
Iceland
Iceland - Riding tour - Kjölur – the highland classic
Iceland - Riding tour - Kjölur – the highland classic
Duration
7 days
Start/End
Keflavik
Tour type
Group
Level
Demanding
Accommodation
Dormitory room / cabin / guesthouse
Overview
For centuries riders have crossed the Kjölur highland route, the setting of many Icelandic sagas. This tour for experienced riders starts at Gullfoss and the Geysir area and then leads, with a free-running herd, through stone deserts and glacier landscapes to the green oasis of Hveravellir.
For centuries Riders traverse the Kjölur Highland Route on horseback. Witness this unique setting of numerous Icelandic sagas and historical events. Our journey begins with a ride to the imposing Gullfoss waterfall and leads us to the hot springs of the Geysir geothermal area. We then set off into the uninhabited highlands. Look forward to vast, rocky deserts, impressive glaciers, and overnight stays amidst stunning natural scenery. In Hveravellir, we'll experience a verdant oasis with hot springs – perfect for a relaxing soak. The route takes us ever deeper into the captivating wilderness of the Icelandic highlands. Together, we'll ride through rivers and across rocky deserts – until we finally arrive in northern Iceland.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Arrival date – Hveragerdi
We will meet you at the BSI bus station in Reykjavik between 5:30 and 6:00 PM. Afterwards, we will drive to Vellir Farm near Hveragerdi, where you will check into our guesthouse. A convivial dinner will provide an opportunity to get to know each other. We will conclude the evening with a description of the tour.
Arrival date – Hveragerdi
Day 1
We will meet you at the BSI bus station in Reykjavik between 5:30 and 6:00 PM. Afterwards, we will drive to Vellir Farm near Hveragerdi, where you will check into our guesthouse. A convivial dinner will provide an opportunity to get to know each other. We will conclude the evening with a description of the tour.
Day 2
Hveragerdi – Reykholt – Myrkholt
We travel by bus to the picturesque Biskupstungur. Our first ride starts near the Reykholt farm. This tour takes us and our Icelandic horses along beautiful tölt trails and across a river. We reach our destination for the day at the Myrkholt farm, which lies south of the Geysir geothermal area with its hot springs. (Travel time and distance: 20 km, 4 hours)
Hveragerdi – Reykholt – Myrkholt
Day 2
We travel by bus to the picturesque Biskupstungur. Our first ride starts near the Reykholt farm. This tour takes us and our Icelandic horses along beautiful tölt trails and across a river. We reach our destination for the day at the Myrkholt farm, which lies south of the Geysir geothermal area with its hot springs. (Travel time and distance: 20 km, 4 hours)
Day 3
Myrkholt – Front posts
On our next riding stage, we'll set off from Myrkholt Farm along the Hvítá River to the impressive Gullfoss waterfall. After a break, the trail continues through a black desert of stone and sand. Against this backdrop, a magnificent view opens up across the Kjölur highlands. The glaciers Eyjafjallajökull, Langjökull, and Hofsjökull, the volcano Hekla, and the mountain Hlödufell provide the perfect setting for this unique panorama. The eventful day comes to a cozy end at the Fremstaver mountain hut south of Blafell. (Travel time and distance: 27 km, 5 - 6 hours)
Myrkholt – Front posts
Day 3
On our next riding stage, we'll set off from Myrkholt Farm along the Hvítá River to the impressive Gullfoss waterfall. After a break, the trail continues through a black desert of stone and sand. Against this backdrop, a magnificent view opens up across the Kjölur highlands. The glaciers Eyjafjallajökull, Langjökull, and Hofsjökull, the volcano Hekla, and the mountain Hlödufell provide the perfect setting for this unique panorama. The eventful day comes to a cozy end at the Fremstaver mountain hut south of Blafell. (Travel time and distance: 27 km, 5 - 6 hours)
Day 4
Front letters – Arbudir
We continue our ride along the eastern side of Blafell. The magnificent tranquility of the highlands accompanies us every step of the way. We cross the Hvítá River and pass the Abota waterfall. At an altitude of approximately 700 meters, we reach the starting point of the Kjölurs – the oldest connecting route between South and North Iceland. From here, we enjoy a sweeping view of the impressive Kerlingarfjöll mountains, a landmark of this highland route. Following the course of the Svartas River, we eventually reach Arbúdir, where we spend the night. (Travel time and distance: 30 km, approx. 6 - 7 hours) Day 5 Arbudir – Hveravellir In the morning, we set off towards Hvitarnes, a grassy area characterized by its white cotton grass in summer. We continue our riding tour to Kjalhraun. The shape of the lava field resembles a ship's keel and is likely the origin of the name Kjölur. Our Icelandic horses carry us west of Kjalhraun through a mountain gorge to Thjofadalur, the "Valley of Thieves." Nestled among the surrounding mountain ranges, this is one of the few grassy areas in Kjölur. Our accommodation is in Hveravellir. Those who wish can let the collected impressions pass before their minds once more while taking a relaxing bath in the hot springs. (Travel time and distance: 45 km, 8 hours)
Front letters – Arbudir
Day 4
