Follow the Oldest Trail in Iceland
2025 Dates:
July 22-31
Duration:
10 days / 9 nights
Difficulty:
Intermediate / Advanced
Ride on the oldest trail in Iceland which lies across the island, stretching between two of the biggest and most impressive glaciers in Iceland - Langjokull (to the west) and Hofsjokull (to the east). Experience our stunning country while riding across the heart of Iceland.
Since the Viking era, the ancient Kjölur trail has been an essential and popular trail to travel across the highland desert. Riding over a desert plateau in the highlands of Iceland you will explore the area which was known back in time for roaming outlaws, elves, ghosts and evil spirits.
This is a progressive, hut-to-hut ride. We will be staying in mountain cabins along the way, bunking in shared rooms.
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: 10-20 miles/15-30 km per day
Ride Time: 5-7 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
Mountain Huts: Fremstaver, Árbúðir, Hveravellir, Strangakvísl, Galtará, Steinstaðir
Shared rooms in simple mountain cabins with sleeping bags. Please bring your own sleeping bag! There are showers, but only a few showers to serve all the guests in each hut, so plan accordingly. Several of the huts include hot pots for a nice, warm soak post-ride.
Dining
Breakfasts and dinners are served family-style at the hut. 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.)
Planning and Packing
Dates
July 22-31 2025
Rates
Price per Rider
Price Includes:
All accommodations
All meals
All riding activities, including tack and equipment, riding helmet, rain gear, water bottle, and saddle bags
Transfer from Reykjavik to the farm
Does not include:
Airfare to and from Iceland
Accommodation in Reykjavik
Transportation to/from the airport
Travel Insurance
Visas
Gratuities and personal expenses
Additional excursions or activities not included in itinerary
Book This Trip
Please fill out this form to request more information or to book this trip, and a member of our team will contact you shortly regarding the next stage of your booking.