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There is no better way to visit the hot
springs area of Geysir and the Golden
Waterfall - Gullfoss - than by riding
through the lovely countryside of South
Iceland. On our way to the farm we witness
the great scenery at Thingvellir National
Park - the assembly fields where the oldest
parliamentary institution was founded in AD
930. This popular tour is ideal for
families and those who do not have the
required riding experience for our highland
tours. Still riding days can be long so you
should be in good physical condition and
have a basic knowledge of horsemanship.
On our first riding day you get
acquainted with the Icelandic horses and
their special gaits on a relaxed ride
through the countryside surrounding Fossnes
Farm. Your guides lead spare horses along as
you ride towards the magnificent Gullfoss
Waterfall and the hot springs area of
Geysir. We ascend through lovely birch
forests with wild mountain flowers to a
highland plateau with great views of
mountains and glaciers. The last two days of
the ride are more challenging since you now
herd your spare horses along. You experience
riding along the edge of civilization when
crossing the highland moor of Hrunaheiði. On
our last riding day we enjoy the good riding
tracks when we follow Laxárdalur Valley on
our way back to Fossnes Farm.
Fossnes Farm, situated in a hilly landscape
near the glacial river of Thjórsá.
Accommodation at the farm is in 2 - 4 bed
units with shared facilities but at Geysir
we enjoy the comfort of rooms with private
facilities. Two nights are spent in a
guesthouse in Reykjavík, one night before
the tour and one after. Three nights are
spent at Fossnes Farm and two nights at
Geysir Hotel.
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 the
following tour and meet your fellow riders.
Day 2 Sunday:
Reykjavík - Thingvellir - Gnúpverjahreppur -
Fossnes Farm
Transfer from Reykjavík via Thingvellir
Nationalpark to Fossnes farm, situated in
beautiful surroundings, where we meet horses
and guides. After an introduction to the
Icelandic horse and its special gaits we
start our ride along pleasant trails and
explore the colourful Gnúpverjahreppur
countryside. This day is the perfect start
to get to know your horse and the Icelandic
way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere.
During the ride you will enjoy the view of
deep green mountains and valleys and the
mighty glacial river Thjórsá. Relax in a hot
tub before a hearty dinner at the farm. (20
km)
Day 3 Monday:
Fossnes - Hvítárdalur - Fossnes
We leave the farm and head off to the
fertile farmlands of neighbouring community
Hrunamannahreppur. We take handhorses along
for changing our mounts a couple of times a
day and this gives us the opportunity to
travel at a comfortable speed. We cross the
well know salmon river Stóra-Laxá and stop
for our picnic lunch at Hrunaréttir, a
paddock for the annual sheep round-up in
autumn. We leave the horses at Hvítárdalur
Farm and drive back to Fossnes for the
night. (35 km)
Day 4 Tuesday:
Fossnes - Hvítárdalur - Gullfoss - Geysir
Guesthouse
We continue our ride on soft trails ideal
for tölting towards the majestic canyon
Brúarhlöð where milky green water passes
through bizarre rock formations. Alongside
Hvítá River we follow the ever deepening
canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall
Gullfoss and continue to the famous Geysir
hot spring area where we will stay for two
nights. You have plenty of time to explore
this highly interesting area with its
countless bubbling hot springs. Hot outdoor
tub on site. (35 km)
Day 5 Wednesday:
Geysir - Haukadalur - Haukadalsheiði -
Geysir
Our ride takes us through Haukadalur valley
with its beautiful birch forest. Cross clear
little streams on the way and enjoy the rich
vegetation of wild mountain flowers that
bloom during high 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. (20 km)
Day 6 Thursday:
Geysir - Tungufellsdalur - Kaldbakur -
Fossnes
We leave the Geysir area and ride along
green pastures back to the bridge at
Brúarhlöð canyon where we cross mighty Hvítá
River. Now we head towards the interior and
follow beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley onto
Hrunaheiðar heath plateau and we experience
riding along the edge of civilisation. Our
horses spend the night at Kaldbakur Farm,
while we drive back to Fossnes where we
spend the night and enjoy a nice hot bath
after this exciting riding day. (40 km)
Day 7 Friday:
Fossnes - Kaldbakur - Hrunakrókur - Fossnes
- Reykjavík
Our last day of riding includes yet again
terrific scenery. We cross Stóra-Láxá River
close to Laxárgljúfur canyon at Hrunakrókur.
The terrain changes to vast green meadows on
our way through Laxárdalur valley and we
enjoy good riding tracks on our way back to
Fossnes Farm (30 km). Here we say goodbye to
our guides, staff and horses and return to a
guesthouse in Reykjavík for an overnight
stay. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 18:00.
Day 8 Saturday:
Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík -
Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time
for the return flight home. |
