The Golden Circle of Iceland

After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits, we start our ride along the pleasant trail at Thjórsá glacier fed river. 

We leave the horses at Sandlækjarmýri field and drive to Hannes's Farm. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere.  (approximately 15 km)

We leave the farm and drive back to the horses.

From there we head off to the fertile farmlands of neighboring community Hrunamannahreppur. We drive spare horses along in a free running herd, enabling us to change our mount regularly and traveling at a brisk space. 

We cross the well know Salmon River Stóra-Laxá and stop for our picnic lunch at Hrunaréttir, a corral used for the annual sheep round-up in autumn. 

We continue our ride on good trails, towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations. Our ride ends at Brúarhlöð and we drive to the Farm, where we spend the night. (approximately 30 km)

We continue our ride on soft trails ideal for tölting, alongside Hvítá River we follow the ever deepening canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss.

The name “Gullfoss” means “Golden waterfall” in English, and it is named after the golden hue that the waterfall takes on during sunrise and sunset. 

Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland and is known for its powerful and dramatic appearance, with water falling a total of 32 meters (105 feet) in two stages.  

We will have our lunch break at Gullfoss before we ride back to Hannes's Farm where we spend the night. (approximately 20 km)

Our ride takes us through Haukadalur valley with its beautiful birch forest. Cross clear little streams on the way and enjoy the rich vegetation of wild mountain flowers that bloom during high summer. 

While you ascend to a highland plateau you will notice the changes in nature as you reach higher ground. A breathtaking view of the mountain ranges and glaciers of the highland around awaits you when you reach the top of Haukadalsheiði.

Rest of the day is spent in the Geysir area. You have plenty of time to explore this highly interesting area with its countless bubbling hot springs. (approximately 18 km)

We leave the Geysir area and ride along green pastures back to the bridge at Brúarhlöð canyon where we cross mighty Hvítá River. 

Now we head towards the interior and follow beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley onto Hrunaheiðar heath plateau and we experience riding along the edge of civilization. 

Our horses spend the night at Kaldbakur Farm, we drive to the Secret Lagoon for relaxing bath in the geothermal pool and then drive to Hannes's Farm and spend the night. (approximately 30 km)

Our last day of riding includes yet again terrific scenery. 

Today we follow good riding tracks past Mt. Galtafell. We cross River Laxá before we reach Sandlækjarmýri. We turn towards the banks of Thjórsá River and follow them to the Farm. 

Here we say goodbye to our guides, staff, and horses and return to Reykjavík BSÍ, approx. arrival at 20:00.

(approximately 40 km)

– We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary –