Explore Northern Iceland on Horseback
2024Dates:
▪ July 1-6 ▪ July 8-13
▪ July 15-20 ▪ July 22-27
Duration:
6 days / 5 nights
Difficulty:
Intermediate / Advanced
The landscape of northern Iceland is known for its vastness and beauty. The tour begins and ends at Saltvik Farm near Húsavík. From there we trek to Lake Mývatn through volcanic features and picturesque landscapes, from the shores of the river Laxá, over Hvammsheiði Heath, along the forested hillsides in Laxárdalur, towards the Gæsafjöll Mountains, and across the black sand deserts of Hólasandur. All the while we are accompanied by a loose herd - riders rotate horses throughout the tour, experiencing the full range of the Icelandic horse.
Visit Húsavík, the oldest settlement in Iceland, the largest town in Þingeyjarsýsla district, and the whale capital of Iceland. Whale watching can also be added as an additional activity for which Skjálfandi Bay is famous. Spend one night in a mountain hut, surrounded by natural geysers and the vast, open landscape. Enjoy hot pot soaks after long days in the saddle, and a visit to a local geothermal hot pool.
Horses
The Icelandic horse is a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage. They are known for their surefootedness and gentle nature, and they are famous for the Tölt, a gait unique to the breed, which makes them incredibly comfortable over great distances and rugged terrain.
Riders will be accompanied by a loose herd, which adds a unique and exciting dynamic to the ride! Riders will change horses 1-2 times per day, giving them the opportunity to get to know a variety of horses over the course of the week.
Riding
Intermediate to Advanced
Riders should be capable of spending long hours in the saddle, tacking and untacking their own horse, and controlling the horse at all paces, even though rides will mainly consist of the walk and tölt.
Distance: 10-25 miles/15-35 km per day
Ride Time: 3-5 hours/day
Tack
Horses will be in saddles developed specifically for the Icelandic horse, closely resembling Dressage saddles. Saddle bags will be provided.
Terrain
This tour encompasses remote areas only accessible on foot or by horseback, riding on mainly soft riding tracks, ideal for riding the tölt. The ride will travel through farmland, across rivers, winding through hills and mountains to alpine lakes, and across black sand deserts.
Accommodation
Riders are accommodated in single or shared rooms (2-4 people per room) at the guesthouse on Saltvik Farm, which offers stunning views out over Skjálfandi Bay and a nice hot tub to soak in after a day in the saddle.
Guests spend one night in the mountain cabin at Þeistareykir, a quaint bunkhouse surrounded by bubbling natural steam vents.
√ WiFi
√ Hot tub
X Laundry
Dining
Breakfasts and dinners are served family-style at the guesthouse. Home-cooked meals consist heavily of lamb and fish. Traditional Icelandic breakfasts include porridge, toast, cold cuts, and cheese. Riders make their own sandwiches in the morning to pack on the trail each day.
*We recommend bringing your own snacks for the trail, and any packets or condiments for adding to your sandwich (peanut or almond butter, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.)
Itinerary
-
Direct flight from Eagle Air airport in Reykjavik to Húsavík, then a five minute drive to Saltvik Farm. A short afternoon ride to introduce the Icelandic horses and their special gaits, riding along the arctic coastline with fantastic views of Skjálfandi Bay. Dinner at the guesthouse.
Distance: 15km
-
After group breakfast, we begin our ride, today with the loose herd. We ride across Hvammsheiði heathlands and the Mýrarhvísl riverbanks towards the Laxá River, which we traverse with the horses before leaving them for the night and returning to Saltvik. Dinner at the guesthouse.
Distance: 30km
-
Group breakfast. Traverse the farmlands of Aðaldalur towards the Hólasandur desert to arrive at the natural paradise that is Lake Mývatn. Enjoy magnificent views over the lake surrounded by volcanoes. After dinner, enjoy a soak in a natural hot spring with excellent views.
Distance: 40km
-
We leave the Mývatn area and head towards the Gæsadalur oasis and the Gæsafjöll volcano. We pass through the geothermal area of Þeistareykir, full of cracks and fissures from tectonic activity. We ride across the boundaries of the tectonic places of North America and Europe, arriving at the mountain hut of Þeistareykir where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Distance: 40km
-
Group breakfast at the hut before departing across the lavafields of Bóndhólshraun to return to Saltvik, enjoying beautiful views over the Skjálfandi Bay. Farewell dinner.
Distance: 35km
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Group breakfast, depart for flight back to Reykjavik.
Optional farewell dinner in Reykjavik for those staying an extra night.
Planning and Packing
Rider Resources:
Stories from the Saddle:
Dates
July 1-6 2024
July 8-13 2024
July 15-20 2024
July 22-27 2024
Rates
Solo Rider
Individual Booking
Multiple Riders
Booking together
Children
Ages 10-15
Price Includes:
All accommodations
All meals
All riding activities, including tack and equipment, riding helmet, rain gear, water bottle, lunch box, and saddle bags
Sleeping bag for night in mountain hut
Flight from Reykjavik to Húsavík
Entrance to Geosea geothermal spa
Does not include:
Airfare to and from Iceland
Transportation to/from the airport
Travel Insurance
Visas
Gratuities and personal expenses
Whale watching (book upon arrival)
Additional excursions or activities not included in itinerary
Book This Trip
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