The Best of Iceland

Your guide meets you after breakfast for  a detailed introduction before you get to know the horses. The program starts with a practical riding demonstration, followed by a few rounds in the riding hall or paddock and then head to the mighty Ölfusá River. 

The tour takes us through Ölfusforir to the wide delta of Ölfusá river, where we should see birds of various kinds. Far to the east, we see the Eyjafjallajökull volcano as well as the volcano Hekla if the weather permits. We gradually make our way along the western banks of Ölfusá, riding very nice trails. We ride through shallow water before we finally reach the south coast and turn west on the beach, riding on soft black lava sand. We end the day near the town of Thorlákshöfn and drive back to Vellir.

Riding time and distance: 24.3 km, 5-6 hrs

We continue North below the Húsmúli and Hengill mountains. We dismount and lead the horses through a narrow cleft to Marardalur (Valley of Horses). We ride through Dyrfjöll (Door-Mountains), and when we reach the mountaintop we have a view over Lake Thingvallavatn. The lake is by the cleft where Icelanders had their democratic meetings called Althing for hundreds of years. The track continues down to Jórukleif, where the tour ends.  

We finish the day with refreshments and sightseeing at the famous Thingvellir national park before returning to our farm.

Riding time and distance: Around 30 km, 6-7 hrs.

Today we ride through Thingvellir National Park, following scenic trails through woods and lava formations. We pass the abandoned farms Hrauntún and Skógarkot before we reach the shore of Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. The path continues through a fascinating landscape with large cracks created by movements of the continental plates. From Gjábakki farm we have an exceptional view over the large valley between the American and Eurasian continental plates, lake Thingvallavatn, and the volcanic mountains surrounding the lake. This area is a large valley shaped by glacier ice and many volcanic eruptions. We continue along an old path to the mountain hut Kringlumýri, where we end the tour.

Riding time and distance: Around 25 km, 5-6 hrs.

This day offers spectacular views and a surprising variety of magnificent Icelandic nature. 

Our journey starts by tracing the slopes of Reykjafjall mountain, and we proceed along delightful equestrian trails that encircle the village of Hveragerði. This path leads us through a lush forest and into a geothermal valley adorned with hot springs. This area underwent a significant expansion due to a seismic event in 2008. Along the way, there is an opportunity to experience the "tölt," the distinctive gait of the Icelandic horse.

On the way, we encounter the captivating Djúpagilsfoss waterfall and several hot springs before arriving at the Reykjadalur valley. Here, a warm stream invites us to enjoy a soothing bath. As we journey back down the valley, we're treated to captivating panoramas, including the village of Hveragerði, picturesque farmland, and even the possibility of spotting the Westman Islands along the coastline, if the weather permits. We continue along the mountain slopes again back to our farm Vellir where the tour ends. After some refreshments, the bus will take you back to Reykjavik (arrival about 17:15).

Riding time and distance: 19 km, 5 – 6 hrs.