Kjolur Ride

Introduction
Highland Tours Iceland
Step back in time and ride along the ancient Kjölur trail as Icelanders did over the centuries when travelling to the annual summer parliament at Thingvellir, first held in 930 AD. We visit this historic site where the heart of the nation beats and which became Iceland´s first National Park in 1930. Before heading off into the wilderness of the interior we stop to enjoy the Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Travelling from south to north or vice versa right across the heart of Iceland we find ourselves traversing sandy deserts close to the mighty Langjökull and Hofsjökull Glaciers. Sheltered green valleys come as a surprise in this rugged terrain. At Hveravellir, a geothermal area in the highlands, we can soak in a long hot bath under the Midnight Sun.

If you want to see as much as possible of the unspoiled Icelandic highlands, this tour, which has been in operation since 1983, is the perfect choice.

Accomodation

Accommodation
This is a progressive ride so nights will be spent in different accommodations.

Description
You will sleep in simple mountain cabins with shared facilities. Please, bring your own sleeping bag.

Accommodation Itinerary (North to South) - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Hvammur Farm
Night 3: Áfangi Mountain Cabin
Night 4: Hveravellir Mountain Hut
Night 5: Árbúðir Mountain Hut
Night 6: Fremstaver Mountain Cabin
Night 7: Myrkholt Farm

Hvammur Farm
Hvammur Farm is situated in the beautiful Vatnsdalur Valley. The farmhouse was renovated 4 years ago and has a hot tub in the garden with a view over the famous salmon fishing river Vatnsdalsá. The farm has 6 bedrooms (2-4 beds in each room) that can accommodate up to 19 people max. There are 2 showers and 2 washrooms to share. There is cellphone coverage and Wi-Fi access.

Áfangi Mountain Cabin
Áfangi offers clean and comfortable accommodation surrounded with beautiful highland scenery. Maximum occupancy is 32 people in 8 rooms with bunk beds (4 persons in each room). Guests have access to a well equipped kitchen, dining area and a lounge. Facilities are shared. There is a Jacuzzi that everyone is welcome to use.

Hveravellir Mountain Hut
Hveravellir is a beautiful geothermal hot spot located in the western highlands of Iceland. The group stays in the „Old hut” next to the geothermal Jacuzzi. The Old Hut at Hveravellir offers dormitory rooms with 8 to 12 bunk beds in each room. Facilities are shared between the hold hut, new hut and the campsite and include 3 washrooms and 1 shower. There is no Wi-Fi access but cellphone coverage is usually available.
Please note the stables/horses are in 15 min walking distance from the hut.

Árbúðir Mountain Hut
Arbudir is located on the banks of the river Svartá. The cabin has sleeping-bag accommodation for up to 30 overnight guests in 2 dormitory style rooms. There is 1 shower and 2 washrooms to share between guests. The GSM connection is usually weak and Wi-Fi is not available.

Fremstaver
Fremstaver is a cozy hut on the south slopes of the mountain Bláfell. The cabin is situated in beautiful surroundings that offer many sight-seeing possibilities. Climbing the mountain Bláfell is a long but rewarding walk. It can accommodate up to 25 people in a single dormitory room. There are 2 washrooms but no showers. GSM connection is possible but there is no Wi-Fi access.

Myrkholt
Myrkholt is located just between Gullfoss waterfall and the hot spring Geysir. This lovely farm has 8 dormitory style rooms (32 beds total) with 4 showers and 4 toilets (shared). There is cellphone coverage and Wi-Fi access.

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.

Riding


Riding Experience
This tour is a great riding experience that is suitable for advanced riders. You need to be comfortable and in control at all paces, have a firm seat, and feel comfortable riding for up to 7 hours per day. Riders are expected to ride regularly and be capable of handling horses in an open country. Riding days can be as long as up to 35 km in the saddle so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. You will get a thorough introduction into the gaits of the Icelandic horse and feel the Tölt, the extremely soft traveling gate of the Icelandic horse.

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. 

