Family Riding Adventure

family riding adventure
for horse loving kids and their parents

Dates 2019
Upon request for private families from June to September

Icelandic Horses, waterfalls, hot springs and the most fun geology and history lessons you ever had!
This tour is an exciting one week family riding adventure to explore Iceland´s fantastic nature, geology and Viking history on horseback. This tour is specially designed for children, teenagers and their parents who have already some riding experience. During this tour our trail rides from two to six hours take us from farm to farm through breathtaking landscape. Dedicated guides will take care of the young riders (and their parents!) and provide an unique adventure tour. We will visit and bath in hot springs, explore the viking history and see the dividing plates of the continents. Trails, accommodation, food and activities are carefully planned around the young riders. Riding in Iceland is just like a fun lesson – nowhere in the world but in Iceland you can „touch“ history and geology in such an exciting but safe way.

Small groups and dedicated fun guides specializing in family tours.
Non-Riders welcome too!

Please note: Choice of accommodation between guesthouse, hotel and self- catering cottage.

Operated by: Exploring Iceland
Duration: 5 days/4 nights/4 riding days
Group size: Min: 4 Max: 12 riders
Accommodation:  Choice of accommodation between guesthouse, hotel and self- catering cottage.
Group: Private groups/families only
Guide: English and German speaking guide, other languages upon request.
Age: 8-14 years. Parents may be older

Price 2019: Please contact us for a special offer for your family. Price depends on number of riders and non-riders and choice of accommodation. Please ask for a special offer:  info@exploringiceland.is

our partner for this tour

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Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Þingvellir Nationalpark – Geysir hot spring - Gullfoss waterfall – ICE SAR
Pick up at your accommodation in Reykjavík at 09:00 am. By bus we go straight to Þingvellir Nationalpark where we are right on top of the mid atlantic ridge and where we can clearly see the dividing plates. On a walk around the national park we visit all the historical sites of the Viking area. On we go to the famous Geysir geothermal field where the erupting geysir Strokkur will surely keep us mesmerized! Our last stop will take us to Gullfoss waterfall, where we take plenty of time to see this amazing waterfall from different levels! From there it is only a short drive past beautiful Brúarhlöð canyon to the ICE SAR station (Icelandic Search and Rescue) at Flúðir village for an exciting insight into the often dangerous missions of the team. In the evening after dinner we enjoy the lovely hot tub in the garden!

Day 2: Meet the horses – first introductory ride – hiking & games – Secret Lagoon
After breakfast we meet the horses! After a thorough introduction into the tack and Icelandic way of riding we head out on the trails for an approximately two hour ride to get to know the horses and the special gait tölt. During this introductory ride your guide will make sure that everybody feels safe and relaxed on horseback and offers advice to find the „right gait“. After this first exciting riding tour everybody will be hungry. After lunch at the farm we head out on a short hiking tour to Álfaskeið woods for some games! Back at the guesthouse we will pack our swimsuits and go to the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot spring. The pool´s steam rising into the air gives the place a magical feeling. The warm geothermal water keeps a temperature of 38-40° Celsius all year round. Close by there is even a little Geysir which erupts every 5 minutes, showing off for the guests! Changing rooms with showers are on site.

Day 3: Trail ride Syðra-Langholt – Salmon river Stóra Laxá - Hólahnjúkar Basalt columns – Glóruhlíð farm
Today we will leave the farm for our first exciting trail ride that takes us from the home farm to the salmon river Laxá and its beautiful canyon and basalt columns. We cross the river on horseback and ride through great countryside with a real wilderness feeling towards Glóruhlíð farm. Here coffee, cake and ice-cream awaits us before we go for a round of games and meet the farm animals. Today´s ride will be a long day in the saddle but we will provide ample stops and some „sweet quick – energy - providers“ during the day. Extra horses will be taken on the ride as spare horses and for those daring we can offer to try to ride with handhorses. In the evening bus transfer back to the guesthouse! (Approximate 25 km, riding time 6-7 hours).

Day 4: Trail ride Glóruhlíð farm along the glacial river Þjórsá to Vorsabær farm
After breakfast transfer to Glóruhlíð farm to meet up with our horses. We ride from the farm on country roads until we reach the glacial river Þjórsá. Along the lovely banks of the river with rich bird life and wonderful views to Mt. Hekla and the huge glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Tindfjallajökull to Vorsabær farm. Enjoy playing with the cute goats and other farm animals before driving back to our guesthouse for a well deserved rest! (Approximate 20 km, riding time 5-6 hours).

Day 5: Trail ride Vorsabær farm – Reykjaréttir Sheep paddock - Syðra-Langholt – Reykjavík
Our last day of riding takes us from Vorsabær farm on country roads through green countryside and farming land to the famous Reykjaréttir Sheep paddock that is used by the farmers in September. Since 1881 the farmers have used the beautiful lava rock paddock for separating the sheep when they come from their mountain fields. Here we have a wonderful setting for our picknick lunch before we cross the salmon river Stóra-Laxá again before returning to the farm. Now we have to say good bye to our lovely horses before returning to Reykjavík in the evening. Drop off at BSÍ bus terminal or your accommodation in the capital area. We are more than happy to arrange your Reykjavík accommodation for you!

Accommodation options:
A: 3* hotel offering double, twin and single rooms with private facilities. Restaurant with bar on site.
B: Guesthouse offering double, twin, single and family rooms with shared facilities. Basic home cooked meals are on offer.
C: Self catering cottages - we recommend to hire a rental car for this option since the next supermarket is not in walking distance.

Please note: Non-Riders are very welcome to join. Non-riders will have an alternative (self drive or guided) program prepared by us while the riders are out riding.

Exploring Iceland reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables should the necessity arise. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions.

Included: