Day 1: Þingvellir National Park – Friðheimar Greenhouse Restaurant – Tungufellsdalur Valley – Gullfoss waterfall
Pick up at 9 am at your hotel or at BSÍ bus terminal in Reykjavík. Please be ready in your riding clothes at pick up. Drive to Þingvellir National Park for a short walk “in between the continents” before enjoying a lovely lunch at Friðheimar Greenhouse Restaurant. Transfer to Tungufell farm for your first ride. After an introduction into the safety issues, tack and gaits of the Icelandic horse set off for a lovely gentle ride over good tölting tracks through the beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley with its clear mountain springs and lovely arctic birch forest. The route takes you through rolling hills and idyllic farmland with young horses, sheep and cattle grazing on endless green fields. If you think of typical Icelandic farm life – here it is! As you climb in altitude the landscape becomes more and more barren. Ride towards Hvítá glacier river and enjoy undisturbed views on Gullfoss waterfall from the east side, a much more remote location. Lovely tracks take you back to the farm where you leave the horses before checking into your ovely hotel, situated right by the geothermal field where the geyser Strokkur throws his 30 m water fountain into the air every 6 to 10 minutes. Evening and dinner spend individually. (Riding distance approx. 12 miles)
It was a wonderful ride in every way. Stefnir and Anita are the loveliest and hardest-working people I think I have ever met. They treat their beautiful horses with love and terrific care and attention. Their tack was in perfect condition. Stefnir answered endless questions about Iceland's history, culture and geography. Anita spent time with us each afternoon following our ride. She is a fabulous cook and baker. Their adorable children visited us too. The accommodations were comfortable, clean and warm. The weather was sunny every day! Despite the sun, it was quite cold when riding. I'm glad I followed your suggestions re: packing. I wore long underwear, winter riding gloves, layers of shirts - synthetic and wool - a puffy jacket and a rain/ wind shell each day on the trail. All in all, a perfect "10"!
Gruber, May 2019