Classic Kjölur

RIDING ACROSS THE HEART OF ICELAND

DEPARTURES IN 2022 On this unique highland adventure, you will ride on the oldest trail in Iceland which lies across the island, between two of our biggest and most impressive glaciers. Experience our stunning country while riding across the heart of Iceland.

Since the Viking era, the ancient Kjölur trail has been an essential and popular trail to travel across the highland desert. Riding over a desert plateau in the highlands of Iceland you will explore the area which was known back in time for roaming outlaws, elves, ghosts and evil spirits.

If you would like to add a two day Beach ride (from 13-15.7.) to this tour, you get a 15% discount on the Beach ride. Just contact us for further information (sales@ishestar.is)

This tour is operated by Hreinn Þ.

KJÖLUR

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Kjölur LOU_9691 Kjölur LOU_7973 13915 9173 9170 Kjölur_2006_01_edited kjolurpottur copy
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€2.690


    DURATION

    6 nights -6 riding days

    RIDING SKILLS

    Intermediate to Advanced riders

    DEPARTURES

    Dates 2023: July 2-8 (South-North) • 8-14 (North-South)

    ACCOMMODATION

    Shared rooms in simple mountain cabins and sleeping bag accommodation during the ride. Accommodation after the ride are to be arranged individually.

    NOTE

    Please bring your own sleeping bag! Tours operate alternatively from north to south, the next tour being from south to north.

    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 on request 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

    Pick up for South to North starts at 9 am, pick up for North to South starts at 8 am.

    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.

    On this unique highland adventure, you will ride on the oldest trail in Iceland which lies across the island, between two of our biggest and most impressive glaciers. Experience our stunning country while riding across the heart of Iceland. Since the Viking era, the ancient Kjölur trail has been an essential and popular trail to travel across the highland desert.

    Riding over a desert plateau in the inlands of Iceland, from the South to Skagafjörður in the North, you will explore the area which was known back in time for roaming outlaws, elves, ghosts and evil spirits.

     

    Day by Day Itinerary – South to North

     

    Day 1  Myrkholt - Gullfoss – Fremstaver Mt. Cabin
    Morning pick up in Reykjavik and drive to the farm Myrkholt, where the ride starts. We will head to the beautiful waterfall, Gullfoss. After a photostop we ride away from civilisation and onwards to the highlands. We will ride through vegetation in the former black sands, that the local farmers have created. Just after crossing Sandá river we stop to rest and change horses. On fresh mounts we continue our ride towards the mountain Bláfell (Blue mountain), the residence of the halftroll Bergþór. We cross river Grjótá (Rock river) just before reaching our cabin Fremsta-Ver, in Bláfell's slopes, where we will spend the night in cabin.

     

    Day 2  Fremstaver – Árbúðir Mt. Cabin
    Our first task today is to ride around Mt. Bláfell on our smooth, sturdy, footsure horses. On a clear day we will have great views to Langjökull glacier to our left and Mt. Kerlingarfjöll and Hofsjökull glacier to the right. After changing horses we cross Hvítá (White river) on a bridge and enjoy the all-surrounding scenery and the view to the glacierfed lake Hvítárvatn. The ride takes us along the banks of river Svartá  (Black river), on excellent riding paths. We will spend the night in Árbúðir cabin on the river bank.

     

    Day 3  Árbúðir - Hveravellir Mt. Cabin
    We start the day by crossing Svartá and aim our noses towards the mighty Langjökull. The first kilometers we ride through black sands until we reach the lava field and river Fúlakvísl (Foul river)
    We ride through the rough lava field Kjalhraun, feeling the presence of mighty Mt. Hrútfell standing proud in the edge of the glacier and enjoying the spectacular views to two striking glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. After changing horses we leave the horses in the slopes of Mt. Þjófafell (Mt. of Thieves) and ride through the Þjófadalir valley. We unite with the herd for the last sprint of the day on great paths that bring us to Hveravellir (Hot spring grounds), where we will spend the night. The geothermal hut tub is located just by our cabin, so a bath there, after dinner, is a must.

     

    Day 4  Hveravellir – Strangakvísl Mt. Cabin
    Being in the center of Iceland we have views to the mountains in the north too, and a clear view to Mt. Mælifellshnjúkur, a landmark for us, since our tour ends at a farm in it's slopes.  Today’s route leads us further north over the quiet river Seyðisá where the horses run free with us on the soft paths of this mystical highland area. We will cross 3  glacial rivers today. We change horses before crossing the mighty Blanda river (Mix river) then we cross Svartakvísl (Blackriver) and lastly Strangakvísl river (Strong river) and the day is completed at a spacious cabin on its banks.

