Arctic Coast Ride

Introduction
Northern Tours Iceland
Ride in one of the most remote parts of Iceland.

There is a lot of diversity in this tour starting with beautiful mountain views from the wide Öxarfjörður Fjord and continuing onto the Peninsula of Melrakkaslétta, which stretches almost to the Arctic Circle and is a paradise for birdwatchers and people with geological interest.

From mid-June to mid-July this area is “home” to the Midnight Sun which sends its golden light over the deep fjords of North Iceland.

Accomodation

Accommodation
This is a stationary ride so you will be staying at the same accommodation every night.

Description
Bjarnastaðir Farm is located in the low bushy area of Kerlingaskógur, close to the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum and Dettifoss Waterfall. You will enjoy great view over the Fjord Öxarfjörður and the famous Lake Skjálftavatn which suddenly appeared over night after a strong earthquake 28 years ago.
The farm has 23 beds and 4 showers. There is an outdoor jacuzzi where guests can relax in the evening.
There is Wi-Fi internet and cell service available at the farm.

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 

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 - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival & Ride to Presthólar
Meeting place is at Flugfélagið Ernir (Eagle Air) in Reykjavík airport at 07:30 am or we can pick you up at a BSI bus stop in Reykjavik (pick up between 06:30 – 07:30 am / Please let us know what you prefer).
Please dress already in riding clothes and bring your passport or other identification for your domestic flight. 
After our flight to Húsavík and we drive to Bjarnastaðir farm. There, where we meet up with the guides and horses and have lunch. After a short introduction to the horses, we set out through Kerlingaskógur´s low bushes and enjoy great views over the Öxarfjörður Fjord  and the famous Lake Skjálftavatn which suddenly appeared overnight after a strong earthquake 28 years ago. During our ride to Presthólar, we stop at Tungurétt round-up place and Kvíar (Fjárborgir) Canyon. We leave the horses in Presthólar and drive back to the farm. On our way, we stop at Lundur swimming pool.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm

Day 2: Presthólar to Blikalón
We drive to the horses and once back in the saddle,we head north, enjoying the soft tracks of the Melrakkaslétta plains. The name Melrakki derives from an almost forgotten word for "fox". This area is a paradise for birds and well known for its fantastic nature, beautiful lakes filled with trout and rich vegetation. We finish the day by riding down the Blikalónsdalur valley, leaving the horses at Blikalón and driving to Bjarnastaðir farm for the night. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm

Day 3: Blikalón to Raufarhöfn
During this riding day along the coast, we stop at Hraunhafnarviti Lighthouse, only 3 km away from the Arctic Circle. Today's ride ends at Raufarhöfn village. Most of the 250 inhabitants of this small village live of traditional fishing and we will take a good look at their way of life.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm

Day 4: Raufarhöfn to Flautafell
Today we ride towards Flautafell farm which draws its name from the mountain Flautafell. Flautafell farm is an old abandoned farmhouse. It is about 65 meters above sea level with beautiful nature all around.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm

Day 5: Sightseeing around Langanes
This is a rest day for the horses so we head out on a fun bus tour to Langanes peninsula. The peninsula is known for its rich bird life and stunning nature with rock stacks in the sea.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm

Day 6: Flautafell to Bjarnastaðir
We meet our horses where we left them at Flautafell and head towards Bjarnastaðir over Öxarfjarðar heath. We ride about 500m above sea level.
Around 1850 there were lots of farms in the region but all were abandoned after the volcanic eruption in 1875.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm

Day 7: Bjarnastaðir to Jökulsárgljúfur
On this adventurous day, we ride beside the majestic Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. The canyon is part of the Vatnajökull glacier national park. Through the canyon, you can see the longest glacier river in Iceland Jökulsá flowing from Vatnajökull glacier. We will stop at a perfect photo stop where you can see the whole canyon behind you.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm

Day 8: Departure
Before we say goodbye to horses and drive to Húsavík airport to catch the flight to Reykjavik we will ride to Ásbyrgi canyon. This wonder of nature is a horseshoe-shaped canyon. The old saga says that the god Odin from northern mythology rode his giant horse Sleipnir who stepped down on the ground and formed this shoe print.
Arrival in Reykjavík in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Rates and Dates for Arctic Coast Ride

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Reykjavík City Airport
Airport: Keflavík International Airport
Transfer: Reykjavík City Airport

Climate:
                                            Akureyri area