Riding program - Riding tours
Anniversary Highland Adventure
In 2010 we celebrate our 10 year anniversary. The highland adventure has been on our schedule from the first year and because of that we named the highland adventure our anniversary tour.
This tour follows a part of the ancient trade route across the highlands. In the past this trail was used by commoners and statesmen for travelling to the Alþing at Þingvellir, Europe's first parliament.
Let us tell you about this land and its people, its history and sagas. Enjoy this adventure on back of our fascinating Icelandic horses.
We will cross wide fields of heath and areas full of stones and rocks. The glaciers seem to be closed enough to touch and we cross some of the biggest glacial rivers. We discover Hveravellir, an oasis in the desert and home to one of the most famous outlaws in Icelandic history.
To keep the horses fresh and willing we will change horses at least once a day. For this reason we drive a herd of free running horses with us.
Program
Sunday:
Guests arrive in the afternoon or evening, dinner and accommodation on Lýtingsstaðir
Monday:
We start for the first stage and leave Lýtingsstaðir. Our way goes through the beautiful Gilhagi valley. The highlands welcome us with a spectacular view over the wide mountain plateau Eyvindastaðaheiði and the majestic glaciers Hofsjökull and Langjökull. We ride along the lake Aðalmannsvatn, cross landscape full of heath on soft trails and end the day at the mountain cabin Galtará (ca. 55 km).
Tuesday:
After the long first day we take it easy in the morning before we saddle our horses and prepare for today’s ride. We follow a historical trail through a desert of sand and stones. Large “stone warden” mark our way along the trail which has been used for many centuries to travel on horseback over the uninhabited highlands. We stay overnight in the mountain cabin Strángakvísl from where we have a fantastic view to the glaciers in front of us (ca. 30 km)
Wednesday:
Today's ride will be a big adventure since we cross three glacial rivers on our way to Hveravellir. Long sandy paths between the rivers welcome us for a fast tolt on our fantastic horses. We reach Hveravellir, an oasis in the desert with an impressive geothermal area. We will walk through the hot area, listen to the stories of Fjalla Eyvindur, one of the most famous outlaws in the 18. Century and take a relaxing bath in the natural hot pot (ca. 30 km).
Thursday:
We enjoy ones more a bath in the hot pot or a walk through the impressive geothermic area before we start today’s ride. We continue our way along the Kjölur highland track, cross the river Seyðisá and pass stony deserts on our way north. We stay overnight in the cosy mountain cabin Áfangafell (ca.30 km).
Friday:
Today’s ride goes along the huge Lake Blöndulón which was made to produce energy by water of the river Blanda. We cross the dam on our horses and ride over wide sheep grazing areas before we leave the highlands and enter the green civilisation. We ride all the way to the sheep corral Stafnsrétt where we leave the horses for the night. We go by bus to Lýtingsstaðir where a delicious dinner, hot shower and a comfortable bed is waiting for us (ca.35 km).
Saturday:
We drive back to the horses and start for the last stage. We leave the corral behind us and ride a steep trail up to the beautiful mountain pass Kiðaskarð. A narrow path through high mountains on both sides leads us into Skagafjörður. We reach the civilisation and the horses bring us home in a fast tolt. We spend the last night on Lýtingsstaðir (ca. 25 km).
Sunday:
We have to say good buy to horses, guides and new friends. The tour ends after breakfast.
Included
Riding tour and transfers as per the above program, luggage is carried in a van
Sleeping bag accommodation (dormitories) in simple equipped mountain cabins, farmhouse accommodation at Lýtingsstaðir
Full board
English (and Icelandic) speaking guides and assistants
Transfers from/to the nearest bus station (Varmahlið) from/to Lýtingsstaðir
Please bring
Sleeping bag and towels
Rubber boots, walking boots, slippers
Gloves, warm underwear, woollen socks, bathing-suits
Riding helmet, windbreaker and rainwear
Chocolate or energy bars for the long riding days are recommended
Small camera for taking photographs during the ride
Please do not bring heavy (hard shell) suitcases!
Please note
We reserve the right to alter any itinerary in the participant’s best interest or for reasons of safety.
Your riding clothes and boots must be disinfected before you arrive.
For this riding tour it is necessary that you have good riding experience.
It is advisable to have your own personal insurance when joining the riding tour. Riders must wear helmets.
Min. 10 participants