The Kings trail

The Kings trail
Alkaen EUR 2 590,00 €
  • Kesto: 6 Päivät (noin)
  • Tuotekoodi: IH-29

The Kings Trail is a unique tour where we ride across
Iceland´s western highlands, from the beautiful Vatnsdalur Valley in the north
and shrine of the nation Þingvellir in the south.

1907
the King of Denmark and Iceland, visited the country. Because of this huge
event, some improvements were made on the ancient tracks to Þingvellir, to make
it easier for the population to ride to the old parliament place and see their
king. That is why we still today call parts of our trails leading to Þingvellir
Kings Trail. 

We enjoy the true quality of the
Icelandic horse in the mystical inspiring landscape and peaceful wilderness.
Our historical riding paths lead us across the legendary Arnarvatnheiði Heath
with its countless lakes and myths. During our ride the majestic glaciers
Langjökull and Eiríksjökull are on the east side of our tracks. We visit the
geothermal area Húsafell. Húsafell is often called the pearl between the lava
and the glaciers with its natural forest and great outdoor pool. This is the
perfect location to enjoy the midnight sun in Iceland. The Þingvellir National
park is a number one location to visit in Iceland. There is nothing more
authentic then visiting the UNESCO park then on a horseback like the Icelanders
have done for centuries! At this heart of the nation the first parliament was
founded in the year 930 AD. Þingvellir is not only designated a UNESCO World
Heritage Site because of its historical importance but also because of the very
special geology and natural features. Along this magnificent trail we travel
with a herd of 60-90 free running horses and everyone will find his/her
favourite horses. Haukur, his team and his horses as well as the many
spectacular natural and historical sites make the Kings Trail an unforgettable
experience.

 

Day-by-Day Itinerary Kings
trail:  North - South

 

Saturday:
Reykjavík – Vatnsdalur Valley – Hvammur Farm – Haukagil


Pick up between 8:00 and 9:00 in the
morning from pick up points in Reykjavík.
Drive to the north where our
farmer and his team welcome us at Hvammur farm. The farm is in the valley
Vatnsdalur which is said to be one of the most fertile and beautiful valleys in
Iceland, shaped by water, glaciers and volcanic activity. 
On our
ride we pass the historical farm Hof and cross Vatnsdalsá river. Vatnsdalur is the setting of one of the ancient sagas,
the Vatnsdælasaga. On our way we hear tales from Iceland´s heroic past of
bloody conflict, revenge and love. You can sense the happiness of the free
running horses as we are heading towards the highland. The horses stay at
Haukagil farm which is the last farm on this side of the valley before we enter
the highland plateau. We stay overnight at Hvammur. The
hot tub offers a nice relaxation as we get ready for the riding adventures of
the coming days. (Approx.
20 km)

 

Sunday:
Haukagil – Haugakvíslarskáli Mountain Cabin 


We start off by gathering up the herd of horses we take with us on the
adventurous trail. Today we are riding through the summer pastures of horses
and sheep from the farmers in the north of Iceland.
 

We
ascend towards the highland plateau Víðidalstunguheiði heath. It is great to
drive the horses through the very free fields of the highlands. The highland
opens up for us and we see the mighty Álkugil gorge with picturesque waterfalls
tumbling down over rock formations. The wideness and freedom feeling is inspiring
for horses and people.  It is graceful to see the free running herd
tölt on the soft paths of the peaceful area. We see the remains of the old
Kings Trail and the tracks from travelling horses through the centuries. Here
the only inhabitants are foxes, birds and maybe some trolls.  We spend the night at Haugakvíslarskáli
Mountain Cabin. (Approx 35 km)

 

Monday:
Haugakvíslarskáli  – Arnarvatnsheiði
Heath and Lake Arnarvatn – Álftakrókur

