The Ancient Kjölur Trail

5.0 (6)
8 days 7 nights
Iceland
Photo Heiðdís S.
5.0
Heiðdís S.
Tour Provider
View Heiðdís’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic+
Weight limit

Setting out on the journey along the ancient Kjölur trail offers a captivating glimpse into Iceland's rich history and stunning natural landscapes. As we traverse this historic route, following in the footsteps of Icelanders from centuries past en route to the annual summer parliament at Thingvellir -  where Iceland's cultural and political heritage is deeply rooted, we're deeply engaged with the timeless beauty of the Icelandic countryside.

Continuing our journey south to north or vice versa, we traverse diverse landscapes, from sandy deserts near the imposing Langjökull and Hofsjökull Glaciers to sheltered green valleys nestled amidst rugged terrain. Along the way, we encounter natural wonders like the Geysir hot spring area and the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall.

Since its inception in 1983, this tour has provided adventurers with the opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of Iceland's highlands, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

from
$3,053
$3,494
per tourist for 8 days
Departing from
Capital Region, Reykjavík
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Heiðdís S.
Heiðdís S. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
Our Company is owned by local Icelandic farmers, and our tours are organized by them. Our farmers live in almost every part of Iceland so we offer riding tours in a diversified landscape.

The tour guides you'll probably meet as well

Photo Haukur
Haukur
Haukur and family live in a Farm in Vatnsdalur in North Iceland. Haukur along with his daughters operates several of our tours. Haukur has four children and many many horses. His wonderful family and staff helps him operate the tours. Haukur is always cheerful and it’s so much fun when he takes out his guitar starts playing and singing with our guests.

Tour highlights

Waterfall
See the Mesmerizing Golden Waterfall
Gullfoss is one of three main attraction of the colden circle, the most popular sightseeing route in Iceland
Hot Spring Iceland
Visit the First Hot Spring in Europe
Geysir area is a famous geothermal area where Geysir, the first documented hot spring in Europe is located
Lava field
Ride Through the Lava Field
Kjalhraun is a huge rugged lava fields in the center of road Kjölur
Discover Valley From the Icelandic Saga
The uncountable hills, Vatnsdalshólar, are well known feature in Icelandic landscape.
Enjoy the 2nd Largest Ice Cap of Iceland
Langjökull is located in the highland and you have a chance to rest underneath it.
Discover Unique Icelandic Nature
Rough but extremely beautiful and very unique area

Route details

Day 1
Reykjavik – Haukur's Farm
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik at 18:00.
 
Our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Haukur's Farm in North Iceland where horses and staff are waiting for us. 
 
After a lovely introductory meal where we get to know each other, we relax and rest so we are well prepared for the adventure ahead of us.
Day 2
Vatnsdalur Valley Discovery
Day 3
Forsæludalur
Day 4
Öndvegi – Hveravellir Geothermal Area
Day 5
Gíslaskáli Area
Day 6
Gíslaskáli – Árbúðir
Day 7
Along the Slopes of Mt. Bláfell
Day 8
Back to Reykjavík
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments

Comfortable and in control at all paces, firm seat, comfortable in the saddle for up to 7 hrs. per day. Who rides regularly and is capable of handling horses in an open country.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic+
Guest House
7 nights

Shared rooms in mountain cabins and sleeping bags.

1 night
Árbúðir Mountain Hut

Arbudir is a mountain cabin right beside the Kjölur route on the banks of the river Svartá. The cabin has sleeping-bag accommodation for 30 overnight guests.

  • Number of rooms: 2
  • Number of beds: 30
  • Outdoor jacuzzi: No
  • Number of showers: 1
  • GSM connection: Yes but weak
  • WiFi: No
  • Made up beds: No
  • Number of WC: 2
2 nights
Haukur's Farm
1 night
Öndvegi Mountain Cabin
2 nights
Gíslaskáli Mountain Cabin
1 night
Fremstaver Mountain Cabin

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Capital Region, Reykjavík
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips
sparklines

Tour conditions

Included

  • bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm;
  • accommodation;
  • full board; 
    Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
  • rainwear;
  • saddle bag, riding helmet;
  • water bottle.

Extras

  • flight tickets to Iceland;
  • insurance;
  • alcoholic beverages -  hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty-Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival.

Group size

up to 20 tourists

Duration

8 days
7 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

You should be ready for all kinds of weather as the weather can change very quickly.

We recommend that the following items are included when preparing for our longer tours:

Warm jacket or overcoat.
Warm (woolen or fleece) sweater.
Warm socks and gloves, at lest two pairs, scarf and a cap or hat.
Warm underwear, long if possible (protects also from chafing).
For the ladies – sports bra.
Riding trousers.
A pair of slippers to wear in the accommodation (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house).
Swim suits, towels, soap etc.
A small camera to take with you on the ride.
Band aids and second skin plasters for chafing.
Insect repellent, gnat net head cover.
Chocolate or glucose sweets for strenuous riding days.
Sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor).

Additionally for sleeping bag accommodation: Sleeping bag, Small pillow to sleep on, Ear plugs.

We provide: Saddle bags, Rain wear and Safety helmet.

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Reviews

5.0
Based on 6 reviews
  • L
    Lena
    15 Apr, 2024
    about provider
    Friendly horses, enjoyable guided tours and an authentic Icelandic experience that feels welcoming, like being at home. Thank you!
    15 Apr, 2024
  • W
    Wolfram
    10 Mar, 2024
    about provider
    Wir haben jetzt schon zum fünften Mal eine Tour gemacht. Alle Touren sind richtig gut organisiert. Die Pferde sind super und die Strecken sind echt schön anzusehen Wir übernachten auf isländischen Bauernhöfen und die Atmosphäre ist total familiär und toll. Diese Touren sind nur für erfahrene Reiter geeignet Das Team ist großartig und alles ist top organisiert
    10 Mar, 2024
  • A
    Annette
    5 Dec, 2023
    about provider
    I consider them to be the top horse riding company in Iceland. This was my fourth experience with them, and I am already making plans for a trip in 2024!
    5 Dec, 2023

Dates and Prices

  • from
    $3,053
    $3,494
    19 – 26 Jun, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $3,270
    $3,711
    26 Jun – 3 Jul, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $3,270
    $3,711
    5 – 12 Jul, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $3,270
    $3,711
    12 – 19 Jul, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $3,270
    $3,711
    8 – 15 Aug, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book

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