Laxárgljúfur
Laxárgljúfur canyon – A wild, narrow gorge carved by the Laxá river, offering scenic and secluded riding paths.
Riding tours / South Iceland
Canyons and Hidden Waterfalls
South Iceland6 daysIntermediate +From Guðmundur Hólm
Discover the hidden beauty of Iceland’s highlands on this unforgettable six-day riding tour. Beginning at Kaldbakur farm in Hruna, the journey takes you deep into the heart of untouched nature.
- Duration
- 6 days - 5 nights - 6 riding days
- Riding skills
- Intermediate – Advanced riders
- Region
- South Iceland
- Price from
- 2.694 EUR
The ride
Discover the hidden beauty of Iceland’s highlands on this unforgettable six-day riding tour. Beginning at Kaldbakur farm in Hruna, the journey takes you deep into the heart of untouched nature.
When we ride
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Along the trail
5 highlights on the route – scroll sideways to follow it.
Ábóti
Ábóti waterfall, a secluded cascade on the Hvítá river, far from any road.
Skillárlandsfoss
Skillandsárfoss waterfall – A hidden gem in the canyon, only reachable on horseback.
Jarlhettur and Langjökull glacier
Views of Jarlhettur peaks and Langjökull glacier — two iconic landmarks of Iceland’s central highlands.
Kerlingagljúfur gorge and waterfall
Explore Kerlingargljúfur canyon and Kerlingarfoss waterfall, another secluded and dramatic natural wonder.
Day by day
Riding distance per day≈ 189 km in the saddle
- DAY1
Kaldbakur – Helgaskáli≈ 30 km
Pick up at BSÍ busstation at 09:00. Kaldbakur is the innermost farm in Hruna, surrounded by stunning columnar basalt formations. We start our journey by riding towards Laxárgljúfur canyon. Laxárgljúfur is a dramatic and relatively little-known canyon in South Iceland, carved by the clear Stóra-Laxá river. The gorge stretches for roughly 10 km and in places reaches 100–200 metres in depth, with steep rock walls, narrow passages and striking volcanic formations. Its upper and narrowest section is known as Svartagljúfur. From there, we ride up through Laxárgljúfur to Helgaskáli, a traditional mountain hut by the Stóra-Laxá river above the canyon. Approx 30km
- DAY2
Helgaskáli – Svínárnes≈ 34 km
We head west towards the river Hvítá, with the majestic Jarlhettur peaks and Langjökull glacier in view. Svínárnes sits by the Sandá river, at the foot of the mighty Bláfell mountain — separated only by the wide Hvítá river. Approx 34km
- DAY3
Svínárnes – Fosslækur≈ 30 km
We start the day riding single file westward until we reach Hvítá and the secluded Ábóti waterfall another natural treasure far from any road. After a break, we return to Svínárnes to change horses, then drive the herd up to Fosslækur, a charming turf-roofed mountain hut. Nearby, there’s a small waterfall where we often enjoy a refreshing “shower” after a long day in the saddle. Approx 30km
What’s included
- Bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm.
- During the ride full board is provided. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
- Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty-Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival.
- Rainwear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet.
Where you stay
Simple mountain cabins
Helgaskáli
Helgaskáli is a cosy highland hut located by the river Stóra-Laxá near Geldingafell, along Línuvegur between Tungufellsdalur and Þjórsárdalur. Surrounded by untouched nature, it offers a peaceful retreat for adventurers exploring Iceland’s interior.
Number of rooms: 1 Number of beds: 24 Outdoor jacuzzi: No Number of showers: 0 GSM connection: Limited WiFi: No Made up beds: No
Svínárnes
Svínárnes is a remote highland hut located by the river Svíná beneath Búrfell, in the beautiful Hrunamannaafréttur area. Surrounded by wide open landscapes and peaceful wilderness, it’s a perfect stop for those exploring Iceland’s interior.
Number of rooms: 1 (two connected houses) Number of beds: 32 Outdoor jacuzzi: No Number of showers: 0 GSM connection: Yes WiFi: No Made up beds: No
Leppistungur Hut
Leppistungur is set in the scenic highlands of the Hrunamannaafréttur area between the rivers Fúlá, Kerlingará and Sandá, south of the Kerlingarfjöll mountains — an ideal spot for riders and nature-lovers exploring Iceland’s wilderness.
Number of rooms: 1 Number of beds: 24 (bunk beds) Outdoor jacuzzi: No Number of showers: 0 (no indoor shower facilities) GSM connection: Yes WiFi: No Made up beds: No
Fosslækur hut
Fosslækur is a recently-built mountain hut (opened in 2008) nestled in the Icelandic highlands at about 460 m above sea level. It features running water and indoor toilet facilities, making it a comfortable stop in a remote setting. There is space for up to 20 adults in bunk-style beds, and the hut is equipped with a wood stove, a gas cooker and full kitchen gear—ideal for groups who want to stay off the beaten path but still have basic amenities.
Number of rooms: 1 Number of beds: 20 Outdoor jacuzzi: No Number of showers: 0 (no indoor showers) GSM connection: Yes WiFi: No Made up beds: No
Good to know
Please note
- Individual travel insurance is not included in the travel price. We recommend that our customers take out appropriate travel insurance before visiting Iceland.
- Flight to and from Iceland is not included.
- Please bring your own sleeping bag with you on the tour.
- Bring bags instead of hardcover cases.
- Pack light as carrying space is limited.
Here you can book your Flybus ticket to and from Reykjavík. The Flybus departs from Keflavík airport 35-40 minutes after each arrival. Busses are located right outside the terminal building. Book my ticket.
Terms & conditions:
We request a confirmation payment upon booking of minimum 30% of the tour price. When the confirmation payment is received the seat is secure. The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before the tour departs. If you book the tour through the website the full amount is requested.
Children’s under 12 years receive 25% discount on our multi-day tours.
Liability:
We reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. No liability is accepted for loss or expenses due to delays or changes of arrival or departures of flights or other services, injury, sickness, accident, strikes, damage, negligence, weather, wars or other causes outside the control of Íslandshestar. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveler. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions.
For more information please see also our Frequent Asked Questions and/or contact us at info@islandshestar.is
