The Tour with No Name

Advanced riders only

The north east and east Iceland is known for its spectacular sights and untouched nature. Our tour goes from Bjarnastaðir Farm (near Húsavík) where our farmer Halldór and his wife Elín live. The ride takes us from the north all the way to the eastern wilderness. The path from Bjarnastaðir to the Eastern part of Iceland is amongst the most rural parts of the country. We follow both excellent riding paths and rougher terrain while witnessing stunning sites only available to horse riders. There is nothing like riding a horse while viewing a flock of reindeers in the wild, the arctic fox running in distance and the rich birdlife that guides our way. The first tour goes from North to East while the second tour goes from East to North.

Northern Exposure

Advanced riders only

This tour was nominated by the Sunday Times as one of the 10th best trails in the world.

The North of Iceland is known for its spectacular natural sights and diverse landscape. Our tour goes from Bjarnastaðir Farm near Húsavík to the Lake Mývatn area, famous for its volcanic features and rich birdlife. Ásbyrgi Canyon, Dettifoss, Europe’s largest waterfall, and the strange rock formations at Hljóðaklettar are just some of the gems of nature we´ll be seeing on this amazing tour.

We ride along soft riding tracks ideal for “tölting”, the unique extra gait of the Icelandic Horse. The first day we spend in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park and visit both Dettifoss Waterfall and Ásbyrgi Canyon. From rich green pastureland, we head towards the Gæsafjöll Mountains and spend a night in a mountain cabin at Theistareykir. Through an area scarred with cracks and fissures from earthquakes and volcanic activity, the route takes us to Lake Mývatn where bubbling mud pools and eerie lava formations are a reminder of the powerful energy right beneath our feet. We have the opportunity to bathe in the warm geothermal water of the outdoor pool at the Mývatn Nature Baths. Our farmers Halldór and Elín offer our guests this extraordinary tour.

Trail of Hope

Intermediate to Advenced

This tour is an ideal opportunity for everyone who wants to enjoy a exceptional ride in different types of landscape. We ride through diverse nature and get an excellent insight into Icelandic history when listening to stories from the Saga ages. Riding the horses on smooth sandy grounds is a joy for the rider and his mount. There is plenty of time to enjoy the unique gait “tölt” while exploring nature and the history of this outstanding area.

We start the ride at Hvammur Farm in Vatnsdalur valley. It is a thrilling experience riding on the black sandy beaches, through rivers, fields and the great lagoon called Lake Hóp (e. Hope). A visit to a seal colony on the North-Atlantic coast and the majestic Hvítserkur monolith is a wonderful thing to see. Our well-known farmer Haukur Suska, his family and wonderful staff at Hvammur farm operate this tour.

The Arctic North

Advanced riders only

This part of Iceland is inhabited by only a few people, most of them living in little fishing villages along the coast. There is a lot of diversity on this tour starting with beautiful mountain views from the wide Öxarfjörður Fjord. The Peninsula of Melrakkaslétta, which stretches almost to the Arctic Circle, is a paradise for birdwatchers and people with geological interest. Here we are right on top of the Mid Atlantic Ridge where the North-American and Eurasian plates drift apart. From mid-June to mid-July this area is “home” to the Midnight Sun which sends its golden light over the deep fjords of North Iceland.

Hosts for this tour are Halldór and Elín with their family from Bjarnastaðir Farm, known to many Icelanders for their excellent breeding of horses. Halldór is a respected member of his community and among other things, he is a “mountain king” when the time calls for gathering up the sheep in autumn.

The Northern Highlands Trail

Advanced riders only

Enjoy horse riding in spectacular vast nature of the Northern Highlands, with its unique unspoiled nature and magnificent sagas. Our great surefooted horses bring us through the impressive scenery partly on ancient trails that have been used since Iceland was settled. We are travelling with a free running herd of riding horses on our tour, which is a world wide unique experience. In the highlands we are riding through the summer pastures of horses and sheep. It is an adventure to see herds of horses in their natural environment as we also stay alert that they don´t mix with our group. We enjoy the peace of the highlands as well as storytelling and singing, after a great days of experience with our horses.

Note

Please disinfect all of your riding gear to protect the horses. Used leather gear is not allow to Iceland, bring insulated rubber boots or brand new unused riding boots.