Beyond Kjölur

On this unique highland adventure, you will ride on the oldest trail in Iceland which lies across the island, between two of our
biggest 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 by Day Itinerary – South to north

Day 1. Reykjavík - Myrkholt
Afternoon drive from Reykjavik
to Myrkholt where horses and staff are waiting for us. We’ll get to know each
other, have dinner and team-meeting, and gather strength for the adventure that lies ahead.

Day 2. Myrkholt Farm - Gullfoss – Fremstaver Mountain Cabin
We will head to the beautiful waterfall, Gullfoss. After a photostop we ride away from civilisation and onwards to the highlands. We will ride through vegetation in the former black sands, that the local farmers have created. Just after crossing Sandá river we stop to rest and change horses. On fresh mounts we continue our ride towards the mountain Bláfell (Blue mountain), the residence of the halftroll Bergþór. We cross river Grjótá (Rock river) just before reaching our cabin Fremsta-Ver, in Bláfell's slopes, where we will spend the night in cabin. 

Day 3. Fremstaver – Árbúðir Mountain Cabin
Our first task today is to ride around Mt. Bláfell on our smooth, sturdy, footsure horses. On a clear day we will have great views to Langjökull glacier to our left and Mt. Kerlingarfjöll and Hofsjökull glacier to the right. After changing horses we cross Hvítá (White river) on a bridge and enjoy the all-surrounding scenery and the view to the glacierfed lake Hvítárvatn. The ride takes us along the banks of river Svartá  (Black river), on excellent riding paths. We will spend the night in Árbúðir cabin on the river bank. 

Day 4. Árbúðir - Hveravellir Mountain Cabin
We start the day by crossing Svartá and aim our noses towards the mighty Langjökull. The first kilometers we ride through black sands until we reach the lava field and river Fúlakvísl (Foul river)
We ride through the rough lava field Kjalhraun, feeling the presence of mighty Mt. Hrútfell standing proud in the edge of the glacier and enjoying the spectacular views to two striking glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. After changing horses we leave the horses in the slopes of Mt. Þjófafell (Mt. of Thieves) and ride through the Þjófadalir valley. We unite with the herd for the last sprint of the day on great paths that bring us to Hveravellir (Hot spring grounds), where we will spend the night. The geothermal hut tub is located just by our cabin, so a bath there, after dinner, is a must. 

Day 5. Hveravellir – Strangakvísl 
Being in the center of Iceland we have views to the mountains in the north too, and a clear view to Mt. Mælifellshnjúkur, a landmark for us, since our tour ends at a farm in it's slopes.  Today’s route leads us further north over the quiet river Seyðisá where the horses run free with us on the soft paths of this mystical highland area. We will cross 3  glacial rivers today. We change horses before crossing the mighty Blanda river (Mix river) then we cross Svartakvísl (Blackriver) and lastly Strangakvísl river (Strong river) and the day is completed at a spacious cabin on its banks. 

Day 6. Strangakvísl – Galtará Mountain Cabin
Our descend from the highlands starts to day on marvellous paths in green fields. We first ride the banks of Strangakvísl for a while, until turning away from it on to the grassy heathland, feeding the sheep richly. Our cabin for the night is Galtará Cabin.

Day 7. Galtará – Mælifell
Getting closer to the green valleys our horses tölt the soft trails in a light and free spirit, conscious of the destination when get down from the  northern highlands. At Heiðarhaus (Heathhead) we change horses the last time, just before descending into valley of Mælifell (Mt. Landmark).
 All good things come to an end as we arrive at our final destination, vicerage Mælifell, where we say good-bye to the horses.  Bus transfer to Steinstaðaskóli Guesthouse, where we celebrate a successful
tour with a great farewell dinner, storytelling and singing.

Day 8. Steinstaðaskóli – Reykjavík

We say goodbye to our host and guides after enjoying our breakfast taking the bus to town of Sauðárkrókur for a visit to a museum, before heading back to Reykjavik.

This tour alternates south and northbound itineraries

ACCOMMODATION 

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

NOTE - Tours operate alternatively from north to south, the next tour being from south to north.

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