Northern Exposure - Wonders of lake Myvatn and Europe's largest waterfall, Dettifoss

From EUR €2,390.00
  • Duration: 5 Days (approx.)
  • Location: Húsavík
  • Product code: IH-3

Wonders of Lake Mývatn. This tour was nominated by the Sunday times as one of the 10 best trails in the world. Explore the wonders of lake Mývatn and Europe’s largest waterfall, Dettifoss!


10TH BEST RIDING 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.

An optional whale watching tour concludes the selection of natural attractions on and off shore.

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.

The next two days take us through Laxárdalur Valley to Heiðabær for an overnight stay and relaxation in the swimming pool on site. From there we continue across Reykjaheiði heath towards the coast and back to Bjarnastaðir Farm.

After this amazing tour in an ever-changing landscape we can soak away our cares in the hot tub at Lundur Swimming Pool before sitting down to a hearty farewell dinner at the farm.


Monday: Reykjavík – Húsavík – Bjarnastaðir – Jökulsárgljúfur National Park – Dettifoss Waterfall – Ásbyrgi

Departure from your hotel to the Domestic Airport for the flight to Húsavík and transfer to Bjarnastaðir Farm. Pick up between 06:15 – 07:15. Please dress already in riding clothes and bring your passport or other identification for your domestic flight. At Bjarnastaðir, we have lunch and start our ride with a short introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits. This is truly a day to remember when we ride on the east side of the National Park Jökulsárgljúfur and visit places like Gloppa, Hallhöfðastígur overlooking Hljóðaklettar and much more. After riding we have a sightseeing tour by bus to Europe’s largest waterfall, Dettifoss and the famous Ásbyrgi Canyon, one of the wonders of nature, a wide, horseshoe-shaped canyon with sheer cliff faces up to 100 m high. (Approx. 20 km)


Tuesday: Bjarnastaðir – Theistareykir Mountain Cabin

We ride across the mighty glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum (on a bridge) and into the mountains to the geothermal area of Theistareykir. At one point we will practically cross over from one continental plate to another as we ride over the Mid-Atlantic ridge! It is a fascinating area with deep earthquake fissures, multi-colored mountains and geothermal energy. With all this volcanic activity going on here, it is easy to understand that Iceland is still under “natural construction” (Approx. 35 km)


Wednesday: Theistareykir – Heiðarbær

Enjoy today’s ride from the Theistareykir area to Halldorstaðir í Laxárdal. We then drive to Heiðarbær, where we stay for the next 2 nights with a swimming pool on the premises. (Approx. 35 km)


Thursday: Lagoon Jarðböð – Dimmuborgir -Laxárdalur – Heiðabær

We start the day with an exciting sightseeing tour by bus. We begin with a nice hot bath in Jarðböð, an outdoor lagoon with geothermal water and visit Dimmuborgir, fantastic black lava formations with rich vegetation. We saddle up again and head off through a black sand desert along the colorful Laxárdalur valley with glittering Salmon River Laxá in the middle. A true day of contrasts in the ever changing Icelandic nature. We stop at the very special Hraunsrétt – made of lava. We ride to Skógarhlíð, where we leave the horses tonight. (Approx. 30 km)


Friday: Skógarhlíð- Reykjaheiði – Bjarnastaðir

Today we set out through Geldingadalur Valley and Reykjaheiði into Öxarfjörður Fjord to Bjarnastaðir Farm, where the hot outdoor tub is waiting. (Approx. 40 km)


Saturday: Bjarnastaðir – Húsavík (optional: whale watching) – Reykjavík

In the morning return to Húsavík by bus and a whale watching cruise for those interested. (Price per person EURO 80). Others can enjoy the town‘s swimming pool with its hot tubs or just go for a stroll in this beautiful town. Afternoon flight back to Reykjavík Domestic Airport and a transfer to your accommodation.


– We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary –


ACCOMMODATION

Sleeping bag accommodation in shared rooms during the ride. Accommodation before and after the ride are to be arranged individually.

NOTE - Please bring your own sleeping bag

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Flight from Reykjavík to Húsavík and bus drive to the farm..

During the ride full board is provided. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.

Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival.

Rain wear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet.

ATTENTION

Please bring your own sleeping bag with you on the tour

Individual travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We encourage clients to obtain relevant travel insurance before visiting Iceland.

Flight to and from Iceland is not included

Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases

Pack light because transport space is limited.