Volcano Contrasts

A pleasant 2 day ride through the mountains near Eldhestar's farm Vellir, past the old volcano Hengil, and along the Olfusa River, with a chance to take a dip in Reykjadalur-Valley of Steam. Quite easy riding, with the night spent at Vellir. This 55 km tour departs every day, and riders can join either day.This is a good introduction to horse touring, and is makes an ideal combination with other activities in Iceland. This is a good way to get to Iceland, get a very good taste of what touring on the Icelandic horse is like and then go about travelling around the country or taking in some other kinds of activities. We can suggest and arrange a variety of other things to do and see.

First Night
Overnight flight to Iceland
Americans fly out on the night before the tour begins in Iceland. Travelers from Europe can leave on the same day that the tour starts.

Day 1
Welcome to Iceland!

Riders will arrive at Keflavik International Airport and then take the Flybus shuttle to their hotel in Reykjavik. This day is free for exploring.

Day 2
Hveragerdi - Kolvidarholl

You will be picked up at your Reykjavik hotel at 8:30 AM by Eldhestar, and taken to their farm in Hveragerdi, about 40 minutes from the capital. Riding starts at 9:30 AM. Following the old route to the plateau Hellisheidi, riding across the moor to the volcano Hengill and over the lava field Kristnitokuhraun, the sure footing and agility of the Icelandic horse shows at its best. This lava came from the eruption of Hengill during the year 1000, the same year Iceland officially became Christian. Legend has it that the eruption was revenge of the old Gods. Riding through the Hengill area, there are hot springs and unusual cliffs including Reykjadalur (Valley of Steam). A nice soak in this warm rivulet is quite unforgettable. 5 - 6 hours on horseback.

Day 3
The Mountain Ingolfsfjall and the river Olfusa

Leaving the farm, an old route is taken along Ingolfsfjall, the mountain named after the first Norwegian Viking who settled in Iceland. The Olfusa river is followed to the old Arnarboeli Cemetery over fields and meadows. From there we have a view over the river and to the famous volcano Hekla. The Olfusforir Bird Sanctuary is visited before the return to Vellir with a total of 20 km riding for the day.

During the winter a part of this tour will be used for a riding course at Vellir. A talk about the Icelandic horse - in history and contemporary life - will be presented. The weather and the wishes of the participants will determine how much time we will be on tour and how much time is spent riding at the farm.

Riders are driven back to a hotel arriving in Reykjavik around 5:00 p.m.

Day 4
Home again!

After breakfast you can continue exploring Iceland or, if your trip is over you can take the Flybus shuttle out to the airport later in the day. (You could take a bus that will give you a few hours visit to the Blue Lagoon on the trip to the airport.)