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.
HORSEBACK TRAIL RIE IN ICELAND
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Forward route:
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. Sandlækjarmýri – Sólheimar (approximately 20 km)
Today we continue from Sandlækjarmýri and ride through the countryside, following green riding paths and enjoying beautiful views along the way. If river conditions allow, we cross the Stóra-Laxá River and continue to Sólheimar Farm, where the horses stay for the night. From there, we return to Kálfhóll for dinner and accommodation.
After this riding day, we visit the Secret Lagoon for a relaxing soak.
Day 4. Sólheimar – Brúarhlöð (approximately 20 km)
Today’s ride starts at Sólheimar Farm. From there, we ride through peaceful countryside and pass Hruni, an old church site connected to the well-known story of the Dance at Hruni.
We continue past traditional sheep pens made from basalt columns and ride deeper into the countryside, passing the Hvítárdalur area before reaching Brúarhlöð. Brúarhlöð is known for its unique rock formations in the famous Hvítá River, the same river that flows from Gullfoss. At the end of the ride, we are driven back to Kálfhóll, where dinner and accommodation await us.
Day 5. Skjól – Gullfoss – Skjól (approximately 20 km)
Today we start our ride at Skjól and follow a wonderful route through green meadows and good riding paths towards Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls.
Gullfoss is also connected to the story of Sigríður from Brattholt, who is said to have fought to protect the waterfall from being harnessed for hydroelectric power. She famously threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if plans to exploit it were not stopped.
We stop at Gullfoss for approximately one and a half hours, giving us time to enjoy the waterfall, take photos, and experience this powerful natural wonder. After the break, we ride back to Skjól.
Day 6. Skjól – Geysir – Skjól (approximately 20 km)
On our final riding day, we ride from Skjól towards the famous Geysir geothermal area. The route takes us through Haukadalsskógur, a beautiful forest with excellent riding paths, mountain views, and wonderful scenery overlooking the Geysir area. The horses are kept in a paddock near Geysir while we stop for approximately one hour to explore the geothermal area and watch Strokkur erupt.
After the stop, we return to Skjól. From there, we travel back to town, arriving at approximately 18:00.
* Indcative itinerary that may be subjected to changes if necessary due to weather, increasing river conditions (exspecially in spring), or other circumstances beyond our control
Opposite direction :
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: Skjól – Geysir – Skjól (approximately 20 km)
After breakfast at Kálfhóll farm we drive to Skjól meeting our horses and start the first day of riding towards the famous Geysir geothermal area. The route takes us through Haukadalsskógur, a beautiful forest with excellent riding paths, mountain views, and wonderful scenery overlooking the Geysir area.
The horses are kept in a paddock near Geysir while we stop for approximately one hour to explore the geothermal area and watch Strokkur erupt. After the stop, we ride back to Skjól. At the end of the riding day, we return to Kálfhóll Farm, where dinner and accommodation await us.
Day 3: Skjól – Gullfoss – Skjól (approximately 20 km)
Today we ride from Skjól along a beautiful route through green meadows and good riding paths towards Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls.
Gullfoss is also connected to the story of Sigríður from Brattholt, who is said to have fought to protect the waterfall from being harnessed for hydroelectric power. She famously threatened to throw herself into the waterfall if plans to exploit it were not stopped. We stop at Gullfoss for approximately one and a half hours, giving us time to enjoy the waterfall, take photos, and experience this powerful natural wonder. After the break, we ride back to Skjól. At the end of the day, we return to Kálfhóll for dinner and accommodation.
Day 4: Skjól – Brúarhlöð – Sólheimar (approximately 27 km)
We start our riding day at Skjól towards Brúarhlöð, a beautiful area known for its unique rock formations in the famous Hvítá River, the same river that flows from Gullfoss.
From Brúarhlöð, we ride through peaceful countryside, passing the Hvítárdalur area and traditional sheep pens made from basalt columns. We continue past Hruni, an old church site connected to the well-known story of the Dance at Hruni. The ride ends at Sólheimar Farm, a charming countryside farm where the horses stay for the night. From there, we return to Kálfhóll for dinner and accommodation.
Day 5: Sólheimar – Sandlækjamýri (approximately 20 km)
Today we continue from Sólheimar Farm and ride through the countryside, following green riding paths and enjoying beautiful views along the way. If river conditions allow, we cross the Stóra-Laxá River and continue towards Sandlækjamýri, where the riding day comes to an end. Riding distance: approx. 20 km. After this riding day, we visit the Secret Lagoon for a relaxing soak.
Day 6: Sandlækjamýri – Kálfhóll (approximately 16 km)
On our final riding day, we ride from Sandlækjamýri back towards Kálfhóll Farm. We follow the Þjórsá River along a historic riding route once used by people from the surrounding countryside when travelling on horseback to the horse gatherings held at Murneyrar, events known for their lively atmosphere and great enjoyment.
This final ride brings us back to Kálfhóll, where our riding adventure comes to an end.
From there, we return to town, arriving at approximately 18:00.
* Indcative itinerary that may be subjected to changes if necessary due to weather, increasing river conditions (exspecially in spring), or other circumstances beyond our control
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 6 in Redjavik around 8 p.m. 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.
LEVEL: 
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.
HORSES:
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.
ACCOMMODATION: 
In farm, in cabin for 5 persons. 3 rooms per cabin. 1 wc, 1 shower per cabin. Wifi.
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.
2027 PRICES / PER PERSON *:
May; June, August: 2599 €
July: 2699 €
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".