Riding program - Riding tours
Highland adventure
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.
Our suggestion: combine this tour with our Highlight I tour to complete your Iceland adventure!
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 over the mountain Goðdalafjall. We cross a various landscape with sand, heather, lava and rocks.
We reach the mountain hut Skiptabakki just above an idyllic river where we spend the night (ca. 35 km).
Tuesday:
We saddle our horses and prepare for a long ride over endless fields of sand. We are very close to the glacier Hofsjökull, almost close enough to touch. The atmosphere in this area is very special and “ice cold”. We ride along the Strángakvísl river banks and reach the mountain cab with the same name (ca. 50 km).
Wednesday:
Today's ride will be a big adventure as we have to 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 hike 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. Again we have to cross two glacial rivers on our way to the next hut and enjoy the fast tolt over soft sandy paths and through endless fields of heather. We will see many sheep which spend the summer time in this part of the highlands. In the cosy and rather luxurious mountain cabin Galtará we spend the night (ca.45 km).
Friday:
After breakfast we saddle the horses and ride on over wide sheep grazing areas before we leave the highlands. 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 will welcome us (ca.30 km).
Saturday:
We drive back to the horses and start for the last stage. Our way goes over the mountain pass Kiðaskarð into Skagafjörður. We reach the civilisation and the horses bring us home in a fast tolt. Dinner and accommodation on Lýtingsstaðir (ca. 25 km).
Sunday:
We have to say good buy to horses, guides and new friends. The tour ends after breakfast. Guest can book additional days.
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
Well trained horses (2-3 per person)
English speaking guides and assistants
Transfers from/to the nearest bus station (Varmahlið) or airport (Sauðárkrókur) from/to Lýtingsstaðir
Please bring
Sleeping bag, riding helmet
Rubber boots, walking boots, slippers
Gloves, warm underwear, woollen socks, bathing-suits
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 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. 8 participants