The area around Lake Mývatn is often called
Diamond Circle due to the high density of
interesting sights. The lake itself is a
famous breeding area for ducks, which nest
in lush vegetation and raise their
ducklings, sheltered by nature and protected
by man. The area around the lake is a
witness to the power of the Earth, a display
of eerie lava formations, high rising steam
clouds, black sand deserts and
multi-coloured boiling mud pools.
This tour is an alternative for those who
want to experience the excitement of a
highland ride while spending the nights in a
higher standard of accommodation. You also
have the advantage of being in a smaller
group than we usually have on our tours
since the maximum number for this tour is 14
guests.
You will enjoy the varied terrain
surrounding Lake Mývatn Your ride starts
over Hvammsheiđi Heath and you follow Laxá
Salmon River toward Lake Mývatn. To explore
the area in depth a sightseeing bus tour is
included and brings you to Dimmuborgir, a
true maze made by nature and Hverarönd
boiling mud pools and steam vents. Natural
warm water is harnessed at Jarđböđ
geothermal outdoor pool where you can enjoy
a swim in the mineral rich water of this new
bathing facility. The riding leads further
into the highlands and you catch a glimpse
of Ódáđahraun Lava field, the largest lava
field in Iceland, before the ride changes
direction and leads towards the shore again.
In Bárđardalur Valley you visit Gođafoss
Waterfall and ride partly along the river
banks back to Saltvík Farm again. Sail out
into the evening sun on an optional whale
watching boat trip on your last night in the
North.
On this tour we exchange the usual mountain
cabins for beds in double rooms. Single room
accommodation is also possible. Bathroom
facilities are shared but a hot shower is
available every night. During the three
nights spent at Saltvík Farm you will enjoy
two outdoor hot tubs and the amazing view
over the ocean and the Kinnafjöll Mountain
Range.
Day 1 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.
Day 2 Sunday:
Reykjavík – Saltvík – Hvammsheiđi – Saltvík
Holiday Farm
Flight to Akureyri and drive to Saltvík
Farm. Ride into the mountains along the
river Laxá to the highland plateau
Hvammsheiđi. We stay overnight at Saltvík
Farm where the hot outdoor tubs are waiting.
(20 km)
Day 3 Monday:
Laxárdalur – Lake Mývatn – Guesthouse Vogar
We continue our ride to Laxárdalur valley,
named by a famous salmon river, and follow
the river all the way to Lake Mývatn where
we stay overnight at the guesthouse Vogar
situated in beautiful surroundings near the
lake. Bustour at Lake Mývatn, famous for its
geological wonders and rich bird life. Enjoy
a nice hot bath in Jarđböđ, a geothermal
outdoor pool. (40 km)
Day 4 Tuesday:
Vogar – Guesthouse Kiđagil
We continue our ride towards Mt. Sandfell,
through the valleys of Engidalur and
Bárđardalur, enjoying excellent riding paths
throughout most of the day. Today we will
view parts of the mighty Odáđahraun lava
field, the largest lava field in Iceland and
stay overnight at the cozy Guesthouse
Kiđagil on the banks of the glacial river
Skjálfandafljót. (35 km)
Day 5 Wednesday:
Kiđagil – Gođafoss – Torfunes – Saltvík
Holiday Farm
We ride through Bárđardalur valley towards
magnificent waterfall Gođafoss. Partly on
the river banks we ride to Fellsskógur
forest. Our horses rest at the farm Torfunes
while we drive to Saltvík for the overnight
stay. (45 km)
Day 6 Thursday:
Torfunes – Ađaldalshraun – Saltvík Holiday
Farm
Enjoy a last riding day through beautiful
landscape characterized by the vast lava
fields of Ađaldalshraun and rich birch
forest. We cross Hvammsheiđi heath before
bringing the horses home to Saltvík farm
where we spend another night and enjoy the
hot outdoor tubs! (35 km)
Optional Tour paid locally: Whale
Watching at Húsavík harbour Price per person
approximately $65
Day 7 Friday:
Saltvík – Reykjavík
Return to Akureyri and flight back to
Reykjavík Domestic Airport with arrival at
approximately at 1330. Last night in a
guesthouse in Reykjavík.
Day 8 Saturday:
Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík -
Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time
for the flight back home. |
