Pearls of the North

Introduction
Northern Tours Iceland

This wonderfully diverse ride takes us through many of the beautiful green valleys of Northern Iceland. We pass Lake Ljósavatn, the lake of the lights, and Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Through Báradalur Valley we ride alongside the magnificent Skjálfandafljót River and continue on to the well-known pearl in Iceland; the Lake Mývatn area. We have the opportunity to explore this fascinating area with its unique variety of natural features and plentiful colours. We also show you Europe's most active volcanic region and revel in all its beauty. Then the tour continues through the idyllic Laxá Valley and through an amazingly thick forest, Fellskógur. From a distance, Ullarfoss and Barnafoss waterfalls can be seen and the ride will circle back past Skuggabjörg, a very picturesque landscape in the valley of the Fnjóská River.

Accomodation

Sleeping Bag accommodation

Riding

A very special experience seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding with a free running herd of horses. You may switch horses from time to time.

The Icelandic Horse
The origin of the horse in Iceland is exactly the same as the arrival of the first settlers from Scandinavia in the ninth century. Clearly, the horse was the catalyst that allowed the settlement of Iceland to go forward and prosper. Since no other breed of horse has ever been imported to Iceland, this special animal is a pure-bred "Viking Horse".
The horse was used for everything. They worked tilling the farmlands from dawn to dusk and provided transportation between the farms as they were settled. They went on scouting expeditions into this new territory in search of everything from water to grazing areas. Strong and sure footed, the Icelandic horse adjusted and adapted to this new land certainly as fast and most likely faster than the new settlers.
Viking battles were fought on horseback and the animal quickly adjusted to any situation that was presented to it. Is it any wonder that many of the slain Vikings warriors of the many battles in earlier times were often buried with their horses as a sign of honor and respect.
The Icelandic horse has many characteristics unique unto itself. Perhaps the most noticeable would be its intermediate size and the mane of shaggy hair. The five gaits of the horse are also one of the special features that sets it apart form all other horses. These gaits are the fetgangur, the walk or step, the brokk or trot, the tölt, which is a faster type of walk, the skeið or the pace and the stökk, or gallop.
On large farm areas, perimeter fences keep in most of the horses, but many are also simply allowed to run free. This most naturally accounts for the spirited nature of the animal. All of them seem to adapt to the personality of their owner. It is essential to establish a trust between the Icelandic horse and the rider. Doing so literally guarantees a friend for life. The passion and spirit of the Icelandic horse is never broken only brought under control. As a result, the Icelandic pure-bred horse remains one the world's most unique animals to this day.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival
Arrival at Keflavík Airport, Iceland. You take the bus from Keflavík to Reykjavík (BSÍ).You will be greeted by our representatives at 17.30 - 18.00, who will arrange further transportation to the farm Vellir in the neighborhood of the town Hveragerði. There the tour members will be lodged in guesthouses. The first evening we will all have dinner together and we provide details about the next few days.

Day 2 - Grýtubakki - Birkihlíð
After breakfast we show our guests the famous waterfall of the Gods. According to the sagas Þorgeir of Ljósavatn threw his statues of the gods into the falls when Iceland converted to Christianity in the year 1000, hence the name. Then we drive to Fremstafell farmhouse, where we catch the horses and saddle up. We ride to the Bardardalur valley, follow the river Skjálfandafljót and stay overnight at Hotel Kiðagil.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 we will be 5 - 6 hours in saddle.

Day 3 - Birkihlíð - Kiðagil
We leave Kiðagil, ride over the bridge at Stóruvellir to the other side of the valley and reach the old farmhouse of Stóratunga. Here we are very close to the entrance of Ódaðahraun, the enourmous lava field, believed to be the home of outlaws, elves and trolls in the old days. At Stórutunga we leave part of the horses and ride then on to the impressive waterfall Aldeyarfoss. Here we enjoy this wonderful nature paradise. Overnight at Stóratunga.We ride 5 hours.

Day 4 - Kiðagil - Stöng
Today we enjoy rides in the breathtaking surroundings of Stóratunga. In the morning we ride direction Northeast, alongside river Skjálfandafljót over to the old lava of Tunguhraun. We continue to Tunguhamri and south alongside river Svartá back to Stóratunga farmhouse. Here we have our lunch. In the afternoon we ride towards the highland and south river Suðurá to the area of Réttartorfur up to the waterfalls of Hrafnabjörg. We ride over lava and sand. In the morning we ride about 12km, in the afternoon about 16km. Destination of this day is farmhouse Stöng where we stay for two nights. A hot pool awaits us for relaxing! 5 1/2 hours in saddle.

Day 5 - Stöng - Breiðimýri
We say good bye to Stóratunga and ride over Landsmelar at Viðiker into the area of Myvatn. We ride over sandy hills and moorland. A tremendous view awaits us reaching the highest point. If we are lucky we might see the queen of the Icelandic mountains in a distance: Herdubreið. After dinner we have a look at the Pearls of the North by bus: The pseudocraters of Skutustaðir, the bizarre lavaformation of Dimmuborgir and the bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð. 3 to 4 hours in saddle.

Day 6 - Breiðimýri - Birkihlíð
We leave Stöng first to the south close to the old farmhouse of Hörgsdalur and ride then along Myvatnsheiði to the valley of the smoke - Reykjadalur. Smooth tracks, adventurous tracks and a diversified landscape await us. Mountain Kinnarfjöll to the west side and mountain Gaesafjöll to the east side are visible if the weather allows it. We stay overnight at Breiðimyri, close to the little village Laugar.We ride 6 hours.

Day 7 - Birkihlíð - Grýtubakki
We ride along Vatnshlið a wooded way. There is a wonderful view over the valley Reykjadalur and the lake Vestmannsvatn. After the hill Fljótsheiði a terrific and diversified ride awaits us along the river Skjálfandafljót and through the forest Fellskógur. On the way the waterfalls Ullarfoss and Barnafoss are greeting us. We leave the horses at Fremstafell farm and drive home. Overnight at farmhouse Grytubakki. We are 6 hours in saddle.

Day 8 - Departure
You take the bus to Keflavik Airport. (not included).

   Subject to change

Tip: Ask your hotel or guesthouse about the possibilities to order the flybus that will take you to the airport, especially if you have an early flight.

Rates and Dates for Pearls of the North

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Reykjavik
Airport: Keflavik Airport
Transfer: Reykjavik BSI central bus station on Day 1 between 17:30-18:00 hrs.

Climate:

As its name suggests, Iceland is cold, but not as cold as might be expected because of the passing warm waters of the Gulf Stream, which regulate the climate. The summer temperatures in Reykjavík range from 41°F (5°C) at night to as high as 77°F (25°C) during the day. The average January temperature is 31°F (-0.5°C). The south is the wettest part of the country, but snow is rare. Coastal areas tend to experience winter gales and are generally windy. During the summer months there is almost continuous daylight; early spring and late autumn feature long twilights. From mid-November until the end of January, in the darkness of winter, the opposite is true, with the country only experiencing a few hours of daylight each day. The Northern Lights are often visible in autumn and early winter.

Despite its extreme north Atlantic situation, Reykjavik's climate is not as cold as might be expected, its average mid-winter temperatures being no lower than those in New York City. This is because the Icelandic coastal weather is tempered by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The city's coastal location does, however, also mean it is prone to wind, and gales are common in winter. Reykjavik is also a very wet city, having on average 213 rainy days out of the year, with spring having slightly more sunny days.