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary (North to South) - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik or at one of Reykjavik's official bus stops near your accommodation (see: www.busstop.is) around 6:00pm. Our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Hvammur farm in northern Iceland where horses and staff are waiting for us. After a lovely introductory meal where we get to know each other we relax and rest so we are well prepared for the adventure ahead of us.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hvammur farm

Day 2 (Sunday): Hvammur to Forsæludalur Farm
Today is our first riding day. Great riding tracks along the banks of Vatnsdalsá river give us the opportunity to enjoy a fast ride in the soft tölt! Vatnsdalur is one of the most beautiful valleys in Iceland and the setting of one of the ancient sagas, Vatnsdælasaga. On our ride to Hvammur, we hear tales from Iceland´s heroic past of bloody conflict, revenge and love. The horses stay at Forsæludalur farm which is the last farm in the valley before we enter the highland. We stay overnight at Hvammur Guesthouse, where the hot tub offers a nice relaxation after today's ride.
Riding approx. 20 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hvammur farm

Day 3 (Monday): Forsæludalur Farm to Áfangi Mountain Cabin
As we ride up the valley, the canyon of the Vatnsdalsá river appears with some its numerous waterfalls. Today, we go uphill to the mountain plateau Auðkúluheiði . The fertile valley with its farms is left behind as our horses run freely over the soft riding paths of the northern highland. We enjoy the splendid view over the impressive highland mountains and glaciers around us. We stay overnight at the mountain cabin Áfangi, beside the huge man-made lake Blöndulón.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Áfangi Mountain Cabin

Day 4 (Tuesday): Áfangi Mountain Cabin to Hveravellir Geothermal Area
On today's ride, we pass the mountains Sandkúlufell and Sauðafell. It is easy to see that we follow a historical route. All the way back to the early settlement of Iceland, people travelled on horseback on exactly the same trails as we do today. Our route leads us further to the south over the beautiful river Seyðisá. The horses run happy with us on the soft paths of this free and mystical highland area. The destination of today's ride is Hveravellir, a very unique geothermal area between Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. Here, in this rough but extremely beautiful nature, the most famous outlaw Fjalla Eyvindur survived for years. A natural hot pool invites us to a deserved relaxing bath.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hveravellir Mountain Hut

Day 5 (Wednesday): Hveravellir to Árbúðir Mountain Cabin
We start the day by riding through the Valley of Thieves (called Thjófadalir), a remote grassy valley surrounded by high mountains. From the entrance of the valley, we have a splendid view over the fertile landscape. Our ride leads along the vast lava fields of Kjalhraun, where we hear a tragic story about two brothers who froze to death, in October 1780, on their way to Skagafjörður, with a flock of sheep. Following the glacial river Fúlákvísl we enjoy the view of the mighty glacier Langjökull.
Riding approx. 50 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Árbúðir Mountain Cabin

Day 6 (Thursday): Árbúðir Mountain Cabin to Fremstaver Mountain Cabin
We follow the river Svartá for a while, before crossing the river Hvítá. Our ride continues along the slopes of Mt. Bláfell. During the last centuries, traveling through the remote Highland was a dangerous trip due to outlaws waiting to rob the riders.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fremstaver Mountain Cabin

Day 7 (Friday): Fremstaver Mountain Cabin to Myrkholt Farm
We saddle up again and ride by the canyon of Hvítá river heading southwards to the lowlands. Our horses bring us in their soft and strong gaits to the last part of the journey. We explore the famous natural wonders of Geysir and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. We say good-bye to our horses as they get their rest on some of the farm's fertile fields. We celebrate a successful tour with a great farewell dinner, storytelling and singing.
Riding approx. 25 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Myrkholt Farm

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
We say good-bye to the farmer and his crew and return back to Reykjavík. On our drive back to Reykjavík, we visit the historical site Thingvellir, Iceland’s first National Park. Approx. arrival in Reykjavik for 1:00pm.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample itinerary (South to North) - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik or at one of Reykjavik's official bus stops near your accommodation(see: www.busstop.is) around 6:00pm. Our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Myrkholt Guesthouse, where horses and staff are waiting for us. After a lovely introductory meal where we get to know each other we relax and rest so we are well prepared for the adventure ahead of us.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Myrkholt Farm

