Name: 8 Day Horse Riding Tour across The Heart of Iceland
Brand: Íslandshestar
Price: 2866 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 10.0 (1 reviews)

Iceland Horse Riding Tour

Between the glaciers! If you want to see as much as possible of this beautiful country, you should ride across the heart of Iceland on the ancient trail Kjölur. Step back in time and ride along the ancient Kjölur trail as Icelanders did over the centuries when traveling to the annual summer parliament at Thingvellir, first held in 930 AD.

Key information

Rider weight limit: 110 kilograms / 242 pounds
Tack type: Close to English tack but stirrups are worn long
Horse breed: Icelandic horses

Highlights

6 riding days
Ride along the ancient Kjölur trail
Visiting the Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss Waterfall
3 to 4 horses per person and local guidance
Traverse sandy deserts close to the mighty Langjökull and Hofsjökull Glaciers
7 nights accommodation
Daily meals

Skill level

Advanced

Styles

6 days with instruction

Group size: Maximum of 20 participants

Accommodation

This mountain ride tour offers simple accommodations in sleeping bags. Please bring your own. Sometimes the whole group stays together in one large room. Accommodations are equipped with beds, bunk beds, and shared bunk beds depending on the size and location of each mountain cabin. Indoor WC, warm showers, and/or hot pools are available at most locations.

Árbúðir Mountain Hut

Arbudir is a mountain cabin right beside the Kjölur route on the banks of the river Svartá. The cabin has sleeping bag accommodation for 30 overnight guests.

Number of rooms: two
Number of beds: 30
Outdoor jacuzzi: no
Number of showers: one
GSM connection: yes but weak
Wi-Fi: No
Made-up beds: no
Number of WC: two

Hvammur farm

Hvammur farm is situated in the beautiful Vatnsdalur Valley which is so full of the old Sagas and has the famous salmon fishing river Vatnsdalsá running down the middle. The farmhouse was renovated four years ago and has a hot tub in the garden with a view over the river.

Number of rooms: six rooms
Number of beds: two to four beds in each room, altogether maximum 19
Outdoor jacuzzi: yes
Number of showers: two
GSM connection: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Made-up beds: yes
Number of WC: two

Fremstaver

Fremstaver is a cozy hut on the south slopes of the mountain Bláfell. The cabin is situated in beautiful surroundings that offer many sightseeing possibilities. Climbing the mountain Bláfell is a long but rewarding walk. The top offers views wide and far on a good day.

Number of rooms: one
Number of beds: 25
Outdoor jacuzzi: no
Number of showers: 0
GSM connection: yes
Wi-Fi: no
Made-up beds: x
Number of WC: two

Gíslaskáli

Gíslaskáli is located in a beautiful and unspoiled landscape on the Kjölur tour. Nearby is the source of Svartár River which is a beautiful crystal clear spring water.

Number of rooms: one
Number of beds: 40
Outdoor jacuzzi: no
Number of showers: x
GSM connection: yes
Wi-Fi: no
Made-up beds: no

Luggage

Luggage will be transported in the kitchen van. Please bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases. Pack light because transport space is limited.

Program

You will visit this historic site where the heart of the nation beats and which became Iceland's first National Park in 1930. When you arrive in the south, you will visit and enjoy the Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss Waterfall. Traveling from south to north or vice versa right across the heart of Iceland, you find yourself traversing sandy deserts close to the mighty Langjökull and Hofsjökull Glaciers. Sheltered green valleys come as a surprise in this rugged terrain.

Hveravellir is a geothermal area in the highlands where you can soak in a long hot bath under the Midnight Sun. If you want to see as much as possible of the unspoiled Icelandic highlands, this tour, which has been in operation since 1983, is a perfect choice. For the horse's protection, please do not bring used riding boots or other gear, that can not be disinfected to Iceland.

