Across Iceland7 daysAdvancedFrom Hvammur farm
The Kings Trail is a unique tour where we ride across Iceland´s western highlands, from the beautiful Vatnsdalur Valley in the north and shrine of the nation Þingvellir in the south.
The Kings Trail is a unique tour where we ride across Iceland´s western highlands, from the beautiful Vatnsdalur Valley in the north and shrine of the nation Þingvellir in the south.
22 highlights on the route – scroll sideways to follow it.
Is situated in north-west Iceland in the beautiful Vatnsdalur valley. The famous salmon fishing river Vatnsdalsá runs through teh valley which also is a setting in the old Sagas. The farmhouse was renovated few years ago and has a hot tub in the garden with a view over the river
This beautiful grown valley is named from the lake close by and shaped by water, glaciers and volcanic activity. The area is also the setting of the Vatnsdæla-Saga. The uncountable hills, Vatnsdalshólar, are a well known feature in Icelandic landscape
Boasts both large salmon and trout. It enters the valley Vatnsdalur and turns to numerous beautiful waterfalls and a canyon
A heath in the highland plateau that consists of many lakes and rivers. It is relatively well grown but also partly made of moorland and hills
A gorge with picturesque waterfalls tumbling down over rock formations. It is situated in Vatnsdalur and surrounded by the river Álka
Mountain Cabin
A cabin located in Viðidalstunguheiði heath. Its has a unique location in the highlands and a magical view. There are tvo rooms and 30 beds there
The heath is located in West Iceland. It is a plateau belonging to the highland. It is known for its numerous lakes and cave Surtshellir
Where wanted men were supposed to hide out from the law enforcements long ago
Biggest lava fields in Iceland. This is a mystical area filled with legends of outlaws and tales from the past
Glacial river
A glacier and a Vulcano
Best-known cave in Iceland 3500 m long lava cave was a hideout for bandits back in the days
Often called the pearl between the lava and the glaciers is a unique natural gem in a magnificent landscape. The place has a big historical importance. There are tales all the way back from the settlement as well as stories of witchcraft and ghosts from later centuries
The biggest natural forest of Iceland
The water seems to appear from the lava but is actually a cold spring that surges through the ground and runs in rapids down into the river Hvítá
Mystical ancient trail. This fascinating highland trail is named after the 1190m high impressive glacier Ok on the east side of the trails
Is an area around part of Þingvellir named after the blue color that the birch in this area sometimes takes. The area is often mentioned in the Icelandic sagas
Þingvellir often called the national shrine of Iceland. Here was the oldest existing parliament in the world assembled. The spectacular Geology of Þingvellir is very visual in the Canyon Almannagjá which is formed between two tectonic continental plates drifting from each other
The Sturlunga Saga, that describes battles of families in Iceland in the 13. Century, mentions this location as a meeting place of armies and their chieftains
Iceland’s shortest highland road around 40 km. It is not an F road and one can cross rivers by bridges. However, 2wheels drive might not be suited
Located in Þingvellir National Park and runned by the Icelandic Horse Clubs Association
Pick up at 9:00 at BSÍ bus station in Reykjavík. Drive to the north where our farmer and his team welcome us at Hvammur farm. The farm is in the valley Vatnsdalur which is said to be one of the most fertile and beautiful valleys in Iceland, shaped by water, glaciers and volcanic activity. On our ride we pass the historical farm Hof and cross Vatnsdalsá river. Vatnsdalur is the setting of one of the ancient sagas, the Vatnsdælasaga. On our way we hear tales from Iceland´s heroic past of bloody conflict, revenge and love. You can sense the happiness of the free running horses as we are heading towards the highland. The horses stay at Haukagil farm which is the last farm on this side of the valley before we enter the highland plateau. We stay overnight at Hvammur. The hot tub offers a nice relaxation as we get ready for the riding adventures of the coming days. (Approx. 20 km)
We start off by gathering up the herd of horses we take with us on the adventurous trail. Today we are riding through the summer pastures of horses and sheep from the farmers in the north of Iceland. We ascend towards the highland plateau Víðidalstunguheiði heath. It is great to drive the horses through the very free fields of the highlands. The highland opens up for us and we see the mighty Álkugil gorge with picturesque waterfalls tumbling down over rock formations. The wideness and freedom feeling are inspiring for horses and people. It is graceful to see the free running herd tölt on the soft paths of the peaceful area. We see the remains of the old Kings Trail and the tracks from traveling horses through the centuries. Here the only inhabitants are foxes, birds and maybe some trolls. We spend the night at Haugakvíslarskáli Mountain Cabin. (Approx 35 km)
Further into the mountains we set course for the spacious Fellaskáli Cabin owned by the farmers of Víðidalur valley. There we have the lunchbreak of the day. The strong riding horses bring us safely through the ancient highland paths. We enjoy the magnificent view over the impressive highland mountains and the glaciers Langjökull and Eiríksjökull as they get closer step by step. We can see how the vegetation is changing into lush green colours, created by rich soil and water from many lakes as we ride to the heart of Arnarvatnsheiði. We pass the lake Réttarvatn on our way beside the beautiful lake Arnarvatn. Truly a fascinating mystical place of silence and tranquillity we will never forget. Fertile highland vegetation and rich birdlife are the highlights of this area. As we say goodbye to the north we ride further to the impressive part of the high plateau that belongs to the west area Borgarfjörður. Further on we ride to Álftakrókur Mountain Cabin where wanted men were supposed to hide out from the law enforcements long ago. (Approx. 35 km)
Shared rooms in mountain cabins and sleeping bags – 2-4 made up beds
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.
Fellaskáli unique location in the highlands and has magical view.
Please take notice of following:
Participants organize their accommodation before and after the offered program individually.
Dinner is not included on departure day / last riding day
The tour operator may have to change the route under sudden unexpected conditions.
Time of arrival in Reykjavík after the riding tour may vary, depending on conditions on the trail.
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.
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 traveller. 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 Frequently Asked Questions and/or contact us at info@islandshestar.is
“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!”
