Duration: | 9 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
Tour Category: | Hiking |
Step right up to meet the famously friendly Icelandic horse, take a ride through a geothermal valley and relax away your troubles in a naturally hot river in the valley of Reykjadalur.
Icelandic horses are descended from those brought to Iceland by the very first settlers, and so they are a fiercely protected breed not often seen outside of Iceland. They are also renowned for their easy gait and ability to cover large distances while keeping their rider in comfort – a handy thing in pre-modern Iceland, when the horse was the main method of transportation. You'll spend about 6 hours riding today, covering about 19 km (almost 12 miles)!
You’ll start out a short distance in the countryside with a ride through the mountainous Hengill area. This volcano is still active, causing heated water to bubble up in a variety of fumaroles and hot springs here. In fact, Hengill provides much of the hydrothermal energy for the southern part of the country. A series of picturesque trails will take us into the rocky valley of Reykjudalur, where you will cross another steamy geothermal area.
The horses will rest as you relax in one of the warm rivers here, surrounded by waving green grasses and foreboding mountains in the distance. Don’t forget your bathing suit and towel.
Please note that there are no changing rooms in the valley near the river and no toilet facilities.
After you’ve dried off, you’ll mount up again for a ride past Hveragerði village and the surrounding farmland all the way to the land’s end. On a clear day, you might be able to view the Westman Islands off the coast.
Your ride will continue through the colorful geothermal Guðudalur valley, an area which expanded dramatically during an earthquake in 2008. The path then takes you through a green forest, along the slopes of Reykjafjall mountain and back to the farm, where you’ll enjoy some coffee and homemade cake.