Move back in time and ride along the historic Kjölur trail as Icelanders did throughout the centuries while travelling to the big summer parliament at Thingvellir, first held in 930 AD. You will visit this historic place which has since become a national park, famed for its beauty and its position right on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the continental plates drift apart. You stop at the Geysir Hot Spring area and admire the majestic 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 will find yourself in remote desert-like areas surrounded by huge glaciers, and yet again in vast green meadows where only young horses and sheep roam free during summer. Your hosts Hjalti and Åsa lead you past extinct volcanoes and glacier lakes and across wild glacial rivers.
Riding up into the highlands the green meadows in the south change to barren sand deserts close to mighty Langjökull and Hofsjökull Glaciers. Sheltered green valleys come as a surprise in this rugged terrain. Feel that you are part of Iceland's history when you follow the same tracks people have used all the way back to the early days of settlement.
Accommodation on this ride is in rustic mountain cabins in the middle of Iceland's untamed nature. At Hveravellir, a geothermal area in the highlands, you can relax in a long hot bath under the Midnight Sun! If you want to see as much as possible of the Icelandic highland, this tour might be the perfect choice for you.
No single rooms available (on some or all nights). Riders must be prepared to share.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - GLACIER TRAIL
Some departures for this riding holiday in Iceland are also operated from North to South. Reversed itinerary available upon request.
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 in rooms which share a bathroom unit. (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 safe 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. (35 km)
Optional (available at an extra charge): Boat trip on Hvítárvatn glacier lake
Enjoy the white ice field of Langjökull glacier up-close. We drive to a floating pier and board a boat that will take us on a scenic sail around the lake. A short stop is made at the glacier and we get to walk along the shore and touch the mighty ice field before sailing back. While sailing and on land a tour guide takes care of our safety and informs us about the area.
Bring with you: Warm clothes and good hiking shoes. Total duration, approximately 2.5 hours.
Price per person ISK 7.000 in 2012.
Day 4: Árbúðir – Hveravellir Mountain Cabin
We ride along the glacier fed river Fúlakvísl through 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. 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. (45 km)
Day 5: Hveravellir – Strangakvísl 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! The location of tonight's mountain cabin offers great views of the big glaciers behind you and towards the high mountains of the North ahead of you. Up to mid July the sun hardly sets in this part of the country. (30 km)
Day 6: Strangakvísl – Galtará Mountain Cabin
Today it is easy to see that we follow a historical route, since large man made stone cones accompany us through a desert of sand and stones. All the way back to the early settlement of Iceland, people travelled on horseback on exactly the same trails as we do today. Imagine beeing part of a chieftains family, all dressed up and riding the best horses on this historical route. From the mountain cabin Galtará we can overlook the big man made lake Blönduvatn. In August this is a perfect spot for berry picking! (25 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. (45 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
Sadly the end of the horse riding adventure. Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
NOTES - GLACIER TRAIL
Some departures for this riding holiday in Iceland 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!
There is a family discount of 5% available for parents and older children (between 12 and 18 years old) travelling together, 3 or more people only for this offer.
Children under 12 receive a 25% discount.
The weight limit for this ride is 17 st/242 lb/110 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
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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Reading List We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.
What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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