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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Iceland
Intro to Iceland
East and South Highland Tours Iceland Shorts Northern Tours West
Also see:
Hiking Trips
Horseback in:
Norway
Finland
Europe Overview
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Geysir Gullfoss Hot Springs and Waterfalls
Iceland Shorts
Iceland
This tour is a short version of the popular Golden Circle Tour taking in the hot spring area of Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfall. We also visit Thingvellir National Park on our transfer day. Enjoy accommodation at cozy holiday farms during this ride!
Participants on this tour join the longer Golden Circle Tour for four days, but return to Reykjavík on the fifth day while those on the longer ride continue.
Camping Ride with vehicle support Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Ride with Gaited Horses Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
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Meeting:
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Reykjavik hotel
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Airport:
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Reykjavik Airport
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Transfer:
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Reykjavík. Accommodation before and after the ride to be arranged individually
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
Max
18 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2019
Rates include*:
Accommodations: made up beds in shared rooms, meals, bus transfer from Reykjavik to the farm, saddle bag, water bottle, raingear, riding helmet, 4 riding days - 86 km
A | 2019 | 6 day trip, AP (High) | 6d / 5n | €1590 | $1910 |
B | 2019 | 6 day trip, AP (Low) | 6d / 5n | €1460 | $1755 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
2019
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Pick up at BSÍ Bus station or at Reykjavik official bus stops near your accommodation on Day 1
between 18:00-19:00
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Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik or at Reykjavik official bus stops near your accommodation
(see: www.busstop.is) between 18:00-19:00 on Day 1.
Tour Dates for 2019
Check here for details and availability
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B |
2019
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06/08
- 06/13
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP (Low)
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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B |
2019
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06/15
- 06/20
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP (Low)
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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A |
2019
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07/06
- 07/11
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP (High)
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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A |
2019
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07/13
- 07/18
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP (High)
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6
/18
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Reserve
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A |
2019
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07/20
- 07/25
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP (High)
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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A |
2019
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08/10
- 08/15
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP (High)
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6
/18
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Reserve
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A |
2019
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08/17
- 08/22
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP (High)
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6
/18
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Reserve
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B |
2019
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08/24
- 08/29
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, AP (Low)
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6
/18
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Reserve
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Saturday- Thursday
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Rates do not include:
Alcoholic beverages (can be bought at Duty Free ahead of time), Snowmobile drive on Langjökull glacier, 26.200 ISK pp paid in cash locally. No credit cards accepted.
Sample itinerary - Subject to changes
Saturday: Reykjavik - Réttarholt Guesthouse
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik or at Reykjavik official bus stops near your accommodation (see: www.busstop.is) between 18:00-19:00, where our bus will transfer you and your fellow riders to Réttarholt Guesthouse, 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.
Sunday: Reykjavík – Thingvellir – Kálfhóll – Réttarholt Guesthouse
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 Réttarholt Guesthouse. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the outdoor hot tub at Réttarholt Guesthouse before a hearty dinner. (approximately 15 km)
Monday: Réttarholt – Hvítárdalur
We leave Réttarholt and drive back to the horses. From there we head off to the fertile farmlands of neighbouring 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 ride to Hvítárdalur Farm where we spend the night. (approximately 30 km)
Tuesday: Hvítárdalur – Gullfoss – Myrkholt/Hvítárdalur
We continue our ride on soft trails ideal for tölting towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations. Alongside Hvítá River we follow the ever deepening canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss and continue to the famous Geysirhot spring area.
(approximately 20 km)
Wednesday: Geysir – Haukadalur – Haukadalsheiði – Myrkholt/Hvítárdalur
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 at the Geysir area. You have plenty of time to explore this highly interesting area with its countless bubbling hot springs. (approximately 15 km)
Optional (available at an extra charge): Snowmobile drive on Langjökull glacier
Enjoy the white ice field of Langjökull glacier up-close. A 4x4 vehicle take us to a base camp where we change into warm gear. After safety instructions we drive into the white world of ice and snow. Two people share a snowmobile during the 1 hr. drive and both get to drive the vehicle (a valid driver´s license is necessary to drive a snowmobile, younger participants and children can sit in the back). Price per person ISK 26.200
Thursday: Geysir – Reykjavík
Today we leave our riding companions in the morning after breakfast and drive back to Reykjavík. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 10:30.
- We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary -
Meeting:
Reykjavik hotel
Airport:
Reykjavik Airport
Transfer:
Reykjavík. Accommodation before and after the ride to be arranged individually
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik or at Reykjavik official bus stops near your accommodation
(see: www.busstop.is) between 18:00-19:00 on Day 1.
Tack:
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Icelandic
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Horses:
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Icelandic
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Pace:
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Daily rides are 5 - 6 hours -Approx. 86km total.
