Explore the French Alps on Horseback

Dates:

Available from June 15-September 15

Duration:

7 days / 6 nights

Difficulty:

Intermediate / Advanced

Ride through the mountains and valleys of the French Alps, amongst the spectacular scenery around Mont Blanc and immerse yourself in fresh air, French cheeses and local wines. The villages you ride through are ski resorts in winter but the summer is equally beautiful. This is also a great option for families as the riding is not too challenging for children and they have sensible horses.

Horses

The Icelandic horse is a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage. They are known for their surefootedness and gentle nature, and they are famous for the Tölt, a gait unique to the breed, which makes them incredibly comfortable over great distances and rugged terrain.

Riders will be accompanied by a loose herd, which adds a unique and exciting dynamic to the ride! Riders will change horses 1-2 times per day, giving them the opportunity to get to know a variety of horses over the course of the week.

Riding

Intermediate to Advanced

Riders should be capable of spending long hours in the saddle, tacking and untacking their own horse, and controlling the horse at all paces, even though rides will mainly consist of the walk and tölt.

Distance: 10-25 miles/15-35 km per day

Ride Time: 3-5 hours/day

Tack

Horses will be in saddles developed specifically for the Icelandic horse, closely resembling Dressage saddles. Saddle bags will be provided.

Terrain

This tour encompasses remote areas only accessible on foot or by horseback, riding on mainly soft riding tracks, ideal for riding the tölt. The ride will travel through farmland, across rivers, winding through hills and mountains to alpine lakes, and across black sand deserts.

Accommodation

Riders are accommodated in single or shared rooms (2-4 people per room) at the guesthouse on Saltvik Farm, which offers stunning views out over Skjálfandi Bay and a nice hot tub to soak in after a day in the saddle.

Guests spend one night in the mountain cabin at Þeistareykir, a quaint bunkhouse surrounded by bubbling natural steam vents.

√ WiFi
√ Hot tub
X Laundry

Dining

Breakfasts and dinners are served family-style at the guesthouse. Home-cooked meals consist heavily of lamb and fish. Traditional Icelandic breakfasts include porridge, toast, cold cuts, and cheese. Riders make their own sandwiches in the morning to pack on the trail each day.

*We recommend bringing your own snacks for the trail, and any packets or condiments for adding to your sandwich (peanut or almond butter, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.)

Itinerary

  • Direct flight from Eagle Air airport in Reykjavik to Húsavík, then a five minute drive to Saltvik Farm. A short afternoon ride to introduce the Icelandic horses and their special gaits, riding along the arctic coastline with fantastic views of Skjálfandi Bay. Dinner at the guesthouse.

    Distance: 15km

  • After group breakfast, we begin our ride, today with the loose herd. We ride across Hvammsheiði heathlands and the Mýrarhvísl riverbanks towards the Laxá River, which we traverse with the horses before leaving them for the night and returning to Saltvik. Dinner at the guesthouse.

    Distance: 30km

  • Group breakfast. Traverse the farmlands of Aðaldalur towards the Hólasandur desert to arrive at the natural paradise that is Lake Mývatn. Enjoy magnificent views over the lake surrounded by volcanoes. After dinner, enjoy a soak in a natural hot spring with excellent views.

    Distance: 40km

  • We leave the Mývatn area and head towards the Gæsadalur oasis and the Gæsafjöll volcano. We pass through the geothermal area of Þeistareykir, full of cracks and fissures from tectonic activity. We ride across the boundaries of the tectonic places of North America and Europe, arriving at the mountain hut of Þeistareykir where we will have dinner and spend the night.

    Distance: 40km

  • Group breakfast at the hut before departing across the lavafields of Bóndhólshraun to return to Saltvik, enjoying beautiful views over the Skjálfandi Bay. Farewell dinner.

    Distance: 35km

  • Group breakfast, depart for flight back to Reykjavik.

    Optional farewell dinner in Reykjavik for those staying an extra night.

Planning and Packing

Dates

July 3-8, 2023
July 10-15, 2023 - SOLD OUT
July 17-22, 2023 - SOLD OUT
July 24-29, 2023

Rates

Solo Rider
Individual Booking

Multiple Riders
Booking together

Children
Ages 10-15

Price Includes:

  • All accommodations

  • All meals

  • All riding activities, including tack and equipment, riding helmet, rain gear, water bottle, lunch box, and saddle bags

  • Sleeping bag for night in mountain hut

  • Flight from Reykjavik to Húsavík

  • Entrance to Geosea geothermal spa

Does not include:

  • Airfare to and from Iceland

  • Transportation to/from the airport

  • Travel Insurance

  • Visas

  • Gratuities and personal expenses

  • Whale watching (book upon arrival)

  • Additional excursions or activities not included in itinerary

Book This Trip

Please fill out this form to request more information or to book this trip, and a member of our team will contact you shortly regarding the next stage of your booking.