Krýsuvík & Blue Lagoon

Introduction
West Iceland
This tour offers magnificent views, first over South Iceland and glaciers, then over Reykjanes, Reykjavík, and all the way to Snæfellsnes. We begin at Vellir and follow one of Iceland’s largest rivers, Ölfusá, down to the coast, before we return to the farm Vellir. The following day we start from the beautiful and mythic Strandarkirkja Church. From Strandarkirkja the tour continues on the beach on our way to Krýsuvík, a colourful hot spring area, which contrasts sharply with the sand and the lava fields of the area. One evening we visit the Blue Lagoon, where we have the opportunity to relax in the soothing geothermal waters.

Accomodation


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

Description
Accommodation during the tour is at farms, guesthouses, community centers and simple mountain huts (sometimes dormitory style accommodation). Please, bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
Wi-Fi access is only available at the accommodations in Vellir. There are no laundry facilities available during this trip.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Nights 1 & 2: Guesthouse in Vellir
Nights 3 & 4: Farmhouse in Isólfsskáli



Guesthouse in Vellir
You will sleep in made-up beds at the riding farm's guesthouse (2-4 bed rooms, shared facilities - no double beds). The guesthouse offers a comfortable living room, shared bathroom facilities, tea kettle that can also be used to make instant coffee, and small refrigerator. Guests that stay at the guesthouse are welcome to use all facilities and services of our Hotel, including the hot tub.
An upgrade to our hotel is possible for a supplement (if rooms available).

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applied.
Single room accommodations are subject to availability.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5.

The chefs try and provide a nice variety of foods. Specialties include fish, kjötsúpa (an Icelandic soup, with meat, vegetable and rice) and BBQ.

Alcohol is not included in the price. However, we do bring wine, beer and soda on tour for those who would like to buy it at a discounted price.
We do not allow the consumption of alcohol while people are riding – for instance at lunchtime.

Dietary Restrictions
We are able to cater to most dietary needs with prior notice. However, we are unable meet the needs of those who have food allergies which cause anaphylaxis.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
This ride is suitable for intermediate riders, with a secure, balanced seat and a good physical condition. We ride up to 45 km per day mostly in the gait tölt and take a herd of free-running horses with us part of the tour, which requires a certain speed.

Pace
We cover about 100km total over 4 riding days. On average, we ride between 4-7 hours every day, covering approx. 20 - 40 km.

Tack and Riding Style
The riding style in Iceland is similar to English riding. We use simple snaffle bits, bridles with detachable nosebands and clips on the end of the reins so they can be easily removed when grazing. Our saddles are comfortable with soft, rather flat seat, it is not necessary to bring saddle seat pads.

Riding Gear – Disinfect!
Used boots, riding wear, helmets, saddlebags etc. must be disinfected before arrival in Iceland.  Chaps, bridles and other used leather gear must not be brought to Iceland. That is because infectious, contagious diseases can easily be brought into the country, which poses a great threat for the horses, as they are not vaccinated. Riding wear is normally washed and shoes and are washed and cleaned with VirkonS, Iodine or some other fluid disinfectant.
We can lend you a riding helmet for the length of the tour.
Backpacks, large cameras, selfie sticks and other bulky items cannot be taken on horseback tours. Small waist bags are allowed.

Horses
Since 2007, our breeding program has followed two fundamental ideas. First, we strive to breed well-behaved and well-gaited riding horses that ought to suit most of our guests. Second, we breed horses with experienced riders in mind, suitable for riding classes and the company’s horse shows. As our greatest challenge has always been combining well-behaved and reliable horses with soft and simple gaits, we invested in mares that are likely to produce the expected results. Another important factor in achieving the desired outcome is choosing the right stallion for those mares.

Itinerary


Sample itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
The tour starts in the evening. Tour members who arrive the same day to Iceland should take the Flybus from the airport to the ending busstation BSÍ in Reykjavík. We will greet you at the bus station or at your hotel/ guesthouse in Reykjavik around 5:30 pm and drive you to our farm Vellir near Hveragerði. There, you will be lodged at our Guesthouse. We will get to know each other during the dinner. The day will end with a detailed description of the tour.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Guesthouse in Vellir

Day 2: Ride to Ölfusforir
We start the day by getting to know the horses in the paddock. After lunch, we ride from Vellir over green meadows in the bird sanctuary Ölfusforir. We ride across sand and water over part of the Ölfusá River delta. From there, we return to the farm Vellir, where both the horses and the participants will spend the night.
Riding 17 km (approx. 4-5 hrs.)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Guesthouse in Vellir

Day 3: Selvogur to Krýsuvík
The tour starts from Strandarkirkja Church in Selvogur. The horses and our guests will be driven over there in the morning. Strandarkirkja Church, which is right by the shore, has its own special history. We continue along the beach and then up near the mountains. We ride between the contrasts of mountains, lava and the ocean. We pass the green Lake Kleifarvatn and reach Krýsuvík, with its hot springs and mountains draped in rich colors.
After leaving the horses in Krýsuvík, we will drive to Isólfsskáli, a cosy house right by the shore that will be our home for the next two nights. In the evening, we will drive you to the famous Blue Lagoon, only 20 minutes drive away.
Riding 25 km (approx. 8 hrs.)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Isólfsskáli

Day 4: Krýsuvík to Ísólfsskáli
We start our day by driving back to Krýsuvík, where the horses wait for us. We then start out by visiting the geothermal area Seltún with all its magnificant colours and mudpools. After walking with the horses over the mountain Sveifluháls, we come down on the other side where we meet the road to Vigdisarvellir, a green oasis between the mountains, once the land of three farms. From there, we follow the old road between lava fields down to the coast and Ísólfsskáli, where we spend the night together with the horses.
Riding 25 km (approx. 5 hrs.)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Isólfsskáli

Day 5: Ísólfsskáli to Krýsuvík via Krýsuvíkurberg
The last day is a mixture of everything characterising the tour. We start by the shore and ride up the mountains. The old path goes between lava and green spots before we climb up the mountain and get a beautiful view over the southwest part of Iceland. We then follow the road and take a detour towards Krýsuvíkurberg, where we can enjoy our lunch on a high cliff by the shore with many seabirds around us. Afterwards, we return with our horses to Krýsuvík where the bus is waiting for us to drive back to Reykjavik. End of tour.
Riding 20 km (approx. 4 hrs.)
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Rates and Dates for Krýsuvík & Blue Lagoon

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Reykjavik
Airport: Keflavik Airport
Transfer: Reykjavik BSI central bus station on Day 1 at 5:30PM or hotels/guesthouse

Climate:
                                                Reykjavík area