GLACIER TRAIL - ICELAND
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You ride in the traditional way, herding free horses and changing to a fresh horse once or twice a day. This ride takes you along the historic Kjölur trail, which Icelanders used for centuries in the past while travelling to their big summer parliament at Thingvellir, first held in 930 AD. This historic place has since become a National Park, famed for its beauty. You stop at the Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss Waterfall before leaving civilisation for the rugged wilderness of the interior. Travelling from South to North, or vice versa, right across the heart of Iceland, you find yourself in between huge glaciers, remote desert like areas, and yet again in vast green meadows where only young horses and mountain geese roam free. If you want to see as much as possible of the Icelandic highland, this tour will be the perfect choice for you.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - GLACIER TRAIL
Day 1
Arrival in Iceland – Keflavík Airport – Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Day 2
Reykjavík – Thingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss – Kjóastaðir Farm
We drive to Kjóastaðir Farm, visiting the historical site Thingvellir and the well-known Geysir Hot Spring Area on our way. The ride starts off towards the majestic glacier Langjökull onto Haukadalsheiði heath. We leave the horses at Sandá River for the night. On our way back to Kjóastaðir Farm we stop at the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. The night is spend in several summer houses, showers and an outdoor hot tub on site. (30 km)
Day 3 Kjóastaðir – Sandá – Árbúðir Mountain Cabin
Our ride continues along the slopes of Mt. Bláfell. This area was roamed by outlaws in the old days. To be on the save side you might want to take a little stone along today as a special token for safety during the ride. You might need it later today... We cross River Hvítá and enjoy the view to the glacier fed lake Hvítárvatn with its floating icebergs. Tonight we stay at Árbúðir, situated right at the banks of river Svartá. (30 km)
Day 4 Árbúðir – Svartárbotnar Mountain Cabin
Today we explore Lake Hvítárvatn closer and ride without the herd towards this magnificent lake emerging from Langjökull Glacier. When we return to our herd we continue our ride along Svartá River, passing through the Gránunes area. The area was named after the horse Grána and you will hear about the tragic story which happened centuries ago. The day ends at the Svarárbotnar Mountain Cabin, a new cabin with a warm shower. (30 km)
Day 5 Svartárbotnar – Hveravellir Mountain Cabin
We ride along the huge rugged lava fields of Kjalhraun that the sure footed Icelandic horses master with such bravery. During the ride we enjoy splendid views of the glacier Langjökull and follow the glacier fed river Fúlakvísl. We leave the herd for a couple of hours to enter into the world of Thjófadalir, or Valley of Thieves, a grassy valley surrounded by high mountains, a true oasis in the wilderness. On to Hveravellir, a unique geothermal area between Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. A natural hot pool invites us to a deserved relaxing bath. (40 km)
Day 6 Hveravellir – Galtará Mountain Cabin
This day will be a very special one, since we cross the large glacial rivers, Blanda, Svartakvísl and Strangakvísl on our way to the North. No need to worry, most Icelanders would rather choose a trusted Icelandic horse than a vehicle to cross a river! Up to mid July the sun hardly sets in this part of the country. From the mountain cabin Galtará we can overlook the big man made lake Blönduvatn. (45 km)
Day 7 Galtará – Aðalmannsvatn – Lauftún Holiday Farm
We descend past beautiful Lake Aðalmannsvatn towards the fertile Mælifellsdalur valley in the Skagafjörður area. Enjoy endless herds of horses grazing on striking hills. In good weather conditions you can see all the way to the Atlantic Ocean at the North coast. Good riding tracks give you the opportunity to enjoy a fast ride in the soft tölt! We end the day at Lauftún Holiday Farm with a hot pot heated with geothermal water. (40 km)
Day 8 Lauftún Holiday Farm – Reykjavík
Transfer back to Reykjavík for the last overnight stay. Approx. return to Reykjavík at 14:00.
Day 9 Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
NOTES - GLACIER TRAIL
Some departures are also operated from North to South. Reversed itinerary available upon request. You may bring your own riding gear (eg helmet) but it needs to be dry cleaned or disinfected; officially, a written certificate is needed to prove at the airport that this has been done, but it is rarely asked for. Luggage is taken ahead every day by truck/trailer to the next night's stop. We recommend you bring bags, rather then hard cover suit cases, and pack light because transport space is limited. Accommodation is basic in rustic mountain huts in the midst of Iceland´s untamed nature. At Hveravellir, a geothermal area in the highland, you may take a long bath in a natural hot pool under the midnight sun!
GETTING TO Reykjavik-Keflavik
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. If you would like to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 20 st/275 lb/125 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Transfers to and from Keflavik Airport
Horses, saddle bags, rain wear, safety riding helmet, sleeping bag and sheet.
All meals on the trail days – breakfast only when staying in Reykjavik but there are many good restaurants to chose from in the town.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights
Dinner in Reykjavik on the last evening
Alcohol with dinner (though you can buy it more cheaply at Keflavik airport and bring it with you)
Travel insurance is recommended and is a sensible precaution.
For the Glacial Trail, you’ll need to bring a small pillow with you.
Bottled water is not easily available in Iceland but the local water is excellent!
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