Riding the
Rift Valley
4 days / 3 nights
From: 425.900 ISK
This 4-day small-group riding tour explores South Iceland’s Þingvellir Rift Valley, with tölting through lava fields, birch-lined trails, lake shores, and landscapes between the North American and Eurasian plates.
Tour Overview
This tour takes you straight into the Rift Valley at Þingvellir National Park. While riding on secluded lava and birch lined trails in between the North American and Eurasian continental plates you will get a magnificient insight into the fascinating geology and history of Iceland! Imagine tölting on our soft and gentle horses through lava fields, over highland plateaus and along lovely lake shores as you will discover the wonderful natural wonders of the South.
Explore the ancient parliamentary place which is the birthplace of the Icelandic Nation. Included are visits to Geysir hot spring, the Golden Waterfall Gullfoss and to the geothermal Fontana SPA is where you can sweat in the steam of a natural hot spring and jump into Lake Laugarvatn to cool off!
This tour is only suitable for intermediate and experienced riders
(NOT for beginners)
Included:
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Pick up and drop off to/from your accommodation in Reykjavík
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All transfers during the ride including visits to Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot spring area
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3x nights in double/twin or single rooms with private facilities at the 4 star hotel Grímsborgir
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3x breakfast buffet
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4x lunch during the tour
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4x riding days according to program
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English speaking guide. Other languages upon request.
Please note: Dinner is not included and only the riding tour is guided.
Guide is not staying at the hotel
Avalibility 2027
September: 2 - 5
September: 9 - 12
Duration
4 days / 3 nights/ 4 riding days
Accommodation
4 star hotel Grímsborgir
Level of expertise
Experienced riders in good physical shape.
Maximum Weight
95kg
2027 Price per person in ISK:
Price p.p.in double/twin room at Hotel Grímsborgir
ISK 425.900.-
Single supplement:
ISK 67.500.-
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Riding toward the National Park
Pick up at 10 am at your accommodation in Reykjavík by your wonderful Icelandic hosts! Today´s ride will take you through a stunning mountain landscape with basalt columns, Tröllafoss waterfall and beautiful mountain views. The ride ends at a local farm. We drive the horses to Thingvellir National Park and go by car to your hotel accommodation for next 3 nights
Accommodation: Hotel Grímsborgir for next 3 nights
Day 2: Riding in the Rift Valley
Today we spend the whole day riding in the beautiful National Park. We begin with riding the new Bláskógaleið where we will be riding with a herd of loose running spare horses to the farm ruins of Gjábakki. Here we will enjoy a hearty lunch. After lunch we will take you on an exciting ride „in between the continents“ as you will be riding in the rift valley between the dividing plates of North America and Eurasia! We then ride into and over one of the many rift zones which will be for sure an adventure to remember! After the ride we will go visiting the famous historical sights of Þingvellir National Park. This place is really the heart of the Icelandic Nation. Here the Icelanders met for their annual Thing meetings from 930 to the end of the 18th century, it is here where they decided to take on Christianity in the year 1000 and declared independence in 1944. We end the day by driving to Fontana Spa for soaking in the geothermal pool and enjoy the oldest sauna in Iceland.
Day 3: Gullfoss – Geysir – Friðheimar - Riding through Game of Thrones scenery
After breakfast we go on a fascinating sightseeing tour to the famous Golden Circle i.e. we will admire the Golden Waterfall Gullfoss and enjoy the hot spring area of Geysir with spouting Strokkur (the churn). Before heading back to Thingvellir we enjoy lunch and a stable visit at Friðheimar greenhouse restaurant which is absolutely lovely and unique in the world! We enjoy a great ride through the National Park in the afternoon with stunning trails through old farms and famous Games of Thrones scenery
Day 4: Riding back towards Reykjavik
Today we will ride back towards Reykjavik. We ride along and over river Öxará (the Ax River) and over heaths and meadows towards the capital area. There are several routes to choose from as riding to/from the National Park was the most popular route during centuries. When we are getting closer to Reykjavik we take you by car to your accommodation in Reykjavík in the late afternoon.
Exploring Iceland reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables should the necessity arise.
