In the footsteps of a king
A trip to historical trails in the county of Árnessýsla
This themed hiking/biking tour, is a collaboration of three farms in the area of Árnessýsla county. The main emphasis of the tour is the countryside, history and culture of the area which are tied with unbreakable bonds to the nature and hot water. Participants get to know the unique culture of the Icelandic countryside, with special emphasis on health for both body and soul. Exercise, exertion, relaxation, healthy local food, closeness with nature, and historical knowledge. The participants become familiar with the geothermal heat that makes this area so unique, from many sides. Hot tubs, swimming pools and greenhouses, to name a few. All the food, meat, fish, vegetables, dairy, bread and pastries are local products. During this tour, this popular tourist area is shown from a completely different perspective than usual. The participants get a taste of the real life of the locals and the area is experienced in a unique way. The route covered has great views of many of the nature pearls this rural area has to offer such as Langjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers, the Jarlhettur basalt ridge, the mountains of Hekla, Tindfjöll, Útfjöll, and much more.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Guest arrives at the farm Dalbær. Relaxation in the outdoor hot tub, dinner. The schedule of the days ahead covered.
Day 2 - 15 km
Early morning departure from Dalbær and the town of Flúðir visited, a friendly village where inhabitants make a living from gardening and services, with a walk through the blooming and beautiful country with traditional farming, horses and cows. It‘s unique and uncommon in Iceland nowadays to see this many farms located in the same area. Pick-up at the farm Haukholt and drive back to Dalbær. Hot tub relaxation and dinner. Next day‘s hike discussed and guests can go for a walk and take a look at the farm‘s surroundings. A good idea when staying at Dalbær would be to hike up to Miðfell to see the mountain lake. Other possibilities include a visit to the elves and elfchurch, a walk in the area, and an energy charge straight from the earth. There is a swimming pool and sauna in the town of Flúðir.
Day 3 - 15 km
After breakfast guests are driven to the farm Haukholt and the luggage driven to Hótel Gullfoss. Today participants will walk the “King‘s path“ through the land of Haukholt and Brúarhlöð.
Brúarhlöð is the top part of a 10 kilometer long canyon. The Hvítá river has carved its path between unique forms of breccia, that is, palagonite mixed with small basalt rocks. The river has two breccia rock pillars called Karl and Kerling (Man and Woman). A wooden bridge across Brúarhlöð was first built in 1906 in honor of king of Denmark Frederik VIII’s visit to Iceland. The king and his entourage crossed the bridge on horses.
The last part of the walk before reaching Hótel Gullfoss/Brattholt is the old path of Kjalvegur, which is the old way up to Gullfoss waterfalls. Breathtaking view of the Hvítárgljúfur canyon and the glorious Hvítá river.
Dinner at Hótel Gullfoss, relaxation in the hot tub.
Sigríður Tómasdóttir (1871-1957) lived along with her family at Brattholt and is considered to be the first environmentalist in Iceland. Along with her sisters she would often greet tourists and guide them to Gullfoss, and that way creating the first and original walking trail to the waterfalls. In the beginning of the 20th century there was much discussion about harnessing waterfalls to produce electricity and the government mentioned Gullfoss as one of them. Sigríður worked hard in her objection to these plans and even threatened to throw herself in the waterfalls if the plans to harness Gullfoss were to be approved. In the end she won the battle, Gullfoss waterfalls were not harnessed and she will always be remembered for her accomplishments.
Day 4 - 13 km+
Breakfast. Hike from Hótel Gullfoss to the waterfalls (3km). Walk in the footsteps of Sigríður from Brattholt along the great Hvítárgljúfur canyon and arrival at the waterfalls of Gullfoss with its colorful rainbow, great energy and beauty, leaving nobody untouched.
Next, a walk of approximately 40 minutes. The Jarlhettur basalt ridge and Langjökull glacier appear in all its glory. Sightseeing and then pick-up and return to Hótel Gullfoss.
Departure to the next destination of the tour, Geysir hot spring. The route continues through the beautiful countryside with great mountain views. There is a clear view of Haukadalur valley, which has a charming little church. Arrival at the world renowned Geysir hot spring, where participants can witness the powerful energy and beauty it has to offer. A chance to taste the famous rye bread made in the area. An interesting 
multimedia museum can be visited. Geysir hot spring is without a doubt the most known geyser in the world, and hence the English word – geyser. There is documentation dating all the way back to the 13th century which demonstrates how Geysir’s activity has varied through time and that it can especially change in reaction to an earthquake. During the most active period of Geysir, the eruptions were up to 60-80 meters high.
