from £895 per person
Thousands of people in Iceland own horses for the simple pleasure of riding out and enjoying the companionship of their horses. Travel on horseback is growing in popularity and Icelandic horsemen are respectful and considerate when it comes to nature, just as they are with their horses. There hardly is a better way to explore Iceland than on a horse back!
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 horse riding holiday might be what you are looking for. The holiday starts with a stay in Reykjavik. On the second day you travel to the countryside and start your horse riding holiday. You follow fine bridle paths to the magnificent sights of Iceland, Geysir Hot Spring area and Gullfoss Waterfall. During three riding days your 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 will be our hosts. 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 or at the farm house, 2 – 3 rooms in each, shared facilities. During the ride full board is provided. The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). The tour also includes rain wear, saddle bag, riding helmet and sleeping bag with a sheet (where necessary).
This horse riding tour is perfect for intermediate riders with a basic knowledge of riding. We have a large selection of horse riding tours available for all skill levels and different durations. Please contact us for ideas and suggestions. All horse riding holidays can be extended in Reykjavik or in the countryside.
Departures on Sundays: 28 June; 5, 12, 19 and 26 July; 2, 9, 16 and 30 August 2009. Please contact us for 2010 prices and dates.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Sunday: arrival
Fly with scheduled airline to Reykjavik. Transfer to your hotel and check in.
Day 2 - 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 Bláskógarbyggð district 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)
Day 3 - Tuesday: Haukadalsheiði - Sandfell – Kjóastaðir
Today we ride through beautiful birch forrest at Haukadalur valley. We cross small sparkling brooks and enjoy the vegetation blooming during the sommer. Watch the vegetation change as we proceed up onto a highland heath. From Haukadalsheiði heath we have a great view of mountains and glaciers in the interiour! (35 km)
Day 4 - 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 22:00. (35 km)
Day 5 – Thursday: departure
Breakfast and transfer to Keflavik airport. If you are departing on an afternoon flight, we recommend Blue Lagoon airport transfer.
Transfer to Keflavik and fly home with a scheduled airline.
Hotel, Activity and Local Information
Accommodation is either in a farm house or summer cottage. Usually all accommodation is with shared facilities. Accommodation is equipped with beds, bunk beds and shared bunk beds depending on the size and location of accommodation. Indoor WC, warm showers and/or hot pools are available at most locations. All meals are served in the farm house.
Hotel Cabin is well-situated at Borgart, Reykjav, and has a beautiful view of the bay nearby. Just a short distance away is the city main shopping area and the bustling downtown café and pubs.
• Arrival/departure via Blue Lagoon
• South Shore Adventure from Reykjavik
• The Wonders of Snæfellsjökull from Reykjavik