Landsmót Hestamanna Officially Set at Hólar in Hjaltadal

Elvar Einarsson led the ceremonial flag parade. Photo: Freydís Bergsdóttir.

Landsmót Hestamanna 2026 was officially set just moments ago during a ceremonial opening on the main track at Hólar in Hjaltadal. The traditional riders' parade was both impressive and festive, with a large number of participants creating a spectacular opening to the event.

Among those attending the ceremony were Elvar Einarsson, Chairman of the Skagfirðingur Riding Club; Gísli Gunnarsson, Bishop of Hólar; Hólmfríður Sveinsdóttir, President of the University of Iceland at Hólar; Logi Már Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education; Magnús Barðdal, Mayor of Skagafjörður; Linda Björk Gunnlaugsdóttir, Chair of the National Federation of Icelandic Horse Associations; Sigrún Brynja Einarsdóttir, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education; Silja Bára R. Ómarsdóttir, Rector of the University of Iceland; Silvía Sigurbjörnsdóttir, Chair of the Association of Professional Horse Trainers; and Willum Þór Þórsson, President of the National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland. They were joined by thousands of Landsmót guests who filled the hillsides surrounding the arena.

The audience was addressed by Magnús Barðdal, Mayor of Skagafjörður, Gísli Gunnarsson, Bishop of Hólar, and Logi Már Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education.

The renowned men's choir Heimir added a special touch to the ceremony by performing a selection of traditional songs celebrating the Icelandic horse. Soloist Guðmundur Ingvar Ásgeirsson joined the choir, while Dagmar Helga Helgadóttir and Valgerður Rakel Rúnarsdóttir performed their song Riddari Kærleikans (Knight of Compassion) together with the choir.

With the conclusion of the opening ceremony, Landsmót Hestamanna 2026 at Hólar in Hjaltadal has now been officially declared set.

Welcome to Landsmót, and we wish everyone an enjoyable and memorable week celebrating the Icelandic horse!