DIAMOND CIRCLE - NORTHERN COMFORT 2008
 

ICELAND HIGHLAND RIDING TOUR

Difficulty rating:

8 days / 7 nights, Reykjavik - Saltvík – Hvammsheiði -

Laxárdalur – Lake Mývatn - Holiday Farm Stöng - Reykjavik
 

The Lake Mývatn area is often called the Diamond Circle due to the high density of interesting sights. It witnesses the power of Mother Earth with a display of eerie lava formations, high rising steam clouds, black sand deserts and boiling multi-colored mud pools. The lake itself is a famous breeding area for ducks, nesting in lush vegetation and raising their ducklings, sheltered by nature and protected by man. This tour is an alternative for those who want to combine the excitement of a highland ride with comfortable accommodation. You also have the advantage of being in a group of maximum 14 guests, which is fewer than we usually, have on our tours. Our hosts for this tour are Bjarni Páll and Elsa from Saltvík, well known from the Northern Exposure tours.
As on the Northern Exposure tour you enjoy the varied terrain surrounding Lake Mývatn. Our ride starts over Hvammsheiði Heath and we follow Laxá Salmon River towards Lake Mývatn. A bus brings us to Dimmuborgir, a true maze made by nature and Hverarönd boiling mud pools and steam vents. Natural warm water is harnessed at Jarðböð geothermal outdoor pool where we can swim in the mineral rich water. The riding leads further into the highlands and we catch a glimpse of Ódáðahraun Lava Field, the largest in Iceland, before the ride leads towards the shore again. In Bárðardalur Valley we visit Goðafoss Waterfall and ride partly along the river banks back to Saltvík Farm. Sail out into the Midnight Sun on an optional whale watching boat trip on your last night in the north.
On this tour we exchange the usual mountain cabins for beds in double rooms. Single room accommodation is also possible. Bathroom facilities are shared and a hot shower is available every night. During the three nights spent at Saltvík Farm we enjoy two outdoor hot tubs and the amazing view over the ocean and the Kinnafjöll Mountain Range.
 

Day 1 Sat ARRIVAL ICELAND

Early morning arrival in Iceland. After clearing passport control, head downstairs for your luggage and customs. A representative from your tour will meet you at Keflavik Airport and drive you to a guesthouse in Reykjavik. At 17:30 we invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.

Day 2 Sun REYKJAVIK - SALTVÍK - HVAMMSHEIÐI (B, L, D)

Flight to Akureyri and drive to Saltvík Farm. Ride into the mountains along the river Laxá to the highland plateau Hvammsheiði. We stay overnight at Saltvík Farm where the hot outdoor tubs are waiting. (20 km)

Day 3 Mon LAXARDALUR - LAKE - MÝVATN - VOGAR (B, L, D)

We continue our ride to Laxárdalur valley, named by a famous salmon river, and follow the river all the way to Lake Mývatn where we stay overnight at the guesthouse Vogar situated in beautiful surroundings near the lake. Bus tour at Lake Mývatn, famous for its geological wonders and rich bird life. Enjoy a nice hot bath in Jarðböð, a geothermal outdoor pool. (40 km)
 
Day 4 Tue VOGAR - ENGIDALUR - ODAÐHRAUN (B, L, D)
We continue our ride towards Mt. Sandfell, through the valleys of Engidalur and Bárðardalur, enjoying excellent riding paths throughout most of the day. Today we will view parts of the mighty Odáðahraun lava field, the largest lava field in Iceland and stay overnight at the cozy Guesthouse Kiðagil on the banks of the glacial river Skjálfandafljót. (35 km)

Day 5 Wed KIÐAGIL - GOÐAFOSS - TORFUNES - SALTVÍK (B, L, D)

We ride through Bárðardalur valley towards magnificent waterfall Goðafoss. Partly on the river banks we ride to Fellsskógur forest. Our horses rest at the farm Torfunes while we drive to Saltvík for the overnight stay. (45 km)

Day 6 Thu TORFUNES - AÐALDALSHRAUN - SALTVIK FARM (B, L, D)

Enjoy a last riding day through beautiful landscape characterized by the vast lava fields of Aðaldalshraun and rich birch forest. We cross Hvammsheiði heath before bringing the horses home to Saltvík farm where we spend another night and enjoy the hot outdoor tubs! (35 km)

Optional (available at an extra charge): Whale Watching
At Husavik Town harbor, a boat is waiting to go out on a whale watching cruise. This area is known to have one of the best whale watching sites in the world in the beautiful Skjalfandi Bay.

Price per person: $ 80 for three hour cruise.

Day 7 Fri SALTVÍK - REYKJAVIK (B)
Return to Akureyri and flight back to Reykjavík Domestic Airport with arrival at approx. 13:30. Last night in a guesthouse in Reykjavík.

Day 8 Sat DEPARTURE (B, D)
Breakfast at your guesthouse. Morning free for own activities. Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home.

 

 Departure Dates 2008

 Saturday - Saturday, July 12, 26

 Aug 02

 Prices in US Dollar

 Duration: 8 days / 7 nights – 5 riding days – 175 km