Nature's Treasures and Rider's Pleasures (long)

Your guide meets you after breakfast for a short introduction before you get to know the horses. 

The program starts with a practical riding demonstration, followed by a few rounds in the riding hall or paddock.  

We start riding out into nature, discovering the beautiful landscape opening up between the volcanic mountains and the Atlantic ocean in southern Iceland. We begin the tour on nice riding trails along our green meadows which are ideal for trying the special gait of the Icelandic horse. The trail continues along the river Gljúfurá to an old cemetery close to the mighty glacial river Ölfusá.

Lunch break with the panoramic view of the river delta and the famous volcanos Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, if the weather permitting. 

Our route proceeds along a grassy track, leading us down to the black lava sand along the riverbanks. We wade through shallow waters to reach the lush green islands within the river delta. Trotting across these islands, we relish the sensation of soft terrain underfoot, crossing sand and water. This area offers favorable opportunities to spot diverse bird species that inhabit the wetlands of the nearby Ölfusforir bird sanctuary.

We end the ride on trails along meadows and relax with coffee and home-baked cake in our Cafeteria. Afterwards, you have the possibility to soften up in the comfortably warm hot tubs at the Hotel. 

This day offers spectacular views and a surprising variety of magnificent Icelandic nature. 

Our journey starts by tracing the slopes of Reykjafjall mountain, and we proceed along delightful equestrian trails that encircle the village of Hveragerði. This path leads us through a lush forest and into a geothermal valley adorned with hot springs. This area underwent a significant expansion due to a seismic event in 2008. Along the way, there is an opportunity to experience the "tölt," the distinctive gait of the Icelandic horse.

On the way, we encounter the captivating Djúpagilsfoss waterfall and several hot springs before arriving at the Reykjadalur valley. Here, a warm stream invites us to enjoy a soothing bath. As we journey back down the valley, we're treated to captivating panoramas, including the village of Hveragerði, picturesque farmland, and even the possibility of spotting the Westman Islands along the coastline, if the weather permits. Our route continues along the mountain slopes, leading us back to the farm, where a warm cup of coffee and freshly baked cake await our arrival.

This tour includes about 30 minutes of hiking (four short walks).

After breakfast and check-out we start the day tour. 

The trail takes us through a small river, a lava field and along meadows, passing by several horse farms that give us an idea of how agriculture has developed in the last decades in Iceland. On our way we enjoy the fascinating scenery of volcanic mountains towering over green hills and pastures, riding between large fields with grazing horses on excellent paths that are ideal for a brisk tölt.  

After the lunch break we head towards the table mountain Ingólfsfjall, named after the first settler of Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarson. The landscape is changing drastically at the foot of the mountain, and we take a break between huge rocks, soft pillows of green moss and perhaps some grazing sheep. We then follow a scenic, narrow old Viking trail along the slopes of the mountain, riding in the footsteps of the first settlers. 

On the way back to our farm Vellir we ride along the mountain Reykjafjall with nice views over the surrounding area. 

After the ride, we enjoy some refreshments.

After breakfast and check-out we take the horses in the trailer to the small fishing town Thorlákshöfn, where we start the tour with a ride on the long, black beach. 

We follow the scenic beach along the surf of the North Atlantic for a few kilometres, riding on soft black lava sand until we reach the beautiful area where the mighty glacial river Ölfusá meets the sea in a large delta. 

We then continue through shallow water at the edge of the river delta and ride on grassy river banks and along wetlands and meadows towards the farmland in the Ölfús area, where our farm is located. 

On our way we have plenty of opportunities to try the smooth gait of the Icelandic horse “tölt” on nice trails in beautiful scenery which seems to be far from civilization and enjoy spectacular views of mountains and the volcanos Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, weather permitting. 

We also have good chances to see the sea- and wetland birds of various kinds living in the Flói Bird Reserve between the ocean shore and the river. 

After we have reached the old cemetery at Arnarbæli we ride along the river Gljúfurá and pastures with grazing horses back to the base. 

The bus takes you back to Reykjavik at about 16:15.
 

The tour can also start at Vellir and end at Thorlákshöfn, depending on tides.