Legends of the Highlands: Through Iceland's Untamed Beauty

We start off by gathering up the herd of horses we take with us on the adventurous trail. Today we are riding through the summer pastures of horses and sheep from the farmers in the north of Iceland.

We ascend towards the highland plateau Víðidalstunguheiði heath. It is great to drive the horses through the very free fields of the highlands. The highland opens up for us and we see the mighty Álkugil gorge with picturesque waterfalls tumbling down over rock formations. The wideness and freedom feeling is inspiring for horses and people. It is graceful to see the free running herd tölt on the soft paths of the peaceful area. We see the remains of the old Kings Trail and the tracks from travelling horses through the centuries. 

We cross the river Álka and head south were we pass an old hut called Álkuskáli. Here the only inhabitants are foxes, birds and maybe some trolls. 

We spend the night at the Mountain Cabin Öndvegi which is very spacious with double rooms and showers. (Approx 35 km)

We go for a special excursion on this day. We take one horse each and leave the herd at the cabin. This makes us more flexible to observe and enjoy the impressive landscape of todays ride. 

We ride south towards one of the biggest glaciers of Iceland Langjökull. On the mountain Grettishæð we rest our horses and enjoy the spectacular view of the Northern Highlands. Grettishæð is on the north part of one of the biggest highland deserts of Iceland Stóri Sandur (Big Sand). Stóri Sandur makes us aware of how hostile and strong the nature can be in Iceland. There is almost no vegetation on Stóri Sandur only sand and rocks. We see the black volcano Krákur (Raven) and its lava field which is like a barrier in the highlands. 

Our historical viewing point Grettishæð is named after the most brutal outlaw of the Icelandic Sagas Grettir the Strong. Old tales say that the killer of Grettir, buried his head on Grettishæð. 

On our way back to our highland base Öndvegi, we ride beside Þjófakvísl (thiefs river). (Approx 20 km )

Today we continue our ride from our mountain cabin to east across these vast and untouched areas. We follow the river Strangakvísl (rough river). The name of this innocent looking river refers to the powerful streams that can appear in the spring when the snow is melting. 

The soft tracks lead us to the river Vatnsdalsá. This is the river that runs through our Valley Vatnsdalur. Here in the highlands this great angling river has its origin, from springs and gathering of smaller rivers. It is important when travelling in the highlands to pass the rivers in a safe place for horses and riders.

We use the legendary tide Lestarmannavað to get to our track that leads to Vatnsdalur valley. Passing Tjaldhóll (camping hill) we ride further until our paths meet the famous Kjölur route (the most used track between the north and the south) which we use descending from the highland plateau. The canyon Vatnsdalsárgil with all its waterfalls greets us on out way down to our valley. Our horses rest at the farm Forsæludalur.

(Approx 32 km)

Great soft riding track along the banks of Vatnsdalsá allow us to enjoy a fast ride in the soft tölt! Our track brings us past one more historic site from the Saga of Grettir the Strong, Þórhallastaðir (remains of the ancient farm from Þórhallur). There Grettir wrestled with the ghost Glámur and after a hard battle was able to defeat him. Grettir never recovered after the fight through and had nightmares for the rest of his life. 

Further we ride across the river Vatnsdalsá After a and head for home to the initial farm. After a hot cup of coffee and waffles we say goodbye to people and horses before leaving to Reykjavík (Approx 20 km).

Departure to Reykjaík around 16pm and arrival in Reykjavík BSÍ around 19:30.