Participants on the winter version of this popular tour ride several half-day tours and warm up during lunch with soup and coffee at Hotel Eldhestar. Included in the program is also a sightseeing tour to the waterfall Gullfoss, the hot springs at Geysir and Thingvellir National Park as well as whale watching. In other words, we combine riding with discovering the most impressive natural sights in South Iceland. In the evening you will also have the possibility to enjoy a bath at Hveragerði’s famous swimming pool or in our hotel’s hot tubs
Day 1: Evening Arrival
The tour begins in the evening. Guests who arrive in Iceland on the same day take the airport shuttle Flybus (Reykjavik Excursions) from the airport to Reykjavík (BSÍ bus terminal). We will pick you up at BSÍ or at your hótel / guesthouse between 17:30 and 18:00 and drive to Eldhestar’s farm Vellir near to the village of Hveragerði (ca. 40 minutes driving), where you will be staying either at Hotel Eldhestar or at Guesthouse Eldhestar (according to your booking). An information letter with a detailed description of the following days will be offered upon arrival. The day ends with dinner at Hotel Eldhestar.
Day 2: Meadows, Mountains and Soft River Banks
After breakfast, you will meet your guide in the lobby and together you will walk over to the stable. You will get necessary riding equipment (riding helmet, warm overall or rain gear) and a short riding demonstration before you get to know the horses during a few rounds in the paddock. Today we ride 5- 6 hours, starting with the tour Meadows and Mountains. We ride on soft trails along the meadows around our farm, a good opportunity to experience the special gait of the Icelandic horse tölt We then follow the river Gljúfura and continue on an old route towards Ingólfsfjall Mountain, named after the first Norwegian Viking who settled in Iceland in the 9th century. We ride along the slopes of the mountain Reykjafjall with nice views of the landscape between the ocean and the volcanic mountains surrounding the village Hveragerdi before returning to the farm for warming up and a light lunch. After lunch, we saddle our horses again for the afternoon ride, Soft River Banks and continue riding through grassland, now following the river Gljúfurá south to the scenic landscape at the delta of the mighty glacial river Ölfusá. We stop at an old cemetery with a great view of the river before continuing further down to the soft river banks, enjoying a short ride on black lava sand. This area is close to a bird sanctuary and known for many species of wetland- and sea birds. Weather permitting, we might even catch a glimpse of the famous volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. We proceed through the grassy plains before returning to our farm Vellir, where coffee and home baked cake will be available. In the evening, you have the possibility to take a relaxing bath in the hotel’s hot tubes before dinner is served at the hotel.
Day 3: Hot Springs and Horses & Midwinter Warmth
Today we experience a variety of scenery during 3.5-4 hours on horseback. We start the day with the tour Horses and Hot Springs, riding on excellent trails along the slopes of Reykjafjall Mountain and through a green forest. We then pass by many hot springs in the colourful geothermal area Gufudalur valley. This area is situated just above the village of Hveragerði and expanded dramatically during the big South Iceland earthquake in 2008. The path continues along the volcanic hills above the village, which is known for its beautiful location between the green mountains of volcano Hengill and wide plains. We stop at the stable area for some refreshments and learn more about the Icelandic horse before riding back to our farm for lunch. In the afternoon, we spend another hour on horseback on an adorable Icelandic horse to heat body and soul during the tour Midwinter Warmth, before driving to the thermal swimming pool in Hveragarði to soften up in the big and warm hot tub, relax in the steam sauna or take a swim in the comfortably warm water. Imagine sitting in steamy water as a light snowfall turns the grass around you white. After returning to our farm, coffee and home-baked cake will be served in the cosy environment of the hotel.
Day 4: The Heritage Tour & Whale Watching
On the final day, you will ride The Heritage Tour n the morning. This tour takes us 1,5-2 hours on nice trails through meadows, lava fields and a small river. On our way we enjoy the nice scenery of volcanic mountains and farmland, passing several farms which give us an idea of how agriculture has developed in the last decades. After lunch, you have the chance to go for whale watching in the bay next to Reykjavik. After whale watching we pick you up close to the harbour in Reykjavik at 17:30 and drive back to our farm. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 5: Ingolfstrail and Golden Circle
The final day starts with the Long Mountain Tour. You will ride in the footsteps of the first settler Ingólfur Arnarsson along the slopes of mountain Ingolfsfjall, which is named after him. On your way, you will learn more about Iceland’s history and the interesting geology of this area and see the replica of Viking longhouse. After the riding and checking out of the room we warm up with light lunch and coffee or tea. Then you will be picked up to visit the three most impressive natural sights in South Iceland along the Golden Circle. The famous Geysir geothermal area, the “golden waterfall” Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park. The Geysir geothermal area boasts spouting springs, including Strokkur, the most active geyser in Iceland. At Gullfoss you are given the opportunity to stand next to the amazing waterfall, watching enormous quantities of water tumble violently into a deep canyon. You also spend time encountering a cross-section of Iceland’s natural wonders and geological phenomena at Thingvellir National Park, an area of historical and geological significance. You will be back in Reykjavík around 18:00.
Notice: The riding tours can be combined differently in the most enjoyable way for the participants, according to both weather conditions and group riding skills.
