Northern Iceland, from the broad fjord called Ejyafjordur on valley trails and crossing rivers and brooks to reach Lake Myvatn, an area with so many interesting goings - on, that you wonder if you can take it all in! This 8 day tour has some real riding, so we suggest it to experienced and fit travelers - but it's well worth the effort!
This tour highlights one of our favorite areas - northern Iceland - and goes all the way to Lake Myvatn, an area with so many interesting things going on, it’s astounding that you can take it all in! This tour has some real riding, so we recommend it to experienced and fit travelers - but it’s worth the effort!

8 Day Ride through beautiful North Iceland
Ride with a Herd of remounts
On the track of Gods and Vikings!

Day 1:

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.

Day 2:

The day starts after breakfast with a little tour -a trip to Godafoss - the waterfall of the Gods. In the year 1000, according to the sagas, Þorgeir of Ljósavatn, known as Thorgeir the Lawgiver, made a decision and converted Iceland to Christianity when threw his statues of the pagan gods over the falls. Then it's just a short drive to Fremstafell farmhouse, where the horses are waiting! Riders will help catch them, and learn about Icelandic tack as they help saddle up. The first ride will be to the Bardardalur valley, and you'll follow the river Skjálfandafljót to the Hotel Kiðagil, where you'll have dinner and spend the night. The river Skálfandafljót flows through the valley over the Bárðardalshraun lava field that probably came all over the way from Trölladyngja in Ódaðahraun north of Vatnajökull more than 7,000 years ago.
Today you'll spend 5 - 6 hours in saddle.

Day 3:
After a good Icelandic breakfast, you'll leave Kiðagil and ride over the bridge at Stóruvellir to the other side of the valley to the old farmhouse Stóratunga. Here you are very close to the entrance of Ódaðahraun, the enormous lava field, believed to be the home of outlaws, elves and trolls in the old days. Some of the herd will stay at Stórutunga while riders take the rest on to the impressive waterfall Aldeyarfoss, which will be a spot to appreciate Iceland’s unique and lovely landscape. Then you'll go back to Stóratunga for overnight. Today you'll ride for about 5 hours.

Day 4:
Today 's direction is Northeast, as you ride over Landsmelar at Viðiker to Myvatn. In the 19th century Jón Þorkellsson lived at Viðiker He was a very famous guide who took foreign travellers through the lava fields of 'Odaðahraun to Askja. The horses will take you over comfortably and swiftly over sandy hills and through moorland. And once you're at the highest point you'll have an impressive view over Iceland’s heartland. If you are lucky there may be a view of the queen of the Icelandic mountains in the distance: Herdubreið. Today’s destination is the farmhouse Stöng where you will spend the next two nights. And, better yet, a hot pool awaits riders after 5 hours in saddle.

Day 5:
More touring today! You'll head out after breakfast in a small bus, to see the Pearls of the North. You'll visit the pseudocraters of Skutustaðir, the bizarre lava formations of Dimmuborgir and the bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð. Then, back to Stong, where you'll saddle up after lunch and head out to explore the area to the north east. You'll ride on old paths and sheep tracks close to Gautlönd and Baldursheimur, and then head back to Stong for overnight, after 3 to 4 hours in the saddle.
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Day 6:
Ride south from Stöng close to the old farmhouse of Hörgsdalur and then along Myvatnsheiði to the valley of the smoke - Reykjadalur. You'll have a day of adventurous tracks and smooth trails, over lots of different landscapes, seeing the mountain Kinnarfjöll to the west side and mountain Gaesafjöll (if the weather allows.) Spend the night at Breiðimyri, close to the little village Laugar, after 6 hours of riding.

Day 7:
There's a wonderful woods to ride along Vatnshlið.There is a wonderful view over the valley Reykjadalur and the lake Vestmannsvatn. You'll ride past the hill Fljótsheiði where a lovely ride takes you along the river Skjálfandafljót and through the forest Fellskógur, past the waterfalls Ullarfoss and Barnafoss. You'll need to bid the horses good-bye as they stay at Fremstafell farm while riders are driven back to the farmhouse at Grytubakki. This last day will have you in the saddle for about 6 hours.

Day 8:
You'll have one last breakfast to share stories before saying goodbye to your friends and guides. Then you'll be taken back to the airport at Akureyri for your flight south, followed by a bus from the domestic to the international airport. Then you’ll be back home before you know it!

Download a PDF of the itinerary of this tour

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 2008

Accommodations on this Fascinating Northern Iceland tour are traditionally Icelandic. You’ll need to bring a sleeping bag and towels, there will be a mattress 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.

We can mail complete itineraries and will talk to you via e-mail or phone if you have any questions.