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The Golden Circle   Tour #6

Is there a better way to visit the well-known sights in Iceland, the Geysir Hot Spring area and the Golden Waterfall Gullfoss than by riding through the lovely countryside of South Iceland? Exchange the beaten tracks for fine bridle paths along deep canyons, travel across wide salmon rivers to the wonders of untouched nature. Ascend through a lovely birch forests with wild mountain flowers to a highland plateau and enjoy great views of mountains and glaciers!  Visit Thingvellir Nationalpark on your transfer day, the historical place where the first parliament was founded around the year 1000 and where the continental plates drift apart. You don´t need to be a very experienced rider for this tour, because our horses, especially chosen for this trip, take you safely and comfortably to your destination. Still riding days can be as long as up to 38 km in the saddle so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship.

IT-ICRT06
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights 
(6 riding days) - 180 km
 US$ 2,620 per person  
-- based on € 1,689
Departures in 2008:

06/07-06/14   06/14-06/21   
06/21-06/28   06/28-07/05  
07/05-07/12   07/12-07/19  
07/19-07/26   07/26-08/02   
08/02-08/09   08/09-08/16   
08/16-08/23   08/23-08/30

 availability & reservation

Meeting Point:  Keflavik  airport
Level:      Low Intermediate+
Riding per day:  3-6 hours
Pace:       moderate
Tack:       Icelandic
Horses:   Icelandic Horses |
Min/Max: 7-18 riders
Note: lodgings in holiday farms (2-4 per room) and hotel (dbl)

 

 
   Riding in Iceland
 

   Driving a Herd of  horses
Slide Show

We start at Fossnes Farm, situated in the striking beauty of the hilly farmland near glacial river Thjórsá and well know from our popular Kjölur Tour. There is more comfort to this tour since accommodation is always in made up beds in nice 2-4 bedrooms.

Itinerary

Saturday: Arrival in Iceland - Keflavík Airport - Reykjavík

A representative meets all clients at Keflavík Airport and drives them to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. At approx. 17:30 we invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of the following tour and meet your fellow riders.  

Sunday: Reykjavík–Thingvellir -Fossnes Farm –Gnúpverjahreppur -Fossnes Farm

Transfer from Reykjavík via Thingvellir Nationalpark to Fossnes farm, situated in beautiful surroundings, where we meet horses and guides. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride along pleasant trails and explore the colourful Gnúpverja­hreppur countryside. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. During the ride you will enjoy the view of deep green mountains and valleys and the mighty glacial river Thjórsá. Relax in a hot pool before a hearty dinner at the farm. (4 – 5 hours)

Monday: Fossnes – Hvítárdalur -Fossnes

We leave the farm and head off to the fertile farmlands of neighbouring community Hrunamannahreppur. We take handhorses along for changing our mounts a couple of times a day and this gives us the opportunity to travel at a comfortable speed. We cross the well know salmon river Stóra-Laxá and stop for our picknick lunch at Hrunaréttir, a paddock for the annual sheep round-up in autum. We leave the horses at Hvítárdalur Farm and drive back to Fossnes for the night. (6 – 7 hours)

Tuesday: Fossnes - Hvítárdalur - Gullfoss – Geysir Guesthouse

We continue our ride on soft trails ideal for tölting towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöđ where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations. Alongside Hvítá River we follow the ever deepening canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss and continue to the famous Geysir Hot Spring Area where we will stay for two nights. From the guesthouse we have direct view to the geothermal area and you will have plenty of time to explore this highly interesting area with its countless bubbling  hot springs. Hot outdoor pool on site. (6 - 7 hours)

Wednesday: Geysir - Haukadalur - Haukadalsheiđi - Geysir

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 Haukadalsheiđi. (4 – 5 hours)

Thursday: Geysir – Tungufellsdalur – Kaldbakur – Fossnes

We leave the Geysir area and ride along green pastures with grazing horses and cattle back to the bridge at Brúarhlöđ canyon where we cross the Hvítá River. Now we head towards the interior and follow beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley onto Hrunaheiđar heath plateau. In clear weather conditions you have an excellent view all over South Iceland from up there and we experience riding along the edge of civilisation. Our horses spend the night at Kaldbakur Farm, while we drive back to Fossnes where we spend the night and enjoy a nice hot bath after a long days ride. (6 – 7 hours.)

Friday: Fossnes – Kaldbakur – Hrunakrókur - Fossnes - Reykjavík

Our last day of riding includes yet again terrific scenery. We cross Stóra-Láxá River close to Laxárgljúfur canyon at lovely situated Hrunakrókur, a deserted farm. The terrain changes to vast green meadows on our way through Laxárdalur valley and we enjoy good riding tracks on our way back to Fossnes Farm (5-6 hours). Here we say goodbye to our guides, staff and horses and return to a guesthouse in Reykjavík for an overnight stay. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 18:00.

Saturday: Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík - Keflavík Airport

Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.

 

This popular tour has been in operation since 1984 and is ideal for families and those who do not have the riding experience necessary for our highland tours.

 

        Part of this tour can be booked as a 5-day tour (4 riding days) - see tour 13. 

 

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