Easy ride

This tour is an ideal opportunity for anyone wanting to enjoy a comfortable ride in the northern countryside and for beginners with no or little experience of riding but still want to know what the fuzz is all about. Riding the Icelandic horse is for everybody and purely the best way to experience the country.

On this tour, we stay at Hvammur Farm in Vatnsdalur valley.  Vatnsdalur valley has one of three uncountable phenomena in Iceland clusters of mounds and hillocks. The farmer Haukur and his family are well known for our popular Trail of Hope tour. With their kindness and service-orientated way of being you can be sure you are well taken care of. You´ll learn the basics of horse riding, about the agent Saga tales that happened centuries ago in the countryside and witness astonishing nature all around. After a good riding day you can relax in the cozy hot tub.

Day 1: Reykjavik – Hvammur
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik from 17:30 -18:30 pm or from pick up points in Reykjavik www.busstop.is where our Íshesta bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Hvammur farm where horses and staff are waiting for us. After a lovely introductory meal where we get to know each other we relax and rest so we are well prepared for the adventure ahead of us.

Day 2: Hvammur – Vatnsdalur
You´ll learn the basic about the Icelandic horse and head out to the first riding tour safely through Vatnsdalur valley.  We ride on the eastern side, past Hvammsfoss waterfall, surrounded by impressive basalt columns. We might even see foxes or Falcons flying in the air and if you look really closely you could see the elves and trolls that live in the mountains hiding behind the rocks. Our ride ends at Sveinsstaðir where we leave our horses and head back to Hvammur farm.

Day 3: Hvammur – Sveinsstaðir – Þingeyrar nágrenni
On this exciting day, we will visit Þingeyrar church which some might say is the most beautiful church in whole Iceland. It’s a stone church with ca. 1000 golden stars painted on the ceiling and other beautiful handcraft that makes it extraordinary.  The first monastery was held there until 1550 and many of the Icelandic Sagas were written there. We ride through extraordinary surroundings of Þingeyrar in rich birdlife and sandy beaches with Lake Hope on the one side and the north Atlantic on the other. After a enlightened riding day we can relax in the outdoor hot tub at Hvammur Farm before a hearty dinner.

Day 4: Hvammur – Thingeyrar –  Húnavatn
Today we continue to explore the northern countryside and continue our ride towards Vatnsdalur. We might even cross Húnavatn river if everyone is up for the task which is an amazing experience. The agent Saga says that the Viking Ingimundur gamli (old) found  two polar bear cubs at the river and named the river Húnavatn (cups water) After a wonderful riding day we go on a bus tour to the nearest town Blönduós for a nice swimming in the public pool and see one of the Iceland´s greatest glacial rivers. In the evening we celebrate a successful riding tour with a great farewell dinner.

Day 5: Hvammur – Reykjavík
It is time to say good bye to our guides and drive back to your accommodation in Reykjavík. Approx. arrival at 12:30 in Reykjavík.

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

ACCOMMODATION

2 - 4 bed units, beds with bed linen. Accommodation before and after the ride are to be arranged individually.

Note: Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for this ride.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Bus transfer from Reykjavík 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

• 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

- For more information please visit our website www.islandshestar.is -