Horseback riding trip in ICELAND: THE ICELAND GOLDEN CIRCLE

HORSEBACK TRAIL RIE IN ICELAND
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *

Day 1: You will be met at Reykjavik Bus Station in the late afternoon (see arrival-departure information) transfer you and your fellow riders to Kálfhóll, where horses and staff are waiting for us. After a lovely introductory meal where we get to know each other, we relax and rest so we are well prepared for the adventure ahead of us.

Day 2. Kálfhóll – Thjórsá glacier river – Sandlækjamýri (approximately 15 km)
After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits, we start our ride along the pleasant trail at Thjórsá glacier fed river. We leave the horses at Sandlækjarmýri field and drive to Kálfhóll. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere.  

Day 3. Kálfhóll – Sandlækjarmýri – Brúarhlöð - Kálfhóll (approximately 30 km)
We leave Kálfhóll farm and drive back to the horses.  From there we head off to the fertile farmlands of neighboring community Hrunamannahreppur. We drive spare horses along in a free running herd, enabling us to change our mount regularly and traveling at a brisk space. We cross the well know Salmon River Stóra-Laxá and stop for our picnic lunch at Hrunaréttir, a corral used for the annual sheep round-up in autumn. We continue our ride on good trails, towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations. Our ride ends at Brúarhlöð and we drive to the Kálfhóll Farm, where we spend the night.

Day 4.  Kálfhóll - Brúarhlöð – Gullfoss – Kálfhóll (approximately 20 km)
We continue our ride on soft trails ideal for tölting, alongside Hvítá River we follow the ever deepening canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss. Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland and is known for its powerful and dramatic appearance, with water falling a total of 32 meters (105 feet) in two stages. We will have our lunch break at Gullfoss before we ride back to Kálfhóll where we spend the night.

Day 5.  Haukadalur – Haukadalsheiði – Kálfhóll (approximately 18 km)
Our ride takes us through Haukadalur valley with its beautiful birch forest. Cross clear little streams on the way and enjoy the rich vegetation of wild mountain flowers that bloom during high summer. While you ascend to a highland plateau you will notice the changes in nature as you reach higher ground. A breathtaking view of the mountain ranges and glaciers of the highland around awaits you when you reach the top of Haukadalsheiði. Rest of the day is spent in the Geysir area. You have plenty of time to explore this highly interesting area with its countless bubbling hot springs.

6 days version:
Day 6. Kálfhóll – Thingvellir – Reykjavík
Today we leave our riding companions in the morning after breakfast and drive back to Reykjavík. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 11:30.

7 days version :
Day 6. Geysir – Tungufellsdalur – Kaldbakur – Kálfhóll (approximately 30 km)
We leave the Geysir area and ride along green pastures back to the bridge at Brúarhlöð canyon where we cross mighty Hvítá River. Now we head towards the interior and follow beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley onto Hrunaheiðar heath plateau and we experience riding along the edge of civilization. Our horses spend the night at Kaldbakur Farm, we drive to the Secret Lagoon for relaxing bath in the geothermal pool and then drive to Kálfhóll and spend the night.

Day 7. Kálfhóll – Kaldbakur – Hrepphólar – Kálfhóll  – Reykjavík  (approximately 40 km)
Our last day of riding includes yet again terrific scenery. Today we follow good riding tracks past Mt. Galtafell. We cross River Laxá before we reach Sandlækjarmýri. We turn towards the banks of Thjórsá River and follow them to Kálfhóll Farm. Here we say goodbye to our guides, staff, and horses and return to Reykjavík, approx. arrival at 20:00.
(see arrival-departure information).

* Indcative itinerary that may be subjected to changes.