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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Iceland
Intro to Iceland
 Iceland ShortsWest
Also see:
Hiking Trips
Horseback in:
Norway
Finland
Europe Overview
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Snaefellsnes Beach Ride
Iceland Shorts
Iceland
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula stretches out into the west of Iceland. You can find all features of Icelandic nature here, but on this tour we emphasize the black and golden sand of the beach at Löngufjörur. This traditional trail, only revealed by the tide, offers horses and riders great opportunities to perform the smooth gait “tölt” over long distances. Nowhere else in Iceland can you ride for hours without any obstacle to slow down the riders and their mount.
Sigurður (Siggi) and Ólöf are our hosts for this exciting ride which leaves nobody untouched. Siggi knows the traditional trail like no other and leads horses and riders safely to their destination. Since the ride is bound to the tide it can start at any time of the day, or last even long into the night. Should the tide prove to be unfavourable on your first riding day, we will choose a scenic route on land and spend the following three days on the beach.
During the first two riding days you view mystical Snæfellsjökull Glacier ahead of you, known in literature to be the entrance to the centre of the earth. When the direction changes you head back towards mighty Eldborgarhraun Lava Field. Imagine the black lava still on the move on your way back to dry land.
On this tour you do not have to pack every day – each night you return to Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm where you stay throughout the ride. Between two and four guests share a room and the warm outdoor tub offers relaxation after the adventure of the day.
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Short Getaway
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Reykjavik City
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Airport:
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Keflavik Airport
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Transfer:
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Reykjavik City
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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 2013
Rates include:
All transfers during riding tour. Room (2-4 bed rooms) and full board. English and Scandanavian guides. 4 riding days- 130 km. Rainwares. Made up beds throughout. Saddle bag and safety helmet.
| A | 2013 | 5 day trip, AP Tour number 16 | 5d / 4n | €1144 | $1490 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Reykjavik City on Day 1 included
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Best to take the Flybus from the airport to the city.
Rates do not include:
Transfer from Reykjavik City - Accomodation in Reykjavik.
Sunday: Reykjavík – Stóri-Kálfalækur – Grímsstaðir
Meeting in Reykjavik. Morning transfer to Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, where horses and staff are waiting for us. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride into the mountains through fertile farmlands and along good riding tracks to Grímsstaðir Farm with its proud history dating back to medieval times. Overnight at Stóri-Kálfalækur in made up beds, Showers and a hot tub on site. (30 km)
Monday: Grímsstaðir – Hítarhólmur
The ride today leads through multi-coloured mountains and along low bushy hillsides. Hítardalur is a geological paradise. Vast lava fields, soft tracks through ashes and the high palagonite (tuff) mountains give you the impression of taking a ride on the moon! We leave the horses at the Hítarhólmur mountain and drive back to Stóri-Kálfalækur, where the hot tub is waiting. (30 km)
Tuesday: Hítarhólmur – Kolviðarnes – Laugagerði Schoolhouse
We continue our ride through this mystical volcanic valley. We stop at the sheep gathering place Hítardalsrétt and if you take a good look you can see the troll woman Hít who was turned into stone returning late from a date. We proceed west across Hítará River and travel trough an area well known as the hideout of Iceland’s most famous outlaw, Grettir. At Kolviðarnes Farm we leave the horses and spend the night at Laugagerði Schoolhouse where a swimming pool heated with geothermal water awaits us. (45 km)
Wednesday: Laugagerði Schoolhouse – Traðir – Hof Farm
After rejoining the horses we start our beach ride on Löngufjörur, the famous horse trail on the seashores of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. View majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier ahead of you and feel the horses’ excitement and take part in their joy on this extraordinary trail released by the tide. Our horses spend the night at Traðir Farm while we stay at Hof Farm with a geothermal hot tub on site. (40 km)
Optional (available at an extra charge):
Drive along the coast towards the romantic fishing villages of Arnastapi and Hellnar. Here we are right underneath magical Mt. Snæfellsjökull. Visit the Information center of the Snæfellsnes National Park and learn about its mysterious powers. View beautiful bird cliffs along the shore, shaped by powerful waves. Meet giant Bárður Snæfellsás and hear about historic celebrities like the far travelled Guðríður Þorbjarnadóttir and mass murderer Axlar Björn!
