Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you. Horse Riding Holidays and Equestrian Breaks - beginner or experienced rider, we have a Horse Riding Holiday for you.

Between the Glaciers

9 days Keflavic-Keflavic

Move back in time and ride along the historic Kjolur trail as Icelanders did throughout the centuries while travelling to the big summer parliament at Thingvellir, first held in 930 AD. We visit this historic place which has since become a national park, famed for its beauty and its position right on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the continental plates drift apart. We stop at the Geysir Hot Spring area and admire the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall before leaving civilisation for the rugged wilderness of the interior.

Travelling from south to north or vice versa right across the heart of Iceland you will find yourself in remote desert-like areas surrounded by huge glaciers, and yet again in vast green meadows where only young horses and sheep roam free during summer. Our hosts Hjalti and Asa lead us past extinct volcanoes and glacier lakes and across wild glacial rivers.

Riding up into the highlands the green meadows in the south change to barren sand deserts close to mighty Langjokull and Hofsjokull Glaciers. Sheltered green valleys come as a surprise in this rugged terrain. Feel that you are part of Iceland's history when you follow the same tracks people have used all the way back to the early days of settlement.

If you want to see as much as possible of the Icelandic highlands, this tour is the perfect choice for you.

Day by day itinerary
Day 1
Transfer from Keflavik Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavik. You are invited to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders. (D)
Day 2
You'll drive to Kjoastaoir Farm, visiting the historical site Thingvellir and the well-known Geysir Hot Spring Area on your way. The ride starts off towards the majestic glacier Langjokull and continues on to Haukadalsheioi heath. You'll leave the horses at Sanda River for the night. On your way back to Kjoastaoir Farm you'll stop at the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. The night is spent in one of several summer houses that have showers and an outdoor hot tub on site. (30 km) (B,L,D)
Day 3
Your ride continues along the slopes of Mt. Blafell. This area was once roamed by outlaws in the old days. To be on the safe side you might want to take along a little stone as a special charm for safety during the ride - you might need it later today! Cross the River Hvita and enjoy the view to the glacier- fed lake Hvitarvatn with its floating icebergs. Tonight you'll stay at Arbuoir, situated right on the banks of river Svarta. (30 km) (B,L,D)
Day 4
Today you'll explore Lake Hvitarvatn up close and be able to ride without the herd towards this magnificent lake emerging from Langjokull Glacier. When you return to the herd you'll continue the ride along Svarta River, passing through the Granunes area. The area was named after the horse Grana and his tragic story which happened centuries ago will be recounted to you. The day ends at the Svartarbotnar Mountain Cabin, a new cabin with a warm shower. (30 km) (B,L,D)
Day 5
The huge rugged lava fields of Kjalhraun are on the itinerary today, and your sure-footed Icelandic horse manages the terrain with true bravery. During the ride you'll enjoy splendid views of the glacier Langjokull and follow the glacier fed river Fulakvisl. Leave the herd for a couple of hours to enter into the world of Thjofadalir, or Valley of Thieves, a grassy valley surrounded by high mountains, a true oasis in the wilderness. Then you'll carry on to Hveravellir, a unique geothermal area between Hofsjokull and Langjokull glaciers. A natural hot pool invites you in for a well deserved relaxing bath. (40 km) (B,L,D)
Day 6
This day will be a very special one, since you'll cross the large glacial rivers, Blanda, Svartakvisl and Strangakvisl on your way to the North. No need to worry, most Icelanders would rather choose a trusted Icelandic horse than a vehicle to cross the river! Up to mid July the sun hardly sets in this part of the country. From the mountain cabin Galtara we can overlook the big man-made lake Blonduvatn. (45 km) (B,L,D)
Day 7
Today you descend past beautiful Lake Aoalmannsvatn towards the fertile Maelifellsdalur valley in the Skagafjorour area. Enjoy endless herds of horses grazing on striking hills. In good weather conditions you can see all the way to the Atlantic Ocean on the North coast. Good riding tracks give you the opportunity to enjoy a fast ride in the soft 'tolt' gait! We end the day at Lauftun Holiday Farm with a hot tub heated with geothermal water. (40 km) (B,L,D)
Day 8
Transfer back to Reykjavik for the last overnight stay, leaving at approximately 2 p.m. (B)
Day 9
Transfer by bus to Keflavik Airport in time for the return flight home. (B)
N.B. Some of our departures are operated from the North. Reversed itinerary available upon request.
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Iceland
  • Departure dates: 20, 27 Jun, 4, 11, 18, 25 Jul, 01, 08, 15, 22 Aug
  • Prices (2009 Land only): £1,175 per person
  • Includes: Transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding.
  • Price with flights from London: From £1,415 depending on season and availability.
  • Single supplement: None - you must be willing to share.
  • Non-riders: Not suitable
  • Children: Aged 8 and upwards are accepted if they have the necessary riding skills and are accompanied by an adult rider. Children must also be able to cope with basic accommodation. Under 12's will receive a 25% reduction off the adult price.
  • Riding ability required: Intermediate
  • Type of ride: Trail Ride
  • Trip Code: EIBG

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