tolt with glacier view
South Iceland
Dates 2019
Upon request for private tours
Upon request for private tours
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Riding in stunning landscape and stay at a private lodge!
This tour takes us to the beautiful Fljótshlíð district in South Iceland with fantastic view of the glaciers Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. Here we are reminded of the major volcanic eruptions that occurred in 2010 causing massive disruption to international air traffic. Our trail leads us on great riding paths, perfect for the tölt, the special gait of the Icelandic Horse through beautiful countryside with a rich Saga heritage. We spend our daily rides of 3-5 hours in the company of excellent horses and friendly and knowledgeable local guides and hosts. We take some spare handhorses with us and you will have a great chance to try to ride with a handhorse – but there is no requirement! The riders stay for the night at a beautiful private lodge in the charming Fljótshlíð area enjoying delicious home cooked food and superb views in all directions over glaciers and mountains. This tour is a first rate option for a private couple or family tour. It is a small group tour with max. 4 guests that share the the exquisite lodge of our host! Please note: This tour is with a private host throughout the tour. Accommodation in private lodge where two rooms share one bathroom |
Type: Multi - days tour with hand horses
Operated by: Exploring Iceland Duration: 4 days / 4 riding days Level of expertise required: Experienced riders in good physical shape Area: South Iceland Accommodation: 3 nights in double rooms with shared facilities at a private lodge. Please note that all rooms are equipped with double beds. Meals: Full board Min: 2 guests/ Max: 4 guests Guide: English speaking. Other languages upon request. Group: International Maximum Weight: 100 kg PLEASE CONTACT US FOR A SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOUR THIS TOUR AT info@exploringiceland.is |
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Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík – Fljótshlíð area At 9 am meet & greet with Exploring Iceland at your accommodation in Reykjavík . Please be ready in your riding clothes. We travel by private car in the morning to the beautiful Fljótshlíð area, where we will meet horses and staff and start our ride. Today we will be riding in the vicinity of our lodge which has a stunning locatation with beautiful glacier view of the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers. In good weather we can see all the way to the volcanic Westman Islands. Our ride takes us through green meadows to Stóri Dímon, a very special mountain. According to legend the word means haystack and it certainly is reminiscent of a haystack surrounded by golden fields. No wonder, that Gunnar frá Hlíðarenda, famously portrayed in the Njáls-Saga, did not want to leave this area when sentenced to outlawry. „When Gunnar killed two family members of Gissur the White, the family sought vengeance and the men set out to Hlíðarendi to do murder. Njáll advised Gunnar to leave Iceland and head abroad to escape them. Initially, Gunnar intended to depart, but when he saw his homestead from the distance, he was so moved by the beauty of it that he changed his mind and decided to remain behind with the words:“Beautiful are the hills – they never have been so beautiful before. I will therefore return and leave no more“ Needless to say that he was killed! You will see that the Sagas and folk stories are all well alive in the minds of the modern Icelanders and you will hear about this very special heritage from your guide! After the ride we can relax while our hosts prepare a delicous meal. Time spend in the saddle: ca. 3-5 hours. Day 2: Lord of the Rings landscape If the weather is favorable we ride to the mountains today. The landscape is stunning and one might think that he is a suddenly a character in Tolkien´s book, Lord of the Rings. High cliffs, glacier views and glacier rivers, caves and gorges and with some luck and giftedness you will see some elfs or hidden people on the way. We will enjoy our lunch at the stunning Hellisflatir with a great view of Thórsmörk Nature Park, glaciers and the peculiar Mt. Einhyrningur (750m). The name means “The Unicorn”, and is derived from the shape of its peak. This is the area where farmers of the Fljotshlíð County round up the sheep in autumn. Time spend in the saddle: ca. 3-5 hours.. Day 3: Tölting on highland tracks Today´s ride takes us on beautiful mountain tracks close to Þrírhyrningur mountain. Far away from any traffic we ride through untamed nature, across rivers and past abandoned farms. The Icelandic Wildflowers make wonderful coloured spots in the dark lava and green birch forest. In late June until mid July the blue Alaska lupin (Lupinus nootkatensis) covers the area and reminds of the lavender fields of the Provence! In late July and August it is replaced by the beautiful purple Arctic Riverbeauty (Chamerion latifolium) especially close to the rivers. Enjoy another great day in the saddle of your softly tölting horse! Time spend in the saddle: ca. 3-5 hours. Day 4: Bleiksárgljúfur canyon Our route today brings us to a little gorge called Bleikársglúfur, a small hidden paradise, known by few. Lie down in the gras, listen to the waterfall and get the sense of wonderful solitude! This is a place rarely visited by people and it is for sure something magical about this place. On the far side of the gorge there is a valley where the remains of an old sheep sorting pen are visible. The eastern route takes us via Bæjargil gorge back to our lodge where we have to say good bye to our four -legged furry friends.Return to Reykjavík and arrival in the evening. Drop off either at BSÍ bus station in Reykjavík to catch the flybus to Keflavík airport or at your accommodation in the capital area. We are more than happy to arrange your Reykjavík accommodation for you! Time spend in the saddle: ca. 3-5 hours. 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:
- Transfer von Reykjavík – Riding Logde – Reykjavík.
- 3 nights in double rooms with shared facilities at a private lodge. Please note that all rooms are equipped with double beds.
- Full pension starting/ending with lunch/picnic lunch on first/last day.
- 4 riding days according to program.
- English speaking guide.
Additional service:
