Countryside Riding Adventure
Day by day itinerary
Monday: Reykjavík – Thingvellir – Geysir – Kjóastaðir Farm
We drive to Kjóastaðir Farm, visiting the historical site Thingvellir on our way. After having met our guides we check into our rooms and enjoy lunch. Our guide will introduce the Icelandic horse and its special gaits before we start our ride along pleasant trails of the beautiful birch forrest at Haukadalur valley. We cross small sparkling brooks and enjoy the vegetation blooming during the sommer on our way towards Geysir hot spring area. A perferct first riding day where we get to know the Icelandic horse and the way of riding in a relaxed atmosphere. While on our ride we enjoy the great view of mountain ranges, valleys and the glacier fed river Hvítá. (25 km)
Tuesday: Tungufljót – Kjarnholt – Kjóastaðir
Today we explore the friendly countryside of Bláskógabyggð when we ride towards Kjarnholt Farm and enjoy great riding paths alongside the river Tungufljót. We will cross the river at a beautiful place and ride into an area protected because of the rich birdlife. On our way back to the farm we enjoy smooth riding paths and a great view over the Geysir area and Langjökull Glacier. (30 km)
Wednesday: Kjóastaðir – Gullfoss – Kjölur Trail – Reykjavík
We leave the farm and head off towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky, glacier fed water passes through bizarre rock formations. We follow the ever deepening canyon to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss. After having spent some time there we saddle up again and follow the famous Kjölur highland trail for a while before we head back to the farm. After dinner it is time to bid farewell to horses and guides and we drive back to Reykjavík. Approx. arrival time in Reykjavík is 21:30. (35 km)
TRIP DETAILS AT-A-GLANCE
If you are not ready for many days in the saddle, yet an outdoor person with a basic knowledge of riding and good stamina, this tour might be what you are looking for. We follow fine bridle paths to the magnificent sights of Iceland, Geysir Hot Spring area and Gullfoss Waterfall. During three riding days our guide leads you to these wonders of Iceland.
Enjoy the view of glaciers in front of you while riding through a lovely birch forest and green meadows with grazing horses. “Tölt”, the special gait of the Icelandic horse will be introduced to you. We use this comfortable gait for parts of our tour, but also trot and walk the horses in between. On the way to Kjóastaðir Farm a visit to Thingvellir is made, a place of historic and geological importance and first national park of Iceland.
Kjóastaðir Farm is home of Hjalti and Åsa who also work with us for the Kjölur ride. Their capable staff will take good care of you and find a horse that will suit your liking. Two nights are spent in cozy summer cottages, 2 – 3 rooms in each, shared facilities.
What is included
• Transfer to the farm and back to Reykjavík
• During the ride full board is provided. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
• Rain wear, saddle bag and riding helmet.
Not included
• Individual travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We encourage clients to obtain relevant travel insurance before visiting Iceland.
• Flight to and from Iceland is not included
Intermediate riders
Duration: 3 days – 2 nights – 3 riding days – 80 km
Note: If you are not ready for many days in the saddle this tour might be what you are looking for
Meeting place: Reykjavík. Accommodation before and after the ride to be arranged individually.
Dates: 2011:
June 13 – 15
June 20 – 22
June 27 – 29
July 4 - 6
July 11 - 13
July 18 - 20
July 25 – 27
August 1 - 3
August 8 - 10
August 15 – 17
August 29 - 31
PRICE: $972 PER PERSON.
