The Royal Ride: Iceland's Western Highlands

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

The Trail offers a distinctive journey through Iceland's western highlands, starting from the picturesque Vatnsdalur Valley in the north to the historic site of Þingvellir in the south.

The trail passes through the legendary Arnarvatnheiði Heath with its numerous lakes and myths, offering views of the majestic glaciers Langjökull and Eiríksjökull. A visit to the geothermal area Húsafell, known for its natural beauty including a forest and outdoor pool, provides a perfect setting to enjoy the midnight sun in Iceland.

The adventure includes traveling with a herd of 60-90 free-running horses, ensuring that everyone can find their favorite mount. Led by Haukur and his team, participants are guided through spectacular natural and historical sites, creating an unforgettable experience.

The flexibility of choosing the best route (North-South/South-North) based on weather conditions and terrain ensures that each journey along the southern part of the trail remains unique from year to year.

$3,417
$4,048
per tourist for 7 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

Serene Surroundings
Explore Iceland's amazing landscapes, so different and unique
Iceland waterfalls
Explore Vatnsdalur Valley and Hvammsfoss Waterfall
And other mythical and historical stunning locations
Travel With a Herd
You will be riding with a herd of 60-90 free-running Icelandic horses

Route details

Day 1
Vatnsdalur Valley and Haukagil / Þingvellir and Skógarhólar

North to south:

Pick up at 9:00 at BSÍ bus station in Reykjavík. Drive to the north where our farmer and his team welcome us at Haukur's Farm. The farm is in the valley Vatnsdalur which is said to be one of the most fertile and beautiful valleys in Iceland, shaped by water, glaciers and volcanic activity. On our ride we pass the historical farm Hof and cross Vatnsdalsá river. Vatnsdalur is the setting of one of the ancient sagas, the Vatnsdælasaga

On our way we hear tales from Iceland´s heroic past of bloody conflict, revenge and love. You can sense the happiness of the free running horses as we are heading towards the highland. The horses stay at Haukagil farm which is the last farm on this side of the valley before we enter the highland plateau. We stay overnight at Haukur's Farm. The hot tub offers a nice relaxation as we get ready for the riding adventures of the coming days. (Approx. 20 km)

South to north:

Pick up at 9:00 at BSÍ bus station in Reykjavík. Drive to the Skógarhólar Fields where our Horseman and guide Haukur, his team and horses his farm will meet you. Skógarhólar is run by the Icelandic Horse Clubs Association and is located in Þingvellir National Park. We experience the beautiful sites and history of Þingvellir often called the national shrine of Iceland. Here was the oldest existing parliament in the world assembled. The spectacular Geology of Þingvellir is very visual in the Canyon Almannagjá which is formed between two tectonic continental plates drifting from each other. 

We enjoy our first riding day in fast tölt with a great view over the Bláskógarheiði Heath. These tracks were used for centuries by the people traveling to the parliament in Þingvellir. We pass Ármannsfell Mountain and ride further by Tröllaháls (Trollhill) on the tracks by so-called Draugabrekka (Ghostslopes). 

Our ride brings us north on Kaldidalur road. Here are the historical sites by every footstep as we get closer to our destination of the day, Brunnar. Only a few km from there we pass the legendary stone cairns Hallbjarnarvörður. The Sturlunga Saga, that describes battles of families in Iceland in the 13. Century, mentions this location as a meeting place of armies and their chieftains. We leave the horses for the night at Brunnar. We stay over night at the cultural heart of Iceland, Þingvellir. (Approx. 20 km)

Day 2
To Haugakvíslarskáli / Ancient Ok Trail and Hraunfossar Wateralls
Day 3
Arnarvatnsheiði Heath and Lake Arnarvatn / Húsafell and Surtshellir Cave
Day 4
Eríksjökull Glacier and Hallmundarhraun Lava
Day 5
Húsafell and Hraunfossar / Arnarvatnsheiði Heath and Lake Arnarvatn
Day 6
Húsafell and Ancient Ok Trail / Vatnsdalur Valley and Haukagil
Day 7
Skógarhólar and Þingvellir / Haukagil and Vatnsdalur
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments

7 riding days. For advanced riders. 

Horses: Icelandic. Tack: Icelandic.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Basic+
Guest House
2 nights
Camp Site
3 nights
Hotel
1 night

Shared rooms in mountain cabins and sleeping bags. 2-4 made up beds.

1 night
Haukur's Farm

The farm is located in the picturesque Vatnsdalur Valley, known for its rich history from the old Sagas and the renowned salmon fishing river, Vatnsdalsá, flowing through it. The farmhouse was refurbished four years ago and features a garden hot tub overlooking the river.

- There are six rooms with two to four beds each, accommodating a maximum of 19 guests.
- An outdoor jacuzzi is available.
- Two showers and two WCs are provided.
- Guests can stay connected with GSM connection and Wi-Fi.
- Beds are made up for convenience.

1 night
Fellaskáli Mountain Cabin – Víðidalstunguheiði
1 night
Álftakrókur Mountain Cabin – Arnarvatnsheiði
1 night
Gamli Bærinn Guesthouse – Húsafell
1 night
Brautartunga Community Center – Lundareykjardalur
1 night
Hotel Á

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
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Tour conditions

Included

  • riding;
  • all transfers during the tour;
  • rainwear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet;
  • transfer from Reykjavík to the farm and back;
  • full-board;
  • accommodation;
  • 11% VAT.

Extras

  • alcoholic beverages;
  • international flights;
  • tips;
  • insurance.

Group size

up to 20 tourists

Duration

7 days
6 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour
  • Please bring your own sleeping bag with you on the tour;
  • Bring bags rather than hardcover suitcases;
  • Pack light because transport space is limited.
What kind of food will be served?
Tell me about your horses
Cancellation of booking

Tour 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

  • $3,417
    $4,048
    22 – 28 Jul, 2025 7 days 6 nights
    No seats left
  • $3,520
    $4,151
    30 Aug – 5 Sep, 2025 7 days 6 nights
    Request to book

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