4 Day Saltvík Comfort Horse Riding Holiday in Húsavík, Norðurþing, Iceland

The trails in the countryside of the north around Saltvík Farm are extremely nice and various. You will ride along the seaside over the black beach and on the cliffs but also up to the heathlands of the northern farmlands with a fantastic view out to the arctic circle and the volcanic landscapes of the north.

There is a possibility to cross a river on horseback and you can pass the pretty waterfalls, “Æðarfossar”, at just a few meters distance. Depending on the wishes of guests, it is possible to start the tour with some riding lesson(s) at the inside riding hall to learn about the Icelandic horses and how to ride the tölt.

Riding Iceland offers horses for riders at all levels so families or friends at different experience levels can enjoy the same rides at different tempos and action if wanted. Daily rides can also be divided into two parts where some riders ride half a day and others for a full day.

This tour is ideal for guests who would like to try if a longer highland tour would be something to join on their next visit, or simply want to have a little less challenging ride than all the other longer highland tours and combine the holiday with the possibilities of various activities and sightseeing available in the area.

Examples of possible sightseeing activities:

• Whale-watching tours from Husavik (five kilometers from Saltvík Farm)
• Sightseeing tours to Lake Mývatn (30 kilometers / 30-minute drive away)
• Ásbyrgi Canyon - The hoofprint of the eight-legged horse Sleipnir (40-minute drive)
• The mighty and beautiful waterfalls Goðafoss and Dettifoss are less than an hour's drive away

Required Information

To find the right tour and, later, also the best horse for you, Riding Iceland reserves the right to inquire about information about your age, weight, height, and riding experience. Please let Riding Iceland know about dietary requirements, vegetarianism, as well as allergies in advance.

Guiding

At least one qualified professional guide will be present on every tour. The guide will be accompanied by experienced Iceland riders in cases where needed. All guides are dedicated to Icelandic nature and passionate horse riders. They will be happy to share their cumulative knowledge about Glacier Rivers, Table Mountains, volcanic activity, lively birdlife, and Icelandic history and culture with you during the ride.

Safety

GSM connectivity is nowadays almost everywhere available in Iceland, even in very remote areas. In case of emergency, full medical insurance is required to join RidingG Iceland's tours.

Size of rides

Group size ranges from 1 to 8 riders.

Riding ability

The tours are attended with relatively high physical demands. Please make sure you are fit to join; the minimum riding ability required is mastery of the basic aids and the ability to control the horse at all paces and in the open country. It is a great advantage if you are a proficient rider. Riding Iceland does not accept absolute beginners but would be happy to offer help in finding a more suitable tour.

Children

Riding Iceland does accept children, but they must be strong, competent riders. Riding Iceland offers a 25% discount for children up to 12 years old if they are traveling with an adult family member.

The rides

The mean length of the day is 3-5 hours in the saddle and can sometimes be longer than that. It will start shortly after breakfast when all necessary preparations are done. Whenever the terrain allows it, you will enjoy the fast but still comfortable tölt of the Icelandic horse. You will take short breaks every hour or two to stretch your muscles and allow the horses to rest a bit.

Itinerary

The tour starts in the morning of day 1 with a pickupfrom Akureyri between 9 and 10 am. Riding days are the first 3 days. On day 4, the drop-off in Akureyri will be in the morning. Please contact Riding Iceland to hear if this will be for the early flight or the noon flight (this can differ between dates!).