|
|
|
By request of some participants the access to the photo galleries is
protected by username and password. Please, ask the
Webmaster for acccess.
Íshestars Special North Nine Glaciers Ride July 31 - August 11, 2010
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Saturday: Arrival in Iceland – Keflavík Airport – Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to Fosshotel, Sudurgata in Reykjavík.
At 19:30 welcome dinner at restaurant "Skólabrú - Potturinn og Pannan",
where we received details of the tour and met our fellow riders.
⇒ 4 pictures (only for fellow riders)
Day 2: Sunday: Reykjavík – Saltvík – Fosshóll - Guesthouse Kiđagil - Mýri
Domestic flight in the morning to Akureyri and transfer to Saltvík, the farm of Bjarni,
where we met the staff members and got our saddle, nose span, saddlebag, water bottle,
riding helmet, rain gear and sleeping bag for the tour and a lunch package for the
first riding day. After that we went by cars to Fosshóll at the Gođafoss waterfall,
where we met the horses and started our ride. We passed the majestic Gođafoss waterfall
and rode alongside the mighty river Skjálfandafljót in the friendly valley Bárđardalur.
We enjoyed excellent riding paths. The horses were taken to Mýri, where they spent the
night. The riders stayed overnight at the cozy guesthouse Kiđagíl. Kiđagil. (40 km)
⇒ 46 pictures (only for fellow riders
Day 3: Monday: Kiđagil - Mýri– Fossgilsmosar
We rode further along the lake Íshólsvatn into Mjóidalur valley to
Fossgílsmosar, passing the hut Mosar. We left the horses at Fossgílsmosar and
went by car to Laugafell, where we spent the night after an extensive stay in a
heita potti.
⇒ 86 pictures (only for fellow riders)
Day 4: Tuesday: Fossgilsmosar – Laugafell Mt. Cabin
We rode past the famous canyon Kiđagil (well known from our song "Ríđum, ríđum").
Using the ancient Sprengisandur trail, we continued through a desert of sand and stones to
the hut at Laugafell for another overnight stay. We enjoyed again a dip in the natural hot
pool there. (40 km)
⇒ 64 pictures (only for fellow riders)
Day 5: Wednesday: Laugafell – Ţorljótsstađir – Gilhagi Farm
Today we reach the Skagafjörđur area and ride down Vesturdalur valley. Mighty glacier fed
rivers have shaped the landscape, originating from Hofsjökull Glacier. The landscape turns
into green meadows as we get closer to the inhabited areas. The horses stay behind at
Thorljótsstađir farm and we drive to our accommodation for the next two nights at Gilhagi
farmhouse. (45 km)
⇒ 50 pictures (only for fellow riders)
Day 6: Thursday: Ţorljótsstađir - Gilhagi Farm
A relaxed riding day in the beautiful Skagafjörđur area. Enjoy the view towards the sea
while riding down from the mountains. You will see horses grazing in the meadows as you
get closer to the farm lands. Another night at Gilhagi farmhouse. (25 km)
⇒ 84 pictures (only for fellow riders)
Day 7: Friday: Gilhagi – Galtará Mt. Cabin
We leave the Skagafjörđur area behind and ride through Gilhagadalur valley up into the
highlands again. See how the vegetation changes on your way to Galtará Mt. Cabin. Once
on the highland plateau you see the great Glaciers ahead of you. Galtará Mt. Cabin is
situated close to mighty Blöndulón Lake. This mountain cabin offers warm showers, a real
luxury in the highland wilderness. (30 km)
⇒ 55 pictures (only for fellow riders)
Day 8: Saturday: Galtará – Öldumóđuskáli Mt. Cabin
Today we cross the huge dam that created Blöndulón Lake. Now we
reach the highland heath of Húnavatnssýsla district. We follow Grímstunguheiđi
heath all the way to Öldumóđuskáli Mt. Cabin where we spend the night. (40 km)
⇒ 70 pictures (only for fellow riders)
Day 9:Sunday: Öldumóđuskáli – Stóri-Sandur – Álftakrókar Mt. Cabin
Another famous highland heath lies ahead of us, but first we
have to cross the notorious area Stóri-Sandur. Coming onto Arnarvatnsheiđi heath
with numerous lakes and green pastures we follow excellent riding tracks. On our
way to the hut at Álftakrókar we stop for a while between the lakes Arnarvatn
and Réttarvatn to sing the traditional song “Efst á Arnarvatnshćđum”. (50 km)
⇒ 100 pictures (only for fellow riders)
Day 10: Monday: Álftakrókar – Fljótstunga Farm
This is our last day of riding and after having crossed the
glacial river Norđlingafljót, we reach the huge lava field Hallmundarhraun. Here
we stop at Surtshellir, Iceland’s biggest cave. From Surtshellir we enjoy good
riding in breathtaking nature to Fljótstunga Farm where stay for this night. (30 km)
⇒ 92 pictures (only for fellow riders)
Day 11: Tuesday: Fljótstunga – Reykjavík
Transfer back to Reykjavík for an overnight stay. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 11:30.
⇒ 32 pictures (only for fellow riders)
Day 12: Wednesday: Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home.
| |
