ride difficult

The ride is moderate, but we encourage everyone over 8 years of age to join this magnificent journey.

Safety

Everyone is required to wear a helmet.

Eldhestar has strict security measures in place. For safety reasons, you cannot bring backpacks, large cameras, selfie sticks, or other bulky items on the horses. Small waist bags are allowed. Horse riding is a potentially risky activity; you participate at your own risk.

Is the ride season bound

The tour is available all year, but it's a good idea to bring extra clothing like socks, gloves, and a hat on rainy days or during winter day tours if you get wet during the ride.

What to bring

To participate in the horse riding tour, you'll need to wear sturdy shoes, good sneakers or narrow hiking boots, and comfortable pants (riding pants are not required). It's a good idea to bring gloves and a thin hat under the helmet (a "buff" is a good choice). If you want to carry small items like a camera, you should bring a small waist bag (backpacks are not allowed on the horses). On rainy days or during winter day tours, it's a good idea to bring extra clothing like socks, gloves, and a hat in case you get wet during the ride.

Important information

The maximum weight for participants is 120 kg.

All used riding gear, such as boots and saddlebags, must be disinfected before coming to Iceland to prevent the spreading of infectious diseases that could threaten the horses. That typically includes washing riding wear and cleaning helmets, shoes, and safety vests with iodine or another disinfectant.

Used riding gloves and leather items, such as chaps, are not allowed.