In
honor Íshestar's 35th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of our partners „Pferd
und Reiter“, we're offering a special riding tour in the summer of 2017. Our
tour starts in the valley Vatnsdalur, leading us over the legendary
Arnarvatnsheiði with its countless lakes and natural beauty. Haukur and his
team of the farm Hvammur will make sure that the tour will be an unforgettable
experience.

On
our journey through the highlands, riders experience the one-of-a-kind quality
of the Icelandic horse. The tour leads us over unscathed terrain and historical
riding-paths that have been used since the beginning of Icelandic civilisation.
During the ride we're most likely to encounter sheep, foxes, birds and
hopefully elves and other spirits.

Whilst
departing from Hvammur, the riders are faced with the task of driving a herd of
mares, foals and youngsters to the vast highlands where they can roam freely in
their summer pastures. It is a real adventure to participate in the herding
action with the light-spirited farmer Haukur and his family.

Endless
highlands, majestic glaciers, and the peaceful wilderness triggers an undescribable
feeling deep in the hearts of travelers in these parts.

Day-by-Day Itinerary  Anniversary special:

Friday July 21: Reykjavík – Vatntnsdalur Valley – Hvammur Farm

Pick up
from the Reykjavík Main Bus Station (BSÍ) at 17:00. Transfer from Reykjavík to
the north where our farmer and his team receive us at Hvammur. 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. Welcome
dinner at Hvammur where we get to know each other and go through the riding
adventure of the coming days.  

Saturday July 22: Hvammur – Vatndsdalur – Haukagil – Hvammur

Today
is our first riding day. We start off by gathering up the herd, mares, foals
and young horses which we will bring up to the summer pastures. The stallions
are kept separated at home. On our ride we pass the historical farm Hof and cross the river
Vatnsdalsá. Vatnsdalur is the setting of one of the ancient sagas, the Vatnsdælasaga.
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 the
guesthouse Hvammur. The hot tub offers a nice relaxation after today’s ride. (Approx. 20 km)

Sunday July 23: Hvammur – Haukagil – Driving herd to highland pastures –
Álkuskáli Mountain Cabin

We ascend towards the highland plateau
Haukagilsheiði heath. It is great to drive the horses to 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. It is
peaceful and beautiful to see the horses enjoy their freedom as we leave them
and continue our trip with our riding horses to Álkuskáli where we spend the
night. (Approx 35 km)

Monday July 24: Álkuskáli – Arnarvatsheiði Heath – Arnarvatnsheiði Cabin

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 ahead. We can see how the vegetation
is changing into lush green colors, 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 to our cabin beside the beautiful lake Arnarvatn where we spend the
night. A truly fascinating mystical place of silence and tranquillity we will
never forget. Fertile highland vegetation and rich bird life are the highlights
of this area. (Approx. 40 km)

Tuesday July 25: Arnarvatn – Langjökull Glacier - Fljótsdrög Mountain
Cabin - Arnarvatn

We spend the day exploring
this beautiful area. Our ride brings us closer to the black Volcano Krákur
(Raven) and one of the biggest glaciers of Iceland. The majestic Langjökull
glacier. As we move further away from Arnarvatn the landscape gets rougher. We
sense the qualities of our Icelandic horses as they bring us towards this
unspoiled extreme area of lavafields and ice. We have lunch at Fljótsdrög Cabin
before we return to Arnvarvatn for another overnight stay. (Approx. 30 km)

Wednesday July 26: Arnarvatn – Stóri Sandur (Big Sand Desert) -
Grímstunguheiði Heath – Öldumóðuskáli Mountain Cabin

Our route today leads us to
the north over the mystical sand desert Stóri Sandur. This impressive area
without any vegetation reminds us on how tough nature can be here up in the
north. As we get further we pass the mountains Svartahæð (Black Mountain) and
Grettishæð (The Mountain of Grettir the Strong). We are following a historical
route still used by the farmers today when they get their horses and sheep from
the summer pastures. We get closer to our mountain cabin which is located by
the river Strangakvísl. The gras and other highland vegetation make a warm
welcome to us and our horses after the empty desert. Overnight stay at
Öldumóðuskáli. (Approx. 45 km)

Thursday July 27: Öldumóðuskáli –Friðmundarvötn Lakes
- Forsæludalur Valley – Hvammur Farm

We continue our ride and enjoy the great view
riding in fast tölt on the old soft highland routes. We ride downwards from the
mountains, along the river Strangakvísl and cross the river Vatnsdalsá through
the famous tide flat Lestammannavað. The wideness and freedom feeling is
inspiring for horses and people. It is impressive to see the fertile Vatnsdalur valley in the north
with all its fields and vegetation. As we ride down to the valley the canyon of
the river Vatnsdalsá appears with some of its many waterfalls. Our horses stay
at the farm Forsæludalur which is the first farm to reach in this area when you
come from the highland. We stay overnight at the guesthouse Hvammur. The hot
tub offers again a nice relaxation after today’s ride. (Approx. 35 km)

Friday July 28: Forsæludalur - Vatndsalsá River - Hvammur
Farm

Great riding tracks along the banks of Vatnsdalsá river give us the
opportunity to enjoy a fast ride in the soft tölt. We have to cross the river several times so better wear the boots
today. We pass the place where the famous outlaw Grettir had his fight with the
ghost Glámur and more mystical places from the ancient Sagas. Our last stop
before the homestretch is at the farm Hof were the first settler of this area built
his farm around year 900. As we come home to Hvammur, the horses get a
rest and we will enjoy the evening with delicious Icelandic food, celebrating a
great tour, singing and sharing our experience of the Icelandic adventure. (Approx. 25 km)

Saturday July 29: Hvammur –
Reykjavík

We say good-bye to
our farmer and his crew. Transfer back to your accommodation in Reykjavík. Approx. return at
14:00. 

- We reserve the
right to alter the itinerary if necessary -

ACCOMMODATION 

Shared rooms in simple mountain cabins and sleeping bag accommodation during the ride but 2-4 made up beds in each room at
Hvammur Guesthouse. 

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.

Rain wear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet.

ATTENTION

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

Please bring your own sleeping bag with you on the tour

Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases.

Pack light because transport space is limited.

- For more information please visit our website www.ishestar.is -