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North Iceland Wonders

5.0 (6)
6 days 5 nights
Iceland
Difficulty
Extreme
Comfort
Basic+
Weight limit
110 kg / 243 lb

Named one of the top ten trails in the world by the Sunday Times, our tour guides you through the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Iceland. Setting off from Bjarnastaðir Farm, we ride to the renowned Lake Mývatn area, famed for its volcanic wonders and birdlife.

During our adventure, we'll encounter nature's treasures such as Ásbyrgi Canyon, the majestic Dettifoss waterfall and the rock formations of Hljóðaklettar. An optional whale watching excursion adds to the allure of exploring both on land and offshore.

Navigating gentle riding tracks perfectly suited for the unique 'tölt' gait of Icelandic horses, our first day leads us through Jökulsárgljúfur National Park.

Later we traverse verdant pasturelands towards the Gæsafjöll Mountains. Along the way, we witness the scars of earthquakes and volcanic activity, a testament to the raw power of nature.

Finally, we reach the Lake Mývatn, where bubbling mud pools and surreal lava formations serve as reminders of the earth's underlying energy. 

US$ 2 843
per tourist for 6 days
Departing from
Capital Region, Reykjavík
Tour starts
Available dates
Number of individuals
up to 20 tourists over 12 years old
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Heiðdís S.
Heiðdís S. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
Our Company is owned by local Icelandic farmers, and our tours are organized by them. Our farmers live in almost every part of Iceland so we offer riding tours in a diversified landscape.

The tour guides you'll probably meet as well

Photo Halldór
Halldór
Elín and I have resided in our farm since the early 1900s. We raise horses and sheep, and my nickname from fellow farmers is 'Mountain King'!
Photo Elín
Elín
Halldór and I are breeders of both horses and sheep. Welcome, we strive to truly unmatched hospitality.

Tour highlights

Enjoy the Mývatn Nature Baths
An outdoor lagoon filled with mineral rich geothermal water heated from natural hot springs
Do Not Miss the Chance to See Whales
An optional whale watching tour concludes the selection of natural attractions on and offshore
Visit the Tectonic Plate Boundary
Where the North American and the Eurasian plates meet and drift apart
Discover the Þeystareykir Area
A geothermal area with colourful mud pits, mountains, hills and lava fields
See One of the Most Powerful Waterfalls in Europe
Dettifoss waterfall measures 44 m high and 100 m wide. It is located in north-east Iceland within the Vatnajökull National Park
Melrakkaslétta
Local Flora and Fauna is Like No Other
Ride to the Lake Mývatn - famous for its volcanic features and rich birdlife

Route details

Day 1
Reykjavík – Húsavík – Ásbyrgi – Dettifoss – Halldór's Farm

Meeting place is at Flugfélagið Ernir, Reykjavík (close to Hotel Natura) at 07:30.  

We fly to Húsavík and drive to Halldór's Farm.  

Please dress already in riding clothes and bring your passport or other identification for your domestic flight. 

Bus transfer to Halldór's Farm, where we have lunch and start our ride with a short introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits.

This is truly a day to remember when we ride on the east side of the National Park Jökulsárgljúfur. On this day we have a sightseeing tour by bus to Europe’s largest waterfall, Dettifoss, and the famous Ásbyrgi Canyon, one of the wonders of nature, a wide, horseshoe-shaped canyon with sheer cliff faces up to 100 m high. 

Overnight at Halldór's Farm. (Approx. 20 km)

Day 2
Kelduhverfi – Theistareykir Mountain Cabin
Day 3
Theistareykir – Laxárdalur
Day 4
Laxárdalur
Day 5
Geldingadalur – Reykjaheiði
Day 6
Húsavík (Optional: Whale Watching) – Reykjavík
Difficulty
Extreme
Tour provider's comments

Comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length trots (tölt) and short canters.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic+
Guest House
5 nights

Shared rooms in cabins and sleeping bags.

4 nights
Halldór's Farm

The Farm, home of Halldór and Elín is situated in the low bushy area of Kerlingaskógur, close to the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum and Dettifoss Waterfall. You will enjoy great view over the Fjord Öxarfjörður and the famous Lake Skjálftavatn which suddenly appeared over night after a strong earthquake 28 years ago. Halldór and Elín, breeders of both horses and sheep will welcome you with open arms and their warmth and hospitality is indeed second to none.

  • Number of beds: 23
  • Outdoor jacuzzi: Yes
  • Number of showers: 4
  • GSM connection: Yes
  • WiFi: Yes
1 night
Þeistareykir Mountain Hut

Travel recommendations

Group meeting place
Capital Region, Reykjavík
preload map

Tour conditions

Included

  • bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm;
  • accommodation;
  • full board; 
    Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
  • rainwear;
  • saddle bag, riding helmet;
  • water bottle.

Extras

  • flight tickets to Iceland;
  • insurance;
  • alcoholic beverages -  hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty-Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival.

Group size

up to 20 tourists

Duration

6 days
5 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

You should be ready for all kinds of weather as the weather can change very quickly.

We recommend that the following items are included when preparing for our longer tours:

Warm jacket or overcoat.
Warm (woolen or fleece) sweater.
Warm socks and gloves, at lest two pairs, scarf and a cap or hat.
Warm underwear, long if possible (protects also from chafing).
For the ladies – sports bra.
Riding trousers.
A pair of slippers to wear in the accommodation (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house).
Swim suits, towels, soap etc.
A small camera to take with you on the ride.
Band aids and second skin plasters for chafing.
Insect repellent, gnat net head cover.
Chocolate or glucose sweets for strenuous riding days.
Sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor).

Additionally for sleeping bag accommodation: Sleeping bag, Small pillow to sleep on, Ear plugs.

We provide: Saddle bags, Rain wear and Safety helmet.

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Cancellation of booking

Tour reviews

5.0
Based on 6 reviews
  • L
    Lena
    15 Apr, 2024
    about provider
    Friendly horses, enjoyable guided tours and an authentic Icelandic experience that feels welcoming, like being at home. Thank you!
    15 Apr, 2024
  • W
    Wolfram
    10 Mar, 2024
    about provider
    Wir haben jetzt schon zum fünften Mal eine Tour gemacht. Alle Touren sind richtig gut organisiert. Die Pferde sind super und die Strecken sind echt schön anzusehen Wir übernachten auf isländischen Bauernhöfen und die Atmosphäre ist total familiär und toll. Diese Touren sind nur für erfahrene Reiter geeignet Das Team ist großartig und alles ist top organisiert
    10 Mar, 2024
  • A
    Annette
    5 Dec, 2023
    about provider
    I consider them to be the top horse riding company in Iceland. This was my fourth experience with them, and I am already making plans for a trip in 2024!
    5 Dec, 2023

Dates and Prices

  • US$ 2 843
    29 Jul – 3 Aug 6 days 5 nights
    Book
  • US$ 2 843
    5 – 10 Aug 6 days 5 nights
    Book
  • US$ 2 843
    12 – 17 Aug 6 days 5 nights
    Book
  • US$ 2 843
    19 – 24 Aug 6 days 5 nights
    Book

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