Golden Circle

This tour was nominated by CNNgo as one of the 15 greatest horse treks in the world!

What better or more unique way to do the popular Golden Circle Tour than by riding through the lovely countryside of South Iceland. The three key attractions on this classic tour are the hot spring area of Geysir, Gullfoss or the Golden Waterfall and Thingvellir National Park. Each one guaranteed to take your breath away. Thingvellir National Park is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List based on its historical, geological and cultural importance.
This tour is perfect for families and those not having the required riding experience for our highland tours. Keep in mind that riding days can be long so you should be in good physical shape and have the basic horsemanship skills.
On the first riding day you get acquainted with the unique Icelandic Horse and its special extra gait as we take an easy trek along the banks of the majestic Thjórsá River. We continue towards Gullfoss Waterfall with its thundering waters and the hot spring area of Geysir. After a relaxed day´s riding in that locality, we next explore some of more remote places, well off the beaten track. On our way to our accommodation, we visit the charming Secret Lagoon for a well-deserved bath. We cross the highland moor of Hrunaheiði and enjoy good riding tracks when trekking past iconic basalt columns at Hrepphólar on our way back to Kálfhóll Farm.

Part of this tour can be booked as a 5-day tour/4 riding days – see our tour Geysir Gullfoss Special and as a 2-day tour / 2 riding days- see our tour From Geysers To Mountains.

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 if requested 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.
Rainwear, 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
Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases
Pack light because transport space is limited.

Day by Day itinerary

1. Day 1.  Reykjavik – Blesastaðir GuesthousePick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik at 18:00, where our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Blesastaðir Guesthouse, where horses and staff are waiting for us. After a lovely introductory meal where we get to know each other, we relax and rest so we are well prepared for the adventure ahead of us.
2. Day 2. Blesastaðir Guesthouse – Thjórsá glacier river – Blesastaðir GuesthouseAfter an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits, we start our ride along the pleasant trail at Thjórsá glacier fed river. We leave the horses at Sandlækjarmýri field and drive to Blesastaðir Guesthouse. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the outdoor hot tub at Blesastaðir Guesthouse before a hearty dinner. (approximately 15 km)
3. Day 3. Blesastaðir Guesthouse – MyrkholtWe leave Blesastaðir and drive back to the horses.  From there we head off to the fertile farmlands of neighboring community Hrunamannahreppur. We drive spare horses along in a free running herd, enabling us to change our mount regularly and traveling at a brisk space. We cross the well know Salmon River Stóra-Laxá and stop for our picnic lunch at Hrunaréttir, a corral used for the annual sheep round-up in autumn. We continue our ride on good trails, towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations. Our ride ends at Brúarhlöð and we drive to the Myrkholt Farm, where we spend the night. (approximately 30 km)
4. Day 4.  Myrkholt – Gullfoss – MyrkholtWe continue our ride on soft trails ideal for tölting, alongside Hvítá River we follow the ever deepening canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss. We will have our lunch break at Gullfoss before we ride back to Myrkholt where we spend the night. (approximately 20 km)
5. Day 5.  Haukadalur – Haukadalsheiði – MyrkholtOur ride takes us through Haukadalur valley with its beautiful birch forest. Cross clear little streams on the way and enjoy the rich vegetation of wild mountain flowers that bloom during high summer. While you ascend to a highland plateau you will notice the changes in nature as you reach higher ground. A breathtaking view of the mountain ranges and glaciers of the highland around awaits you when you reach the top of Haukadalsheiði. Rest of the day is spent in the Geysir area. You have plenty of time to explore this highly interesting area with its countless bubbling hot springs. (approximately 18 km)
6. Day 6. Geysir – Tungufellsdalur – Kaldbakur – Blesastaðir GuesthouseWe leave the Geysir area and ride along green pastures back to the bridge at Brúarhlöð canyon where we cross mighty Hvítá River. Now we head towards the interior and follow beautiful Tungufellsdalur valley onto Hrunaheiðar heath plateau and we experience riding along the edge of civilization. Our horses spend the night at Kaldbakur Farm, we drive to the Secret Lagoon for relaxing bath in the geothermal pool and then drive to Blesastaðir Guesthouse and spend the night. (approximately 30 km)
7. Day 7. Blesastaðir Guesthouse – Kaldbakur – Hrepphólar – Kálfhóll  – Reykjavík  Our last day of riding includes yet again terrific scenery. Today we follow good riding tracks past Mt. Galtafell. We cross River Laxá before we reach Sandlækjarmýri. We turn towards the banks of Thjórsá River and follow them to Kálfhóll Farm. Here we say goodbye to our guides, staff, and horses and return to Reykjavík, approx. arrival at 20:00.(approximately 40 km)– We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary –

Accommodation

Hvítárdalur

Is a nice farm motel near the river Hvítá. It is on two floors with a good view over the farm and our horse herd that spent the night as well.

• Number of rooms: 6
• Number of beds: 15
• Outdoor jacuzzi: No
• Number of showers: 2
• GSM connection: Yes
• WiFi: Yes
• Made up beds: Yes
• Number of WC: 3

Réttarholt Guesthouse

Is located on the edge of the highlands in the small village Árnes. There are nice cabins to sleep in.

• Number of rooms: 5
• Number of beds: 24
• Outdoor jacuzzi: Yes
• Number of showers: 5 in a separate building
• GSM connection: Yes
• WiFi: Yes
• Made up beds: Yes
• Number of WC: 5

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: 4
• GSM connection: Yes
• WiFi: Yes
• Made up beds: Yes
• Number of WC: 4

Useful informations

Here you can book your Flybus ticket to and from Reykjavík. The Flybus departs from Keflavík airport 35-40 minutes after each arrival. Busses are located right outside the terminal building. Book my ticket

Liability:
We 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 our partners. 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