Hidden Pearls of the North

Hidden Pearls of the North 

On this unforgettable journey, you will ride with a spirited, free-running herd of Icelandic horses for 4 days. Our path takes us through breathtaking landscapes to the remote and windswept valley of Flateyjardalur, where we spend the night nestled near the waves of the North Atlantic Ocean. From there, we make our way home to Grýtubakki with the herd. The adventure culminates in a three-day ride to Þönglabakki, a secluded spot tucked away in the fjord of Þorgeirsfjörður. We will retrace the historic trails we first rode in 1985, offering a nostalgic return to the roots of our earliest adventures. Here, we will spend two peaceful nights in a cozy mountain hut, surrounded by fjord air and the soothing silence of untouched nature. A great adventure for experienced riders and our beloved returning guests.

DETAILED TOUR DESCRIPTION:

Day 1 - Arrival

In the late afternoon (mostly between 4 pm and 6 pm), we will pick you up from Akureyri and bring you to our farm Grýtubakki. There, you will be lodged at our little guesthouses with a shared bathroom. We will get to know each other during dinner and we will end the day with a detailed description of the tour.

Day 2

After breakfast, we drive to Fremstafell, near the Goðafoss waterfall, where we meet our horses. Our destination is the farm Þverá in Fnjóskárdalur. We follow the contours of the Fnjóská River, with its gentle banks lined by verdant vegetation. Covering approximately 35 km, the ride follows trails alongside the Fnjóská River. This is the first day of 4, where we ride with the free – running herd. The rhythm of hooves and the sweeping views of the valley offer a feeling of peace and adventure combined. When we have arrived in Þverá, we leave the horses and drive home to farm Grýtubakki. Dinner and overnight in sleeping bag accommodation at Grýtubakki.

Day 3

The ride from Þverá to Flateyjardalur takes you over a remote mountain pass leading from the inland valley out to the coast. Leaving Þverá, the trail begins with grassy fields and gradually climbs into rougher, more open terrain. Again, you ride with the herd of free-running horses, switching horses as needed throughout the day. After reaching the highest point of the route, the trail begins to descend towards Flateyjardalur, a long, empty valley that stretches out towards the sea. The last part of the ride follows a track down the valley floor, passing old ruins and the remains of abandoned farms. The day ends near the ocean, where the mountains meet the black sand coastline.

This route is around 30–35 km long. Dinner and overnight in Hof in Flateyjardalur.

Day 4

After breakfast in Hof we head back from Flateyjardalur to Þverá. The herd sets the pace as usual. After we have arrived in Þverá, we drive to our farm Grýtubakki for coffee and cakes. In the late afternoon, we go for swimming in the pool in Grenivík, wich offers a nice view towards the end of Fjord Eyjafjörður. Dinner and overnight in Grýtubakki.

Day 5

Today, we bring the horses back from Þverá home to the farm Grýtubakki. About 10.000 years ago there was a huge glacial lake in this valley and the shores of it are still visible at the slopes of the mountain on both sides. When we have arrived at the farm, we go for a 1,5 hour tour surrounding the farm without the herd. Dinner and overnight at Grýtubakki.

Day 6:
This is the first day of our 3 – day tour which takes you on horseback through the peaceful and remote landscapes of Þorgeirsfjörður. We travel with one pack horse, carrying supplies for the journey. We ride from Grýtubakki out towards the coast, heading into the quiet valley of Þorgeirsfjörður. We ride through a deserted countryside populated with around 3.000 sheep and who knows how many elves and trolls. Names like Trölladalur – valley of the trolls and Álfaborgir – cities of the elves, remind us of the existence of these invisible beings. They have chosen some of the best places for their homes. The pace is steady as we follow open trails, moving with our horses towards the old farm Þönglabakki, where we spend two nights in a simple mountain hut.

Day 7:
This day is dedicated to exploring the area. We ride to the abandoned farms Botn and Hóll, passing through green meadows and low hills that once supported isolated farming life. We continue to Þorgeirshöfði, the cape that marks the mouth of the fjord, with wide views over the ocean and surrounding mountains. The ride is relaxed, allowing time to take in the history and stillness of the area. Dinner and overnight in Þönglabakki mountain hut.

Day 8:
We pack up and ride back to Grýtubakki, following a similar route through the valley, with the pack horse in tow and the sea now behind us. In the late afternoon, we go to Grenivík for swimming. It is good to relax your muscles after 7 days of riding. Dinner and overnight at Grýtubakki.

Day 9 – Departure

After our breakfast, we will drive you back to Akureyri.