The Royal Ride: Iceland's Western Highlands

North to south:

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 are 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 traveling horses through the centuries. Here the only inhabitants are foxes, birds and maybe some trolls. We spend the night at Haugakvíslarskáli Mountain Cabin. (Approx 35 km)

South to north:

Our route today leads us from Brunnar over the mystical ancient trail of Ok. This fascinating highland trail is named after the 1190m high impressive glacier Ok on the east side of the tracks, there we also see the glaciers Geitlandsjökull, Langjökull and Þórisjökull. This impressive area without any vegetation reminds us of how rough nature can be in Iceland.

We leave our horses at Augastaðir Farm to rest and go for an overnight stay at Hotel Á by the farm Kirkjuból. Today we will visit the exceptionally beautiful waterfall Hraunfossar. The water seems to appear from the lava but is actually a cold spring that surges through the ground and runs in rapids down into the river Hvítá. (Approx. 35 km)

North to south:

Further into the mountains we set course for the spacious Fellaskáli Cabin owned by the farmers of Víðidalur valley. There we have the lunchbreak of the day. The strong riding horses bring us safely through the ancient highland paths. We enjoy the magnificent view over the impressive highland mountains and the glaciers Langjökull and Eiríksjökull as they get closer step by step. We can see how the vegetation is changing into lush green colours, created by rich soil and water from many lakes as we ride to the heart of Arnarvatnsheiði.

We pass the lake Réttarvatn on our way beside the beautiful lake Arnarvatn. Truly a fascinating mystical place of silence and tranquility we will never forget. Fertile highland vegetation and rich birdlife are the highlights of this area. As we say goodbye to the north we ride further to the impressive part of the high plateau that belongs to the west area Borgarfjörður. Further on we ride to Álftakrókur Mountain Cabin where wanted men were supposed to hide out from the law enforcements long ago. (Approx. 35 km)

South to north:

We spend the day riding through and exploring the extraordinary area of Húsafell. We sense the qualities of our Icelandic horses as they bring us through the biggest natural forest of Iceland, Húsafellsskógur. Húsafell often called the pearl between the lava and the glaciers is a unique natural gem in a magnificent landscape. The place has a big historical importance. There are tales all the way back from the settlement as well as stories of witchcraft and ghosts from later centuries.

After a great day with the horses, they rest at Þorvaldsstaðir. We will visit the best-known cave in Iceland Surtshellir. The spectacular 3500 m long lava cave was a hideout for bandits back in the days. It is a great feeling to relax and enjoy the geothermal pool of Húsafell. Accommodation at Hótel Á. (Approx. 20 km)

North to south:

Our ride continues beside one of the biggest lava fields in Iceland Hallmundarhraun. This is a mystical area filled with legends of outlaws and tales from the past. You have the feeling you see elves and trolls in the formations of the lava. The horses already sense that we are getting closer to the grassland of the farms in Borgarfjörður Area, and tölt happily as we ride on the banks of the glacial river Norðlingafljót, which we will also cross during our ride.

Eríksjökull Glacier, which also is a Vulcano, is majestic on the east side of our trail. We will see the best-known cave in Iceland Surtshellir. The spectacular 3500 m long lava cave was a hideout for bandits back in the days. The horses will stay at Þorvaldsstaðir. Accommodation at Hótel Á. (Approx. 30 km)

South to north:

We are leaving the grasslands of the farms in Borgarfjörður and heading for Iceland´s Western Highlands. Our ride continues beside one of the biggest lava fields in Iceland Hallmundarhraun. This is a mystical area filled with legends of outlaws and tales from the past. You have the feeling you see elves and trolls in the formations of the lava. Our horses tölt happily as we ride on the banks of the glacial river Norðlingafljót, which we will also cross during our ride.

Eríksjökull Glacier, which also is a Vulcano, is majestic on the east side of our trail. Further, on we ride to Álftakrókur Mountain Cabin where wanted men were supposed to hide out from the law enforcement long ago. (Approx. 30 km)

North to south:

We spend the day riding through and exploring the extraordinary area of Húsafell. We sense the qualities of our Icelandic horses as they bring us through the biggest natural forest of Iceland, Húsafellsskógur. Húsafell, often called the pearl between the lava and the glaciers is a unique natural gem in a magnificent landscape. The place has a big historical importance. There are tales all the way back from the settlement as well as stories of witchcraft and ghosts from later centuries.

