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ICELAND : HORSE RIDING TRAIL TO GEYSIR AND GULFOSS...
Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
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What a better way than riding robust Icelandic horses to visit the most known settings of Iceland, the country of the hot springs of Geysir and the spectacular Gulfoss waterfall? Salmon rivers and gigantic canyons will mark your way toward the steaming springs and the waterfall, before beginning your ascent toward the Highlands, land of mountains and glaciers… This tour is open to everybody, in particular to the families (there is not bivouac) and to the ones who have not the sufficient riding experience for embarking on a complete trail ride in the Highlands. |
See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
ITINERARY
Saturday
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. At 16:30 we invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of the following tour and meet your fellow riders.
Sunday : Reykjavík - Fossnes Farm - Gnúpverjahreppur - Fossnes Farm
Transfer from Reykjavík via Thingvellir Nationalpark to Fossnes farm, situated in beautiful surroundings, where we meet horses and guides. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride along pleasant trails and explore the colourful Gnúpverjahreppur countryside. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. During the ride you will enjoy the view of deep green mountains and valleys and the mighty glacial river Thjórsá. Relax in a hot tub before a hearty dinner at the farm.
(20km on saddle)
Monday : Fossnes - Hvítárdalur - Steinsholt
We leave the farm and head off to the fertile farmlands of neighbouring community Hrunamannahreppur. We take handhorses along for changing our mounts a couple of times a day and this gives us the opportunity to travel at a comfortable speed. We cross the well know salmon river Stóra-Laxá and stop for our picknick lunch at Hrunaréttir, a paddock for the annual sheep round-up in autum. We leave the horses at Hvítárdalur Farm and drive back to Fossnes for the night.
(35km on saddle)
Tuesday : Fossnes - Hvítárdalur - Gullfoss - Geysir Guesthouse
We continue our ride on soft trails ideal for tölting towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations. Alongside Hvítá River we follow the ever deepening canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss and continue to the famous Geysir hot spring area where we will stay for two nights. You have plenty of time to explore this highly interesting area with its countless bubbling hot springs. Hot outdoor tubl on site.
(35km on saddle)
Wednesday : Geysir - Haukadalur - Haukadalsheiði - Geysir
Our ride ascends through Haukadalur valley and continues along through forested Our ride takes us through Haukadalur valley with its beautiful birch forest. Cross clear little streams on the way and enjoy the rich vegetation of wild mountain flowers that bloom during high summer. While you ascend to a highland plateau you will notice the changes in nature as you reach higher ground. A breathtaking view of the mountain ranges and glaciers of the highland around awaits you when you reach the top of Haukadalsheiði.
(20km on saddle)
Thursday : Geysir - Skálholt - Fossnes
We leave the Geysir area and ride along green pastures back to the bridge at Brúarhlöð canyon where we cross mighty Hvítá River. Now we head towards the interior and follow beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley onto Hrunaheiðar heath plateau and we experience riding along the edge of civilisation. Our horses spend the night at Kaldbakur Farm, while we drive back to Fossnes where we spend the night and enjoy a nice hot bath after this exciting riding day.
(40km on saddle)
Friday : Steinsholt - Skálholt - Steinsholt
Our last day of riding includes yet again terrific scenery. We cross Stóra-Láxá River close to Laxárgljúfur canyon at Hrunakrókur. The terrain changes to vast green meadows on our way through Laxárdalur valley and we enjoy good riding tracks on our way back to Fossnes Farm (5-6 hours). Here we say goodbye to our guides, staff and horses and return to a guesthouse in Reykjavík for an overnight stay. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 18:00.
(30km on saddle)
Saturday : Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík - Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. At 16:30 we invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of the following tour and meet your fellow riders.
Sunday : Reykjavík - Fossnes Farm - Gnúpverjahreppur - Fossnes Farm
Transfer from Reykjavík via Thingvellir Nationalpark to Fossnes farm, situated in beautiful surroundings, where we meet horses and guides. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride along pleasant trails and explore the colourful Gnúpverjahreppur countryside. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. During the ride you will enjoy the view of deep green mountains and valleys and the mighty glacial river Thjórsá. Relax in a hot tub before a hearty dinner at the farm.
