Kings Trail

Introduction
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.

Accomodation

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.

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: 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

Rates and Dates for Kings Trail

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik
Airport: Keflavík International Airport
Transfer:

Climate:
                                            Akureyri area