Daily itinerary

A. North - South

Day 1: Reykjavik - Hvammur

Pick up at BSÍ bus station in Reykjavik at 6:00 p.m. The bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Hvammur farm in North Iceland where horses and staff are waiting for you. After a lovely introductory meal where you get to know each other, you relax and rest so you are well prepared for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Hvammur - Vatnsdalur Valley - Forsæludalur - Hvammur

Today is your first riding day. Great riding tracks along the banks of the Vatnsdalsá River allow you to enjoy a fast ride in the soft tölt. Vatnsdalur is one of the most beautiful valleys in Iceland and the setting of one of the ancient sagas, Vatnsdælasaga. On your ride to Hvammur, you hear tales from Iceland's heroic past of bloody conflict, revenge, and love. The horses stay at Forsæludalur farm which is the last farm in the valley before you enter the highland. You stay overnight at Hvammur Guesthouse. The hot tub offers a nice relaxation after today’s ride.

Distance: Approximately 20 kilometers

Day 3: Hvammur - Forsæludalur - Öndvegi Mountain Cabin

As you ride up the valley, the canyon of the Vatnsdalsá River appears with some of its many waterfalls. Today, you ascend to the mountain plateau Grímstunguheiði. The fertile valley with its farms is left behind as your horses run freely over the riding paths of the northern highland, one of the largest uninhabited areas in Europe. You enjoy the splendid view over the impressive highland mountains and the completely untouched nature around you. You stay overnight at the mountain cabin Öndvegi.

Distance: Approximately 35 kilometers

Day 4: Öndvegi - Hveravellir Geothermal Area - Gíslaskáli Mountain Cabin

On your ride today, you pass the mountains Sandkúlufell and Sauðafell. It is easy to see that you follow a historical route. All the way back to the early settlement of Iceland, people traveled on horseback on exactly the same trails as you do today. The horses run happily with you on the soft paths of this free and mystical highland area. You leave the horses at the river Kúlukvísl where they can rest for the night. You head up to your cabin Gíslaskáli where you will stay for the next two nights.

Distance: Approximately 35 kilometers

Day 5: Gíslaskáli - Gíslaskáli Mountain Cabin

The destination of today’s ride is Hveravellir, a very unique geothermal area between Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. The path leads you over the river Seyðisá and you can see the vegetation changing as you get higher up into the highlands. Today's ride is a shorter one in between two long riding days. The horses get to rest and you have time to explore the unique area of Hveravellir. Here in this rough but extremely beautiful nature, the most famous outlaw Fjalla Eyvindur survived for years. A natural hot pool invites you to a deserved relaxing bath before you return to your cabin Gíslaskáli.

Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers

Day 6: Gíslaskáli - Árbúðir Mountain Cabin

You start the day by riding through the Valley of Thieves, called Thjófadalir, a remote grassy valley surrounded by high mountains. During the last centuries, traveling through the remote Highland was a dangerous trip due to outlaws waiting to rob the riders. From the entrance of the valley, you have a splendid view of the fertile landscape. Following the glacial river Fúlákvísl, you enjoy the view of the mighty glacier Langjökull. The day ends in Árbúðir Mountain Cabin.

Distance: Approximately 50 kilometers

Day 7: Árbúðir - Fremstaver Mountain Cabin

You follow the river Svartá for a while before crossing the river Hvítá. Your ride continues along the slopes of Mt. Bláfell. As you ride down the mountain the beautiful south appears in front of you. Your horses bring you in their soft and strong gates to the last part of the journey. Your ride ends at Fremstaver Mountain Cabin beautifully located on the south side of the mountain Bláfell not far from the famous waterfall Gullfoss. You celebrate a successful tour with an authentic farewell dinner, storytelling, and singing.

Distance: Approximately 25 kilometers

Day 8: Fremstaver - Reykjavík

You say goodbye to the horses, Haukur, and his crew and return back to Reykjavík. On your drive back to Reykjavík BSÍ, you visit the world-famous natural wonders, Geysir and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. Approximate arrival will be at 2:00 p.m.

Íslandshestar reserves the right to alter the itinerary if necessary.