     

    Day 5  Strangakvísl – Galtará Mt. Cabin
    Our descend from the highlands starts to day on marvellous paths in green fields. We first ride the banks of Strangakvísl for a while, until turning away from it on to the grassy heathland, feeding the sheep richly. Our cabin for the night is Galtará cabin.

     

    Day 6  Galtará – Mælifell Farm
    Getting closer to the green valleys our horses tölt the soft trails in a light and free spirit, conscious of the destination when get down from the  northern highlands. At Heiðarhaus (Heathhead) we change horses the last time, just before descending into valley of Mælifell (Mt. Landmark).
    All good things come to an end as we arrive at our final destination, vicarage Mælifell, where we say good-bye to the horses.  A short bus transfer to Hlín Guesthouse, where we celebrate a successful tour with a great farewell dinner, storytelling and singing.

     

    Day 7  Skagafjörður – Reykjavík
    We say goodbye to our host and guides after enjoying our breakfast taking the bus to town of Sauðárkrókur for a visit to a museum, before heading back to Reykjavik.

     

    We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary

    This tour alternates south and northbound itineraries

    The Flybus departs from Keflavík airport 35-40 minutes after each arrival. Busses are located right outside the terminal building. B

    Airport Transfer

    We recommend that you book your transfer with airport direct, as they have more flexible options.

     

    Keflavik - Reykjavik (Bus hostel)

    Reykjavik (Bus hostel) - Keflavik

     

    Terms & Conditions:

    If you book online you will be asked to pay the full amount. Please contact us for different payment options.

     

    Liability:

    Íshestar 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 Íshestar. 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 and/or contact us at sales@ishestar.is

    Hveravellir Mountain hut

     

    Hveravellir is a beautiful geothermal hot spot located in the western highlands of Iceland. Íshestar groups stay in the „Old hut” next to the geothermal area and the „geothermal pool”.  Please note the stables/horses are within 15 min walking distance from the hut.

    • Number of rooms:  2 (8-12 bedded)
    • Number of beds:  20  (bunk beds)
    • Outdoor jacuzzi:  Yes (Geothermal)
    • Number of showers:  1  (sharing with campsite)
    • GSM connection:  Yes
    • WiFi: No
    • Made up beds: No
    • Number of WC:  3 (sharing with campsite)

    Galtará Mountain hut

     

    Galtará Mountain Hut is located not far from the lake Blöndulón. This convenient cabin even provides hot water and showers.

    • Number of rooms:  5
    • Number of beds:  20
    • Outdoor jacuzzi:  No
    • Number of showers:  2
    • GSM connection:  Yes but weak
    • WiFi: No
    • Made up beds: No
    • Number of WC:  3
    • Website:  No

    Gíslaskáli

     

    Gíslaskáli is located in a beautiful and unspoiled landscape on the Kjölur tour. Nearby is the source of Svartár river which is a beautiful crystal clear spring water. 

    • Number of rooms:  1
    • Number of beds:  40
    • Outdoor jacuzzi:  No
    • Number of showers:  
    • GSM connection:  Yes
    • WiFi: No
    • Made up beds: Yes
    • Number of WC:  

    Árbúðir

    Árbúðir is a simple mountain cabin beside the Kjölur road. 

    • Number of rooms:  1
    • Number of beds:  30
    • Outdoor jacuzzi:  No
    • Number of showers: 
    • GSM connection:  Yes
    • WiFi: No
    • Made up beds: No
    • Number of WC:

    Fremstaver

     

    Fremstaver is a cozy hut on the south slopes of the mountain Bláfell. The cabin is situated in beautiful surroundings that offer many sightseeing possibilities. Climbing the mountain Bláfell is a long but rewarding walk. The top offers views wide and far on a good day.

    • Number of rooms:  1
    • Number of beds:  25
    • Outdoor jacuzzi:  no
    • Number of showers: 0
    • GSM connection: yes
    • WiFi: no
    • Made up beds:
    • Number of WC: 2

    Myrkholt

     

    Myrkholt is located just between Gullfoss waterfall and the hot spring Geysir. Very nice farm and guesthouse.

    • Number of rooms:  8
    • Number of beds:  32
    • Outdoor jacuzzi:  No
    • Number of showers:  8
    • GSM connection:  Yes
    • WiFi: Yes
    • Made up beds: Yes
    • Number of WC:  4