EASTERN SYMPHONY 2009
 

HORSES & PUFFINS - HIGHLAND RIDING TOUR

Difficulty rating:

8 days / 7 nights, Reykjavik - Geysir - Myrkholt - Hrunaheiði - Helgaskáli - Mt. Helgafell -

Hrauneyjar - Landmannalaugar - Hólaskógur - Stöng - Fossnes - Reykjavik
 

 In north-eastern Iceland, the "Trails of the Deserted Inlets" extend over an area where coastal mountains plunge

 abruptly into the sea. This isolated region is considered to be the central province of "the Hidden People" - the

 elves. The elf queen resides in her fortress at Álfaborg, near the village of Bakkagerði in Eastern Borgarfjörður Bay,

 with its 130 inhabitants and thousands of puffins breeding in a sheltered rock just outside the village.
 The imposing colorful massif of the area displays the entire color spectrum of volcanic rocks of rhyolite. Underneath

 lies the ocean, with the noise from crashing waves and the cries of thousands of nesting seabirds – a truly stunning

 location. The ocean changes colors with its moods - from the most exotic opal to turquoise to oil-black. Almost

 systematically when the evening comes a lid of mist descends on the landscape, adding to the mystery of the bright

 night. You will be sure to bring home with you the memory of one of those magical evenings around a bonfire on the

 inlet bank, a most serene feeling in this extreme corner of the world. As nearby fulmars soar over the surf, a curious

 seal comes for a glance. And on the mountain above the cliffs, where the smoke of our fire meets the evening haze,

 the invisible elves will be observing you.
 

Day 1 Sun ARRIVAL ICELAND

Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.

Day 2 Mon REYKJAVIK - KOREKSSTADIR - BORGARFJÖRDUR

(B, L, D)
After breakfast we drive to Kóreksstaðir Farm where we meet horses and staff. After a short introduction we start our ride towards the ocean. Do not be surprised to meet a herd of reindeers on your way. We stop in Njarðvík Bay and continue through Njarðvíkurskriður to the beautiful area Borgarfjörður Eystri. Here we stay for 4 nights in a private guesthouse. (25 km)

Day 3 Tue BORGARFJÖRDUR - HÖFN - BRUNAVIK

(B, L, D)
We start the day with a walk through the small village Bakkagerði which features among other things; the well known stone-factory Álfasteinn, the museum of Iceland’s most famous painter Kjarval and the residence of the queen of the elves - the fortress Álfaborg. We saddle up and ride to the beautiful harbor area. Here we visit a colony of 20.000 puffins or more living in a sheltered rock. We continue through Hofstrandarskarð mountain pass to Brúnavík bay and onto the beaches before we head home through the valleys, Engidalur and Hrafndalur. After dinner we build a bonfire by the ocean (weather permitting) and enjoy singing with our hosts. (30 km)
 

Day 4 Wed BORGARFJÖRDUR - BREIDUVIK -

HOLALAND (B, L, D)
This will be an adventurous day when we ride over Gagnheiði highland trail into the breathtaking area of Breiðuvík with black sandy beaches. Here we spend some time, enjoying the smooth ground, perfect for riding “tölt, the special gait of the Icelandic horse. We continue to Hólaland Farm where the horses stay behind and drive back to our overnight stay. (35 km)

Day 5 Thu HOLALAND - HVISERKUR - HUSAVIK

(B, L, D)

After gathering our horses we ride across Húsavík heath to a deserted bay, enjoying the endless variations of the Icelandic nature. On a clear day we can enjoy a far reaching view over the eastern part of the country. Our trail leads underneath the colorful mountain Hvítserkur, a unique example of nature’s creativity. We enjoy some time in the area before returning to Hólaland, choosing a different route this time. This will be our last night at the guesthouse and our hosts invite us into their home for dinner and a dip into their hot tub. Our guide Stefán will without doubt take out his accordion and lead the singing. (30 km)

Day 6 Fri HOLALAND - KOREKSTADIR -

UTNYRDINGSSTADIR (B, L, D)
Our last day of riding brings us along the mountains towering above River Lagarfljót. We ride through green valleys, along bushy hillsides, across glittering rivers and through Sandaskörð pass into the fertile farmland. Our horses return to Kóreksstaðir Farm and we drive to Útnyrðingsstaðir farm, where we spend the night. On our way to the farm we stop at the Egilsstaðir swimming pool. (35 km)
 

Day 7 Sat UTNYRDINGSSTADIR - EGILSSTADIR -

REYKJAVIK (B, L, D)
Flight back to Reykjavík in the morning with arrival at approx. 10:30 at Reykjavík Domestic Airport. Overnight stay in a hotel in Reykjavík.
 

Day 8 Sun DEPARTURE (B)
Breakfast at your guesthouse. Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home.

 

 Departure Dates 2009

 Sundays: July 12, 19

 Prices in US Dollar

 ISH20, Eastern Symphony

 Duration: 8 days, 7 nights

 5 riding days, 155 km