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FAQ

TYPOLOGIES

CLASSIC KJÖLUR

DIFFICULTY

High

MIN. AGE

12 years

2,190 €

DESCRIPTION
MAP
PHOTOS

RIDING ACROSS THE HEART OF ICELAND

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 you will explore the area which was known back in time for roaming outlaws, elves, ghosts and evil spirits.

Gústi and Jónína at Myrkholt farm operate this tour, click here to get to know them better.

DURATION

7 nights -6 riding days

RIDING SKILLS

Advanced riders

DEPARTURES

Dates 2021: June 19-26 • 26-3 July (North to South German Speaking) • July 31-7 August • August 7-14 • (North to South French speaking)

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

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.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1. Reykjavík – Myrkholt
Afternoon drive from Reykjavik to Myrkholt where horses and staff are waiting for us. We’ll get to know each other, have dinner and gather strength for the adventure that lies ahead.

Day 2. Myrkholt Farm – Gullfoss – Fremstaver Mountain Cabin
We will head to the beautiful waterfall, Gullfoss and onwards to a mountain called Bláfell where we will spend the night.

Day 3. Fremstaver – Árbúðir Mountain Cabin
We cross Hvítá (White river) and enjoy the all-surrounding scenery and the view to the glacier-filled lake Hvítárvatn. We will spend the night in Árbúðir on the banks of Svartá (Black river).

Day 4. Árbúðir – Gíslaskáli Mountain Cabin
We continue our ride along the rough lava field Kjalhraun enjoying the spectacular view of two striking glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull on soft and sandy riding paths which bring us to Gíslaskáli where we will spend the night.

Day 5. Gíslaskáli – Hveravellir Geothermal Area, Mountain Cabin
While riding across Kjalhraun we will share folk tales while enjoying the magical unspoiled nature. Our destination is Hveravellir, a unique geothermal area between the glaciers.

Day 6. Hveravellir – Galtará Mountain Cabin
Today’s route leads us further north over the gorgeous river Seyðisá where the horses run free with us on the soft paths of this mystical highland area. Our cabin for the night is Galtará Cabin

Day 7. Galtará – Vatnsdalur Valley – Hof in Vatnsdalur
We are getting closer to the green valleys with our horses running freely over the soft riding paths of the northern highlands. All good things come to an end as we arrive to our final destination Hof in Vatnsdalur. We celebrate a successful tour with a great farewell dinner, storytelling and singing.

Day 8. Hof in Vatnsdalur – Reykjavík
We say goodbye to our host and guides after enjoying our breakfast and head back to Reykjavik.

We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary

This tour alternates south and northbound itineraries

USEFUL INFORMATION

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

Kjölur tour operates alternatively from south to north, the next tour being from north to south. Please send us a request for day by day itinerary North-South at ishestar@ishestar.is

Terms & Conditions:
If you book the tour through the website the full amount is requested. Íshestar requests a confirmation payment upon booking of a minimum of 30% of the tour price. When the confirmation payment is received the seat is secure. The remaining balance is due 6 weeks before the tour departs.
Children under 12 years receive a 25% discount on our multi-day tours.

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 ishestar@ishestar.is

ACCOMMODATION

Hof in Vatnsdalur

A guesthouse located in the northwest of Iceland. Warm and neat guesthouse in the countryside surrounded by both historical and Saga locations.

Number of rooms: 6 rooms
Number of beds: 2 – 4 beds in each room
Outdoor jacuzzi: No
Number of showers: 2
GSM connection: Yes
WiFi: Yes
Made up beds: Yes
Number of WC: 2

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