B. South - North

Day 1: Reykjavik - Fremstaver

Pick up at BSÍ bus station in Reykjavik at 6:00 p.m. where your bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Fremstaver mountain cabin, where horses and staff are waiting for you. On your way, you stop at the world-famous natural wonders, Geysir and Gullfoss waterfall. After a lovely introductory meal where you get to know each other, you relax and rest so you are well prepared for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Fremstaver - Árbúðir Mountain Cabin

The ride starts off towards the majestic glacier Langjökull and up into the Highlands. Your horses bring you in their soft and strong gates along the slopes of Mount Bláfell. You cross the river Hvítá and follow the river Svartá until you get to the Mountain Cabin Árbúðir where you spend the night and rest the horses.

Distance: Approximately 25 kilometers

Day 3: Árbúðir Mountain Cabin - Gíslaskáli

Your ride continues following the glacial river Fúlákvísl with a great view of the mighty glacier Langjökull. You then enter the Valley of Thieves, called Thjófadalir, a remote grassy valley surrounded by high mountains. During the last centuries, traveling through the remote Highland was a dangerous trip due to outlaws waiting to rob the riders. From the entrance of the valley, you have a splendid view of the fertile landscape. The ride ends at the paddock of Hveravellir where your horses will spend the night and you head up to your cabin Gíslaskáli where you will stay for the next two nights.

Distance: Approximately 50 kilometers

Day 4: Gíslaskáli - Hveravellir Geothermal Area - Gíslaskáli Mountain Cabin

You start the day by driving to your horses in Hveravellir and you continue your ride through the highlands and cross the river Seyðisá. Today's ride is a shorter one in between two long riding days. You leave the horses to rest at the river Kúlukvísl and have time to explore Hveravellir, a very unique geothermal area between Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. Here in this rough but extremely beautiful nature, the most famous outlaw Fjalla Eyvindur survived for years. A natural hot pool invites you to a deserved relaxing bath before you return to your cabin Gíslaskáli.

Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers

Day 5: Gíslaskáli - Öndvegi Mountain Cabin

In the morning, you make your way back to your horses at the paddock of Kúlukvísl where you start today's ride. The horses run happily with you on the soft paths of this free and mystical highland area. You pass the mountains Sandkúlufell and Sauðafell before reaching your destination. It is easy to see that you follow a historical route. All the way back to the early settlement of Iceland, people traveled on horseback on exactly the same trails as you do today. You spend the night in the mountain cabin Öndvegi. Up to mid-July, the sun hardly sets in this part of the country.

Distance: Approximately 35 kilometers

Day 6: Öndvegi - Forsæludalur - Hvammur Farm

You continue your ride over the mountain plateau Grímstunguheiði. The valleys with the farms in the north are getting closer. It is impressive to see the fertile valley of Vatnsdalur with all its fields and vegetation. As you ride down to the valley the canyon of the Vatnsdalsá River appears with some of its many beautiful waterfalls. Your horses stay at Forsæludalur Farm which is the first farm to reach this area when you come down from the highland. You stay overnight at Hvammur Guesthouse. The hot tub offers a nice relaxation after today’s ride.

Distance: Approximately 35 kilometers

Day 7: Hvammur - Forsæludalur - Vatnsdalur - Hvammur

Great riding tracks along the banks of the Vatnsdalsá River allow you to enjoy a fast ride in the soft tölt! Vatnsdalur is one of the most beautiful valleys in Iceland and the setting of one of the ancient sagas, Vatnsdælasaga. On your ride to Hvammur, you hear tales from Iceland´s heroic past of bloody conflict, revenge, and love. You say goodbye to your horses as they get to rest in the green fields of the valley. You celebrate a successful tour with a great Farwell dinner, storytelling, and singing.

Distance: Approximately 20 kilometers

Day 8: Hvammur - Reykjavík

You say goodbye to your farmer Haukur and his crew. Transfer back to Reykjavík BSÍ. Approximate return will be at 2:00 p.m.

Íslandshestar reserves the right to alter the itinerary if necessary.

