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Horseback riding tours
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Kjolur Ride - Between the Glaciers
Highland Tours
Iceland
Ride back in time and journey along the same historic Kjölur trail as the Icelanders once did. Throughout the centuries, they traveled tirelessly to the summer parliament at Thingvellir, first held in 930 AD! We visit the historic place, which has since become a national park, famed for its beauty and its geographical position right on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the continental plates drift apart! We will stop at the Geysir Hot Spring area and admire the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall before leaving civilization for the rugged wilderness of Icelandic the interior.
Travelling across the heart of Iceland, you will find yourself transitioning from remote desert-like spaces with barren sands surrounded by huge glaciers to vast and verdent green meadows where young horses and sheep roam free and play during the warm summer months. We will cross the sand deserts to be close to the mighty Langjökull and Hofsjökull Glaciers and explore the welcoming green valleys which contrast so drastically to the starkness of the desert lands. Our hosts Hjalti and Åsa will lead us past inactive, but still imposing volcanoes and beautiful and crisp glacier lakes connected with the many wild glacial rivers.
You will feel that you have truly absorbed a real sense of Iceland’s history when you follow these same ancient tracks that their people have used since the very early days of settlement in Europe.
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Meeting:
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Keflavik Airport
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Airport:
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Keflavik Airport
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Transfer:
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Keflavik Airport
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Riders:
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Min
8 riders
Max
20 riders
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Trip Rating
Video
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Accommodation: 2 - 4 bed units in Reykjavík. Sleeping bag accommodation in simple mountain cabins during the ride, all meals, sleeping bag, saddle bag, raingear, safety helmet, 6 riding days - 225 km
| A | 2010 | 9 day trip, AP Tour number 7 | 9d / 8n | €1697 | $2600 |
| Extra night in Reykjavik Guesthouse pp (dbl) | €62 | $95 |
| Extra night in Reykjavik Guesthouse Single | €98 | $150 |
| Children under 12 yrs - 25% discount | €0 | $0 |
| Single supplement (requested) in Reykjavik per night/person | €60 | $95 |
Upon arrival you will be met by a representative and transfered to a guesthouse for overnight.
Note that Transfer is only available on the first and last day of your ride. On any other day, you will have to provide your own transfer by "flybus" into the town of Reykjavik, from where you continue by taxi. Approximate driving distance is 30 minutes in total.
Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2010
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06/19
- 06/27
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/20
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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06/26
- 07/04
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/20
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/03
- 07/11
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/20
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/10
- 07/18
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/20
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/17
- 07/25
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/20
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/24
- 08/01
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/20
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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07/31
- 08/08
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/20
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/07
- 08/15
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/20
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/14
- 08/22
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/20
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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08/21
- 08/29
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/20
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Reserve
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Note: Tours operate alternatively from north to south, the next tour being from south to north.
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Saturday: Arrival in Iceland – Keflavík Airport – Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Sunday: Reykjavík – Thingvellir – Geysir – Gullfoss – Kjóastaðir Farm
We drive to Kjóastaðir Farm, visiting the historical site Thingvellir and the well-known Geysir Hot Spring Area on our way. The ride starts off towards the majestic glacier Langjökull onto Haukadalsheiði heath. We leave the horses at Sandá River for the night. On our way back to Kjóastaðir Farm we stop at the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. The night is spend in several summer houses in rooms which share a bathroom unit. (30 km)
Monday: Kjóastaðir – Sandá – Árbúðir Mountain Cabin
Our ride continues along the slopes of Mt. Bláfell. This area was roamed by outlaws in the old days. To be on the safe side you might want to take a little stone along today as a special token for safety during the ride. You might need it later today... We cross River Hvítá and enjoy the view to the glacier fed lake Hvítárvatn with its floating icebergs. Tonight we stay at Árbúðir, situated right at the banks of river Svartá. (35 km)
Tuesday: Árbúðir – Hveravellir Mountain Cabin
We ride along the glacier fed river Fúlakvísl through huge rugged lava fields of Kjalhraun that the sure footed Icelandic horses master with such bravery. During the ride we enjoy splendid views of the glacier Langjökull. We leave the herd for a couple of hours to enter into the world of Thjófadalir, or Valley of Thieves, a grassy valley surrounded by high mountains, a true oasis in the wilderness. On to Hveravellir, a unique geothermal area between Hofsjökull and Langjökull glaciers. A natural hot pool invites us to a deserved relaxing soak. (45 km)
Wednesday: Hveravellir – Strangakvísl Mountain Cabin
This day will be a very special one, since we cross the large glacial rivers, Blanda, Svartakvísl and Strangakvísl on our way to the North. No need to worry, most Icelanders would rather choose a trusted Icelandic horse than a vehicle to cross a river! The location of tonight's mountain cabin offers great views of the big glaciers behind you and towards the high mountains of the North ahead of you. Up to mid July the sun hardly sets in this part of the country. (30 km)
Thursday: Strangakvísl – Galtará Mountain Cabin
Today we follow a historic route, through a desert of sand and stones. Long ago, during the early settlement of Iceland, people travelled on horseback on exactly the same trails as we do today. Imagine beeing part of a chieftains family, all dressed up and riding the best horses on this ancient route. From the mountain cabin Galtará we can overlook the big man made lake Blönduvatn. In August this is a perfect spot for berry picking! (25 km)
Friday: Galtará – Aðalmannsvatn – Lauftún Holiday Farm
We descend past beautiful Lake Aðalmannsvatn towards the fertile Mælifellsdalur valley in the Skagafjörður area. Enjoy endless herds of horses grazing on striking hills. In good weather conditions you can see all the way to the Atlantic Ocean at the North coast. Good riding trails give you the opportunity to enjoy a fast ride in the soft tölt! We end the day at Lauftún Holiday Farm with a hot pot heated with geothermal water. (45 km)
Saturday: Lauftún Holiday Farm – Reykjavík
Transfer back to Reykjavík for the last overnight stay. Approx. return to Reykjavík at 14:00.
