Riverside Trail

Riverside Trail:

 This tour is ideal for families with children and/or riders that would like to get the first expressions of the Icelandic horse in a quiet environment. Also for older riders still going strong with a traveling desire in their blood. The trail is suited for intermediate riders. Max 12 riders. Accommodation all nights at a nice, cozy guesthouse called Hotel Vatnsholt www.stayiniceland.com.

Detailed Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and pick-up 
Pick up at BSÍ Bus central at 9:00 – meeting the horses at Þjótandi paddock. The day starts on ancient horse paths on the banks of mighty river Þjórsá, Iceland’s longest river. We ride upstream on the grassy banks, passing many farms, taking in the views, riding smooth tölt. The day comes to an end at farm Reykir, a huge dairy farm. We leave the horses there for the night, driving back to the guesthouse. 19 km .. 4-5 hours. 

Day 2: From Reykir we keep going north, turning right towards mountain Vörðufell. The ride takes us through private farmland, through herds of horses, by vast hay making fields, through narrow lava paths until we reach the mighty Hvítá river, the 3rd biggest river in the south. There we get glorious tölting paths and views you will not forget. Today's destination is Brúnastaðir farm, another big dairy farm. 26 km .. 5 hours. 

Day 3: Our horses still tölt southwards today, on the banks of the beautiful Hvítá river. Eventually, it joins the Sogið river and together they form Ölfusá river, the largest river in Iceland. The countryside is wonderful and the views magical. We reach the outskirts of Selfoss town, where the horses get a rest. The bus takes us to the local swimming pool, where we try the steam bath and the hot tub, before going to the guesthouse. 20 km .. 4-5 hours. 

Day 4: We have to transfer horses on a trailer through Selfoss Town, so they will be waiting for us at Stuðlar Stables when we arrive to today’s ride. Also to be taken into consideration, when planning the take-off today, are the tides. Because we need the low tide on our side to be able to finish today’s route. At the given time we will take excellent riding paths through the rich farmland, and once again we meet the Ölfusá river and it’s mudland before we complete the day at farm Hraun. 22 km .. 4-5 hours 

Day 5: From Hraun we ride in a direction to the ocean, turning east there, riding the beaches for a while, on and off today, also dependent of the tides. We will pass by two small villages today, that have known better days and we will get to know them and their offers better. Eyrarbakki village was Iceland’s main merchant harbor back in the days until Reykjavík took over. It now fosters a museum of old-time boats and fishing equipment. We’ll make an amusing stop at The Ghost Center in Stokkseyri, as well as the Wild Life Museum. The horses will stay the night at farm Tunga. Bus back to the guesthouse. 20 km .. 4-5 hours. 

Day 6: From Tunga farm, we ride to Baugsstaðir Museum, where we see how people handled their milk in the old days. Also, we will ride to the mouth of the mighty Þjórsá river, where it falls gently into the ocean. Very likely we will see seals bathing in the sun. On we ride through the countryside to Þingdalur farm, where the tour is completed. A bus to the swimming-pool before feasting on the farewell dinner at the guesthouse restaurant. 23 km .. 5 hours 

Departure Day: Breakfast and a one-hour bus transfer at 9:00 to BSÍ bus central in Reykjavík. 

Tour Route

o    Day 1: Þjótandi - Reykir

o    Day 2: Reykir - Brúnastaðir

o    Day 3: Brúnastaðir - Selfoss

o    Day 4: Selfoss - Hraun

o    Day 5: Hraun - Tunga

o    Day 6: Tunga - Þingdalur

**We reserve the right to change tour route as necessary.