This new tour offers the best of one of out favorite areas-northern Iceland. Not only does it combine a couple of local specialties-Icelandic horses and midnight sun, it also includes some sightseeing visits to some of the other highlights of the north-Husavik, Lake Myvatn, Godafoss and the turf farm Laufas. We think it’s about as far north as you can get on horseback, and what better time to be there than the summer soltice!

Monday:
After arriving at Keflavik International Airport the Flybus shuttle will take riders into the Reykjavik airport, for a dramatic 45 minute flight to Akureyri, the "capital" of northern Iceland. Here the folks from Polar Hestar will pick up riders for a short drive to their farmhouse Grytubakki for dinner and a good night's sleep.

Tuesday:
After breakfast, riders will meet the horses for a short introduction and then start the tour by riding to the historical turf farm Laufás. Laufás farmhouse is a pure example of the gabled Icelandic farms of those times. It has been a vicarage from the earliest Christian times.
After lunch ride into the valley of the river Fnjóská. On the way back you’ll have a look at the holy hill Helguholl. According to a legend there is a Viking ship full of gold under it, but if someone tries to get it, all the churches which you can see from the hill will burn down. Through the marshy country of Nes you’ll ride back to Grýtubakki where coffee and cakes will be served.
Later in the afternoon you’ll drive to Akureyri where you will relax in the swimming pool, which is supposed to be the most beautiful in the country.
Dinner and overnight at Grýtubakki.

Wednesday:
After breakfast you’ll go whale watching in Húsavik and visit the famous whale museum. On the way back you’ll have a look at the historical waterfall Godafoss which played an important role during Christianization of Iceland around the year 1000.
You’ll have coffee at Grýtubakki and afterwards saddle the horses for a short ride to the river Gljúfurá.
Dinner and overnight at Grýtubakki.

Thursday:
Today there’s a day ride to the coast Látrastönd –above steep cliffs, through clear brooks and wonderful green valleys. You will have your lunch break close to the ruins of the old farmhouse Svínarnes. Inhabited until the middle of the last century they are witnesses of former life. Enjoy the amazing view to the island of Hrísey, fjord Eyjafjördur and the open sea.
Coffee and cake at Grýtubakki as well as dinner and overnight. .

Friday:
The famous area of Mývatn is your destination today. You can have a look at the pseudo crater of Skútustadit, the bizarre formations made of lava in Dimmuborgir and the bubbling mud pools of Námaskard.
After dinner at Grýtubakki you’ll saddle the horses for a three- hour- ride around the hill Höfdi.
The culmination of the day will be the midnight sun!
Overnight at Grýtubakki.

Saturday:
Today you’ll ride up to the mountains into the wild valley Fjördur. Fjörður is a mysterious and deserted countryside. It has been closed off from the rest of the world for 40 years. Only about 4000 sheep spend the summer here every year, together with the trolls and elves. Names like Trölladalur, the valley of the trolls and Álfaborgir, the cities of the elves remind us of the existence of these invisible beings.
From the rise of Leirdalsheiði there’s a wonderful view over to the fjord of Eyjafjörður, the fishing village Grenivík and the surrounding farms. Ride through green valleys, along rushing rivers and over stony paths. Extinct volcanoes, silent glaciers and hidden waterfalls accompany you. In the late afternoon you will be back at Grýtubakki.
Last dinner and overnight.

Sunday:
After breakfast riders will be taken back to Akureyri, for flights to Reykjavik, and on to Keflavik to fly back home, or... on to further explorations in Iceland.

.Accommodations on the Around the Midnight Sun Tour are traditionally Icelandic. You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag and towels, soap and shampoos. A bed and mattress will be provided. The farmhouses, mountain huts and cabins where you‘ll sleep are all warm and clean. Typically there are several beds per room, and in huts there may be one big room. Most will have shared bathroom facilities.

Meals will be family style with lots of typical Icelandic cuisine which features fish, dairy products, lamb, and potatoes. Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice. We’ll send you a gear list that provides tips for packing, as well as info on converting money and electricity, weather advice (no guarantees, though) and other useful stuff.

 

Download a PDF of the itinerary of the Riding Tour - Around the Midnight Sun

Travel Dates 2012

Travel Dates for Ring Around the Midnight Sum
Below are travel dates -- we’ll be happy to arrange for an earlier departure or later return. Your arrival day in Iceland is always a transfer day, which allows you to rest from the short night of sleep on the flight, before you start riding on the second day.

Sunday, June 17 - Sunday, June 24