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Level:
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(3
to
3.5
out of 5) Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
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Max
18 riders
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A great riding experience that is also suitable for Low Intermediate riders. A special ride seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding with a free running herd of horses on the third day.
The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience. Still riding days can be as long as up to 35 km in the saddle so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. You will get a thorough introduction into the gaits of the Icelandic horse and feel the Tölt, the extremely soft travelling gate of the Icelandic horse.
The Icelandic Horse
The origin of the horse in Iceland is exactly the same as the arrival of the first settlers from Scandinavia in the ninth century. Clearly, the horse was the catalyst that allowed the settlement of Iceland to go forward and prosper. Since no other breed of horse has ever been imported to Iceland, this special animal is a pure-bred "Viking Horse".
The horse was used for everything. They worked tilling the farmlands from dawn to dusk and provided transportation between the farms as they were settled. They went on scouting expeditions into this new territory in search of everything from water to grazing areas. Strong and sure footed, the Icelandic horse adjusted and adapted to this new land certainly as fast and most likely faster than the new settlers.
Viking battles were fought on horseback and the animal quickly adjusted to any situation that was presented to it. Is it any wonder that many of the slain Vikings warriors of the many battles in earlier times were often buried with their horses as a sign of honor and respect.
The Icelandic horse has many characteristics unique unto itself. Perhaps the most noticeable would be its intermediate size and the mane of shaggy hair. The five gaits of the horse are also one of the special features that sets it apart form all other horses. These gaits are the fetgangur, the walk or step, the brokk or trot, the tölt, which is a faster type of walk, the skeið or the pace and the stökk, or gallop.
On large farm areas, perimeter fences keep in most of the horses, but many are also simply allowed to run free. This most naturally accounts for the spirited nature of the animal. All of them seem to adapt to the personality of their owner. It is essential to establish a trust between the Icelandic horse and the rider. Doing so literally guarantees a friend for life. The passion and spirit of the Icelandic horse is never broken only brought under control. As a result, the Icelandic pure-bred horse remains one the world's most unique animals to this day.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherland. more
Reykjavík area
Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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37
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37
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39
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43
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49
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54
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57
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57
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51
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45
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40
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37
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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27
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28
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29
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33
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39
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44
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48
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47
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42
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36
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31
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28
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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3
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3
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4
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6
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10
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12
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14
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14
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11
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7
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4
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3
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-3
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-2
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-2
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1
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4
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7
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9
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8
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6
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2
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-1
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-2
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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13
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13
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14
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11
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10
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9
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9
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12
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12
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12
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12
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14
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
As its name suggests, Iceland is cold, but not as cold as might be expected; thanks to the passing warm waters of the Gulf Stream, which regulate the climate. Its average mid-winter temperatures are no lower than those in New York City. The city's coastal location does, however, also mean it is prone to wind, and gales are common in winter. Reykjavik is also a very wet city, having on average 213 rainy days out of the year, with spring having slightly more sunny days! The south is the wettest part of the country. Coastal areas tend to experience winter gales and are generally windy.
Icelandic weather is known to be unpredictable and changing several times a day. A beautiful day can suddenly turn windy and rainy (and vice versa). Travelers to Iceland should be prepared for anything and dress in layers.
Winter
The average January temperature is 31°F (-0.5°C). From mid-November until the end of January, in the darkness of winter, the country only experiences a few hours of daylight each day.
Summer
The summer temperatures in Reykjavík range from 41°F (5°C) at night to as high as 77°F (25°C) during the day. During the summer months there is almost continuous daylight; early spring and late autumn feature long twilights.
The Northern Lights are often visible in autumn and early winter.
You should be ready for all kinds of weather as it can change very quickly.
We provide you with good rain-clothes, a riding helmet and a saddle bag (where you can keep the picnic lunch, a small camera, extra pair of gloves etc.).
Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases. Pack light because transport space is limited.
You should be ready for all kinds of weather as the weather can change very quickly. We recommend that the following items are included when preparing for our longer tours.
• Knee high riding boots - water resistant/ waterproof
• Warm jacket or overcoat.
• Warm (woolen or fleece) sweater.
• Warm socks and gloves, at least two pairs, scarf and a cap or hat.
• Warm underwear, long if possible (protects also against chafing).
• For the ladies – sports bra.
• Riding trousers.
• Track suit.
• A pair of slippers to wear in the accommodation (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house).
• Swim suits, towels, soap etc.
• A small camera to take with you on the ride.
• Band aids and second skin plasters for chaffing.
• Insect repellent, gnat net head cover.
• Chocolate or glucose sweets for strenuous riding days.
• Sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor).
• Sunglasses.