Mountain
Cabin


Further into the
mountains we set course for the spacious Fellaskáli Cabin owned by the farmers
of Víðidalur valley. There we have the lunchbreak of the day. The strong riding
horses bring us safely through the ancient highland paths. We
enjoy the magnificent view over the impressive highland mountains and the
glaciers Langjökull and Eiríksjökull as they get closer step by step. We can see how the vegetation is changing into
lush green colours, created by rich soil and water from many lakes as we ride
to the heart of Arnarvatnsheiði. We pass the lake Réttarvatn on our way beside
the beautiful lake Arnarvatn. Truly a fascinating mystical place of silence and
tranquillity we will never forget. Fertile highland vegetation and rich
birdlife are the highlights of this area. As we say goodbye to the north we ride
further to the impressive part of the high plateau that belongs to the west
area Borgarfjörður. Further on we ride to Álftakrókur Mountain Cabin where
wanted men were supposed to hide out from the law enforcements long ago.  (Approx. 35 km)

 

Tuesday: Álftakrókur – Eríksjökull Glacier  - Hallmundarhraun Lava – Surtshellir Cave –
Borgarfjörður Area

Our ride continues beside one of
the biggest lavafields in Iceland Hallmundarhraun. This is a mystical area
filled with legends of outlaws and tales from the past. You have the feeling
you see elfs and trolls in the formations of the lava. The horses already sense
that we are getting closer to the grasland of the farms in Borgarfjörður Area,
and tölt happily as we ride on the banks of the glacial river Norðlingafljót,
which we will also cross during our ride. Eríksjökull Glacier, which also is a
Vulcano, is majestic on the east side of our trail. We will see the best known
cave in Iceland Surtshellir. The spectacular 3500 m long lava cave was a hide
out for bandits back in the days. The horses will stay at Þorvaldsstaðir.
Accommodation at Hótel Á. (Approx.
30 km)

Wednesday:
Þorvaldsstaðir – Húsafell - Hraunfossar – Augastaðir  

We spend the day
riding through and exploring the extraordinary area of Húsafell. We sense the
qualities of our Icelandic horses as they bring us through the biggest natural
forest of Iceland, Húsafellsskógur. 
Húsafell, often called the pearl between the lava and the glaciers is a
unique natural gem in a magnificent landscape.

The place has a big
historical importance. There are tales all the way back from the settlement as
well as stories of witchcraft and ghosts from later centuries.  Today we will visit the exceptionally
beautiful waterfall Hraunfossar. The water seems to appear from the lava but is
actually a cold spring that surges through the ground and runs in rapids down
into the river Hvítá. After a great day with the horses they rest at Augastaðir
and we enjoy the geothermal pool of Húsafell. Accommodation at Húsafell Gamli
Bær Guesthouse.
(Approx. 20 km)

 

Thursday:
Húsafell – Ancient Ok Trail – Brunnar Mountain Cabin – Brautartunga Community
center in Lundareykjardalur

Our route today
leads us from Augastaðir over the mystical ancient trail of Ok. This
fascinating highland trail is named after the 1190m high impressive glacier Ok
on the east side of the trails, there we also see the glaciers Geitlandsjökull,
Langjökull and Þórisjökull. This impressive area without any vegetation reminds
us on how rough nature can be in Iceland. We leave our horses at Brunnar
Mountain Cabin to rest and go for an overnight stay to the community center
Brautartunga in Lundareykjadalur Valley, were we have our own private hot tub
and swimming pool. A great place to enjoy our last evening of the tour together
with a good Icelandic meal, storytelling and singing. (Approx. 35 km)

 

