Kings Trail Highland Tours Iceland Explore spectacular nature and unique historical sites on horseback through Iceland's western highlands. The Kings Trail links the beautiful Vatnsdalur Valley in the north to the shrine of the nation, Þingvellir in the south. In 1907 the King of Denmark (who also ruled over Iceland at the time) came for a visit. Because of this huge event, some improvements were made on the ancient tracks to Þingvellir, to make it easier for the population to ride to the old parliament place and see their king. Our historical riding paths lead us across the legendary Arnarvatnheiði Heath with its countless lakes and myths. During our ride, we will also encounter the majestic glaciers Langjökull and Eiríksjökull. There is nothing more authentic then visiting the UNESCO park of Þingvellir than on a horseback like the Icelanders have done for centuries!  Þingvellir is not only designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical importance but also because of its very special geology and natural features. Progressive Ride (no camping) Ride with Gaited Horses Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik Airport:   Keflavík International Airport Transfer: Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Sample Itinerary: from North to South - subject to changes

Please, note that this itinerray can also be run in reverse, from South to North.

Day 1: Arrival
Pick up at 9:00 am from BSÍ bus station in Reykjavík. We drive north to join the team at Hvammur farm. The farm is in the valley Vatnsdalur which is said to be one of the most fertile and beautiful valleys in Iceland, shaped by water, glaciers and volcanic activity.
On today's ride we pass the historical farm Hof and cross Vatnsdalsá river. Vatnsdalur is the setting of one of the ancient sagas, the Vatnsdælasaga. On our way we hear tales from Iceland´s heroic past of bloody conflict, revenge and love. You can sense the happiness of the free running horses as we are heading towards the highland. The horses stay at Haukagil farm which is the last farm on this side of the valley before we enter the highland plateau.
We stay overnight at Hvammur. The hot tub offers a nice relaxation as we get ready for the riding adventures of the coming days.
Riding approx. 20 km
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hvammur farm

Day 2: Haukagil to Haugakvíslarskáli Mountain Cabin
We start off by gathering up the herd of horses we take with us on the adventurous trail. Today we are riding through the summer pastures of horses and sheep from local farmers. We ascend towards the highland plateau Víðidalstunguheiði heath. The highland opens up for us and we see the mighty Álkugil gorge with picturesque waterfalls tumbling down over rock formations. We then see the remains of the old Kings Trail and the tracks from traveling horses through the centuries. Here the only inhabitants are foxes, birds and maybe some trolls.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Haugakvíslarskáli Mountain Cabin

Day 3: Haugakvíslarskáli to Álftakrókur Mountain Cabin
Further into the mountains we set course for the spacious Fellaskáli Cabin owned by the farmers of Víðidalur valley. There, we enjoy our lunch break of the day. The strong riding horses bring us safely through the ancient highland paths. We enjoy the magnificent view over the impressive highland mountains and the glaciers Langjökull and Eiríksjökull as they get closer step by step. We can see how the vegetation is changing into lush green colours, created by rich soil and water from many lakes as we ride to the heart of Arnarvatnsheiði.
We pass the lake Réttarvatn on our way beside the beautiful lake Arnarvatn. Truly a fascinating mystical place of silence and tranquillity we will never forget. Further on, we ride to Álftakrókur Mountain Cabin where wanted men supposedly hid from law enforcements long ago.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Álftakrókur Mountain Cabin

Day 4: Álftakrókur to Borgarfjörður Area
Our ride continues beside one of the biggest lava fields in Iceland: Hallmundarhraun. This is a mystical area filled with legends of outlaws and tales from the past. You have the feeling you see elves and trolls in the formations of the lava. The horses already sense that we are getting closer to the grassland of the farms in Borgarfjörður Area, and tölt happily as we ride on the banks of the glacial river Norðlingafljót. Eríksjökull Glacier, which is also  a volcano, is majestic on the east side of our trail. We will stop at the beautiful cave Surtshellir. The spectacular 3500 m long lava cave used to be a hideout for bandits. The horses will stay at Þorvaldsstaðir.
We are driven to our accommodation.
Riding approx. 30 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hótel Á

