Horseback Riding Kjölur - Across the heart of Iceland

Arrival at Keflavik International Airport. Bus transfer to your accommodation in Reykjavik. Depending on your flight schedule, you can visit the Blue Lagoon Spa on your way to the city. 

Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik at 17:30 where our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Myrkholt Guesthouse, 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.

The ride starts off towards the majestic glacier Langjökull and our first stop is the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall and the hot spring area Geysir. Our ride today leads us to a mountain called Bláfell. There we spend the night and rest the horses at Fremstaver Mountain Cabin. (Approx. 25 km)

Our ride continues along the slopes of Mt. Bláfell. This area was roamed by outlaws in the old days. We cross River Hvítá and enjoy the view to the glacier fed lake Hvítárvatn. Tonight we stay at Árbúðir, situated right on the banks of river Svartá. (Approx. 35 km)

We ride along the glacier-fed river Fúlakvísl through huge rugged lava fields of Kjalhraun where we hear a tragic story about two brothers who froze to death in October 1780 on their way to Skagafjörður with a flock of sheep. During the ride, we enjoy magnificent views of the glacier Langjökull. We continue into the world of Thjófadalir, or Valley of Thieves, a grassy valley surrounded by high mountains, a true oasis in the wilderness. The destination of today’s ride is Hveravellir, a very unique geothermal area between Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. Here in this rough but extremely beautiful nature the most famous outlaw Fjalla Eyvindur survived for years. At the mountain cabin, a natural hot pool invites us to a deserved relaxing bath. (Approx. 50 km)

Our route today leads us further to the north over the beautiful river Seyðisá. Further, the horses run free with us on the soft paths of this mystical highland area. We pass the mountains Sandkúlufell and Sauðafell before reaching our destination. It is easy to see that we follow a historical route.  All the way back to the early settlement of Iceland, people traveled on horseback on exactly the same trails as we do today.  Our well-equipped cabin for the night has a hot tub next to it.  It is named after the hill Áfangafell which offers great views of the big glaciers behind us and towards the high mountains of the North ahead of us. Up to mid-July the sun hardly sets in this part of the country. (Approx. 35 km)

We continue our ride over the Auðkúluheiði Moor. The valleys with the farms in the north are getting closer as our horses run freely over the soft riding paths of the northern highland. It is impressive to see the fertile valley Vatnsdalur with all its fields and vegetation. As we ride down to the valley the canyon of the Vatnsdalsá river appears with some of its many beautiful waterfalls. Our horses stay at Forsæludalur Farm which is the first farm to reach in this area when you come from the highland. We stay overnight at Hvammur Guesthouse. The hot tub offers a nice relaxation after today’s ride. (Approx. 35 km)

Great riding tracks along the banks of Vatnsdalsá river give us the opportunity to enjoy a fast ride in the soft tölt! Vatnsdalur is one of the most beautiful valleys in Iceland and the setting of one of the ancient sagas, Vatnsdælasaga. On our ride to Hvammur we hear tales from Iceland´s heroic past of bloody conflict, revenge, and love. We say good-bye to our horses as they get to rest in the green fields of the valley. We celebrate a successful tour with a great Farwell dinner, storytelling and singing. (Approx. 20 km)

We say goodbye to our farmer and his crew. Transfer back to your accommodation in Reykjavík. Approx. return at 14:00.

Airport transfer by bus from Reykjavik. Depending on your flight schedule, you can spend time in the capital or visit the Blue Lagoon before your departure flight.