“Ride through the lovely southern countryside!”
7 Day Golden Circle Horse Riding Tour in Southern Region, Iceland
Kálfhóll Farm, South Iceland
Breathtaking Iceland Horse Riding Tour
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 key attractions on this classic tour are the hot spring area of Geysir, Gullfoss, or the Golden Waterfall, each one guaranteed to take your breath away!
Key information
- Rider Weight Limit: 242 pounds / 110 kilograms
- Horse Breed: Icelandic horse
Highlights
- Daily horse rides
- Entrance fee to Secret Lagoon is included
- Transfer from Reykjavík to the farm is included
- Rainwear, water bottle, saddlebag, and riding helmet are included
- Daily full board meals are provided
- 6 nights accommodation
Skill level
- Intermediate
Styles
6 days with instruction
Group size: Maximum of 20 participants
Accommodation
Kálfhóll Farm is home to Gestur and Margrét horse farmers. They have been operating riding tours for many years now and during the wintertime, they are breeding horses. The horses from Kálfhóll farm are very popular for breeding and sought after.
Gestur and Margrét live in Kálfhóll farm in south Iceland. The farm is situated in the beautiful Skeiða and Hrunamannahreppi shire. All around the farm you can see gorgeous countryside where we start the ride. Nearby the farm is the most stunning attractions in South Iceland. The Golden Circle consists of Þingvellir national park, the hot spring area Geysir and the mighty waterfall Gullfoss. Þjórsá the longest river in Iceland 212km coming from the glacier Hofsjökull, the glacier river Hvítá.
You can see the queen of volcanic mountains Hekla in distance and nearby is Þjórsárdalur valley where the famous tv shows Game of Thrones where shot. Þjórsárdalur is known for a natural wonder as Gjáin, the waterfalls Háifoss, Hjálparfoss f.ex.
Program
This tour is perfect for families and those not having the required riding experience for the 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 will get acquainted with the unique Icelandic Horse and its special extra gait as you take an easy trek along the banks of the majestic Thjórsá River.
Continue towards Gullfoss Waterfall with its thundering waters and the hot spring area of Geysir. After a relaxed day's riding in that locality, explore some of the more remote places, well off-the-beaten-track. On your way to the accommodation, visit the charming Secret Lagoon for a well-deserved bath. You will cross the highland moor of Hrunaheiði and enjoy good riding tracks on your way back to Kálfhóll Farm.
Day 1: Reykjavik - Blesastaðir Guesthouse
You will be picked up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik at 6 p.m., where the bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Blesastaðir Guesthouse, where horses and staff are waiting for you. After a lovely introductory meal where you will get to know each other, relax and rest so you will be well prepared for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Blesastaðir Guesthouse - Thjórsá Glacier River - Blesastaðir Guesthouse (Riding Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers)
After an introduction to the Icelandic Horse and its special gaits, start your ride along the pleasant trail at Thjórsá Glacier Fed River. Leave the horses at Sandlækjarmýri field and drive to Blesastaðir Guesthouse. 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 Blesastaðir Guesthouse before a hearty dinner.
Day 3: Blesastaðir Guesthouse - Myrkholt (Riding Distance: Approximately 30 kilometers)
Leave Blesastaðir and drive back to the horses; from there, head off to the fertile farmlands of the neighboring community, Hrunamannahreppur. Drive spare horses along in a free running herd, enabling you to change your mount regularly and traveling at a brisk space. Cross the well-known Salmon River Stóra-Laxá and stop for a picnic lunch at Hrunaréttir, a corral used for the annual sheep round-up in autumn.
Continue your ride on good trails, towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð, where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations. Today's ride ends at Brúarhlöð and you will be driven to the Myrkholt Farm where you spend the night.
Day 4: Myrkholt - Gullfoss - Myrkholt (Riding Distance: Approximately 20 kilometers)
Continue your ride on soft trails, ideal for tölting, alongside Hvítá River; follow the ever-deepening canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss. Have your lunch break at Gullfoss before you ride back to Myrkholt where you will spend the night.
Day 5: Haukadalur - Haukadalsheiði - Myrkholt (Riding Distance: Approximately 18 kilometers)
The ride takes you 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. The rest of the day is spent in the Geysir area. You will have plenty of time to explore this highly interesting area with its countless bubbling hot springs.
Day 6: Geysir - Tungufellsdalur - Kaldbakur - Blesastaðir Guesthouse (Riding Distance: Approximately 30 kilometers)
Leave the Geysir area and ride along green pastures back to the bridge at Brúarhlöð canyon, where you will cross the mighty Hvítá River. Now, head towards the interior and follow the beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley onto the Hrunaheiðar heath plateau and experience riding along the edge of civilization.
The horses will spend the night at Kaldbakur Farm and you will drive to the Secret Lagoon for a relaxing bath in the geothermal pool and then drive to Blesastaðir Guesthouse and spend the night.
Day 7: Blesastaðir Guesthouse - Kaldbakur - Hrepphólar - Kálfhóll - Reykjavík (Riding Distance: Approximately 40 kilometers)
The last day of riding includes yet again terrific scenery. Today, follow good riding tracks past Mt. Galtafell. You will cross River Laxá before you reach Sandlækjarmýri. Turn towards the banks of Thjórsá River and follow them to Kálfhóll Farm. Here, you can say goodbye to the guides, staff, and horses and return to Reykjavík; your approximate arrival will be at 8 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: Íslandshestar reserves the right to alter the itinerary if necessary.
Luggage
Luggage will be transported in the kitchen van.
- Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases.
- Pack light because transport space is limited.
Changing horses
Usually, you will change horses once or twice a day. On most of the longer tours, Íslandshestar herds spare horses along in a free running herd, the traditional way of riding in Iceland; all tours of the three and four-horse categories are operated that way. For tours of the two-horse category, guides may lead spare horses for parts of the ride.
Category
This tour is for intermediate riders who are comfortable for long hours in the saddle.
Meeting place
You will be picked up at the BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik.
Farmer
This tour's farmer will be Gestur at the Kálfhóll farm and family.
Location
This horse riding tour will take place in the Southern Region of Iceland. Iceland is the least densely populated country in Europe with a pure, unpolluted, and truly magical landscape. In Iceland, you can find hot spring oasis featuring hot pools and geothermal hot springs that are perfect for relaxing after a long riding day.
The three key attractions on this classic tour are the hot spring area of Geysir, Gullfoss or the Golden Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir National Park is now on the UNESCO World Heritage list based on its historical, geological, and cultural importance.
Food
On the first day, a welcome dinner at Kálfhóll Farm will be held and during the ride, full board is provided. Íslandshestar's menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking. You will make your own packed lunch from the breakfast table. Moreover, please note that alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty-Free Store at Keflavík International Airport (KEF) upon arrival.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- All horse riding days
- Entrance fee to Secret Lagoon included
- 6 nights accommodation
- Transfer from Reykjavík to the farm
- Daily full board meals
- Use of rainwear, water bottle, saddlebag, and riding helmet
What's not included
- Airfare
- Alcoholic beverages
- Individual travel insurance
How to get there
Recommended Airports
KEF
Keflavík International Airport
99 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF).
Arrival by bus
You can book your Flybus ticket to and from Reykjavík. The Flybus departs from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) 35 to 40 minutes after each arrival. Busses are located right outside the terminal building. Íslandshestar will pick you up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik or at Reykjavik official bus stops near your accommodation between 18:00 to 19:00.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 14 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.
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