|
The North of Iceland consists of a big
panorama of nature's wonders; countless
forms of volcanic activities, peaceful
mountains, and a view to the Polar Circle
where we see the whales having fun at ease
in northern bays. We ride through the
peaceful countryside and untouched heaths
until we cross some awesome canyons. The
view is tremendous, mountain ranges on the
opposite side of the bay and the island
Grímsey in the horizon placed on the
Polar Circle. We take a domestic flight
between Reykjavik and Akureyri, and continue
by bus to Saltvík Farm. The
picturesque Goðafoss is just one of many
highlights on our first day in the Northern
Iceland. We ride mainly on soft paths which
are perfect for tölt - the gait which is
quite unique for the Icelandic horse. After
four days adventurous horse riding we finish
the tour with sightseeing by bus where we
visit Ásbyrgi, "The footprints of the
eight-legged steed "Sleipnir" from the Norse
mythology, the Dettifoss Waterfall and Lake
of Mývatn area, where we will witness Mother
Earth's infernal volcanic activity and hear
some facts about the geology and birdlife of
Iceland.
Saltvík Farm provides nice rooms and two
wonderful warm outdoor tubs where you can
enjoy a five-star view over the bay and the
mountain range while we relaxing after an
exciting riding day. Accommodation is in
beds in shared rooms throughout the tour.
There is a great selection of well trained
horses at the farm so everyone can be sure
of getting the right horse according to
their wishes.
Day 1 Saturday:
Arrival in Iceland - Reykjavik
Early morning arrival in Iceland at Keflavik
Airport, transfer to Reykjavik where the day
is open to explore.
Day 2 Sunday:
Reykjavik - Akureyri - Goðafoss -
Hvammsheiði - Saltvík Holiday Farm
Domestic morning flight to Akureyri followed
by a bus drive to the Saltvík Farm. On the
way we stop at the majestic Goðafoss
waterfall. At Saltvík we meet horses and
guides. We learn about how to treat and deal
with the Icelandic horse before we head off
for Húsavík, a small fishing village, known
for whale watching cruises. We pass the
village and ride along the hill sides of
Húsavíkurfjall. Here we witness an
astonishing view over Skjálfandaflói bay
towards the Kinnafjöll mountain range. On
the horizon we spot the island Grímsey which
is actually situated on the Arctic Circle.
We finish the riding day at Saltvík Farm
where we enjoy the relaxing warm outdoor
tub. (25 km)
Day 3 Monday:
Saltvík - Skógar Farm
We ascend onto Reykjaheiði heath where we
are overwhelmed by the serenity of the
mountains with no-one around except
ourselves and the horses. Again we enjoy the
view of the mountain range and the
countryside of Thingeyjarsýsla County before
heading for Skógar Farm in Reykjahverfi.
Here our horses rest for the night and we
return to Saltvík Farm. (20 km)
Optional tour paid locally: Whale Watching
at Húsavík harbour
Price per person approximately $65
Day 4 Tuesday:
Skógar - Norðurhlíð Farm
We leave Skógar heading south over the heath
of Hvammsheiði on excellent mould paths
until we reach the valley Laxárdalur where
the Laxá River cascades through the awesome
canyon. We continue descending through the
incredibly beautiful valley Laxárdalur, with
its fairytale gleam given by lava pillars
and beautiful vegetation. We cross Laxá
River on a bridge and ride to Norðurhlíð
Farm. Accommodation again at Saltvík (30 km)
Day 5 Wednesday:
Norðurhlíð - Saltvík Holiday Farm
We cross Laxá River at a good ford and
continue to Hraunsrétt sheepfold. Further
ascending to Hvammsheiði heath we follow
smooth riding paths of mould. From here we
descend again, following the Laxá River to
the shore - if we are lucky we will see
whales in the bay not too far from the
beach. We reach Saltvík Farm where we end
the riding tour. (25 km)
Day 6 Thursday:
Sightseeing "Diamond Circle"
After breakfast we drive to the National
Park in the canyon of Jökulsárgljúfur. Our
first stop is Ásbyrgi, "The footprints of
the eight-legged steed Sleipnir" from the
norse mythology. On to famous Dettifoss
waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in
Europe. We continue to the Lake of Mývatn,
known for natural beauty, geological wonders
and a rich birdlife. Here we stop at
Hverarönd, where mud pools bubble at every
footstep. A visit is made to Dimmuborgir, a
maze created by nature and made of lava. Our
bus takes us now to Akureyri for our flight
back to Reykjavík. We return to Reykjavík at
approximately 1900 and you are transfers to
your accommodation.
Day 7 Friday: Blue
Lagoon - Departure
Visit the Blue Lagoon en route the airport
for your return flight home. |
