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Golden Circle

This tour was nominated by CNNgo as one of the greatest horse treks in the world! There is no better way to visit the hot springs area of Geysir and the Golden Waterfall – Gullfoss – than by riding through the lovely countryside of South Iceland.

Dates 2025

  • May: 31 - June 6th
  • August: 16 - 22 & 23 - 29

Horse riding in Golden Circle Iceland

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 the Icelandic horse through the lovely countryside of South Iceland. The key attractions on this classic tour are the hot spring area of Geysir and Gullfoss or the Golden Waterfall. Each one guaranteed to take your breath away.

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

Hannes and family at Kálfhóll farm offer this tour.

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 hardcover suitcases
  • Pack light because transport space is limited.

Tour Highlights

Þjórsá

a glacier river with its source in Hofsjökull. It is the longest river in Iceland, around 230 km

Hrunamannahreppur

is a municipality in the south where the village Flúðir is located. A part of the municipality is within the highlands

Stóra-Laxá

a well known salmon river surrounded by magnificent landscape such as the gorge Laxárgljúfur

Hrunaréttir

a corral used for the annual sheep round-up in autumn

Brúarhlöð

majestic canyon in Hvítá river where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations

Light blue river

Kálfhóll river cabins

Welcome to our cozy cabins near Kálfhóll farm, offering views overlooking the majestic Þjórsá river. Escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Iceland’s countryside.

Our cabins are simple yet comfortable, providing everything you need for a peaceful getaway. Enjoy the scenic beauty from your doorstep, whether you’re savoring a morning coffee or stargazing under the clear Icelandic skies.

Located just a stone’s throw from Kálfhóll farm, our cabins offer easy access to the surrounding nature and farmlife.

 

Hvítá River

its source is in lake Hvítárvatn in the glacier Langjökull. It is the river of the famous Gullfoss waterfall and popular for salmon fishing and river rafting

Gullfoss

Golden Waterfall is where Hvítá falls 32 meters in two stages before entering the canyon Gullfossgljúfur. Gullfoss is one of three main attractions of  the most popular sightseeing route in Iceland, The Golden Circle

The powerful and beautiful Gullfoss

Haukadalsheiði

a moorland located in the southern central highlands in the vicinity of Geysir. The area was well grown in older times but later turned into a desert giving Icelanders a hard battle fighting erosion for years and years

Geysir area

a famous geothermal area with Geysir, the first documented hot spring in Europe. Lately Geysir is rarely active but its smaller neighbours are. Strokkur erupts every few minutes 20 – 40 meters high and Litli- Strokkur and Smiður are highly active as well

Eruption of Strokkur by Geysir

Secret Lagoon

a natural pool in a geothermal area 38 – 40 celsius warm. Situated by the village Flúðir and within the Golden Circle route. Wonderful experience during all seasons

Bathing in the natural pool Secret Lagoon

''Highly recommended, absolutely loved this ride and will come back!'' Anna DE

  1. Day 1.  Reykjavik – Kálfhóll farm

    Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik at 18:00, where our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Kálfhóll, 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. Kálfhóll – Thjórsá glacier river – Sandlækjamýri

    After 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 Kálfhóll. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere.  (approximately 15 km)

  3. Day 3. Kálfhóll – Sandlækjarmýri – Kálfhóll

    We leave Kálfhóll farm 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 Kálfhóll Farm, where we spend the night. (approximately 30 km)

  4. Day 4.  Kálfhóll – Gullfoss – Kálfhóll

    We 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. The name “Gullfoss” means “Golden waterfall” in English, and it is named after the golden hue that the waterfall takes on during sunrise and sunset. Gullfoss is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland and is known for its powerful and dramatic appearance, with water falling a total of 32 meters (105 feet) in two stages.  We will have our lunch break at Gullfoss before we ride back to Kálfhóll where we spend the night. (approximately 20 km)

  5. Day 5.  Haukadalur – Haukadalsheiði – Kálfhóll

    Our 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 – Kálfhóll
    We 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 Kálfhóll and spend the night. (approximately 30 km)

  7. Day 7. Kálfhóll – 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 BSÍ, approx. arrival at 20:00.

    (approximately 40 km)

    – We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary –

  • 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.

Kálfhóll Farm

River Cabins summerhouses at Kálfhóll farm

  • Number of cabins: 5
  • Number of rooms per cabin: 3
  • Number of beds per cabin: 5
  • Outdoor jacuzzi:
  • Number of showers per cabin: 1
  • GSM connection: Yes
  • WiFi: Yes
  • Made up beds: Yes
  • Number of WC per cabin: 1

Click here to see photos!

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

Terms & conditions

If you book the tour through the website the full amount is requested. If you book via e-mail or phone we request a 30% confirmation payment upon booking to be able to confirm a seat. When we have received the confirmation payment the seat is secure. The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before the tour starts. Children’s under 12 years receive 25% discount on our multi day tours.

 Our cancellation terms are as follows:

  • A cancellation made with more than 42 days – deposit paid by the client.
  • A cancellation made with more than 21 days but less than 42 days’ notice is subject to a 50% cancellation fee.
  • A cancellation made with less than 21 days’ notice means that the full price will be collected.

Liability:
Íslandshestar 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 Íslandshestar. 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 and/or contact us at [email protected]

Reviews

I really wish I would have done this trip sooner, this is truly a life changing experience and one you can´t describe until you try it your self! The horses, nature, hosts, and helpers were amazing. I 100% recommend all riders to ride with them!

 L.E. Germany.

Perfect tour! Great staff, beautiful landscapes. Amazing horses, good food. I would definitely recommend it!

  M.O. Germany.

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