Guests look around and can go for a swim. Those who wish can hike up to the mountain Laugafjall in the Geysir area or even go the the woodland of Haukadalur valley. Pick-up in Geysir area and drive back to Hótel Gullfoss where dinner, hot tub and relaxation awaits the guests. Massage also on offer.
Day 5 - 13 km
Breakfast and then drop-off at Múli from where participants head to Efsti-dalur farm through diverse and picturesque landscape. An option can be to walk the old path from Múli to Dalsmynni, leading to the “King’s path”. A stop at the church of Úthlíð if opted, with possibility of meeting Bjorn the church farmer. Hike continued from Úthlíð farm to the farm of Miðhús on a path which is part of the “King’s path” and lies between the two farms, eventually leading back to the farm Efsti-dalur.
The route mostly consists of soft and wooded gravel trails. Hikers walk west along the river Hrútá, then south along the river Brúará until a bridge is reached which crosses the river. A few small streams need to be crossed on the way along with Innri-Vallá river. The river runs through a small crevice by Brúarfoss waterfalls. Ancient folklore suggests that there used to be a stone arch across the river but that in the 17th century the purser in Skálholt had it taken down in defense to beggars and outsiders. The story says that the purser later drowned in the river, receiving what he deserved.
Upon arrival at Efsti-dalur, dinner, hot tub and relaxation awaits. The next day‘s program announced to guests. Short presentation of the farm‘s history and the sources of cold and hot water in the area described and how the water is used for heating houses and cultivation.
Day 6
Last day has arrived after many days of hiking and exploring in beautiful landscapes experiencing the Icelandic spring/fall with all its glory and weathers. Breakfast and free time. Horse rental on offer at the farm with many nice riding trails in the area. This day would be ideal to enjoy the countryside on a real farm, explore the farm work and visit the farm animals. Many options of hiking trails available, such as up to mountain Efstadalsfjall or along the Brúará river. The river enters through Brúarárskörð canyon which is considered one of the scariest in the county of Árnessýsla, 3-4 km long.
Laugarvatn lake is close by where sailing and fishing is possible, and where the new and natural steam bath Laugarvatn Fontana will open in summer 2011. A visit to the farm Friðheimar can also be offered to bigger groups where guests can enjoy horse shows.
Day 7 Return
In this area, among the rivers and streams, horses, cows, dogs, hens, the fresh scent of grass and singing of birds, the traveler really gets to know the true Icelander, of every generation.
The three farms working together on this tour, Dalbær, Hótel Gullfoss and Efsti-dalur, are all members of Icelandic Farm Holidays. The tour is marketed in collaboration with Icelandic Farm Holidays and to be booked at their main office.
Luggage will be driven between destinations and snacks for each day prepared at the farms. It’s possible for guests to be driven between places or parts of the way if preferred. If guests are interested in other and/or additional sights to visit than mentioned above, the tour can be adjusted accordingly. For example, there are some interesting country churches in the area, in Haukadalur, Bræðratunga, Tungufell, Hruni, Úthlíð, Miðdalur and Skálholt. Activities such as golf, horse-back riding and fishing are also on offer. Since a part of the “King’s path” is taken on the trip, its story will be told.
Frederik VIII by Gullfoss in1907
The King’s path
The visit of Frederik VIII king of Denmark to Iceland in 1907 was a significant event in Icelandic history. They say this event was an important link in Iceland’s battle towards independence. Icelanders gave a great welcome to the king, but at the same time expressed their demands for more rights.
After being greatly impressed with Icelandic nature and receiving a royal welcome, the king was determined to give Iceland justice.
The king, along with his entourage of 200 chevaliers, traveled around the South for a week. A few hundred horses carried the men and luggage, tents, food and other supplies. To prepare for the king’s arrival, roads were fixed and a new road was made from Reykjavík to Þingvellir to Geysir, and from Gullfoss to Hrunamannahreppur to Álfaskeið and Þjórsártún. The Icelanders had expected the king to travel by carriage, but in the end he rather wanted to ride a horse himself. In the major road construction prior to his arrival, manual force was the only tool available to pave the way through lava fields and bushes.
The cost of the “King’s path” amounted to 14% of the annual costs of the state treasury.
Price: EUR 770 per person in a double room
Included:
6 nights, bed and breakfast (4 nights room with private bathroom, 2 nights without)
5 portions of snacks
6 dinners
Driving (pick-up/drop-off) according to itinerary
Departures: September 9th, 20th and October 1st 2011
Booked at: ifh@farmholidays.is