Sunday: Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
Some of our departures are operated from the North.
Reversed itinerary available upon request.
Meeting:
Keflavik Airport
Airport:
Keflavik Airport
Transfer:
Keflavik Airport
Upon arrival you will be met by a representative and transfered to a guesthouse for overnight.
Note that Transfer is only available on the first and last day of your ride. On any other day, you will have to provide your own transfer by "flybus" into the town of Reykjavik, from where you continue by taxi. Approximate driving distance is 30 minutes in total.
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Tack:
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Icelandic
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Horses:
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Icelandic Horses
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Pace:
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Daily rides are 4-7 hours (30-45 km).
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
8 riders
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Max
20 riders
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A very special experience seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding each day with a free running herd of horses. You may switch horses from time to time.
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:
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, Luxembour. more
As its name suggests, Iceland is cold, but not as cold as might be expected because of the passing warm waters of the Gulf Stream, which regulate the climate. The summer temperatures in Reykjavík range from 41°F (5°C) at night to as high as 77°F (25°C) during the day. The average January temperature is 31°F (-0.5°C). The south is the wettest part of the country, but snow is rare. Coastal areas tend to experience winter gales and are generally windy. During the summer months there is almost continuous daylight; early spring and late autumn feature long twilights. From mid-November until the end of January, in the darkness of winter, the opposite is true, with the country only experiencing a few hours of daylight each day. The Northern Lights are often visible in autumn and early winter.
Despite its extreme north Atlantic situation, Reykjavik's climate is not as cold as might be expected, its average mid-winter temperatures being no lower than those in New York City. This is because the Icelandic coastal weather is tempered by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. 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.
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 sleeping bag.
Also a saddle bag (where you can keep the picnic lunch, a small camera, extra pair of gloves etc.).
Normal street-clothes are not necessary except for your stay in Reykjavík before or after the tour.
We recommend not too much luggage on the tour and you can leave extra luggage at the guesthouse if you want to.
… this list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots (Knee high riding boots - preferably rubber) |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| 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 from chaffing). |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jogging suit or other comfortable cloths to wear in the huts |
| For the ladies – sports bra. |
| Bathing suit and flip flops |
| Slippers for the huts (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house) |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| A small camera to take with you when riding |
| Personal toiletries (soap etc.) |
| Small pillow |
| Towel |
| Ear plugs *some people snore* |
| Small flashlight, ie: headlamp |
| If interested, duty free alcohol at Iceland airport |
| Chocolate or glucose sweets for strenuous riding days |
| Insect repellent, gnat net head cover. |
| Band aid and second skin plasters for chaffing |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor) |
| Sunglasses |
| Song books |
*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.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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lila lorton
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7/27/2003
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation on this ride is in rustic mountain cabins in the middle of Iceland’s untamed nature. At Hveravellir, a geothermal area in the highlands, we can relax in a long hot bath under the Midnight Sun! If you want to see as much as possible of the Icelandic highland, this tour, which has been in operation since 1982, might be the perfect choice for you.
A very special experience seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding each day with a free running herd of horses. You may switch horses from time to time.
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.
|
Tack:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Icelandic Horses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Daily rides are 4-7 hours (30-45 km).
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
8 riders
|
Max
20 riders
|
|
A very special experience seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding each day with a free running herd of horses. You may switch horses from time to time.
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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Kjolur Ride - Between the Glaciers
Tour Code: IT-ICRT07
9 days /
8 nights
~$2,600.00
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Icelandic
Horses:
Icelandic Horses
Pace:
Daily rides are 4-7 hours (30-45 km).
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport:
Keflavik Airport
Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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