• For those with sensitive eyes/contact lenses, goggles.
• Ear plugs. Some people snore!
Disinfecting of the riding gear
It is important to follow the regulation regarding the disinfecting of used riding clothes. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which can not be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country. Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland's fragile nature! For further information please take a look at: www.mast.is
Cameras:
We recommend to bring a small camera that can be taken in a pocket, a waist/hip bag or in the saddle bag.
Large camera equipment we can not allow on the horses for security reasons. Tours are operated with a free running herd - at speed of tölt or trot for most of the day. We take breaks to relax the horses and then it is possible to take pictures. While on the horse taking pictures is rather difficult since the horses are constantly moving. Because of the herd instinct it is not possible to stop an individual horse, they all will follow each other.
You can leave larger Digital SLR with your luggage at the farm or put it in their luggage that will be transferred to the new accommodation.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
Réttarholt Guesthouse
Is located on the edge of the highlands in the small village Árnes. There are nice cabins to sleep in.
•Number of rooms: 5
•Number of beds: 24
•Outdoor jacuzzi: No
•Number of showers: 3 in separate building
•GSM connection: Yes
•WiFi: No
•Made up beds: No
•Number of WC: 4
Hvítárdalur
Is a nice farm motel near the river Hvítá. It is on two floors with good view over the farm and our horse herd that spent the night as well.
•Number of rooms: 1
•Number of beds: 24
•Outdoor jacuzzi: No
•Number of showers: 2
•GSM connection: Yes
•WiFi: Yes
•Made up beds: Yes
•Number of WC: 2
Myrkholt
Myrkholt is located just between Gullfoss waterfall and the hot spring Geysir. Very nice farm and guesthouse.
•Number of rooms: 8
•Number of beds: 32
•Outdoor jacuzzi: No
•Number of showers: 8
•GSM connection: Yes
•WiFi: Yes
•Made up beds: Yes
•Number of WC: 4
Meals
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 in advance. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
Tack:
|
|
Icelandic
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Horses:
|
|
Icelandic
|
Pace:
|
|
Daily rides are 5 - 6 hours -Approx. 86km total.
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3.5
out of 5) Intermediate
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
6 riders
|
Max
18 riders
|
|
A great riding experience that is also suitable for Low Intermediate riders. A special ride seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding with a free running herd of horses on the third day.
The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience. Still riding days can be as long as up to 35 km in the saddle so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. You will get a thorough introduction into the gaits of the Icelandic horse and feel the Tölt, the extremely soft travelling gate of the Icelandic horse.
The Icelandic Horse
The origin of the horse in Iceland is exactly the same as the arrival of the first settlers from Scandinavia in the ninth century. Clearly, the horse was the catalyst that allowed the settlement of Iceland to go forward and prosper. Since no other breed of horse has ever been imported to Iceland, this special animal is a pure-bred "Viking Horse".
The horse was used for everything. They worked tilling the farmlands from dawn to dusk and provided transportation between the farms as they were settled. They went on scouting expeditions into this new territory in search of everything from water to grazing areas. Strong and sure footed, the Icelandic horse adjusted and adapted to this new land certainly as fast and most likely faster than the new settlers.
Viking battles were fought on horseback and the animal quickly adjusted to any situation that was presented to it. Is it any wonder that many of the slain Vikings warriors of the many battles in earlier times were often buried with their horses as a sign of honor and respect.
The Icelandic horse has many characteristics unique unto itself. Perhaps the most noticeable would be its intermediate size and the mane of shaggy hair. The five gaits of the horse are also one of the special features that sets it apart form all other horses. These gaits are the fetgangur, the walk or step, the brokk or trot, the tölt, which is a faster type of walk, the skeið or the pace and the stökk, or gallop.
On large farm areas, perimeter fences keep in most of the horses, but many are also simply allowed to run free. This most naturally accounts for the spirited nature of the animal. All of them seem to adapt to the personality of their owner. It is essential to establish a trust between the Icelandic horse and the rider. Doing so literally guarantees a friend for life. The passion and spirit of the Icelandic horse is never broken only brought under control. As a result, the Icelandic pure-bred horse remains one the world's most unique animals to this day.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden who are only required to produce national identity cards issued by the competent authorities in their countries of origin.
Passport Note
Iceland is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals of referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
2. EU nationals staying longer than 90 days will need to apply for a residence permit from the directorate of immigration in Iceland.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
A stay in another Schengen-Zone country counts as the same as a stay in Iceland.
Passport Required? |
British |
Yes |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
Yes/1 |
Visa Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Geysir Gullfoss Hot Springs and Waterfalls
Tour Code:
IT-ICRT13
6 days /
5 nights
~$1,910.00
Dates :
June to Sept
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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