(Price per person: ISK 3.500)
Thursday: Hof – Reykjavík
Today we leave our riding companions behind and drive back to Reykjavík. The arrival time in Reykjavík is depending on the tide, whether it is possible to operate the optional tour on Wednesday afternoon or on Thursday morning. Detailed information on the timing for each departure is available upon request.
Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for this tour.
Subject to changes
Meeting:
Reykjavik City
Airport:
Keflavik Airport
Transfer:
Reykjavik City
Best to take the Flybus from the airport to the city.
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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 between 6-7 hours (120 km). Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for this ride.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
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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Our hosts are proud of their large selection of well-trained horses. Whether you like an easy-going horse or a more spirited one, you can be sure to find the right horses to suit your liking. Experiencing “tölt”, the unique gait of the Icelandic horse is made easy for you since we follow good riding tracks on land. The smooth sand of the beach makes this tour a delight for both horses and riders.
The tölt is the specialty of the Icelandic Horse. It is a smooth four-beat gait in which the horse’s hind legs should move well under the body and carry more of the weight on the hind part, allowing the front to rise and be free and loose. All Icelandic rides take twice or triple the usual number of horses along to prevent exhaustion in the rough terrain. You’ll change horses several times--with the rest of the herd freely running between front and end rider, a special treat.
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
From the end of May to the end of August it's the time of the midnight sun, of the never-dark nights. Iceland is famous for its thermal pools, and you can count on never being more than a few nights away from their warmth and relaxation.
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This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
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Riding boots (Knee high riding boots - preferably rubber, because of the rivers we cross)
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
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Warm jacket or overcoat
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Warm (woolen or fleece) sweater
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| Warm socks and gloves, at least
two pairs, scarf and a cap or hat. |
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Warm underwear, long if possible (protects also from chaffing).
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jogging suit or other comfortable cloths to wear in the huts
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For the ladies – sports bra.
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| Bathing suit and flip flops |
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Slippers for the huts (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house)
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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A small camera to take with you when riding
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| Personal toiletries (soap etc.) |
| Small pillow |
| Towel |
| Ear plugs *shared accommodation* |
| Small flashlight, ie: headlamp |
| If interested, duty free alcohol at Iceland airport |
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Chocolate or glucose sweets for strenuous riding days
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Insect repellent, gnat net head cover
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Band aid and second skin plasters for chaffing
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor)
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Sunglasses
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Song books
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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.
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.).
Knee-high rubber boots are essential for this tour!
It is not yet legally mandatory that riders need to wear riding helmets. Never-the-less we strongly recommend clients wear one, at least for the first few riding days. Clients will be experiencing a new breed of horses in new terrain, involving gravel, stones and rocks. Therefore it is in the clients best interest to take precautions. If they feel they do not want to wear a helmet after the first few days it is up to them. However, some insurance companies in Europe refuse to pay in case of an accident if the client has not been wearing a riding helmet. We provide helmets here in Iceland which clients are welcome to use but if you want to bring your own it is fine with us. If you bring your own it has to be sterilized before bringing it into Iceland.
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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
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Tack:
|
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Icelandic
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|
Horses:
|
|
Icelandic Horses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Daily rides are between 6-7 hours (120 km). Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for this ride.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate+
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Riders:
|
|
Min
6 riders
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Max
18 riders
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|
Our hosts are proud of their large selection of well-trained horses. Whether you like an easy-going horse or a more spirited one, you can be sure to find the right horses to suit your liking. Experiencing “tölt”, the unique gait of the Icelandic horse is made easy for you since we follow good riding tracks on land. The smooth sand of the beach makes this tour a delight for both horses and riders.
The tölt is the specialty of the Icelandic Horse. It is a smooth four-beat gait in which the horse’s hind legs should move well under the body and carry more of the weight on the hind part, allowing the front to rise and be free and loose. All Icelandic rides take twice or triple the usual number of horses along to prevent exhaustion in the rough terrain. You’ll change horses several times--with the rest of the herd freely running between front and end rider, a special treat.
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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Snaefellsnes Beach Ride
Tour Code:
IT-ICRT16
5 days /
4 nights
~$1,490.00
Dates :
June to Aug
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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