Day 5: Þorvaldsstaðir to Augastaðir
We spend the day riding through and exploring the extraordinary area of Húsafell. We sense the qualities of our Icelandic horses as they bring us through the biggest natural forest of Iceland: Húsafellsskógur.
Húsafell is often called the pearl between the lava and the glaciers. It is a unique natural gem in a magnificent landscape. The place has a big historical importance.
Today we will visit the exceptionally beautiful waterfall Hraunfossar. The water seems to appear from the lava but is actually a cold spring that surges through the ground and runs in rapids down into the river Hvítá.
After a great day with the horses they rest at Augastaðir and we enjoy the geothermal pool of Húsafell.
Riding approx. 20 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Húsafell Gamli Bær Guesthouse

Day 6: Augastaðir to Brunnar Mountain Cabin
Our route today leads us from Augastaðir over the mystical ancient trail of Ok. This fascinating highland trail is named after the 1190m high impressive glacier Ok on the east side of the trail. While on the trail, we also see the glaciers Geitlandsjökull, Langjökull and Þórisjökull. This impressive area without any vegetation reminds us how rough nature can be in Iceland.
We leave our horses at Brunnar Mountain Cabin to rest and go for an overnight stay to the community center Brautartunga in Lundareykjadalur Valley, were we have our own private hot tub and swimming pool.
A great place to enjoy our last evening of the tour together with a good Icelandic meal, storytelling and singing.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Brautartunga Community center in Lundareykjardalur

Day 7: Brunnar Mountain Cabin to Þingvellir
For our last riding day, we enjoy great views, riding in fast tölt on the trail over Bláskógarheiði Heath towards National Park Þingvellir. These tracks were used for centuries by the people traveling to the parliament in Þingvellir.
Only a few kilometers from Brunnar, we pass the legendary stone cairns Hallbjarnarvörður. The Sturlunga Saga, that describes battles of families in Iceland in the 13th Century, mentions this location as a meeting place of armies and their chieftains. Our trail brings us south by the Kaldidalur road, further on great riding tracks by Draugabrekka (Ghostslopes) and Tröllaháls (Trollhill).
As we see the Ármannsfell Mountain we are close to Skógarhólar Fields where our great ride ends. Skógarhólar is run by the Icelandic Horse Clubs Association and is located in Þingvellir National Park.
We thank our horses and say good-bye. Then, we experience the beautiful sites and history of Þingvellir often called the national shrine of Iceland. The spectacular Geology of Þingvellir is very visual in the Canyon Almannagjá which is formed between two tectonic continental plates drifting from each other. Transfer to Reykjavík. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík between 5 and 6 pm.
Riding approx. 20 km
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

                                            Akureyri area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	35	36	37	42	50	56	59	58	52	43	38	36
Average Low Temperature (°F)	23	24	26	30	37	43	46	46	40	33	27	24
Average High Temperature (°C)	2	2	3	6	10	13	15	14	11	6	3	2
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-5	-5	-4	-1	3	6	8	8	4	1	-3	-5

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Iceland enjoys a much milder climate than its name and location adjacent to the Arctic Circle would imply. A branch of the Gulf Stream flows along the southern and the western coast greatly moderating the climate. However, the climate can change very quickly. Generally speaking, the south-western part of Iceland receives more rainfall than the rest of the country. The Arctic Circle in only 60 km north of Akureyri but still the climate is mild, with summer temperatures up to 25°C and winter temperatures in average around 0˚C.

Summer (May to September)
The first half of this period the sun stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours. However, even during the middle of summer the sky can be cloudy or overcast and in that case, the air is usually cool and cold during nighttime.

Winter
The winter season sees long nights and severe winter storms. However, the silence of the frozen expanse and the dance of the Aurora Borealis on a clear night sky draw an increasing number of tourists.

You should be ready for all kinds of weather as it can change very quickly. We provide you with good rain-clothes, a riding helmet and a saddle bag (where you can keep the picnic lunch, a small camera, extra pair of gloves etc.).

Luggage will be transported in the kitchen van. Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases. Pack light because transport space is limited.
We recommend not too much luggage on the tour and you can leave extra luggage at the guesthouse if you want to.

You should be ready for all kinds of weather as the weather can change very quickly.

We recommend that the following items are included when preparing for our longer tours.
• Knee high riding boots -  water resistant/ waterproof
• Warm jacket or overcoat.
• Warm (woolen or fleece) sweater.
• Warm socks and gloves, at least two pairs, scarf and a cap or hat.
• Warm underwear, long if possible (protects also against chafing).
• For the ladies – sports bra.
• Riding trousers.
• Track suit.
• A pair of slippers to wear in the accommodation (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house).
• Swim suits, towels, soap etc.
• A small camera to take with you on the ride.
• Band aids and second skin plasters for chaffing.
• Insect repellent, gnat net head cover.
• Chocolate or glucose sweets for strenuous riding days.
• Sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor).
• Sunglasses.
• For those with sensitive eyes/contact lenses, goggles.
• Sleeping bag
• Small pillow to sleep on.
• Ear plugs. Some people snore!

