Mountains & Rivers
along forgotten trails of the North
Dates 2023
Dates upon request
You choose your preferred date from July to September
Dates upon request
You choose your preferred date from July to September
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If you want to explore the highlands of North Iceland but are not quite ready to join a long and challenging highland ride with a herd you should have a look at this wonderful tour that takes you on very remote trails up the beautiful Mælifellsdalur Valley and up on Kiðaskarð Mountain Pass.
On three riding days you will explore North Iceland´s stunning wilderness riding on secluded trails with hand-horses – just like the locals do. It is very easy to learn and can be done without any prior practise. Groups are small and you can even pick the date! The ride starts in Varmahlíð, Skagafjörður and is easily reached either by rental car or public bus. Accomodation is provided in cozy self catering cottages located around a beautiful natural hot tub so you can relax after a long ride underneath the Midnight Sun in July or – with a little luck – underneath the Aurora Borealis in September! |
Type: Multi day tour with hand horses
Operated by: A trusted partner of Exploring Iceland Duration: 4 days / 3 nights/ 3 riding days Level of expertise required: Intermediate and experienced riders in good physical shape Area: North Iceland Accommodation: Made up beds in Double/twin rooms in cozy self-catering cottages Accommodation in Reykjavik not included but can be arranged. Meals included: Meals are not included. The cottages are fully equipped. Min: 2 Guide: English and/or German speaking Group: International Maximum Weight: 100 kg 2023 price per person: ISK 160.900.- To find the price in your currency: Currency converter For more information or booking please contact us - we will be happy to help! |
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Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Meet the Icelandic Horse in Skagafjörður, North Iceland Please arrange individually for your transfer to Varmahlíð in the Skagafjörður Region in North Iceland, either by public bus (www.straeto.is) or by car. Meet and Greet with your host in Varmahlíð upon arrival and check in (noon) into one of the lovely self-catering cottages situated beautifully with mountain views and access to a common natural hot tub. A supermarket for grocery shopping and a public swimming pool are within walking distance. In the afternoon we go for the stables to meet the horses and to practise riding with a hand horse. Don´t be afraid even if you have never ridden with a hand -horse before – it is easily learned and the horses are very much used to it! During the ride each rider will have two horses to ride during the day, this way we can travel fast and far! The first part of our three-day ride takes us along the river delta of Héraðsvötn – a true paradise for birds! Enjoy splendid mountain and ocean views at the same time as we get to know the horses and the soft and comfortable tölt, the special gait of the Icelandic Horse. Today we ride about 2-3 hours before we leave the horses at a paddock along the way and are transfered back to our cozy cottage for cooking and relaxing in the hot tub! Day 2: Riding into the mountains After breakfast we will get a lift back to our horses to commence our ride into the wilderness! We start by riding into the Mælifellsdalur valley leaving the civilized world behind as we slowly ascend on a rough trail into the mountains. We head towards Mt. Mælifellshnjúkur (1138) towering above us as we ride through the narrowing and mesmerizing green valley. By noon, we have ascended on a plateau and with a little luck of good weather will be able to see the huge glaciers Hofsjökull and Langjökull right in the middle of the highland. We continue our circle through the Stafnsgil canyon on remote trails to a gathering paddock called Stafnsrétt, where the local farmers sort their sheep and young horses in autumn after they have spend the summer almost wild in the mountains. Here we leave our wonderful horse companions for the night as we are driven back to our cottage. (Riding time today is approx. 6-7 hours). Day 3: Kíðaskarð Mountain Pass and the Steam Waterfall After having rejoined our horses we we set out to new adventures on remote trails as we ride on our sturdy horses upp the Stafnsbrekka hillside to the Kíðaskarð Mountain Pass. We cross Svartá River (the Black River) and enjoy beautiful views of Reykjafoss, the „steam waterfall“, named by the mist of this beautiful cascade. After a wonderful 6-7 hours ride we come back to the stables from where we set out. Enjoy a last night in your cottage and the relaxing hot tub- perfect to ease some sore muscels! Day 4: Departure for new adventures This morning we have to say good bye and we are happy to transfer your luggage to the local bus station if you are traveling by public bus. Alternatively book some additional nights, do some more riding or river rafting or set out to explore more of the wonderful nature in the north by car! Please do not hesitate to ask us for ideas for more places to visit and some great activities in the vicinity. Please contact us if you have more questions about this ride: info@exploringiceland.is 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. |
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Included:
Please note: No food is included on this tour |
Please make sure you also read our Useful information
and the information about the strict biosecurity measures regarding the import of used riding equipment published by MAST, the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority |
