You get to ride through untouched nature and get an excellent insight into Icelandic history when listening to stories from the Saga ages. Riding the horses on smooth sandy grounds is a joy for both the rider and his mount. You have plenty of time to enjoy the special gait tölt while exploring nature and the history of this unique area.
Narrow Vatnsdalur valley is home to our hosts for this tour Haukur and his German wife Sonja. Accommodation during the ride is shared, in made up beds, for two to four people per room. Most nights are spent at the farm of your hosts in Hvammur, where a warm outdoor tub offers relaxation after your day in the saddle. One night of the tour you will spend at a different location
Your bus trip back to Reykjavík following Kjölur highland route is another highlight of this tour. Drive between two glaciers, enjoy a bathe at the natural hot pool in Hveravellir, visit the Geysir hot spring area and mighty waterfall Gullfoss.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, Sunday: Reykjavík – Hvammur – Vatnsdalur – Thingeyrar.
Transfer by bus from Reykjavík to Hvammur Farm, where we meet horses and guides. We start our ride through Vatnsdalur valley. This beautiful valley is the setting of the Vatnsdæla-Saga. We ride along the banks of River Vatnsdalsá before crossing over to the western side of the valley. Our ride ends at Thingeyrar Farm, a place of history, and we return to Hvammur Farm for our overnight stay. (25 km)
Day 2, Monday: Hvammur - Thingeyrar – Hóp – Borgarvirki – Hotel Hóp.
We start riding on Thingeyrasandur sandbar and towards Lake Hóp. Feel the excitement of the horses as they reach the open plain. Our trail leads us right across Lake Hóp, Icelands fifth biggest lake, on a safe track across the water. Very easy but an unforgettable experience. On dry land we visit Borgarvirki, a fascinating fortress from the Viking ages. We stay at Hotel Hóp, a countryside hotel, with excellent facilities for riders and their horses. (40 km)
Day 3, Tuesday: Hotel Hóp – Vatnsnes – Hvítserkur – Hóp – Thingeyrar - Hvammur.
Today we explore the beauty of the Vatnsnes peninsula and follow black dunes on Sigríðarstaðasandur towards the North. Just off shore we see Hvítserkur, a basalt rock formation, nesting place to many seabirds. This area is home to large numbers of seals and hopefully we see many of them resting and playing on the beach. We cross Lake Hóp for the second time and follow a different route on our way back to Thingeyrar Farm. Enjoy bathing in geothermal water at a local swimming pool before a hearty dinner at Hvammur Farm, where we stay overnight . (30 km)
Day 4, Wednesday: Hvammur - Thingeyrar – Hvammur.
This is our last day of riding and we bring the horses back to Hvammur Farm. We follow good riding tracks, ideal for the special gait of the Icelandic horse, tölt. This time we ride on the eastern side of Vatnsdalur valley, past Hvammsfoss waterfall, surrounded by impressive basalt columns. We celebrate the successful return in the evening during a feast in the barn. (25 km)
Day 5, Thursday: Hvammur – Kjölur Highland Route – Reykjavík.
It is time to say good bye to our guides and we drive on the scheduled bus over Kjölur Highland Road back to Reykjavík. The bus takes you through the rugged wilderness of the Icelandic highland. Be amazed by natural hot water pools at Hveravellir and enjoy a dip into one of them. View the majestic glaciers Hofsjökull and Langjökull, and powerful Gullfoss waterfall, before reaching the well known Geysir area. Return to Reykjavik at approx. 19:00.
Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for this ride!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Please note that the tour starts and ends in Reykjavík, accommodation in Reykjavík is not included. Accommodation during the ride is shared, in rooms with made up beds and shared facilities.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Iceland
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Horse Riding
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