Wonders of the Kjölur Highlands

Glaciers, mountains, black deserts, hot springs and glacier rivers: On this tour you get to see and experience the best things Iceland has to offer. It will take you over the Kjölur plateau on one of the oldest routes in Iceland. You will cross rivers and ride alongside a lava field into the mountain range of Kerlingarfjöll. Riding around that remote part of Iceland you will get to see the spectacular geothermal area ‘Hveradalir´with its hots springs and rhyolite mountains. The paths will allow for log stretches of fast tölt and the views on the high plateau and the mountain ranges are breathtaking, with two big and many small glaciers in sight.

On this unique highland adventure, you will ride on the oldest trail in Iceland which lies across the island, between two of ourbiggest and most impressive glaciers. Experience our stunning country while riding across the
heart of Iceland. Since the Viking era, the ancient Kjölur trail has been an essential and popular trail to travel across the highland desert.

Riding over a desert plateau in the inlands of Iceland you will explore the area which was known back in time for roaming outlaws, elves, ghosts and evil spirits.

Day 1. Reykjavík – Myrkholt

Afternoon drive from Reykjavik to Myrkholt where horses and staff are waiting for us. We will get to know each other, have dinner, and gather strength for the adventure that lies ahead. So do the horses that are grazing in the nearby field.

Day 2. Sandá – Árbúðir Mountain Cabin

We cross Hvítá (White river) and enjoy the all-surrounding scenery and the view to the glacier-filled lake Hvítárvatn, from where Hvítá flows. We will spend the night in Árbúðir on the banks of river Svartá (The Black river). The tracks we are riding have been ridden by Icelanders through the centuries. If only they could talk! 

Day 3. Árbúðir – Kerlingarfjöll

We continue our ride along the rough lava field Kjalhraun enjoying the spectacular view of the two striking glaciers: Langjökull to the west and Hofsjökull to the east. The terrain is soft and sandy – ideal to ride the tölt!  The ride takes us towards Kerlingarfjöll, “The Old Woman's (or witches) Mountains”, a beautiful cluster of rugged colorful mountains. People did not travel these mountains in the old days since they were believed to be a hiding place for outlaws. They might still be! We enter a valley where is a beautiful geothermal pool for us to dive into. We will remind you in the morning to put your bathing gear into the truck. If you don’t want to bath – just walk around and enjoy the scenery. 

Day 4. Around Kerlingarfjöll

Day 5. Kerlingarfjöll - Árbúðir 

Day 6. Árbúðir - Sanda

Today we are riding on the other side of the Hvítá, the White river, we might even see the drizzle from Gullfoss in the distance. In good visibility we can see all the way down to south coast of Iceland. We ride through the beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley and we are back to farmland again – the Icelandic wilderness is behind us. Notice the small lovely country church on the farm. 

Day 7. Sanda - Myrkholt

Riding back through forested landscape into the geothermal Geysir area. 

Day 8: Departure

ACCOMMODATION 

Shared rooms in simple mountain cabins and sleeping bag accommodation during the ride. Please bring your own sleeping bag

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Bus transfer or a flight from Reykjavík to the farm.  
• 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 when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table. 
• Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price.
• Rainwear, water bottle, saddlebag, a riding helmet is included
• Individual travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We encourage clients to obtain relevant travel insurance before visiting Iceland. 

ATTENTION

• Individual travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We encourage clients to obtain relevant travel insurance before visiting Iceland.
• Flight to and from Iceland is not included
• Please bring your own sleeping bag with you on the tour
• Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases.
• Pack light because transport space is limited.

For more information please visit our website www.ishestar.is