Today we will visit the exceptionally beautiful waterfall Hraunfossar. The water seems to appear from the lava but is actually a cold spring that surges through the ground and runs in rapids down into the river Hvítá.

After a great day with the horses they rest at Augastaðir and we enjoy the geothermal pool of Húsafell. Accommodation at Húsafell Gamli Bær Guesthouse. (Approx. 20 km)

South to north:

Further, into the mountains, we set course for the spacious Fellaskáli Cabin owned by the farmers of Víðidalur valley. There we have the main break of the day. The strong riding horses bring us safely through the ancient highland paths. We enjoy the magnificent view of the impressive highland mountains and the glaciers Langjökull and Eiríksjökull. We can see how the vegetation is changing into lush green colors, created by rich soil and water from many lakes as we ride to the heart of Arnarvatnsheiði.

We pass the lake Réttarvatn on our way beside the beautiful lake Arnarvatn. Truly a fascinating mystical place of silence and tranquillity we will never forget. Fertile highland vegetation and rich birdlife are the highlights of this area. As we say goodbye to the south we ride further to the impressive part of the high plateau that belongs to the North Area Húnvavatnssýsla District. Here the only inhabitants are foxes, birds and maybe some trolls. We are riding through the summer pastures of horses and sheep as we ascend towards our Mountain Cabin for the night, Haugakvíslarkáli in Víðidalstunduheiði Heath. (Approx. 35 km)

North to south:

Our route today leads us from Augastaðir over the mystical ancient trail of Ok. This fascinating highland trail is named after the 1190m high impressive glacier Ok on the east side of the trails, there we also see the glaciers Geitlandsjökull, Langjökull and Þórisjökull. This impressive area without any vegetation reminds us on how rough nature can be in Iceland.

We leave our horses at Brunnar Mountain Cabin to rest and go for an overnight stay to the community center Brautartunga in Lundareykjadalur Valley, were we have our own private swimming pool. A great place to enjoy our last evening of the tour together with a good Icelandic meal, storytelling and singing. (Approx. 35 km)

South to north:

Today we are riding down from the highland plateau Víðidalstunguheiði heath to our beautiful valley Vatnsdalur. The horses already sense that we are getting closer to the juice grassland of home and tölt happily direction north. It is great to drive the horses through the very free fields of the highlands before entering the civilization again.

We see the mighty Álkugil gorge with picturesque waterfalls tumbling down over rock formations. The wideness and freedom feeling are inspiring for horses and people. It is grateful 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 traveling horses through the centuries. We spend the night at Haukur´s Farm. Here we enjoy our last evening of the tour together with an outdoor jacuzzi, good meal, storytelling and singing (Approx 35 km)

North to south:

We continue our ride and enjoy the great view riding in fast tölt on the trail over Bláskógarheiði Heath towards National Park Þingvellir. These tracks were used for centuries by the people traveling to the parliament in Þingvellir. Here are the historical sites by every foot step as we get closer to our destination. Only a few km from Brunnar 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.

Our trail brings us south by the Kaldidalur road, further on great riding tracks by Draugabrekka (Ghostslopes) and Tröllaháls (Trollhill). As we see the Ármannsfell Mountain we are close to Skógarhólar Fields were our great ride ends this time. Skógarhólar is run by the Icelandic Horse Clubs Association and is located in Þingvellir National Park.

We thank our horses and say good-bye until next time. 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.

Transfer to Reykjavík BSÍ bus station. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík between 17 and 18. (Approx. 20 km)

South to north:

Vatnsdalur 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. We experience the spirit of our horses as we are heading towards home on the great riding paths at the banks of Vatnsdalsá River.

We thank our very special friends the horses and say goodbye to Haukur and his crew until next time. Our bus will bring you to Reykjavík BSÍ. Approx. time of arrival in Reykjavík at 18. (Approx. 20 km)