In addition to the tangible history of Thingvellir, discover the enchanting nature around Iceland's largest lake on excellent soft tölt trails. The area around Thingvellirvatn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a very varied and beautiful natural landscape. You will ride across lava fields, heathland and moors, past lakes and rivers, and bathe in hot springs. The area is ideal for riding, with soft ground and many narrow paths leading through the beautiful landscape. There are also some low fir trees here among the many types of moss. Between mist and steam, the landscape often seems enchanted and makes you think of fairy tales (and believe in elves and trolls).
This horse riding tour is led by two experienced guides who bring along spare horses. This allows the horses to rest in between or be swapped if necessary.

Itinerary

Day 1: Upon arrival in Reykjavik, you’ll be picked up at BSÍ and transferred to the farm, where you’ll check into your rooms at the guesthouse. After dinner together, you’ll be briefed on the details of the coming days.

Day 2: From Hveragerdi, you’ll follow the old route to Hellisheidi. Once you reach the moor, you’ll ride to the Hengill volcano and the Kristnitökuhraun lava field. This lava dates back to the eruption of Hengill in the year 1000, the year Iceland officially converted to Christianity. Riding distance: 21 km / 4 hours.

Day 3: You’ll ride along the base of the Húsmúli and Hengill mountains. At times, you’ll need to dismount and lead the horses through the narrow gorge to Marardalur (Valley of the Horses). You’ll ride until you catch a glimpse of Lake Thingvallavatn. The trail continues along the lake, past Hestvik, to the Heidarbær farmstead. Afterward, you’ll visit the old Althing (Icelandic Parliament). From here, it’s not far to Skógarhólar. Until 1978, Iceland’s major national horse tournament, “Landsmot,” took place in Skógarhólar. Riding distance: approx. 38 km / 6–7 hours.

Day 4: You’ll ride through Thingvellir National Park. From Gjábakki, you’ll have an extraordinary view of the park. You can see Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake. This is also where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You’ll cross the Lyngdalsheidi Moor to Laugardalsvöllum, then return to the Lyngdalsheidi Moor and end today’s tour at the Kringlumýri cabin. Riding distance: approx. 26 km / 6–7 hours.

Day 5: From Kringlumýri, you’ll ride along soft trails. You’ll pass the Ljósafossvirkjun hydroelectric power plant, which was built in 1937 and is one of Iceland’s first hydroelectric power plants. The ride continues along the southern shore of the lake to the Villingarvatn farm, from where horses and guests are taken back to the Vellir farm. Riding distance: approx. 15 km / 3–4 hours.

Day 6: Today you’ll go on a horseback ride along the slopes of Mount Reykjafjall and around the small village of Hveragerdi. The trail leads through a lush forest to a colorful geothermal valley with hot springs. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to try the “tölt,” the Icelandic horse’s unique gait. You’ll pass the beautiful Djúpagilsfoss waterfall and several hot springs, where you can take a relaxing dip in a warm stream. The tour ends back at Vellir Farm. After a light snack, you’ll drive back to Reykjavík around 4:30 p.m., where the tour concludes. Riding distance: approx. 19 km / 5–6 hours.

Subject to change!

Accomodation
You will spend two nights in the cozy guest house at Riding centre in double and multi-bed rooms. Breakfast and dinner are served in the hotel restaurant next door. Only two nights are spent in simple mountain huts, one of which has only cold water.

Saddle & Tack: Icelandic trekking saddles and snaffle.

Experience: ou should have some riding experience, sporty beginners are also welcome. You will be riding at a leisurely pace, but up to 7 hours a day,so a certain level of fitness is required. You will not be accompanied by a free-running herd. For all those who like it a little quieter or have not been sitting in the saddle for quite so long.

Horses: Icelandic horses, sure-footed and friendly.