Do you want to escape the everyday life?
Are you tired of civilisation, traffic and crowded places?
Would you like to enjoy the Icelandic Horse in its natural environment?
If you answered "Yes" three times we would love to welcome you to this riding adventure leading you
into the peaceful heart of the highlands. The region north of the glacier Hofsjökull is one of the most
untouched areas of Iceland.
Duration
8 days / 7 nights - 5 riding days
Departures
20.07. - 27.07.2010
10.08. - 17.08.2010
Daily rides
ca. 20 - 35 km
Riding skills
Good riding skills and a good physical condition are required
Accomodation
Hotel in Reykjavík, on the tour 3 nights made up beds in Hestasport Cottages and 3 nights
sleepingbag accommodation in basic mountain huts
Number of participants
min: 6, max: 12
Itinerary
Day 1
Your flight to Iceland should arrive at International Airport Keflavík ideally between 2 pm and 4 pm.
From here you will be taken directly to the domestic airport in Reykjavík right in time for the domestic flight to Sauðárkrókur in North Iceland.
We welcome you at Sauðárkrókur Airport and drive to our cottages in Varmahlíð where you spend the first night of your holiday.
After a welcome dinner we meet in the hot tub for a relaxing bath and a first get-together.
In case you arrive earlier in Iceland, please let us know where we can meet you.
Day 2
After a long sleep and a good breakfast our guides will introduce you to our horses.
We saddle for our ride from Vindheimamelar along a scenic river delta and over the first smaller mountains, until we reach in the afternoon
the farm Gilhagi, where we keep the horses tonight.
After this first riding day we look forward to the hot pool at our cottages and a good dinner.
Day 3
This morning we have to pack our luggage since we are now for a few nights far away from home.
From Gilhagi we take off southbound. After a few minutes ride the civilization is already behind us.
Ahead of us lies the gleaming glacier Hofsjökull. The higher we get the less vegetation we see on our way
until the mountain hut Skiptabakkaskáli appears in the wilderness. Running cold water is the luxury of
this charming cabin. Central heating is guaranteed since we all sleep together in one room.
Day 4
From Skiptabakki we have to find our way through lava fields and moon like landscape direction west.
We pass the mountain Bláfell and have to cross a few smaller streams until in the late afternoon we reach
the river Strangakvísl. Here we might get our feet wet, but tonight's hut is not far away any longer.
The location offers great view to two of Iceland's biggest glaciers: Hofsjökull and Langjökull.
The facilities of this accommodation are similar to the previous one.
Day 5
Lead by stone cones we leave the remote hut Strangakvísl. From the time of settlement our ancestors
used today's trail for travelling to the yearly parliament session at Þingvellir.
Pleasant tölt paths alternate with more difficult terrain.
In the afternoon we reach the mountain hut Galtará, located not far from the lake Blöndulón.
Day 6
On our last riding day we pass by Lake Aðalmannsvatn before we descend into the fertile and beautiful
valley Gilhagadalur that leads us, as the name promises, back to the farm Gilhagi.
Now it is time to say goodbye to our horses, we release our trusted companions into the meadows.
Tonight we stay in the cosy Hestasport Cottages in Varmahlíð. What better way to end a riding tour than
with a relaxing bath in a naturally heated hot tub!
Day 7
With the scheduled "Kjölur Bus" you travel over the highlands back to Reykjavík and visit the
geothermal area Hveravellir, the golden waterfall Gullfoss and the famous hot spring area Geysir on the way.
After arrival in the afternoon you check in at the hotel. Reykjavik is known for its wide range of entertainment
so make the best out of being back in civilization and enjoy a last night out with your fellow riders.
Day 8
Transfer from the hotel to Keflavík airport right in time for your flight home.
Price: 1.680 EUR per person
Included in the price:
- all ground transportation from Keflavík to Keflavík
- domestic flight Reykjavík - Sauðárkrókur
- all ground transportation through the tour
- 3 nights in made up beds in Hestasport Cottages
- 3 nights sleeping bag accommodation in basic mountain huts
- 1 night in a hotel in Reykjavík, twin /dbl room with private facilities, breakfast incl.
- bus ride over Kjölur through the highlands, Hveravellir, Gullfoss, Geysir
- full board on the riding tour, starting with dinner on day 1, ending with lunchpacket on day 7
- in Reykjavík is only breakfast included
- 5 riding days, 2-3 horses per person
- transportation of luggage
- all needed saddle gear, helmets, rainwear
- English and / or German speaking guidance
