Golden Circle Tour

Introduction
East and South Iceland
This tour was nominated by CNNgo as one of the 15 greatest horse treks in the world! 

What better or more unique way to do the popular Golden Circle Tour than by riding through the lovely countryside of South Iceland. The three key attractions on this classic tour are the hot spring area of Geysir, Gullfoss or the Golden Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park. Each one guaranteed to take your breath away. Thingvellir National Park is now on the UNESCO World  Heritage List based on its historical, geological and cultural importance.

This tour is perfect for families and those not having the required riding experience for our highland tours. Keep in mind that riding days can be long so you should be in good physical shape and have the basic horsemanship skills.

On the first riding day you get acquainted with the unique Icelandic Horse and its special extra gait as we take an easy trek along the banks of the majestic Thjórsá River. We continue towards Gullfoss Waterfall with its thundering waters and the hot spring area of Geysir. After a relaxed day´s riding in that locality we next explore some of the more remote places, well off the beaten track. On our way to our accommodation we visit the charming Secret Lagoon for a well deserved bath.  We cross the highland moor of Hrunaheiði and enjoy good riding tracks when trekking past iconic basalt columns at Hrepphólar on our way back to Kálfhóll Farm. 
 

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights will be spent in different accommodations.

Description
You will sleep in simple accommodation with 2-4 beds per room and shared facilities.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1 & 2: Kálfhóll Farm
Nights 3, 4 & 5: Myrkholt Farm
Night 6: Kálfhóll Farm

Kálfhóll Farm
The farm is located in the beautiful Skeiða and Hrunamannahreppi shire. All around the farm you can see gorgeous countryside.

Myrkholt Farm
Myrkholt is located just between Gullfoss waterfall and the hot spring Geysir. This lovely farm has 8 dormitory style rooms (32 beds total) with 4 showers and 4 toilets (shared). There is cellphone coverage and Wi-Fi access.

Room Occupancy
Single rooms are not available on this trip.


Meals
During the ride full board is provided.

The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). 
All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table. 

Dietary Restrictions
Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Riding Experience
This tour is a great riding experience that is suitable for intermediate riders. You need to be comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length trots (tölt) and short canters. Riding days can be as long as up to 35 km in the saddle so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. You will get a thorough introduction into the gaits of the Icelandic horse and feel the Tölt, the extremely soft traveling gate of the Icelandic horse.

Riding Gear – Disinfect!
Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to disinfected at least 5 days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature!
We provide saddle bags, rain wear and safety helmet.



Tack & Riding Style
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different then the tack ordinarily used for other breeds.
The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps keeping the saddle in place. Riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to English riding style, but stirrups are worn long.
Bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.

The Farmers
The real connoisseurs of the local terrain and history. We make sure that each tour has its own charm and is organized by the local expert, the farmer, and his family. They use their own horses and ride through the part of the country they know so well.
Our farmers have over 30 years of experience in leading riding groups through Iceland.

Herd of Horses
On this ride, you will be riding several days (except for two days) with a free running herd of horses. Herding along free running horses is the traditional way of travelling in Iceland, since horses are changed at least once a day on longer tours. You get to ride a variety of horses. 

Horses
The Icelandic horse is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour.  Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience. The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience. 

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik around 6:00pm. Our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Kálfhóll Farm, where horses and staff are waiting for us. After a lovely introductory meal where we get to know each other we relax and rest so we are well prepared for the adventure ahead of us.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Kálfhóll Farm

Day 2 (Sunday): Ride along Thjórsá River to Sandlækjarmýri  Field
After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride along the pleasant trail by the Thjórsá glacier fed river. We leave the horses at Sandlækjarmýri field and drive to the farm. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the outdoor hot tub at the farm before a hearty dinner.
Riding approximately 15 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kálfhóll Farm

Day 3 (Monday): Sandlækjarmýri  Field to Brúarhlöð
We leave the farm and drive back to the horses. From there, we head off to the fertile farmlands of neighboring community Hrunamannahreppur. We drive spare horses along in a free running herd, enabling us to change our mount regularly and traveling at a brisk space. We cross the well know Salmon River Stóra-Laxá and stop for our picnic lunch at Hrunaréttir, a corral used for the annual sheep round-up in autumn. We continue our ride on good trails, towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations. Our ride ends at Brúarhlöð and we drive to the Myrkholt Farm, where we spend the night.
Riding approximately 30 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Myrkholt Farm

Day 4 (Tuesday): Ride to Gullfoss
We continue our ride on soft trails ideal for tölting, alongside Hvítá River. We follow the ever deepening canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss. We will have our lunch break at Gullfoss before we ride back to Myrkholt where we spend the night.
Riding approximately 20 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Myrkholt Farm

Day 5 (Wednesday): Ride to Haukadalur valley
Our ride takes us through Haukadalur valley with its beautiful birch forest. We cross clear little streams on the way and enjoy the rich vegetation of wild mountain flowers that bloom during the summer. While you ascend to a highland plateau you will notice the changes in nature as you reach higher ground. A breathtaking view of the mountain ranges and glaciers of the highland around awaits you when you reach the top of Haukadalsheiði.
The rest of the day is spent at the Geysir area. You have plenty of time to explore this highly interesting area with its countless bubbling hot springs.
Riding approximately 18 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Myrkholt Farm

Day 6 (Thursday): Myrkholt to Kaldbakur Farm
We leave the Geysir area and ride along green pastures back to the bridge at Brúarhlöð canyon, where we cross mighty Hvítá River. Then, we head towards the interior and follow beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley onto Hrunaheiðar heath plateau and we experience riding along the edge of civilization. Our horses spend the night at Kaldbakur Farm. We drive to the Secret Lagoon for relaxing bath in the geothermal pool and then drive to Kálfhóll Farm and spend the night.
Riding approximately 30 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kálfhóll Farm

Day 7 (Friday): Kaldbakur Farm to Kálfhóll Farm
Our last day of riding includes yet again terrific scenery. Today, we follow good riding tracks past Mt. Galtafell. We cross River Laxá before we reach Sandlækjarmýri. We turn towards the banks of Thjórsá River and follow them to Kálfhóll Farm. Here we say goodbye to our guides, staff and horses and return to Reykjavík, approx. arrival at 8:00pm.
Riding approximately 40 km
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Rates and Dates for Golden Circle Tour

Dates Note: Saturday- Thursday

Other Info
Meeting: BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik
Airport: Keflavik Airport
Transfer: Reykjavik

Climate:
                                                Reykjavík area