Highlights of the South and Southwest
We have selected some of the most scenic riding trails in Iceland’s South and Southwest for this tour. Experienced riders enjoy spectacular days on horseback in small groups and the comfort of our hotel in the evening. Every morning we take the horses in a trailer to start the tour in a different, unique riding area close to civilization or at the edge of wilderness. We experience the popular riding area and unique “horse villages“ in beautiful nature on the doorstep of Reykjavik, soft trails in the volcanic Thjórsárdalur valley, wide open spaces and fascinating scenery in the highlands and riding on black lava beach of the Atlantic ocean.
Day 1: Arrival
The tour starts in the evening. Tour members who arrive the same day to Iceland should take the Flybus from the airport to the ending bus station BSÍ in Reykjavík. We will greet you at the bus station or your hotel/ guesthouse in Reykjavik at 17:30- 18:00 and drive to our farm Vellir in Hveragerði. There you will be lodged at Hotel Eldhestar for the entire tour. We will get to know each other during dinner at the hotel. The day ends with a detailed description of the tour (the description can also be next morning after breakfast).
Day 2: Ölfusá Delta and The Beach
We start at our farm with a ride across meadows, following the river Gljúfurá to the mighty Ölfusá glacial river, where we enjoy a panoramic view of the river delta with its black, sandy river banks, volcanic mountains and all the way to the ocean. The tour continues on soft grassland along the river and through shallow water at the edge of the wide Ölfusá delta until we reach the black lava sand at the south coast. On our way we have good chances to see birds of various kinds. One of the highlights of the tour is a brisk ride on the beach before reaching the fishing village Thorlákshöfn. (The tour can also start at the beach, depending on tides).
Riding distance and time: Around 25 km
Day 3: Heiðmörk Nature Reserve
The day starts with a drive to the stable area in Reykjavik. After some fun ride on the oval track where the best horses competed on “Landsmót”, we spend the day riding on scenic trails in the wonderful nature reserve and outdoor recreational area Heiðmörk on the outskirts of the city. The tour takes us through a surprisingly varied landscape of lakes, forests and lava formations. We start along the wooded shores of lake Rauðavatn and continue through the impressive pseudo craters Rauðhólar, the “red hills” created in an eruption 4700 years ago. We enjoy a nice view of the capital area from the hills near lake Elliðaárvatn, ride trough the forest and visit another typical Icelandic “horse village” before driving with the trailer back to our farm.
Riding distance and time: Around 20 km
Day 4: Thjórsárdalur Valley
Today we drive east to the picturesque valley Thjórsárdalur and ride in an astonishing landscape formed by Iceland’s longest river Thjórsá and eruptions of the nearby volcano Hekla. The lush valley at the edge of the barren highlands with its forests, streams, soft sandy ground, bizarre volcanic structures and green hills offers an unforgettable riding experience. We visit an excavated farmhouse that was buried under a layer of ash from volcano Hekla 800 years ago as well as the valley Gjáin with its small waterfalls and ponds, a hidden natural treasures like an oasis in black sand.
Riding distance and time: Around 23 km
Day 5: Soft Banks of Glacial River Hvitá
We take our horses to the stable area in the nearby village of Selfoss. We ride through wide meadows north of Selfoss towards the mighty glacial river Hvitá and continue on soft trails along the river. The grassy river banks and wide, green plains are ideal for long distances in brisk tölt while enjoying the view of majestic volcanic mountains in the distance, weather permitting. We then leave the grassy river banks and ride on excellent riding trails through farmland back towards Selfoss.
On the last day of riding the bus will take you back to Reykjavik (arrival about 17:15).
Riding distance and time: Around 22 km.
