Pearls of the North  Tour # 16
The World of Lake Mývatn

This wonderfully diverse ride takes us through many of the green valleys of Northern Iceland. We pass lake Ljósavatn, the lake of the lights, and Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Through Báradalur Valley we ride alongside the magnificent Skjálfandafljót River and farther on the well-known pearl in Iceland; the Lake Mývatn area. We have the opportunity to explore this fascinating area with its unique variety of natural features and plentiful colours. We also show you Europe's most active volcanic region with all its beauty. Then the tour continues through the idyllic Laxá Valley and through an amazingly thick forest Fellskógur. From a distance Ullarfoss and Barnafoss waterfalls can be seen. The ride will circle back past Skuggabjörg, a picturesque landscape in the valley of the Fnjóská River.
 

IT-ICRT-E16 Rates include transfer from and to  Reykjavik, full board (except the dinner last evening), accommodation (sleeping-bag), helmet, raingear etc. 8 days / 7 nights 6 riding days - 20-40 km (4-8 hours) /day  US$ 1870 per person Departures 2008:  07/07-07/14    07/28-08/04    08/18-08/25 Meeting Point:  Keflavik  airport Level:    Intermediate Riding per day: 4-8 hours (20-40 km) Pace:  moderate with long tolts Tack:   Icelandic Horses:  Icelandic Horses Min/Max Riders: 8-16   availability & reservations

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival
Arrival at Keflavík Airport, Iceland. You take the bus from Keflavík to Reykjavík (BSÍ).You will be greeted by our representatives at 17.30 - 18.00, who will arrange further transportation to the farm Vellir in the neighborhood of the town Hveragerði. There the tour members will be lodged in guesthouses. The first evening we will all have dinner together and we provide details about the next few days.

Day 2 - Grýtubakki - Birkihlíð
After breakfast we show our guests the famous waterfall of the Gods. According to the sagas Þorgeir of Ljósavatn threw his statues of the gods into the falls when Iceland converted to Christianity in the year 1000, hence the name. Then we drive to Fremstafell farmhouse, where we catch the horses and saddle up. We ride to the Bardardalur valley, follow the river Skjálfandafljót and stay overnight at Hotel Kiðagil.The river Skálfandafljót flows through the valley over the Bárðardalshraun lava field that probably came all over the way from Trölladyngja in Ódaðahraun north of Vatnajökull more than 7,000 years ago. Today we will be 5 - 6 hours in saddle.

Day 3 - Birkihlíð - Kiðagil
We leave Kiðagil, ride over the bridge at Stóruvellir to the other side of the valley and reach the old farmhouse of Stóratunga. Here we are very close to the entrance of Ódaðahraun, the enourmous lava field, believed to be the home of outlaws, elves and trolls in the old days. At Stórutunga we leave part of the horses and ride then on to the impressive waterfall Aldeyarfoss. Here we enjoy this wonderful nature paradise. Overnight at Stóratunga.We ride 5 hours.

Day 4 - Kiðagil - Stöng
Today we enjoy rides in the breathtaking surroundings of Stóratunga. In the morning we ride direction Northeast, alongside river Skjálfandafljót over to the old lava of Tunguhraun. We continue to Tunguhamri and south alongside river Svartá back to Stóratunga farmhouse. Here we have our lunch. In the afternoon we ride towards the highland and south river Suðurá to the area of Réttartorfur up to the waterfalls of Hrafnabjörg. We ride over lava and sand. In the morning we ride about 12km, in the afternoon about 16km. Destination of this day is farmhouse Stöng where we stay for two nights. A hot pool awaits us for relaxing! 5 1/2 hours in saddle.

Day 5 - Stöng - Breiðimýri
We say good bye to Stóratunga and ride over Landsmelar at Viðiker into the area of Myvatn. We ride over sandy hills and moorland. A tremendous view awaits us reaching the highest point. If we are lucky we might see the queen of the Icelandic mountains in a distance: Herdubreið. After dinner we have a look at the Pearls of the North by bus: The pseudocraters of Skutustaðir, the bizarre lavaformation of Dimmuborgir and the bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð. 3 to 4 hours in saddle.

Day 6 - Breiðimýri - Birkihlíð
We leave Stöng first to the south close to the old farmhouse of Hörgsdalur and ride then along Myvatnsheiði to the valley of the smoke - Reykjadalur. Smooth tracks, adventurous tracks and a diversified landscape await us. Mountain Kinnarfjöll to the west side and mountain Gaesafjöll to the east side are visible if the weather allows it. We stay overnight at Breiðimyri, close to the little village Laugar.We ride 6 hours.

Day 7 - Birkihlíð - Grýtubakki
We ride along Vatnshlið a wooded way. There is a wonderful view over the valley Reykjadalur and the lake Vestmannsvatn. After the hill Fljótsheiði a terrific and diversified ride awaits us along the river Skjálfandafljót and through the forest Fellskógur. On the way the waterfalls Ullarfoss and Barnafoss are greeting us. We leave the horses at Fremstafell farm and drive home. Overnight at farmhouse Grytubakki. We are 6 hours in saddle.

Day 8 - Departure
You take the bus to Keflavik Airport. (not included).

Tip: Ask your hotel or guesthouse about the possibilities to order the flybus that will take you to the airport, especially if you have an early flight.

Please note: Depending on your flight back home you will be travelling back to Reykjavik on day 7 or day 8. Please let us know your flight schedule while booking this tour.