Those who choose Lækjamót will find a place shaped by horse breeding and the valley landscape. The farm has been owned by the same family for more than 200 years and is a modern Icelandic horse-breeding operation. It also offers training for riders of all levels and is located in Víðidal. This gives you two main focuses to consider when planning your trip: spending time with horses at Lækjamót and exploring the gorge, waterfalls, and walking paths in the surrounding area.
Horse Breeding and Training
The large, grassy estate has access to Víðidalstunguheiði. In summer, young horses roam freely on the estate alongside hundreds of other horses. The young horses’ summer stay and the training opportunities represent different aspects of horse work at Lækjamót.
Qualified horse professionals offer horse training. Their work combines traditional methods with modern developments and has a decades-long tradition at Lækjamót. Lækjamót offers riders of all levels courses, training sessions, seminars, private lessons, and training support in Europe, Iceland, and on site. Confirm service details with the farm before your trip.
Location and Orientation
Lækjamót is located in Víðidal in Húnaþing vestra, on a national road and approximately halfway between Reykjavík and Akureyri. These details provide two points of reference: the road describes the local setting, while the approximate midpoint between the cities indicates the broader location.
Gorge Trails and Nearby Excursions
Nearby are Kolufossar, two waterfalls in Kolugljúfur in Víðidal. Walking paths run along both sides of the gorge; take care because of the proximity to the gorge. The route is also important for planning: from Kolufossar, you cannot follow a circular route around the gorge as far as Víðidalsbrú, because Þvergil interrupts the path on the west side. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.
A local legend is also associated with the gorge: Kolurúm is near the bridge on the west side. According to the legend, it was the sleeping place of a giantess. So, alongside the waterfalls and walking paths, Kolugljúfur also has a story connected with a specific place in the gorge.
Another hiking option is a steep and challenging route from the farm Jörfi up Rauðkollur on Víðidalsfjall. This route is quite different from the paths along the gorge: the named hiking destination here is the summit of Rauðkollur, while the paths near Kolufossar run along both sides of the gorge.
At Stóra-Ásgeirsá in Víðidal, Magnús and Rannveig run a horse-breeding operation, a horse-rental service, and a petting zoo with various animals in addition to their farming. These activities belong to the named farm and should be distinguished from the training opportunities at Lækjamót. Check the operators’ social media page in advance for opening hours and service details.
Discover more destinations: Hólar, Svínavatn, Miklibær, Skagaströnd, Laugarbakki, Hofsós, Undirfell, Hvammstangi
See the broader travel guide: Northwestern Iceland.