Tack type

The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different than the tack ordinarily used for other breeds. The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps keep the saddle in place. The riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to the English riding style, but stirrups are worn long. The bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip-on reins.

The Icelandic horses

The breed is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour. Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience.

1. Herd

Herding free-running horses is the traditional way of traveling in Iceland since horses are changed at least once a day on longer tours. You get to ride a variety of horses.

2. Icelandic nature

Iceland is the least densely populated country in Europe, with a pure, unpolluted, and truly magical landscape.

3. Nature bathing

In Iceland (and on the riding tours), you can find a hot spring oasis featuring hot pools and geothermal hot springs that are perfect for relaxing after a long riding day.

Location

During this tour, you will be visiting the following destinations:

Langjökull

The second largest ice cap of Iceland after Vatnajökull is located in the highlands. Two volcanic systems, whose calderas are obvious from the air rest underneath them.

Gullfoss

Golden Waterfall is where Hvítá falls 32 meters in two stages before entering the canyon Gullfossgljúfur. Gullfoss is one of three main attractions of the Golden Circle, the most popular sightseeing route in Iceland.

Geysir area

A famous geothermal area where Geysir, the first documented hot spring in Europe is located. Geysir itself is rarely active lately but its smaller neighbors are highly active. Strokkur erupts every few minutes, 20 to 40 meters high, and Litli-Strokkur and Smiður are highly active as well.

Mt. Bláfell

A beautiful mountain that offers a good view near the glacier Langjökull. The area around Mt. Bláfell was roamed by outlaws in the old days

Hvítá River

Its source is in Lake Hvítárvatn in the glacier Langjökull. It is the river of the famous Gullfoss waterfall and is popular for salmon fishing and river rafting.

Hvítárvatn

A source to the river Hvítá, situated in the highlands near the glacier Langjökull.

Árbúðir

A mountain cabin right beside the Kjölur route on the banks of the river Svartá. The cabin has sleeping bag accommodation for 30 overnight guests.

Fúlakvísl

Glacier-fed river that runs from Langjökull to Hvítárvatn Lake.

Kjalhraun

Huge rugged lava fields in the center of road Kjölur.

Þjófadalir

Valley of Thieves is a grassy but deep and rather closed valley surrounded by high mountains. It is located east of Langjökull and is a true oasis in the wilderness.

Hveravellir

A very unique geothermal area between Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. Rough but extremely beautiful nature where the most famous outlaw, Fjalla Eyvindur, survived for years.

Seyðisá

A clear river in the highland of West Iceland. It is one out of many rivers that run towards Blöndulón. The area is known for salmon and trout fishing.

Auðkúluheiði

Heath in the highlands around the route Kjölur. It is around 500 meters above sea level and is named after the farm, Auðkúla, in the valley of Svínadalur.

Vatnsdalur

This beautiful grown valley is named after the lake close by. The salmon and trout river, Vatnsdalsá, enters the valley and turns into numerous waterfalls and a canyon. The uncountable hills, Vatnsdalshólar, are well-known features of the Icelandic landscape. The area is also a setting in the Icelandic Saga, Vatnsdæla-Saga.

Forsæludalur Farm

The first farm to reach the area comes from the highland.

+−

Food

During the ride, full board is provided and included in the price. The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table. 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 Keflavik Airport upon arrival.

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Vegetarian
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

Check availability and plan your dream trip!

The organizer has discretion over price and availability for each inquiry.

First name

Please provide your first name

Last name

Please provide your last name

Please provide a valid email address.

Phone (optional)

Arrival date

Change date

No dates yet

Select arrival date

Your message for Íslandshestar (optional)

Message can't be empty when no date is selected

I would like to receive the BookHorseRidingHolidays email newsletter, including special Horse Riding Holidays offers and giveaways.

Best Price Guaranteed

Fast Response

Hello there. Glad to have you!

Currency

Log in

Create your account

Thank you for signing up

Confirm your email address

Reset password

Password reset