Friday:
Brunnar – Skógarhólar – Þingvellir – Reykjavík


We continue our ride and enjoy the great view
riding in fast tölt on the trail over Bláskógarheiði Heath towards National
Park Þingvellir. These tracks were used for centuries by the people travelling
to the parliament in Þingvellir. Here are the historical sites by every foot
step as we get closer to our destination. Only a few km from Brunnar we pass
the legendary stone cairns Hallbjarnarvörður. The Sturlunga Saga, that
describes battles of families in Iceland in the 13. Century, mentions this
location as a meeting place of armies and their chieftains. Our trail brings us
south by the Kaldidalur road, further on great riding tracks by Draugabrekka
(Ghostslopes) and Tröllaháls (Trollhill). As we see the Ármannsfell Mountain we
are close to Skógarhólar Fields were our great ride ends this time. Skógarhólar
is run by the Icelandic Horse Clubs Association and is located in Þingvellir
National Park. We thank our horses and say good-bye until next time. We
experience the beautiful sites and history of Þingvellir often called the
national shrine of Iceland. Here was the oldest existing parliament in the
world assembled. The spectacular Geology of Þingvellir is very visual in the
Canyon Almannagjá which is formed between two tectonic continental plates
drifting from each other. Transfer to Reykjavík, Landsmót Horse Festival and
your accommodation. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík between 17 and 18. (Approx. 20 km)

 

 

 

Kings Trail  S-N

 

Day-by-Day Itinerary Kings
trail:  South – North

 

Sunday:
Reykjavík – Þingvellir – Skógarhólar – Brunnar Mountain Cabin


Pick up between
08:
00 and 09:00 in the morning from
pick up points in Reykjavik
www.busstop.is. Please be ready at the
earliest pick up time and be ready in your riding clothes.
Transfer
to the Skógarhólar Fields where our Horseman and guide Haukur, his team and
horses from Hvammur farm will meet you.  Skógarhólar is run by the
Icelandic Horse Clubs Association and is located in Þingvellir National Park.
We experience the beautiful sites and history of Þingvellir often called the
national shrine of Iceland. Here was the oldest existing parliament in the
world assembled. The spectacular Geology of Þingvellir is very visual in the
Canyon Almannagjá which is formed between two tectonic continental plates
drifting from each other. We enjoy our first riding day in fast tölt with great
view over the Bláskógarheiði Heath. These tracks were used for centuries by the
people travelling to the parliament in Þingvellir. We pass Ármannsfell Mountain
and ride further by Tröllaháls (Trollhill) on the tracks by so called
Draugabrekka (Ghostslopes). Our ride brings us north on Kaldidalur road. Here
are the historical sites by every foot step as we get closer to our destination
of the day, Brunnar. Only a few km from there we pass the legendary stone
cairns Hallbjarnarvörður. The Sturlunga Saga, that describes battles of
families in Iceland in the 13. Century, mentions this location as a meeting
place of armies and their chieftains. We leave the horses for the night at
Brunnar. We stay over night at the cultural heart of Iceland, Þingvellir.  (Approx.
20 km)

 

Monday:
Brunnar – Ancient Ok Trail – Augastaðir Farm – Hraunfossar Wateralls


Our route today
leads us from Brunnar over the mystical ancient trail of Ok. This fascinating
highland trail is named after the 1190m high impressive glacier Ok on the east
side of the tracks, there we also see the glaciers Geitlandsjökull, Langjökull
and Þórisjökull. This impressive area without any vegetation reminds us on how
rough nature can be in Iceland. We leave our horses at Augastaðir Farm to rest
and go for an overnight stay at Hotel Á by the farm Kirkjuból. Today we will
visit the exceptionally beautiful waterfall Hraunfossar. The water seems to
appear from the lava but is actually a cold spring that surges through the
ground and runs in rapids down into the river Hvítá.  (Approx. 35 km)

 

Tuesday: Augastaðir – Húsafell – Þorvaldsstaðir Farm – Surtshellir Cave

We spend the day
riding through and exploring the extraordinary area of Húsafell. We sense the
qualities of our Icelandic horses as they bring us through the biggest natural
forest of Iceland, Húsafellsskógur. 
Húsafell, often called the pearl between the lava and the glaciers is a
unique natural gem in a magnificent landscape.