We continue our ride along the eastern side of Blafell. The magnificent tranquility of the highlands accompanies us every step of the way. We cross the Hvítá River and pass the Abota waterfall. At an altitude of approximately 700 meters, we reach the starting point of the Kjölurs – the oldest connecting route between South and North Iceland. From here, we enjoy a sweeping view of the impressive Kerlingarfjöll mountains, a landmark of this highland route. Following the course of the Svartas River, we eventually reach Arbúdir, where we spend the night. (Travel time and distance: 30 km, approx. 6 - 7 hours) Day 5 Arbudir – Hveravellir In the morning, we set off towards Hvitarnes, a grassy area characterized by its white cotton grass in summer. We continue our riding tour to Kjalhraun. The shape of the lava field resembles a ship's keel and is likely the origin of the name Kjölur. Our Icelandic horses carry us west of Kjalhraun through a mountain gorge to Thjofadalur, the "Valley of Thieves." Nestled among the surrounding mountain ranges, this is one of the few grassy areas in Kjölur. Our accommodation is in Hveravellir. Those who wish can let the collected impressions pass before their minds once more while taking a relaxing bath in the hot springs. (Travel time and distance: 45 km, 8 hours)
Day 6
Hveravellir – Afangi
Accommodation in the Afangi mountain hut
Before we mount up again, there's time to explore the stunning natural surroundings of Hveravellir. Hveravellir is one of Iceland's largest geothermal areas. In the past, this area was a haven for criminals and outlaws. Our tour takes us to the southern part of the region, where we'll pass a ruin. This former cabin belonged to the outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur. Next, we ride north again, crossing the Seydisa River and passing the mountains Sandkulufell, Hanskafell, and Saudafell. Overnight stay at the Afangi mountain hut. (Travel time and distance: 32 km, 6 - 7 hours)
Hveravellir – Afangi
Day 6
Accommodation in the Afangi mountain hut
Before we mount up again, there's time to explore the stunning natural surroundings of Hveravellir. Hveravellir is one of Iceland's largest geothermal areas. In the past, this area was a haven for criminals and outlaws. Our tour takes us to the southern part of the region, where we'll pass a ruin. This former cabin belonged to the outlaw Fjalla-Eyvindur. Next, we ride north again, crossing the Seydisa River and passing the mountains Sandkulufell, Hanskafell, and Saudafell. Overnight stay at the Afangi mountain hut. (Travel time and distance: 32 km, 6 - 7 hours)
Day 7
Afangi – Vatnsdalur – Descend
As soon as we ride across the vast heathland of Eyvindarstadaheidi, we are only a few hours away from civilization in northern Iceland. We have left the mountains behind us, while all around us glaciers glitter in the daylight. To our right stretches the large lake Blöndulon. This reservoir was created by the hydroelectric power station on the Blanda River. Our final ride of this tour now leads us along soft paths into the green valley of Vatnsdalur. Our eventful adventure in Iceland's wilderness is now coming to an end. Together, we say goodbye to the Icelandic horses at a farm – before being taken back to Reykjavik. (Travel time and distance: 28 km, 5 - 6 hours) Info: Horse riding tour Suitable for: Exclusively for experienced riders with several years of regular riding experience in all gaits and on all types of terrain. A large herd of free-roaming horses follows us daily. This requires a certain pace. Duration: 7 days – 6 nights – 6 days of riding Further important information: The first tour starts in the south. The second tour is conducted in the opposite direction. Therefore, every second tour begins in Vatnsdalur and is conducted in the opposite direction. Accommodation: Accommodation: Shared rooms, rooms with made-up beds 1 overnight stay in the Eldhestar guesthouse (2-4 bed rooms) 5 nights sleeping bag accommodation in farmhouses and simple mountain huts (bunk beds in shared rooms)
Afangi – Vatnsdalur – Descend
Day 7
As soon as we ride across the vast heathland of Eyvindarstadaheidi, we are only a few hours away from civilization in northern Iceland. We have left the mountains behind us, while all around us glaciers glitter in the daylight. To our right stretches the large lake Blöndulon. This reservoir was created by the hydroelectric power station on the Blanda River. Our final ride of this tour now leads us along soft paths into the green valley of Vatnsdalur. Our eventful adventure in Iceland's wilderness is now coming to an end. Together, we say goodbye to the Icelandic horses at a farm – before being taken back to Reykjavik. (Travel time and distance: 28 km, 5 - 6 hours) Info: Horse riding tour Suitable for: Exclusively for experienced riders with several years of regular riding experience in all gaits and on all types of terrain. A large herd of free-roaming horses follows us daily. This requires a certain pace. Duration: 7 days – 6 nights – 6 days of riding Further important information: The first tour starts in the south. The second tour is conducted in the opposite direction. Therefore, every second tour begins in Vatnsdalur and is conducted in the opposite direction. Accommodation: Accommodation: Shared rooms, rooms with made-up beds 1 overnight stay in the Eldhestar guesthouse (2-4 bed rooms) 5 nights sleeping bag accommodation in farmhouses and simple mountain huts (bunk beds in shared rooms)
Services
What's included
Accommodation in a shared room during the ride
Full board with traditional Icelandic home cooking (dinner on the last day not included)
6 days of riding
English-speaking guide
from/to Reykjavik
Riding and safety equipment
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Accommodation before/after horseback riding tour in Reykjavik
possibly additional excursions / entrance fees
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This riding tour is suitable only for experienced riders with several years of regular riding experience in all gaits and on all types of terrain. A large herd of free-roaming horses follows daily, requiring a brisk pace. The stages through the highlands are approximately 20 to 45 kilometers long and last up to 6 hours.
Accommodation is in simple highland huts in shared rooms.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Notes on the trip
Notes
Information for travelers with reduced mobility: Generally, our trips are unsuitable for people with reduced mobility. In individual cases, we are happy to check whether we can still accommodate your travel wishes. Please contact us.