Day 2 (Sunday): Myrkholt Farm to Fremstaver Mountain Cabin via Gullfoss
The ride starts off towards the majestic glacier Langjökull and our first stop is at the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. Our ride today leads us to a mountain called Bláfell. There, we spend the night and rest the horses at Fremstaver Mountain Cabin.
Riding approx. 25 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Fremstaver Mountain Cabin

Day 3 (Monday): Fremstaver Mountain Cabin to Árbúðir Mountain Cabin
Our ride continues along the slopes of Mt. Bláfell. This area was roamed by outlaws in the old days. We cross River Hvítá and enjoy the view to the glacier fed lake Hvítárvatn. Tonight we stay at Árbúðir, situated right on the banks of river Svartá.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Árbúðir Mountain Cabin

Day 4 (Tuesday): Árbúðir Mountain Cabin to Hveravellir Geothermal Area
We ride along the glacier fed river Fúlakvísl. through the huge and rugged lava fields of Kjalhraun where we hear a tragic story about two brothers who froze to death, in October 1780 ,on their way to Skagafjörður, with a flock of sheep. During the ride, we enjoy magnificent views of the glacier Langjökull. We continue into the world of Thjófadalir (Valley of Thieves), a grassy valley surrounded by high mountains: a true oasis in the wilderness. The destination of today's ride is Hveravellir, a very unique geothermal area between Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. Here, in this rough but extremely beautiful nature, the most famous outlaw Fjalla Eyvindur survived for years. At the mountain cabin a natural hot pool invites us to a deserved relaxing bath.
Riding approx. 50 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hveravellir Mountain Cabin

Day 5 (Wednesday): Hveravellir to Áfangi Mountain Cabin
Our route today leads us further to the north over the beautiful river Seyðisá. The horses run free with us on the soft paths of this mystical highland area. We pass the mountains Sandkúlufell and Sauðafell before reaching our destination. It is easy to see that we follow a historical route. All the way back to the early settlement of Iceland, people travelled on horseback on exactly the same trails as we do today. Our well-equipped cabin for the night has a hot tub next to it. It is named after the hill Áfangafell wich offers great views of the big glaciers behind us and towards the high mountains of the North ahead of us. Up to mid-July the sun hardly sets in this part of the country.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Áfangi Mountain Cabin

Day 6 (Thursday): Áfangi Mountain Cabin to Forsæludalur Farm
We continue our ride over the Auðkúluheiði Moor. The valleys with the farms in the north are getting closer as our horses run freely over the soft riding paths of the northern higland. It is impressive to see the fertile valley Vatnsdalur with all its fields and vegetation. As we ride down to the valley, the canyon of the Vatnsdalsá river appears, with some of its many beautiful waterfalls. Our horses stay at Forsæludalur Farm which is the first farm you reach in this area, when you come from the highland. We stay overnight at Hvammur Guesthouse. The hot tub offers a nice relaxation after todays ride.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hvammur Guesthouse

Day 7 (Friday): Forsæludalur Farm to Vatnsdalur
Great riding tracks along the banks of Vatnsdalsá river give us the opportunity to enjoy a fast ride in the soft tölt! Vatnsdalur is one of the most beautiful valleys in Iceland and the setting of one of the ancient sagas, Vatnsdælasaga. On our ride to Hvammur, we hear tales from Iceland´s heroic past of bloody conflict, revenge and love. We say good-bye to our horses as they get rest in the green fields of the valley. We celebrate a successful tour with a great farewell dinner, storytelling and singing.
Riding approx. 20 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hvammur Guesthouse

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
We say good-bye to our farmer and his crew. Transfer back to your accommodation in Reykjavík. Approx. return at 2:00pm.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Kjolur Ride

Dates Note: Note: Tours operate alternatively from north to south, the next tour being from south to north.

Other Info
Meeting: Keflavik Airport
Airport: Keflavik Airport
Transfer: Keflavik Airport

Climate:
                                                Reykjavík area