Iceland’s Short Break – Volcano Contrasts

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive at Keflavík Airport, Iceland and take the Flybus from Keflavík to Reykjavík (BSÍ Bus terminal).

You will be greeted by your hosts between 17:30 and 18:00, who will arrange further transportation to the farm in Vellir in the neighbourhood of Hveragerði. After check-in, a lovely 3 course dinner will be served.

Day 2: Below the Mountain

On this day of riding, you will discover the beautiful landscape opening up between the volcanic mountains and the Atlantic ocean in southern Iceland. You will begin the tour on nice riding trails along meadows which are ideal for trying the special gait of the Icelandic horse - the tölt.

You then follow the river Gljúfurá to an old cemetery close to the mighty glacial river Ölusá, where you'll enjoy the panoramic view of the river delta and the famous volcanos Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull, weather permitting. A grassy path takes you further down to the soft, black lava sand on the river banks and through shallow water to the green island Lambey. On your way, you have a good chance of seeing various kinds of birds living in the wetlands of the nearby bird sanctuary.

You will stop for a lunch break out in nature before continuing through farmland towards Mount Ingólfsfjall, a table mountain named after the first settler of Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarson. An old Viking path takes you along the Mountain Reykjafjall, where both sheep and horses graze in the summer.

On your way back to the farm in Vellir you have a nice view over the surrounding area and the village of Hveragerði. Awaiting you back at the farm are coffee and home-baked cake.

You will have the opportunity to relax in the hot tub before dinner, if you choose.

Day 3: Hot Springs Tour Reykjadalur Valley – Vistas and Volcanos

The riding today offers spectacular views featuring the variety of the magnificent Icelandic nature. you will ride through lava fields towards the green hills surrounding the volcano Hengill. The horses then take you up on narrow trails into the valley Reykjadalur, passing the beautiful waterfall Djúpagilsfoss and many hot springs.

In Reykjadalur you will have the opportunity to take a relaxing bath in a warm stream (don't forget to wear your bathing suit). On your way down the valley, you enjoy fascinating panoramas over the surroundings, the village Hveragerði and the farmland all the way down to the coastline, where you might see the Westman Islands, weather permitting.

You continue on excellent riding trails surrounding Hveragerði and through the colourful geothermal Gufudalur valley with hot springs, an area which expanded dramatically during an earthquake in 2008. The path then takes you through a green forest and along the slopes of Reykjafjall mountain back to the farm, where coffee and home-baked cake are waiting.

(Bring your swimsuit and a towel for this ride.)

You'll be transferred back to Reykjavik, arrival will be around 17.30.