(20km on saddle)
Monday : Fossnes - Hvítárdalur - Steinsholt
We leave the farm and head off to the fertile farmlands of neighbouring community Hrunamannahreppur. We take handhorses along for changing our mounts a couple of times a day and this gives us the opportunity to travel at a comfortable speed. We cross the well know salmon river Stóra-Laxá and stop for our picknick lunch at Hrunaréttir, a paddock for the annual sheep round-up in autum. We leave the horses at Hvítárdalur Farm and drive back to Fossnes for the night.
(35km on saddle)
Tuesday : Fossnes - Hvítárdalur - Gullfoss - Geysir Guesthouse
We continue our ride on soft trails ideal for tölting towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations. Alongside Hvítá River we follow the ever deepening canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss and continue to the famous Geysir hot spring area where we will stay for two nights. You have plenty of time to explore this highly interesting area with its countless bubbling hot springs. Hot outdoor tubl on site.
(35km on saddle)
Wednesday : Geysir - Haukadalur - Haukadalsheiði - Geysir
Our ride ascends through Haukadalur valley and continues along through forested Our ride takes us through Haukadalur valley with its beautiful birch forest. Cross clear little streams on the way and enjoy the rich vegetation of wild mountain flowers that bloom during high summer. While you ascend to a highland plateau you will notice the changes in nature as you reach higher ground. A breathtaking view of the mountain ranges and glaciers of the highland around awaits you when you reach the top of Haukadalsheiði.
(20km on saddle)
Thursday : Geysir - Skálholt - Fossnes
We leave the Geysir area and ride along green pastures back to the bridge at Brúarhlöð canyon where we cross mighty Hvítá River. Now we head towards the interior and follow beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley onto Hrunaheiðar heath plateau and we experience riding along the edge of civilisation. Our horses spend the night at Kaldbakur Farm, while we drive back to Fossnes where we spend the night and enjoy a nice hot bath after this exciting riding day.
(40km on saddle)
Friday : Steinsholt - Skálholt - Steinsholt
Our last day of riding includes yet again terrific scenery. We cross Stóra-Láxá River close to Laxárgljúfur canyon at Hrunakrókur. The terrain changes to vast green meadows on our way through Laxárdalur valley and we enjoy good riding tracks on our way back to Fossnes Farm (5-6 hours). Here we say goodbye to our guides, staff and horses and return to a guesthouse in Reykjavík for an overnight stay. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 18:00.
(30km on saddle)
Saturday : Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík - Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Self-driving tour in the South of Iceland
We suggest you a 7 days / 6 nights self-driving tour in farmstays with breakfast and unlimited mileage car rental included.
We also provide a new itinerary with a 4 wheels car and 2 extra days to go in the highlands, and especially in the Landmannalaguar part.
This discover of the south coast of Iceland, including a hinterland incursion, will let you going through many different types of typical Icelandic landscapes and the amazing volcanic activity of the island. The geyser and geothermal activity of Blue Lagoon will enthousiast your imagination, Vik and Dirholaey black beach and basaltic cliff will be a delight for your eyes and ears. At Jökusarlon, you will discover the ice world and its cristal beauty. Skogar and Hvosvollur bring for their part, tame color : green meadows and bright stained farm as scandianvian people like to build.
A simple and thoroughly itinerary for the whole family.
We suggest you a 7 days / 6 nights self-driving tour in farmstays with breakfast and unlimited mileage car rental included.
We also provide a new itinerary with a 4 wheels car and 2 extra days to go in the highlands, and especially in the Landmannalaguar part.
This discover of the south coast of Iceland, including a hinterland incursion, will let you going through many different types of typical Icelandic landscapes and the amazing volcanic activity of the island. The geyser and geothermal activity of Blue Lagoon will enthousiast your imagination, Vik and Dirholaey black beach and basaltic cliff will be a delight for your eyes and ears. At Jökusarlon, you will discover the ice world and its cristal beauty. Skogar and Hvosvollur bring for their part, tame color : green meadows and bright stained farm as scandianvian people like to build.
A simple and thoroughly itinerary for the whole family.
