Trail of hope

Horseback riding in North Iceland!

This tour is an ideal opportunity for everyone who wants to enjoy a exceptional ride in different types of landscape. We ride through diverse nature and get an excellent insight into Icelandic history when listening to stories from the Saga ages. Riding the horses on smooth sandy grounds is a joy for the rider and his mount. There is plenty of time to enjoy the unique gait “tölt” while exploring nature and the history of this outstanding area.

We start the ride at Hvammur Farm in Vatnsdalur valley. It is a thrilling experience riding on the black sandy beaches, through rivers, fields and the great lagoon called Lake Hóp (e. Hope). A visit to a seal colony on the North-Atlantic coast and the majestic Hvítserkur monolith is a wonderful thing to see.

Our well-known farmer Haukur Suska, his family and wonderful staff at Hvammur farm operate this tour.

ACCOMMODATION
sleeping bag accommodation in shared rooms during the ride. Accommodation before and after the ride are to be arranged individually.

WHAT IS 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.

ATTENTION
Please bring your own sleeping bag with you on the tour
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
Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases
Pack light because transport space is limited.

Day by Day itinerary

1. 1. Day 1: Reykjavík – Hvammur – Vatnsdalur – SveinsstaðirPick up at 08:30 at BSÍ bus station. Please be ready at the earliest pickup time and be ready in your riding clothes. Transfer by bus from Reykjavík to Hvammur Farm, where we meet horses and guides. We start our ride through Vatnsdalur valley. This beautiful valley is the setting of the Vatnsdæla-Saga.  Our ride ends at Sveinsstaðir Farm and we return to Hvammur Farm for our overnight stay. (Approx. 14 km)
   2. Day 2: Hvammur – Sveinsstaðir – Hóp – Borgarvirki – Þverá – HvítserkurWe leave Sveinsstaðir Farm and ride alongside the lagoon Hóp. The black sand at the beach is ideal for riding tölt, the special gait of the Icelandic horse. This trail along the shore gives us an idea of the beautiful lagoon we are going to cross tomorrow. We ride along the banks of Víðidalsá River and cross over it. We take a break at Stóra-Borg where our lunch break is and drive to Borgarvirki, a fascinating fortress from the Viking ages. Then we continue our ride to the sheep pen Þverárétt. It is used by local farmers to sort the sheep in the autumn. Before returning to the guesthouse we take another excursion to the shore where we see Hvítserkur, a basalt rock formation, nesting place to many seabirds. This area is home to large numbers of seals and hopefully, we see many of them resting and playing on the beach. We spend the night again at Hammur Farm. (Approx. 30 km)
   3. Day 3: Hvammur –North Atlantic – ThingeyrarToday we explore the beauty of the Vatnsnes peninsula and follow black dunes on Sigríðarstaðasandur towards the North-Atlantic. We have our lunch break on top of the ridge Nesbjörg where we enjoy the great view. Today we cross the lagoon Lake Hóp and follow a safe trail through the water on our way to Thingeyrar Farm, once the site of a monastery founded in the 12th century. For sure this day is one of the highlights of this ride. Relax in the outdoor hot tub at Hvammur Farm before a hearty dinner. (Approx. 40 km)
   4. Day 4: Hvammur – Thingeyrar – Húnavatn – HvammurWe start the day with a visit to historic Thingeyrar Church. This is our last day of riding and we bring the horses back to Hvammur Farm. We cross Lake Húnavatn on a save trail in the water and enjoy the excitement of the horses once they have returned to the black sand on dry land. We ride on the eastern side of Vatnsdalur valley, past Hvammsfoss waterfall, surrounded by impressive basalt columns. Celebrate the successful return in the evening with great farewell dinner. (Approx. 25 km)
   5. Day 5: Hvammur – ReykjavíkIt is time to say goodbye to our guides and drive back to Reykjavík. Approx. arrival at 12:30 in Reykjavík BSÍ.– We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary –

Accommadation

Useful informations

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

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 our partners. 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