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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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Mountain Spirit Ride - Landmannalaugar
East and South
Iceland
Hekla Volcano, often called the “Queen of Iceland” towers over this facinating area and every day we will be reminded of the devastating numerous eruptions through the ages. Landmannalaugar, colourful beauty in the southern highlands. A natural bathing spot is only one of the highlights which make this area one of Iceland’s most popular destinations for all lovers of nature and adventurous souls. We stay for two nights in the hut at Landmannahellir to be able to ride to Landmannalaugar and back, and to have plenty of time to walk and bathe in this natural gem. This riding trail is one of the most scenic and colourful in the whole country. Our host for this tour is Gestur and his family from Kálfhóll Farm. They have been breeding horses for many years and his well trained horses have been the joy of many clients in the past. On our way to the farm we visit Gullfoss Waterfall and the hot springs of Geysir. From Kálfhóll Farm we head off through fertile farmland and enter the beautiful trail along mighty river Thjórá. The ride continues towards the highlands along good riding tracks, through black ash from Mt. Hekla eruptions to the mountain cabin at Hólaskógur. We continue to the beautiful area of Landmannahellir, a fitting outpost in the central highlands before we enjoy the colourful rhyolite mountains in Landmannalaugar, surrounded by black lava fields where hot water streams have just the right temperature for a refreshing bath. Accommodation on this ride is in mountain cabins and a holiday farm in sleeping bags. Warm showers are available all the nights except for one and the cabin at Hólaskógur also offers a sauna. Two nights are spent in Reykjavík, in a guesthouse in rooms with shared facilities.
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Camping Ride with vehicle support Progressive Ride (no camping) Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
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Meeting:
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Keflavík Airport
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Airport:
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from 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
16 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodation: Hotel accommodations in Reykjavík. Sleeping bag accommodation in shared rooms during the ride, most meals, sleeping bag, saddle bag, raingear, safety helmet, 6 riding days
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP Tour number 19 | 8d / 7n | €1874 | $2440 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Keflavic airport on Day 1 included
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Upon arrival you will be met by a representative and transfered to a hotel 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 for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2013
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06/24
- 07/01
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/16
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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07/01
- 07/08
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/16
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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07/08
- 07/15
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/16
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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07/29
- 08/05
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/16
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Sold Out
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| A |
2013
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08/05
- 08/12
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/16
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/26
- 09/02
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP Tour number ...
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8
/16
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Reserve
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Dates 2010: First departure June 20 – 27 is SU – SU, but all the others are Monday – Monday: July 5 – July 12 / July 12 – 19 / July 19 – 26 / August 9 – 16
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Rates do not include:
Meals in Rykjavik except breakfast.
Monday: 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. Tuesday: Reykjavík – Geysir – Gullfoss – Kálfhóll – Fossnes Farm We visit the well known sights of Iceland, Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss waterfall on our way to Kálfhóll Farm, where we meet staff and horses. Our ride starts alongside the mighty glacial river Thjórsá, using a soft trail that will make it easy for horse and rider to enjoy the famous gate; tölt !! We will follow this trail almost all the way to Fossnes Farm where we will stay the first night, enjoy a dip into the hot tub and a good dinner. (38 km) Wednesday: Fossnes – Hólaskógur Mt. Cabin Now it’s time to ride into the mountains and valleys where black ashes of numerous eruptions of volcano Mt. Hekla remind us of the huge powers hidden down below. We stop at Gjáin valley with its rich vegetation, and Stöng, the site of a 12th century Viking farm. Overnight at Hólaskógur cabin, warm showers and a sauna on site. (35 km) Thursday: Hólaskógur – Landmannahellir Mt. Cabin We cross mighty River Thjórsá on a bridge and ride north of Mt. Hekla and Mt. Valafell, using good riding tracks through fields of ashes and lava from Mt. Hekla eruptions. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and the trail takes us through an amazing landscape. Today's ride ends in the beautiful area of Landmannahellir where we spend 2 nights in a mountain cabin, again with hot showers. (40 km) Friday: Landmannahellir - Landmannalaugar – Landmannahellir Mt. Cabin Today we ride to the famous Landmannalaugar, with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colourful mountains and lava from 1480. Our horses rest in a paddock and we have a good part of the day to relax in the hot pools or visit the numerous sights, before returning to Landmannahellir. This day will be without a doubt, one of the highlights of this tour.(40 km ) Saturday: Landmannahellir – Klettur Mt. Cabin This is another exciting and a long riding day when we take another route north of Mt. Valafell with a view to the mighty glacier Vatnajökull. Part of today’s ride is on the famous Sprengisandur Trail. You can just imagine the thousands of horses and farmers using this trail through the centuries on their way to or from the parliament, then beeing held at Thingvellir. We cross River Thjórsá again and continue to the mountain cabin at Klettur where we stay overnight in beautiful surroundings. (55 km) Sunday: Klettur – Fossnes - Reykjavík Today we ride through valleys and across small rivers to Fossnes Farm where we leave the horses behind. We drive to Kalfhóll Farm for refreshments and continue to the swimming pool in Brautarholt where we can enjoy the geothermal water. A bus takes us back to Reykjavík for our last night of this tour. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 19:00. (32 km) Monday: Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home. Some of our departures start in Fossnes. Then the first riding day will be the last one as per itinerary.
Subject to change
Meeting:
Keflavík Airport
Airport:
from Keflavik Airport
Transfer:
Keflavik Airport
Upon arrival you will be met by a representative and transfered to a hotel 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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Riders should be comfortable and in control at all paces, firm seat, comfortable in the saddle for up to 7 hrs. per day.
150 miles
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3.5
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
8 riders
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Max
16 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. A ride for Strong intermediate riders. Comfortable and in
control at all paces, firm seat, comfortable in the saddle for up to 7
hrs. per day.
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
As its name suggests, Iceland can be 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. Average temperatures in Reykjavik: January 35
F (1.6 C) April 42 F (6 C) July 56
F (13.3 C) October 44 F (7 C)
You can find the weather
forecast in English on www.vedur.is/english.
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.).
Luggage will be transported in the kitchen van. Bring bags
rather than hard cover suitcases. Pack light because transport space
is limited.
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.
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.
| 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 |
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
Two nights are at a 3-star hotel with private facilities in Reykjavík - one in the beginning and
one at the end of the tour. 5 nights in mountain cabins with shared facilities. Warm showers are available all the nights except one and the cabin at Hólaskógur also offers a sauna! We also include a visit to the swimming pool Reykjalaug, situated in the vaste fields of ashes from the vulcano Hekla. A true oasis in the wilderness.
First and last night are at the Fosshotel
Lind / Fosshotel Barón Tuesday: Fossnes Farm Wednesday: Hólaskógur Mt. Cabin Thursday:
Landmannahellir Mt. Cabin Friday: Landmannahellir Mt. Cabin Saturday:
Klettur Mt. Cabin
Meals Accommodation in Reykjavík include breakfast only, not lunch and dinner - a traditional Icelandic stew is served on the arrival day. 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.
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Tack:
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Icelandic
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|
Horses:
|
|
Icelandic Horses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Riders should be comfortable and in control at all paces, firm seat, comfortable in the saddle for up to 7 hrs. per day.
150 miles
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
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(3.5
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Riders:
|
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Min
8 riders
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Max
16 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. A ride for Strong intermediate riders. Comfortable and in
control at all paces, firm seat, comfortable in the saddle for up to 7
hrs. per day.
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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Mountain Spirit Ride - Landmannalaugar
Tour Code:
IT-ICRT04
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,440.00
Dates :
June to Aug
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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