The accomodation in the middle of nature, are owned by icelandic people who have switch to tourism industry. At the same time as their new host activity, most of the guesthouse farm still in agriculture production. Generally, you will be accomodated in original little shelter of 5 to 20 rooms, which are different in style and category. Some looks like countryside hotel, others are more rustic and other one's seems to be like pretty cabins.
Whale watching tour in Reykjavik
Take part in an adventure at sea with a trip into the world of whales and sea birds.
Whale watching tours operate from the beginning of April through to the end of October, from the old harbour in Reykjavik. The whales most frequently seen on tours are the Minke whales, Humpback whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. Other speces are sometimes spotted.
No two whale watching trips are the same, we need to be flexible and organize your trip taking sea conditions, weather and seasons into account. That why each trip takes about 2:30 to 3:30.
The boats leave at 09:00, 13:00 and 17:00.
From July 01st to August 10th two new departures are scheduled at 10:00 and 14:00.
Important : For your comfort and warmth, we have special suits on board we can lend you, but we do advise you to wear your warmest clothes - hats, scarves, gloves etc – as it can get very cold, even on the warmest of days.
To take part in this adventure in the best condition, it's possible to book one extra night in Reykjavik or to take a later flight (upon availability).
HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
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Horses The Icelandic Horse is unique amongst horse breeds because it masters five gaits; walk, trot, tölt, canter/gallop and flying pace. The breed is best known for its fourbeat smooth gait, the “tölt”, that is very comfortable for the rider and elegantly displayed by the horse. The tölt is the specialty of the Icelandic Horse. It is a smooth four-beat gait in which the horse’s hind legs should move well under the body and carry more of the weight on the hind part, allowing the front to rise and be free and loose. Usually we change horses once or twice a day. On most of our longer tours we herd our spare horses along in a free running herd, the traditional way of riding in Iceland. All tours of the three and four horse categories are operated that way. For tours of the two horse category our guides may lead spare horses for parts of the ride. Source: The Icelandic horse, published by The Horse Breeders Association of Iceland (Félag hrossabænda) 2006 Tack 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. |
Required riding level
This popular tour is ideal for families and those who do not have the required riding experience for our other riding trails in Iceland.
Still riding days can be long so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. Also, you must be comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length trots (tölt) and short canters.
See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
YOUR GUIDES
The ride is supervised by a team of professionals of the trail ride in Iceland that perfectly knows the Icelandic horses and the specificity of the ground.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
In Reykjavik, you will be accommodated in guesthouses in rooms with shared facilities. 2 to 4 riders share a room.
During the tour, 2 - 4 bed units with shared facilities and rooms with private facilities for 2 nights at Geysir.
Meals
During the ride full board is provided. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table : sandwich, cheese, fruits ...
In Reykjavik, lunch and dinner are not include but generfruitsally there are lots of restaurant available near the accomodation.
In Reykjavik, you will be accommodated in guesthouses in rooms with shared facilities. 2 to 4 riders share a room.
During the tour, 2 - 4 bed units with shared facilities and rooms with private facilities for 2 nights at Geysir.
Meals
During the ride full board is provided. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table : sandwich, cheese, fruits ...
In Reykjavik, lunch and dinner are not include but generfruitsally there are lots of restaurant available near the accomodation.
DATES AND RATES
| Golden Circle 2010 | ||
| July 17 to 24 | 1495 € |
fully booked |
| July 24 to 31 | 1495 € |
available |
| July 31 to August 07 | 1495 € |
fully booked |
| August 07 to 14 | 1495 € |
fully booked |
| August 14 to 21 | 1495 € |
fully booked |
| August 21 to 28 | 1495 € |
available |
- Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 375 euros
- Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together, 3 or more: - 75 euros per rider.
Not applicable if the children’s discount is used for one family member.
Flights to Reykjavik
Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country.
RATE INCLUDING
- the trail ride as described,
- full board basis (except in Hafnarfjordur-Reykjavik, B&B only),
- english speaking equestrian guides
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- flights to Reykjavik
- tips
- drinks
- the meals at Reykjavik
- the organisation of a possible tour through another region before or after the trail ride (consult us)
- any other prestation
- insurrance (cancellation, luggage, repatriation). You can subscribe to these insurrances only if you are an european resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurrance company
This option is only available for at leat 2 people who booked together.
