Through Two Exquisite Valleys in the North of IcelandHere are some photos from this tour and the surrounding countryside6 days riding, 1 horse per person, moderate riding experience required The fine folks at Polar Hestar-Stefan Kristjansson and Juliane Kauertz, are great guides through their northern homeland. This family-run touring company has always had a name for good horses and great hospitality, and now they've been joined by the next generation, as toddler Simon adds a cuteness factor that can't be beat. Stefan has been herding the sheep and horses through the valleys and hills on and around the family farm at Grytubakki for a long time, and he knows every wrinkle in the land. Julianne's organizational skills and cooking come from her Swiss homeland, and both are nicely flavored with Icelandic ingredients! Horses North riders have raved about the landscapes, horses and fine food of the Elves and Trolls tour! The tour of the Elves and Trolls is an 8-day tour, starting in Iceland on Saturday, and running through the next Saturday. While travel dates to Iceland are flexible, riders must leave the US no later than the night before or from Europe on Saturday morning. Saturday: After arriving at Keflavik International Airport the Flybus will take you right to the Reykjavik domestic airport, for a dramatic 45 minute flight to Akureyri, the “capital” of northern Iceland. Here Polar Hestar will pick you up for a short drive to their farmhouse Grytubakki for a hearty dinner and a good night’s sleep. Sunday: The morning will offer a chance to explore the farm, with it’s hills and rivers. After lunch you’ll get to help bring in the horses, where you’ll be matched with one who’s right for you. You’ll get to experience the wonderful qualities of the Icelandic horse on a 3-hour ride to the river Gljufura and around the mountain Hofdi. The view over the beautiful fjord and the island Hrisey is breathtaking. Dinner and overnight will be at Grytubakki. Monday: After breakfast the ride will go through the valley of the river Fnjoska, the longest freshwater river in Iceland. You can cross the river, to Alfas, to see the famous old Tuesday: After breakfast riders will go back to Grytubakki on a high trail along the slopes of Draflastadarfjall. The view over Eyjafjordur with Akureyri at its southern end where the river Fnjoska flows into the sea is quite spectacular. Dinner and overnight at Grytubakki. Wednesday: Today begins a three-day trip to the peninsula Fjordur. A pack horse will carry everything needed for these days. Each rider will have a small saddlebag for a few things like extra socks, toothbrush and lots of film. Fjordur inhabitants all left over 40 years ago, and now it’s deserted except for the only 4,000 sheep who summer here, along with the elves and trolls. Names like Trolladalur, ‘the valley of the trolls’, and Alfaborgir, ‘the cities of the elves’, remind us that these invisible beings are here. The slopes of Hvalvatnsfjordur, ‘whale water fjord’, are add to the dramatic beauty of this deserted wilderness. You’ll stay at Thonglabakki, the old farm at Fjordur for two nights, in huts, or weather permitting, in tents. Thursday: You can explore a bit after breakfast .The island of Flatey in the Greenland Sea is visible to the north. The days ride will go to Hofdi mountain and to Nykurtjorn, the mysterious lake on top. The valleys of Holtsdalur and Bakkadalur are wonderful places to enjoy some fast tolt and canter! Friday: The way back from Thonglabakki will seem easier now, as the horses know the way. After the days in the wilderness of Fjordur the warm water of the hot pool in Grenivik will be a delight! Saturday: After breakfast, it’s time to bid goodbye the horses and your hosts, and head back to Akureyri, where you’ll have a short flight back to Reykjavik, and then onto the international airport for flights home. (unless you’re lucky enough to be spending more time in Iceland!) Download a PDF of the itinerary of The Tour of the Elves and Trolls While all Horses North riders may choose flexible travel dates to and from Iceland, you'll need to leave the US no later than the night before the tour starts in Iceland, while Europeans can leave the morning the tour starts. Tour Dates 2008Elves and Trolls runs Saturday to Saturday *Price Accommodations on the Tour of the Elves and Trolls are traditionally Icelandic. You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag and towels, and there will be a mattress provided. The farmhouses, mountain huts and cabins where you‘ll sleep are all simple, 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.
We can mail complete itineraries and will talk to you via e-mail or phone if you have any questions. |
