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Move back in time and ride
along the historic Kjölur trail as Icelanders did throughout the
centuries while travelling to their big summer parliament at Thingvellir,
first held in 930 AD. Visit this historic place which has since become a
National Park, famed for its beauty and its position right on top of the
Mid Atlantic ridge, where the continental plates drift apart. Stop at
the famous Geysir hot spring area and enjoy majestic Gullfoss Waterfall
before leaving civilisation for the rugged wilderness of the interior.
Travelling from South to North or vice versa right across the heart of
Iceland you will find yourself in between huge glaciers, remote
desert-like areas, and yet again in vast green meadows where only young
horses and mountain sheep roam free during summer. Our hosts Hjalti and
Åsa will lead you past extinct volcanoes and glacier lakes and across
wild glacial rivers.
Your ride up into the highlands introduces you to a variety of
landscape. Green meadows in the South change to barren sand deserts
close to mighty Langjökull and Hofsjökull Glacier. Sheltered green
valleys come as a surprise in this rugged terrain. Feel that you are
part of Iceland’s history when you follow the same tracks people have
been using all the way back to the early days of settlement.
Hveravellir, a geothermal area in the highlands, invites you to relax in
a long hot bath under the midnight sun! If you want to see as much as
possible of the Icelandic highland, this tour might be the perfect
choice for you.
Itinerary
Saturday:
Arrival in Iceland – Keflavík Airport – Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We invite
you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive
details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Sunday:
Reykjavík – Thingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss – Kjóastaðir Farm
We drive to Kjóastaðir Farm, visiting the historical site Thingvellir
and the well-known Geysir Hot Spring Area on our way. The ride starts
off towards the majestic glacier Langjökull onto Haukadalsheiði heath.
We leave the horses at Sandá River for the night. On our way back to
Kjóastaðir Farm we stop at the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. The night
is spend in several summer houses, showers and an outdoor hot tub on
site. (30 km)
Monday:
Kjóastaðir – Sandá – Árbúðir Mountain Cabin
Our ride continues along the slopes of Mt. Bláfell. This area was roamed
by outlaws in the old days. To be on the save side you might want to
take a little stone along today as a special token for safety during the
ride. You might need it later today... We cross River Hvítá and enjoy
the view to the glacier fed lake Hvítárvatn with its floating icebergs.
Tonight we stay at Árbúðir, situated right at the banks of river Svartá.
(30 km)
Tuesday:
Árbúðir – Svartárbotnar Mountain Cabin
Today we explore Lake Hvítárvatn closer and ride without the herd
towards this magnificent lake emerging from Langjökull Glacier. When we
return to our herd we continue our ride along Svartá River, passing
through the Gránunes area. The area was named after the horse Grána and
you will hear about the tragic story which happened centuries ago. The
day ends at the Svarárbotnar Mountain Cabin, a new cabin with a warm
shower. (30 km)
Wednesday: Svartárbotnar – Hveravellir Mountain Cabin
We ride along the huge rugged lava fields of Kjalhraun that the sure
footed Icelandic horses master with such bravery. During the ride we
enjoy splendid views of the glacier Langjökull and follow the glacier
fed river Fúlakvísl. We leave the herd for a couple of hours to enter
into the world of Thjófadalir, or Valley of Thieves, a grassy valley
surrounded by high mountains, a true oasis in the wilderness. On to
Hveravellir, a unique geothermal area between Hofsjökull and Langjökull
glaciers. A natural hot pool invites us to a deserved relaxing bath. (40
km)
Thursday:
Hveravellir – Galtará Mountain Cabin
This day will be a very special one, since we cross the large glacial
rivers, Blanda, Svartakvísl and Strangakvísl on our way to the North. No
need to worry, most Icelanders would rather choose a trusted Icelandic
horse than a vehicle to cross a river! Up to mid July the sun hardly
sets in this part of the country. From the mountain cabin Galtará we can
overlook the big man made lake Blönduvatn. (45 km)
Friday:
Galtará – Aðalmannsvatn – Lauftún Holiday Farm
We descend past beautiful Lake Aðalmannsvatn towards the fertile
Mælifellsdalur valley in the Skagafjörður area. Enjoy endless herds of
horses grazing on striking hills. In good weather conditions you can see
all the way to the Atlantic Ocean at the North coast. Good riding tracks
give you the opportunity to enjoy a fast ride in the soft tölt! We end
the day at Lauftún Holiday Farm with a hot pot heated with geothermal
water. (40 km)
Saturday:
Lauftún Holiday Farm – Reykjavík
Transfer back to Reykjavík for the last overnight stay. Approx. return
to Reykjavík at 14:00.
Sunday:
Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
Some of our departures are
operated from the North.
Reversed itinerary available upon request.
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