The Snæfellsnes Peninsula stretches out into the west of Iceland. You can find many features of the Icelandic nature in this part of the country. From Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm you ride into the mountains and enjoy the colors of nature in Hítardalur valley. Through lava fields and along hillsides ride down to the shore, continuing along the beach. This traditional trail, only revealed by the tide, offers horses and riders great opportunities to perform the smooth gait “tölt” over long distances.
Participants on this tour join the longer Snæfellsnes tour for four days, but return back to Reykjavík on the fifth day while those on the longer ride continue.

Your hosts, Siggi and Ólöf have been training horses and riding on Snaefellsnes for over 20 years, and they convey the sense that the ride goes through their big back yard. Their farmhouse - Stóri-Kálfalækur - will be your base for much of the ride, with a couple of nights in other guesthouses along the trail. Hot pots provide a nice ending to most days rides!!

Friday:
Travelers from North America leave for Iceland on an overnight flight with an early morning arrival at Keflavik Airport in Iceland.

Saturday:
Welcome to Iceland
You will arrive at Keflavik International Airport and use your voucher to take the Flybus shuttle to the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, (about a 40 minute ride). You’ll have the day to explore Iceland’s capital city. An overnight in Reykjavík is included to give you a chance to catch up after your short overnight flight.

Sunday:
Stóri-Kálfalækur – Grímsstaðir
After breakfast, you’ll go north and west to Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, and meet your guides and horses. You’ll get a helmet, raingear and saddle, and have an introduction to the special qualities of the Icelandic horse. You’ll put this into action, with a ride through green valleys, and over mountains to Grímsstaðir Farm with its proud history dating back to medieval times. The horses will stay here, while riders return to Stóri-Kálfalækur where a hot tub beckons! (30 km)

Monday:
Grímsstaðir – Hítarhólmur
You’ll ride through multicolored mountains to the geologic paradise low . Hítardalur. Here you’ll go on riding trails through a lunar landscape of vast lava fields, with volcanic ashes which has a lot of saga history in it as well. The horses will spend the night at Hítarhólmur mountain while riders return to Stóri-Kálfalækur, (30 km)

Tuesday:
Hítarhólmur – Kolviðarnes – Laugagerði Schoolhouse
The morning continues through the mystical volcanic valley with a stop at the sheep round up corral Hítardalsrétt - where you may also glimpse Hít, the troll woman who was turned into stone returning late from a date. (it’s a long story!) Then you’ll cross the Hítará River and through an area known as a shelter for out of Iceland’s most famous outlaw, Grettir, before arriving at Kolviðarnes Farm. The horses stay here, and riders have sleeping bag accommodations at Laugagerði Schoolhouse, which has a warm geothermal swimming pool! (45 km)

Wednesday:
Laugagerði – Traðir – Hof Farm
Today’s the day -- hit the beach! You’ll start your ride on Löngufjörur, the famous horse trail on the golden sands of Snæfellsnes peninsula. Under the watchful eye of Snæfellsjökull Glacier, you’ll be able to feel the horses’ excitement as they carry you swiftly along this extraordinary trail!! The horses spend the night at Traðir Farm while riders stay at Hof Farm with a geothermal hot tub on site. (40 km)
In the evening there’s an optional excursion to Arnastapi and Hellnar, which are at the base of Mt Snaefellsjokull. You can learn more about the natural, supernatural and cultural history of this special area at the Visitors Center for Snæfellsnes National Park. Cost per person for this outing is ISK 3500. (About $30)

 

Thursday:
Hof - Reykjavik

Today you leave your riding companions behind and drive back to Reykjavík. The arrival time in Reykjavík depends on the tide and whether it is possible to operate the optional tour on Wednesday afternoon or on Thursday morning. Detailed information on the timing for each departure is available upon request.

Friday:
Home again..

After breakfast you can continue exploring Iceland and then take the Flybus shuttle out to the airport for return flights. You can also take a bus that will give you a few hours to soak in the Blue Lagoon on your way to the airport.)

Download a PDF of the itinerary of The Beaches and Mountains Riding Tour

Dates and Prices*
The Beaches and Mountains tour has 3 departures in 2012. The price for this tour is $2739 per person double occupancy, $2903 with single supplement. The 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.

Dates
Fri, June 15-Fri, June 22
Fri, June22-Fri, June 29
Fri, August 17-Fri, August 24

*Price includes round trip airfare, including fuel surcharge and departure tax, from Boston, New York, Minneapolis, Denver, and Washington Dulles International Airport (ask about prices from Seattle, Toronto, Halifax and Europe.) Not all gateways have daily departures. Also includes all airport transfers, hotel accommodations in Reykjavik with private bath and breakfast post ride, 2 nights in beds with linens and 2 nights in sleeping bags during the ride, all meals during the ride, as well as safety helmets and rain gear.

Not included in the price are travel insurance, breakfast and lunch on your arrival day, lunch or dinner on the day of departure and the cost of any additional travel you may choose.

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