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Move back in time and ride along the
historic Kjölur trail as Icelanders
did throughout the centuries while
travelling to the big summer parliament at
Thingvellir, first held in 930 AD. We 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. We stop at the Geysir Hot Spring
area and admire the majestic Gullfoss
Waterfall
before leaving civilization 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 remote desert-like areas
surrounded by huge glaciers, and yet
again in vast green meadows where only young
horses and sheep roam free during summer.
Our hosts Hjalti and Åsa lead us past
extinct volcanoes and glacier lakes and
across wild glacial rivers.
Riding up into the highlands the green
meadows in the south change to barren sand
deserts close to mighty Langjökull and
Hofsjökull Glaciers. 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
used all the way back to the early days of
settlement.
Accommodation on this ride is in rustic
mountain cabins in the middle of Iceland’s
untamed nature. At Hveravellir, a geothermal
area in the highlands, we can 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, which has
been in operation for 26 years, might be the
perfect choice for you.
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 – 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 in rooms which share a
bathroom unit. (30 km)
Day 3 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)
Day 4 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)
Day 5 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)
Day 6 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)
Day 7 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)
Day 8 Saturday: Lauftún Holiday Farm –
Reykjavík
Transfer back to Reykjavík for the last
overnight stay. Approx. return to Reykjavík
at 1400.
Day 9 Sunday:
Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík –
Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time
for the return flight home. |