Price including
- 6 nights in guesthouse farm or cottage in double room basis with breakfast,
- 6x24h car rental (cat. A) with unlimited mileage and one extra driver,
Price not including
- lunch and diners,
- fuel,
- optionnal rent services (extra insurances for instance),
- entrance and visit,
- personal expense,
- tips.
This option is only available for at leat 2 people who booked together.
Price including
- 6 nights in guesthouse farm or cottage in double room basis with breakfast,
- 2 nights in cabin in dormitory basis (sleeping bag required),
- 8x24h car rental (cat. H) with unlimited mileage, one extra driver and basic insurances,
Price not including
- lunch and diners,
- breakfast in cabin (to organized before),
- fuel,
- optionnal rent services (extra insurances for instance),
- entrance and visit,
- personal expense,
- tips.
In case you stay one or more extra nights in Reykjavik, before or after the riding tour, the transfers from and/or to the airport are not anymore include. But it's easy with the bus (flybus) or taxi.
- tips
- drinks
- the meals at Reykjavik
- the organisation of a possible tour through another region before or after the trail ride (consult us)
- any other prestation
- insurrance (cancellation, luggage, repatriation). You can subscribe to these insurrances only if you are an european resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurrance company
Options
| Self-driving tour in Southern Iceland, tourism car (7 days / 6 nights) - 2010 | ||
| Price per person in double room basis | from June 15 to August 15 |
975 € |
| Price per person in double room basis | from August 16 to Sept. 30 |
860 € |
This option is only available for at leat 2 people who booked together.
Price including
- 6 nights in guesthouse farm or cottage in double room basis with breakfast,
- 6x24h car rental (cat. A) with unlimited mileage and one extra driver,
Price not including
- lunch and diners,
- fuel,
- optionnal rent services (extra insurances for instance),
- entrance and visit,
- personal expense,
- tips.
| Self-driving tour in Southern Iceland, 4 wheels car (9 days / 8 nights) - 2010 | ||
| Price per person in double room basis | from June 15 to August 15 |
1680 € |
| Price per person in double room basis | from August 16 to Sept. 30 |
1360 € |
This option is only available for at leat 2 people who booked together.
Price including
- 6 nights in guesthouse farm or cottage in double room basis with breakfast,
- 2 nights in cabin in dormitory basis (sleeping bag required),
- 8x24h car rental (cat. H) with unlimited mileage, one extra driver and basic insurances,
Price not including
- lunch and diners,
- breakfast in cabin (to organized before),
- fuel,
- optionnal rent services (extra insurances for instance),
- entrance and visit,
- personal expense,
- tips.
| Whale watching tour in Reykjavik | ||
| Price per person (adult) | 45 € |
|
| Price per person (children from 7 to 15 years old) | 20 € |
|
| Hotel pick-up in Reykjavik (adult) | 6 € |
|
| Hotel pick-up in Reykjavik (children from 7 to 15 years old) | 3 € |
|
| Extra night in Reykavik in hotel (Bed&Breakfast) | ||
| Price per person in double room basis | 85 € |
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| Price per person in single room basis | 120 € |
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In case you stay one or more extra nights in Reykjavik, before or after the riding tour, the transfers from and/or to the airport are not anymore include. But it's easy with the bus (flybus) or taxi.
BOOKING - INFORMATION
Contact Yves for any enquiry !
PRATICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Iceland
LENGTH
8 days / 7nights / 6 days riding
LANGUAGE
English.
GROUP SIZE
18 persons maximum.
ACCESS
Reykjavik airport
CLIMATE
The rigour of the Icelandic climate, which has formed the immense spaces that you cover, only allows the trail rides from June to September.
However this period is really ideal seeing that the sun shines during the best part of the day.
Formalities
Contact your ambassy. For European people, the Identity card is enought.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus.
Riding gear (riding boots, riding trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C), dry cleaned or disinfected before arriving in Iceland.
Saddles, bridles and other leather gear may not be brought into the country.
See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
Contact your ambassy. For European people, the Identity card is enought.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus.
Riding gear (riding boots, riding trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C), dry cleaned or disinfected before arriving in Iceland.
Saddles, bridles and other leather gear may not be brought into the country.
See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
REFERENCE :
CH40_islande_geysir_en
