Adventure vacations in Iceland

Discover Iceland

Overview

The Discover Iceland itinerary combines riding the famous Icelandic horses in the southern agricultural area and western part of Iceland. On the transfer to West Iceland you visit Thingvellir National Park to see the fissure zone of the mid-Atlantic ridge.

The rides are planned according to the ride level of the guests, from novice to more advanced riders but the pacing is more leisurely.  Exploration rides from Sydra-Langholt farm take you to a not so secret lagoon, the Stora-Laxa canyon and a ride across the highlands over Hrunaheidi plateau. Once in west Iceland ride from Sturlu Reykur farm exloring this area with Glacial views and one of the oldest lava fields in Iceland, Hallmundarhraun. You will also have a chance to schedule a visit to the blue ice tunnels of Langjoekjull Glacier and a visit to the Lava Cave of Vidgemlir.

Overnight at two comfortable and lovely hotels.

Breakfast is served at the hotels, lunches are picnics or at cafes, dinners are an out of pocket expense.

  • Overview:
    Icelandic horses are short (about 13.2 hands average) but stout and strong, weighing 800 to 1000 pounds and are quite capable of carrying large and heavy people over rough distances at a brisk rate. The horses are usually in snaffle bits — loose rings with snap-on, one-piece reins. English-type saddles are used in the Icelandic style, somewhat of a cross between a dressage and an endurance saddle.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Icelandic
  • Trip Pace:
    To suit riders
  • Tack:
    English
  • Weight limit:
    220 lbs

The hotel in Fludir offers easy access to the Golden Circle route. Gulfoss waterfall and Geysir are close by as well as hiking trails and the hot pods at the hotel are definitely worth a good soak. Reykjavik is only about an hour’s drive and the town of Vik further east on the ring route is also a great place to visit.

Husafell is a natural playground and perfect base to explore the nearby Langjokull Glacier, the highlands and the Snaefells Jokull National Park. There is a geothermal pool, a golf course and surrounding hiking trails. Enjoy glacier excursions, super jeep tours or visit the Vidgelmir Lava cave, the worlds largest cave located in the Hallmundarhraun lava field, just minutes from the hotel.

Breakfasts at both hotels are sumptuous buffets including everything from a variety of breads and sweet rolls, cold cuts, cooked eggs, different cereal options, fresh fruits and fruit salads, yogurts among other things. Lunches can be either a picnic in the countryside or a stop at cafeterias if the weather does not allow for picnics. Dinners are an out of pocket expense and both hotels offer great restaurant options. In Fludir there is also another restaurant across the street from the hotel. Dinners are quite expensive in Iceland and can easily start at $50 per person.

Reykjavik the morning of Day 1.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

AM transfer from Reykjavik (from a hotel of your choice) to the farm Syðra-Langholt for your first ride.

After an introduction into the safety issues, tack and gaits of the Icelandic horse set off for a gentle ride over good tölting tracks. The route takes you through rolling hills and idyllic farmland with young horses, sheep and cattle grazing on endless green fields. If you think of typical Icelandic farm life – here it is. Stop at the natural hot springs of the Secret Lagoon. The pool´s steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. The warm water keeps a temperature of 38-40° Celsius all year round. Close by there is even a little Geysir which erupts every 5 minutes, showing off for the guests relaxing in the hot spring. Changing rooms with showers are on site. After a long and relaxing bath saddle up again and ride back to the farm for a coffee and a last hug for your new four–legged furry friends. During the ride find a beautiful spot for an alfresco picnic lunch. (riding distance ca. 13 miles). Transfer back to the hotel Flúðir for dinner and overnight.

Day 2

Ride towards the highland along the Stóra-Laxá canyon

After breakfast return to the farm and start for your highland adventure. Today ride along the basalt collums of Hrepphólar and the canyon of the Stóra-Laxá river. Stop for a fabulous picnic lunch in a beautiful private valley and enjoy a visit to the Samansafn museum – a wonderful collection of old farm, mountain and fishing equipment. Ride to the sheep paddocks at Hrunaréttir, used for separating the sheep in autumn when returning from the highland. Continue riding over the mountains to Hvítárdalur farm where you leave the horses for the night. Return to the hotel after a short drive and take advantage of the open air Jacuzzi for a good soak.

Day 3

Highlandride over Hrunaheiði plateau to abandoned farm Kluftir

Today is going to be a wonderful ride into the uninhabited wilderness north of the valley of Tungufellsdalur. Climb the high mountain plateau and follow narrow tracks made only by sheep and horses. Enjoy wonderful views of the wild green mountainside, following little creeks with spring water. Pass the abandoned farm of Kluftir and leave the horses at Kaldbak farm. Transfer back to the hotel after a truly adventurous ride. (riding distance ca.18 miles)

Day 4

Drive to West Iceland

Transfer from Hotel Flúðir to West Iceland via Thingvellir National Park and the Kaldidalur highland route. Check in at hotel Húsafell and then meet the horses at Sturlu Reykur. You ride from the farm to Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. By providing 180 l/sec of 100°C hot water it has the highest flow rate of hot springs in Europe and provides hot water and energy for Reykjavik and the surrounding area. Return to the farm though beautiful countryside and along a river valley. Private transfer to Hotel Húsafell, your luxury accommodation for the next two nights. Enjoy an individual dinner and the hot tubs of the adjoining geothermal pool.
Riding time: ca. 3 hours

Day 5

Lava and Birch wood (or some other riding day on this tour)

Today enjoy a romantic ride characterized by dense woods, lava formations, crystal-clear mountain springs, hot water, magnificent ravines, glaciers and rushing glacial streams. Some might also know the area from the Icelandic movie “Hross í oss” (Of Horses and Men). Ride into one of the oldest lava fields in Iceland, Hallmundarhraun. The lava flowed from the north-western rim of Langjökull glacier, and entered Hvítá river. This is the largest lava field of Borgarfjörður district, being about 32 miles long and 4 miles wide where it is widest. Transfer back to Hotel Husafell after the ride. Optional tour: Before or after the ride you have the opportunity for an exciting tour from the hotel into the blue ice of the Langjökull glacier. www.intotheglacier.is. This tour is an out of pocket expense.

Day 6

Tölt with glacier view

Enjoy a beautifully presented breakfast buffet at the hotel before the guides pick you up for your last ride. Today enjoy a perfect view of the glaciers around you. You will see directly to the Eiríksjökull and Langjökull glaciers and the smaller Ok icefield. Ride up to Lambárfoss, a beautiful waterfall in the river Lambá where you enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to the hotel and transferring to Reykjavik after the ride. Riding time about 3 hours.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

Check with us for available dates. Their season is June through the end of August.

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Preferred Trip Dates

Discover Iceland
November 13, 2024
January 1, 1970
January 1, 1970
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It was a wonderful ride in every way. Stefnir and Anita are the loveliest and hardest-working people I think I have ever met. They treat their beautiful horses with love and terrific care and attention. Their tack was in perfect condition. Stefnir answered endless questions about Iceland's history, culture and geography. Anita... Read more  

Gruber, May 2019