The place has a big
historical importance. There are tales all the way back from the settlement as
well as stories of witchcraft and ghosts from later centuries.  After a great day with the horses they rest
at Þorvaldsstaðir. We will visit the
best known cave in Iceland Surtshellir. The spectacular 3500 m long lava cave
was a hide out for bandits back in the days. It is a great feeling to relax
and enjoy the geothermal pool of Húsafell. Accommodation at Hótel Á. (Approx. 20 km)

 

Wednesday: Borgarfjörður Area -– Eríksjökull Glacier -
Hallmundarhraun Lava – Álftakrókur Mountain Cabin

We are leaving the grasland of the
farms in Borgarfjörður and heading for Iceland´s Western Highlands. Our ride
continues beside one of the biggest lavafields in Iceland Hallmundarhraun. This
is a mystical area filled with legends of outlaws and tales from the past. You
have the feeling you see elfs and trolls in the formations of the lava. Our horses
tölt happily as we ride on the banks of the glacial river Norðlingafljót, which
we will also cross during our ride. Eríksjökull Glacier, which also is a
Vulcano, is majestic on the east side of our trail. Further on we ride to Álftakrókur Mountain Cabin
where wanted men were supposed to hide out from the law enforcements long ago.  (Approx. 30 km)

 

Thursday:
Álftakrókur - Arnarvatnsheiði Heath and Lake Arnarvatn – Haugakvíslarskáli
Mountain Cabin

Further into the
mountains we set course for the spacious Fellaskáli Cabin owned by the farmers
of Víðidalur valley. There we have the main break of the day. The strong riding
horses bring us safely through the ancient highland paths. We
enjoy the magnificent view over the impressive highland mountains and the
glaciers Langjökull and Eiríksjökull. We can
see how the vegetation is changing into lush green colours, created by rich
soil and water from many lakes as we ride to the heart of Arnarvatnsheiði. We pass
the lake Réttarvatn on our way beside the beautiful lake Arnarvatn. Truly a
fascinating mystical place of silence and tranquillity we will never forget.
Fertile highland vegetation and rich birdlife are the highlights of this area.
As we say goodbye to the south we ride further to the impressive part of the
high plateau that belongs to the North Area Húnvavatnssýsla Districht. Here the only inhabitants are foxes, birds
and maybe some trolls. We are riding through the summer pastures of horses and sheep as
we ascend towards our Mountain Cabin for the night, Haugakvíslarkáli in
Víðidalstunduheiði Heath.   

(Approx. 35 km)

 






















Friday: Haugakvíslarskáli – Haukagil Farm – Vatnsdalur Valley – Hvammur
Farm


Today we are riding down from the highland plateau Víðidalstunguheiði heath to
our beautiful valley Vatnsdalur. The horses already sense that we are getting
closer to the juice grasland of home and tölt happily direction north.  It is great to drive the horses through the
very free fields of the highlands before entering the civilisation again. We
see the mighty Álkugil gorge with picturesque waterfalls tumbling down over
rock formations. The wideness and freedom feeling is inspiring for horses and people.  It is
graceful to see the free running herd tölt on the soft paths of the peaceful
area. We see the remains of the old Kings Trail and the tracks from travelling
horses through the centuries. We spend the night at Haukur´s
Farm Hvammur. Here we enjoy our last evening of the tour together with an
outdoor jacuzzi, good meal, storytelling and singing (Approx 35 km)

 

Saturday: Haukagil – Vatnsdalur – Hvammur Farm – Reykjavík

Vatnsdalur is said to be one of the most fertile and beautiful valleys in
Iceland, shaped by water, glaciers and volcanic activity. 
On our
ride we pass the historical farm Hof and cross Vatnsdalsá river. Vatnsdalur is the setting of one of the ancient sagas,
the Vatnsdælasaga. On our way we hear tales from Iceland´s heroic past of
bloody conflict, revenge and love. We experience the spirit of our horses as we
are heading towards home on the great riding paths at the banks of Vatnsdalsá
River.











































































































We thank our very special friends the horses and say good-bye to Haukur
and his crew until next time. Our bus will bring you to Reykjavík, either to
BSÍ (Main Bus Station) or to your accommodation. Approx. time of arrival in
Reykjavík at 18:00. (Approx.
20 km)