Fascinating North Iceland

Following breakfast, we will travel to Goðafoss, where you can marvel at the stunning waterfall that has historical importance in Iceland's Christianization. Afterward, we will head to farmhouse Fremstafell to meet our horses and embark on a ride into the Bárðardalur valley, the longest inhabited valley in Iceland. As we journey southward alongside the Skjáfandafljót river, we will be greeted by the Goðafoss waterfall before reaching Kiðagil, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

We depart from Kiðagil heading towards Stóruvellir. Along the way, we must cross a suspension bridge to reach the other side of the valley. Our final destination for the day is the abandoned farm Stóratunga, located in the southern part of the valley between the Skjálfandafljót and Svartá rivers. From there, we have a clear view of the entrance to the "culprit-desert" and can see the mountains near the famous lake Mývatn in the distance. 

After riding for four to five hours, we leave our horses for the afternoon and take a walk to the impressive Aldeyjarfoss waterfall, known for its beautiful basalt pillars and considered one of Iceland's most stunning waterfalls. Along the way, we also stroll alongside the old riverbed of the Skálfandafljót river. We have dinner and spend the night at Stóratunga.

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

We decide to extend our stay at Stóratunga for one more day and begin the morning with a delightful horseback ride alongside the Skjálfandafljót river and then head towards the Svartá river. Our journey takes us on gentle terrain in a northerly direction, allowing us to savor the picturesque scenery near the river. 

After having lunch at a nearby farm, we switch horses and continue our ride to the Hrafnabjargarfossar waterfalls. This location brings us very close to the entrance of the Sprengisandur highland route. In the morning, we ride for approximately 2 hours, followed by another 2 1/2 hours in the afternoon. This day does not involve herding activities. We conclude the day with dinner and spend the night at Stóratunga.

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

After departing from Stóratunga, we travel across Landmelar near Viðiker and into the area surrounding Lake Mývatn. In the 19th century, Jón Þorkelsson, known for guiding travelers through the "culprit-desert" to Askja caldera, resided in Viðiker. 

Our path for the day takes us through sandhills and heathland, culminating in a stunning view from the highest point of Engidalur. In clear weather, we may even catch a glimpse of Herðubreið, the majestic Icelandic mountain. After three to four hours of riding, we reach the farm and hotel Stöng, where we leave our horses and drive to Breiðamýri for overnight accommodation in sleeping bags.

Riding: 4 hours

After a hearty breakfast at Breiðamýri, we drive to Stöng and prepare our horses for riding. The journey takes about 20 minutes. From Stöng, we head north towards the Mývatn area and then turn west onto the old "highway" known as Akureyrarleiðin before heading north again. 

Akureyrarleiðin was a historic route used by many Icelanders to travel between the eastern and western parts of the country. We will encounter a varied landscape with gentle riding paths. On our right, we will have the opportunity to admire the panoramic views of Lake Mývatn once again. 

The horses will be kept in a large field at the Akrar farm, located in the Reykjadalur valley, while we return to Breiðamýri for another overnight stay. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be provided at Breiðamýri in sleeping bags.

Riding: 6 hours

On the seventh day, we set out from Akrar and follow a scenic forested trail alongside Vatnshlíð. The view of Reykjadalur valley and Lake Vestmannsvatn is truly special. After crossing Fljótsheiði mound, we cross a long bridge over the Skjálfandafljót river. The ride alongside the river takes us through Fellsskógur forest and past the Ullarfoss and Barnafoss waterfalls. After about six hours, we arrive at our final destination, Fremstafell, where we say goodbye to our horses and drive back to our farm.

Dinner and overnight will be provided in our farm.

Breakfast and transfer back to Akureyri.