Disinfecting of the riding gear
It is important to follow the regulation regarding the disinfecting of used riding clothes. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which can not be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland's fragile nature! For further information please take a look at: http://www.mast.is/english/frontpage/import-export/import/ridingequipment/ 

Cameras:  
We recommend to bring a small camera that can be taken in a pocket, a waist/hip bag or in the saddle bag.
Large camera equipment we can not allow on the horses for security reasons. Tours are operated with a free running herd - at speed of tölt or trot for most of the day. We take breaks to relax the horses and then it is possible to take pictures. While on the horse taking pictures is rather difficult since the horses are constantly moving. Because of the herd instinct it is not possible to stop an individual horse, they all will follow each other.
You can leave larger Digital SLR with your luggage at the farm or put it in their luggage that will be transferred to the new accommodation.

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Accommodation
This is a progressive ride so you will be staying in different locations each night.

Description
During this tour, you will sleep in simple accommodations in dormitory style rooms. Please, bring your own sleeping bag!

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hvammur farm
Night 2: Haugakvíslarskáli Mountain Cabin
Night 3: Álftakrókur Mountain Cabin
Night 4: Hótel Á
Night 5: Húsafell Gamli Bær Guesthouse
Night 6: Brautartunga Community center in Lundareykjardalur

Hvammur farm
This farm is located in the beautiful Vatnsdalur Valley which is full of the old Sagas and has the famous salmon fishing river Vatnsdalsá running through. The farmhouse was renovated 4 years ago and has a hot tub in the garden with a view over the river.
There are 6 bedrooms with 2-4 beds in each room and two bathrooms.
There is cell service and Wi-Fi internet at this property.

Álftakrókur mountain cabin
There are 2 big dorms with about 20 beds in each. This is a remote location, surrounded by nature. There are no showers but 2 washrooms and cell service.

Hótel Á
This small hotel has 25 guestrooms with private bathrooms. Wi-Fi access is available at the reception.
Guests can relax in the lounge in the evening. The hotel offers laundry service for an extra fee.

Gamli bærinn Guesthouse
This former farmhouse now offers 6 bedrooms with 2-4 beds in each room. There are 4 bathrooms to share in between all the rooms;
There is free Wi-Fi available as well as phone reception at this guesthouse.

Brautartunga Community Center
This community center has 2 big rooms where you can sleep in your sleeping bags on a mattress. There are 8 bathrooms with whosers and toilets.
Guests can relax in the private warm swimming pool in the evening. There is cell reception here.


Room Occupancy
Single rooms are not available on this trip.


Meals
During the ride full board is provided.

The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). 
All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.

Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival.

Dietary restrictions
Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Icelandic
Horses:		Icelandic Horses
Pace:		Riding approx 25-30 km each day
Level:		(3.5 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Weight:		Max 242 lbs / 110 kg
Riders:			Max 20

Riding Experience
This tour is a great riding experience that is suitable for 

Riding Gear – Disinfect!
Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to disinfected at least 5 days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature!
We provide saddle bags, rain wear and safety helmet.

Tack & Riding Style
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different then the tack ordinarily used for other breeds.
The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps keeping the saddle in place. Riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to English riding style, but stirrups are worn long.
Bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.

The Farmers
The real connoisseurs of the local terrain and history. We make sure that each tour has its own charm and is organized by the local expert, the farmer, and his family. They use their own horses and ride through the part of the country they know so well.
Our farmers have over 30 years of experience in leading riding groups through Iceland.

Herd of Horses
On this ride, you will be riding several days (except for two days) with a free running herd of horses. Herding along free running horses is the traditional way of travelling in Iceland, since horses are changed at least once a day on longer tours. You get to ride a variety of horses. 

Horses
The Icelandic horse is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour.  Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience. The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience. 

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:

(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden who are only required to produce national identity cards issued by the competent authorities in their countries of origin.

Passport Note

Iceland is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by all nationals of referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

2. EU nationals staying longer than 90 days will need to apply for a residence permit from the directorate of immigration in Iceland.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

A stay in another Schengen-Zone country counts as the same as a stay in Iceland. 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes/1
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	No