Langjökull
The second largest ice cap of Iceland after Vatnajökull located in the highland. Two volcanic systems, whose calderas are obvious from air, rest underneath it
Riding tours / Across Iceland
In operation since 1983
Kjölur
Across Iceland8 daysAdvancedFrom Hvammur farm
Between the glaciers! If you want to see as much as possible of our beautiful country then you should ride across the heart of Iceland on the ancient trail Kjölur.
- Duration
- 8 days - 7 nights -6 riding days
- Riding skills
- Advanced riders
- Region
- Across Iceland
- Price from
- 3.150 EUR
The ride
Between the glaciers! If you want to see as much as possible of our beautiful country then you should ride across the heart of Iceland on the ancient trail Kjölur.
When we ride
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Along the trail
15 highlights on the route – scroll sideways to follow it.
Gullfoss
Golden Waterfall is where Hvítá falls 32 meters in two stages before entering the canyon Gullfossgljúfur. Gullfoss is one of three main attraction of the colden circle, the most popular sightseeing route in Iceland
Geysir area
A famous geothermal area where Geysir, the first documented hot spring in Europe is located. Geysir itself is rarely active lately but its smaller neighbours are highly active. Strokkur erupts every few minutes 20 – 40 meters high and Litli- Strokkur and Smiður are highly active as well
Mt. Bláfell
A beautiful mountain that offers a good view near the glacier Langjökull. The area around Mt. Bláfell was roamed by outlaws in the old days
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
Hvítárvatn
A source to the river Hvítá, situated in the highlands near the glacier Langjökull
Árbúðir
A mountain cabin right beside the Kjölur route on the banks of the river Svartá. The cabin has sleeping-bag accommodation for 30 overnight guests
Fúlakvísl
Glacier-fed river that runs from Langjökull to Hvítárvatn lake
Kjalhraun
Huge rugged lava fields in the center of road Kjölur
Þjófadalir
Valley of Thieves is a grassy but deep and rather closed valley surrounded by high mountains. It is located east of Langjökull and a true oasis in the wilderness
Hveravellir
A very unique geothermal area between Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. Rough but extremely beautiful nature where the most famous outlaw Fjalla Eyvindur survived for years
Seyðisá
Is a clear river in the highland og West Icealnd. It is one out of many rivers that runs towards Blöndulón. The area is known for salmon and trout fishing
Auðkúluheiði
Heath in the highlands around the route Kjölur. It is around 500m above sea level and named after the farm Auðkúla in the valley Svínadalur
Vatnsdalur
This beautiful grown valley is named from the lake close by. The salmon and trout river, Vatnsdalsá, enters the valley and turns to numerous waterfalls and a canyon. The uncountable hills, Vatnsdalshólar, are well known feature in Icelandic landscape. The area is also a setting in the Icelandic Saga, Vatnsdæla-Saga
Forsæludalur Farm
The first farm to reach in the area coming from the highland
Day by day
Riding distance per day≈ 165 km in the saddle
- DAY1
Reykjavik – Hvammur
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik at 18:00. Our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Hvammur farm in North Iceland 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
Hvammur – Vatnsdalur Valley – Forsæludalur – Hvammur≈ 20 km
Today is our first riding day. Great riding tracks along the banks of Vatnsdalsá river give us the opportunity to enjoy a fast ride in the soft tölt! Vatnsdalur is one of the most beautiful valleys in Iceland and the setting of one of the ancient sagas, Vatnsdælasaga. On our ride to Hvammur we hear tales from Iceland´s heroic past of bloody conflict, revenge and love. The horses stay at Forsæludalur farm which is the last farm in the valley before we enter the highland. We stay overnight at Hvammur Guesthouse. The hot tub offers a nice relaxation after today’s ride (Approx. 20 km)
- DAY3
Hvammur – Forsæludalur – Öndvegi Mountain Cabin≈ 35 km
As we ride up the valley the canyon of the Vatnsdalsá river appears with some its many waterfalls. Today we ascend up to the mountain plateau Grímstunguheiði. The fertile valley with its farms is left behind as our horses run freely over the riding paths of the northern highland, one of the largest uninhabited areas in Europe. We enjoy the splendid view over the impressive highland mountains and the completely untouched nature around us. We stay overnight at the mountain cabin Öndvegi. (Approx. 35 km)
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
Shared rooms in mountain cabins and sleeping bags – Accommodation after the ride are to be arranged individually.
Árbúðir Mountain Hut
Arbudir is a mountain cabin right beside the Kjölur route on the banks of the river Svartá. The cabin has sleeping-bag accommodation for 30 overnight guests.
- Number of rooms
- 2
- Number of beds
- 30
- Outdoor jacuzzi
- No
- Number of showers
- 1
- GSM connection
- Yes but weak
- WiFi
- No
- Made up beds
- No
- Number of WC
- 2
Hvammur farm
Hvammur farm is situated in the beautiful Vatnsdalur Valley which is so full of the old Sagas and has the famous salmon fishing river Vatnsdalsá running down the middle. The farmhouse was renovated 4 years ago and has a hot tub in the garden with a view over the river.
- Number of rooms
- 6 rooms
- Number of beds
- 2-4 beds in each room, altogether max 19
- Outdoor jacuzzi
- Yes
- Number of showers
- 2
- GSM connection
- Yes
- WiFi
- Yes
- Made up beds
- Yes
- Number of WC: 2 Click here for photos!
Fremstaver
Fremstaver is a cozy hut on the south slopes of the mountain Bláfell. The cabin is situated in beautiful surroundings that offer many sight-seeing possibilities. Climbing the mountain Bláfell is a long but rewarding walk. The top offers views wide and far on a good day.
- Number of rooms
- 1
- Number of beds
- 25
- Outdoor jacuzzi
- no
- Number of showers
- 0
- GSM connection
- yes
- WiFi
- no
- Made up beds
- x
- Number of WC
- 2
Áfangi
- Outdoor jacuzzi
- yes
- Hot showers
- yes
- GSM connection
- yes
- WiFi
- no
- Number of WC
- –
- 8 rooms
- Number of beds 32
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.
- Please bring your own sleeping bag with you on the tour.
- Bring bags instead of hardcover cases.
- Pack light as carrying space is limited.
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:
We request a confirmation payment upon booking of minimum 30% of the tour price. When the confirmation payment is received the seat is secure. The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before the tour departs. If you book the tour through the website the full amount is requested.
Children’s under 12 years receive 25% discount on our multi-day tours.
Liability:
We 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
“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!”
