It had always been my dream to go to Iceland and make a tour on Icelandic horse. In '97 I decided to go for the first time and fullfilled the Kjolur tour. A historical trekking route from North to South. The unspoiled land and the fine horses made a big impression on me. So it did not stay with a one time visit!
In '98 the Egilsstadir tour was the choice. It became a wonderfull riding tour on pure Icelandic horses lasting 7 long days. This tour brings you to the highlands of Iceland to the North eastern edge of Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. Riding amidst richley vegetated moorlands, as well as deserts, glaciers, rivers and lakes. from the highland plateau rises the magnificent old vulcano Snaefell (1833m). Half of the reindeer population roam this area. This part of Iceland is famous for its pleasant climate. An untouched region little frequented by outsiders, a true paradise for the natur lover.
We had a small international group: Canadians, Germans, British and a Dutchman. Half of the group had done an Icelandic trekking tour before. (So be warned before you book your first Icelandic holiday!) The special thing to highland tours is the traveling with a big herd of horses. Every rider has 2 or 3 different horse a day. All the luggage and food is transported in a 4WD van. At the end of the day you'll recognise the car from far and long to warm drinks and coockies and delecious dinners.
Day 1
After a short night in Reykjavik we flew to Egilsstadir at the other side of the country. There the real thing started. We met the Icelandic crew and horses and made the first trip on the horses into the forest Hallormsstaðaskógur and along the shores of lake Lagarfljót.
The first night we stayed at the head of the lake in Skriðuklaustur, in a beautiful mansion built by the famous writer Gunnar Gunnarsson.
Day 2
The second day started with a long ascend from the valley to the highland plateau at about 500 m altitude. This day we changed horses three times. Many riders had already found their favorite horse. After a long day with a very fast run at the end we reached the foot of glacier Eyvindarjökull and crawled into the mountain hut Fjallaskarð.
Day 3
A beautifull ride in the morning to the farm Aðalból. This farm is famous from our Hrafnkels Saga. (I'll try to find a english version and link it here) Here we changed horses for a detour to the gigantic canyon Hafrahvammagljúfur. This canyon is a true wonder of nature and an unforgettable sight. They told us that there are plans to put it underwater for hydro-electric power! Shame.
Day 4
The trip continues into the highlands. The weather improved and we had many far-reaching views with a clear blue sky. We had the first sight at Snaefell. Very long tolting streches in the afternoon brought us to in a hut 5 km north of Vatnajökull glacier. The next morning we saw our first herd of reindeers. Personally I found this the best spot. Sit down between the grass eating horses and look around for miles, see the huge glacier in the background, walk down to the river or look at the impresive Sneafell
Day 5
This was a short day on horseback to a well equipped hut at the foot of the mountain Snæfell. When we arrived there we transfered to the 4WD. We took out all the lugage and food and hopped in the back of the van with 10 persons! This way we went to Europe's biggest glacier Vatnajokull. In the evening we made a long walk to the waterfall.
Day 6
This was a very beautifull day riding around Snaefell and we again saw some herds of reindeer.
The desecend to the pasture of Eyjabakkar, with a lot of glacierstreams of the glacier Eyjabakkajökull made a tremendous impresession. We have seen and heard a lot of geese.
At the end of the day we could relax in a natural hot pool by the hut at Laugarfell.
Day 7
Already the last day. We made a nice group picture on the horses and started off. Had again some magnificient views of mountains and waterfalls. During a very steep descend we had to lead the horses and felt what is was to walk in these areas. At the last part everybody was riding his or her favorite horse. Here we reached the first farms after many days. We had some trouble controlling the herd shortly before reaching home, but at the end we all ended happily in the beautifull guesthouse Skriðuklaustur where we had also stayed the first night.
For the pictures please take a look in de photogallery or in the video section. I hope you will see the tremendous variety in the landscape and also the fine horses. It is remarkable how surefooted they are in the rough, bumpy and sometimes swampy area!
Anyway I hope to go back to Iceland in '99 and the years there after. If you like to read more on the preparation of this type of tour click here.