Þjórsá
A glacier river with its source in Hofsjökull. It is the longest river in Iceland, around 230 km
Riding tours / South Iceland
Nominated by CNNgo as one of the greatest horse treks in the world
Golden Circle
South Iceland6 daysIntermediate +From Kálfhóll farm
This tour was nominated by CNNgo as one of the greatest horse treks in the world! There is no better way to visit the hot springs area of Geysir and the Golden Waterfall – Gullfoss – than by riding through the lovely countryside of South Iceland.
- Duration
- 6 days - 5 nights – 5 riding days
- Riding skills
- Intermediate riders
- Region
- South Iceland
- Price from
- 2.599 EUR
The ride
This tour was nominated by CNNgo as one of the greatest horse treks in the world! There is no better way to visit the hot springs area of Geysir and the Golden Waterfall – Gullfoss – than by riding through the lovely countryside of South Iceland.
When we ride
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Along the trail
10 highlights on the route – scroll sideways to follow it.
Hrunamannahreppur
Is a municipality in the south where the village Flúðir is located. A part of the municipality is within the highlands
Stóra-Laxá
A well known salmon river surrounded by magnificent landscape such as the gorge Laxárgljúfur
Hrunaréttir
A corral used for the annual sheep round-up in autumn
Brúarhlöð
Majestic canyon in Hvítá river where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations
Kálfhóll river cabins
Welcome to our cozy cabins near Kálfhóll farm, offering views overlooking the majestic Þjórsá river. Escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Iceland’s countryside. Our cabins are simple yet comfortable, providing everything you need for a peaceful getaway. Enjoy the scenic beauty from your doorstep, whether you’re savoring a morning coffee or stargazing under the clear Icelandic skies. Located just a stone’s throw from Kálfhóll farm, our cabins offer easy access to the surrounding nature and farmlife.
Hvítá River
Its source is in lake Hvítárvatn in the glacier Langjökull. It is the river of the famous Gullfoss waterfall and popular for salmon fishing and river rafting
Gullfoss
Golden Waterfall is where Hvítá falls 32 meters in two stages before entering the canyon Gullfossgljúfur. Gullfoss is one of three main attractions of the most popular sightseeing route in Iceland, The Golden Circle
Geysir area
A famous geothermal area with Geysir, the first documented hot spring in Europe. Lately Geysir is rarely active but its smaller neighbours are. Strokkur erupts every few minutes 20 – 40 meters high and Litli- Strokkur and Smiður are highly active as well
Secret Lagoon
A natural pool in a geothermal area 38 – 40 celsius warm. Situated by the village Flúðir and within the Golden Circle route. Wonderful experience during all seasons
Day by day
Riding distance per day≈ 96 km in the saddle
- DAY1
Reykjavik – Kálfhóll farm
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik at 18:00, where our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Kálfhóll, where horses and staff are waiting for us. After a lovely introductory meal where we get to know each other, we relax and rest so we are well prepared for the adventure ahead of us.
- DAY2
Kálfhóll – Sandlækjamýri≈ 16 km
We begin the day by introducing our guests to the Icelandic horse and preparing for the first ride of the tour. From Kálfhóll, we ride along the Þjórsá River, following a historic riding route once used by people from the surrounding countryside when travelling on horseback to the horse gatherings held at Murneyrar, events known for lively atmosphere and great enjoyment.
Today’s ride ends at Sandlækjarmýri. From there, we return by vehicle to Kálfhóll, where dinner and accommodation await us. Riding distance: approx. 16 km
- DAY3
Sandlækjarmýri – Sólheimar≈ 20 km
Today we continue from Sandlækjarmýri and ride through the countryside, following green riding paths and enjoying beautiful views along the way. If river conditions allow, we cross the Stóra-Laxá River and continue to Sólheimar Farm, where the horses stay for the night. From there, we return to Kálfhóll for dinner and accommodation. Riding distance: approx. 20 km. After this riding day, we visit the Secret Lagoon for a relaxing soak.
We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary due to weather, increasing river conditions (exspecially in spring), or other circumstances beyond our control.
We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary due to weather, increasing river conditions (exspecially in spring), or other circumstances beyond our control.
What’s included
- Bus transfer 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 and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty-Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival.
- Rainwear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet.
Where you stay
Made up beds in shared rooms – Accommodation after the ride are to be arranged individually.
Kálfhóll Farm
River Cabins summerhouses at Kálfhóll farm
- Number of cabins
- 5
- Number of rooms per cabin
- 3
- Number of beds per cabin
- 5
- Outdoor jacuzzi
- –
- Number of showers per cabin
- 1
- GSM connection
- Yes
- WiFi
- Yes
- Made up beds
- Yes
- Number of WC per cabin
- 1
Good to know
Please note
- Individual travel insurance is not included in the travel price. We recommend that our customers take out appropriate travel insurance before visiting Iceland.
- Flight to and from Iceland is not included.
Here you can book your Flybus ticket to and from Reykjavík. The Flybus departs from Keflavík airport 35-40 minutes after each arrival. Busses are located right outside the terminal building. Book my ticket
Terms & conditions
If you book the tour through the website the full amount is requested. If you book via e-mail or phone we request a 30% confirmation payment upon booking to be able to confirm a seat. When we have received the confirmation payment the seat is secure. The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before the tour starts. Children’s under 12 years receive 25% discount on our multi day tours.
Our cancellation terms are as follows:
- A cancellation made with more than 42 days – deposit paid by the client.
- A cancellation made with more than 21 days but less than 42 days’ notice is subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
- A cancellation made with less than 21 days’ notice means that the full price will be collected.
Liability:
Íslandshestar reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. No liability is accepted for loss or expenses due to delays or changes of arrival or departures of flights or other services, injury, sickness, accident, strikes, damage, negligence, weather, wars or other causes outside the control of Íslandshestar. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveler. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions.
For more information please see also our Frequent Asked Questions and/or contact us at info@islandshestar.is
What riders say
“Perfect tour! Great staff, beautiful landscapes. Amazing horses, good food. I would definitely recommend it!”
“I really wish I would have done this trip sooner, this is truly a life changing experience and one you can´t describe until you try it your self! The horses, nature, hosts, and helpers were amazing. I 100% recommend all riders to ride with them!”
