Trips selected by Cap Rando agencies partners
Type
Stationary and progressive trail rides
Comfort
In dormitories or bedrooms
Level
Level 3 :You must be able to walk, trot, canter and gallop outdoor

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Thematic

This tour was nominated by CNNgo as one of the 15 greatest horse treks in the world!

What better or more unique way to do the popular Golden Circle Tour than by riding the Icelandic horse through the lovely countryside of South Iceland. The key attractions on this classic tour are the hot spring area of Geysir and Gullfoss or the Golden Waterfall. Each one guaranteed to take your breath away.

This tour is perfect for families and those not having the required riding experience for  highland tours. Keep in mind that riding days can be long so you should be in good physical shape and have the basic horsemanship skills.

On the first riding day you get acquainted with the unique Icelandic Horse and its special extra gait as we take an easy trek along the banks of the majestic Thjórsá River. We continue towards Gullfoss Waterfall with its thundering waters and the hot spring area of Geysir. After a relaxed day´s riding in that locality, we next explore some of more remote places, well off the beaten track. On our way to our accommodation, we visit the charming Secret Lagoon for a well-deserved bath. We cross the highland moor of Hrunaheiði and enjoy good riding tracks when trekking past iconic basalt columns at Hrepphólar on our way back to Kálfhóll Farm.

Part of this tour can be booked as a 5-day tour/4 riding days

 

Itinerary
Programme intro

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 – Myrkholt (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 Myrkholt Farm, where we spend the night.

Day 4.  Myrkholt – Gullfoss – Myrkholt (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. We will have our lunch break at Gullfoss before we ride back to Myrkholt where we spend the night.

Day 5.  Haukadalur – Haukadalsheiði – Myrkholt (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. Myrkholt – 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.

MEETING/DEPARTURE

MEETING:
Day 1 at Redjavik bus station at 6 p.m. There is a regular Flybus service (www.re.is/flybus) between Keflavik Airport and Reykjavik Central bus Station. To have enough time for the Flybus transfer, we recommend that you arrive before 4:00 p.m. on the first day.

DEPARTURE:
Day 8 in Redjavik around 8 p.m. (8 days versions), 11:30 a.m. (6 days version).  Depending on the time of your return flight, you may need to make your own accommodation arrangements in Reykjavik for the night. Last day drop-off is possible for select Reykjavik hotels except those in the city center. For these hotels, you will be dropped off at the nearest bus stop. You will find a map of the bus stop locations and more information on www.busstop.is.

Riding

LEVEL: rando cheval islande
You should be comfortable with the three gaits (walk, trot, canter) outdoors. This tour is perfect for families and those not having the required riding experience for  highland tours. Keep in mind that riding days can be long so you should be in good physical shape and have the basic horsemanship skills. Riders are expected to take care of their horse (groom and saddle up), but help is always available if you need it.

RYTHM:
You ride 3 to 7 hours a day on average.

GUIDES:
Local English speaking guides.

GROUPS:
Up to 20 riders.

randonnee a cheval en islandeHORSES:
Icelandic horses. On the ride, you change horses once or twice a day, the herd of around fifty free-roaming horses travels with you.

TACK:
English saddles.

Comfort

horseback trail ride in IcelandACCOMMODATION: rando cheval islande
In farm motel with 2-4 person bedrooms

MEALS:
During the ride full board is provided. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty-Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival.

LUGGAGE TRANSFERS:
Insured by assistance vehicle.

 

Rates
Infos tarif

2024 PRICES / PER PERSON *:
7 days version
1-21 June: 2620 €
30 June-18 August: 2690 €
24 August - 6 September: 2620 €
Booking fees: 15 €
Vegan and gluten free food supplement : 100€

6 days version
1-21 June: 1755 €
30 June-18 August: 1880 €
24 August - 6 September: 1755 €
Booking fees: 15 €
Vegan and gluten free food supplement : 100€

* Rates may vary up or down at the time of your booking, depending on the exchange rate with the Icelandic Krona.

PRICES INCLUDE:
Rides described, the equipped horse, the guide, the assistance ensuring the preparation of the meals and the transport of the luggage, the accommodation, the meals, the transfers from / to Redjavik at the fixed times, the financial guarantee of your payments by our deposit of travel operator.

PRICES DON'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, drinks, any sightseeing, tips, accommodation and meals in Redjavik, transport to Iceland, gratuities, anything not indicated in "prices include".

Dates
Dates From Infos Contact
- 1755€ 6 days - AVAILABLE Information request
- 2620€ 7 days - AVAILABLE Information request
- 1755€ 6 days - 2 LAST SPACES Information request
- 2620€ 7 days - 2 LAST SPACES Information request
- 1755€ 6 days - FULL Information request
- 2620€ 7 days - FULL Information request
- 1880€ 6 days - FULL Information request
- 2690€ 7 days - FULL Information request
- 1755€ 6 days - AVAILABLE Information request
- 2620€ 7 days - AVAILABLE Information request
- 1755€ 6 days - AVAILABLE Information request
- 2620€ 7 days - AVAILABLE Information request