Egilsstadir Saga Tour

Introduction
East and South Iceland Discover the incredible wild beauty of East Iceland in an area not known by many people. Even among Icelanders this part of the interior is a well-kept secret. An endless variation of landscape, from fertile valleys and deep canyons to some of Iceland’s highest mountains, will warm the heart of every nature lover.
Our hosts, Jón Thór and his wife Margaret, are not able to operate our tours this summer. Instead their friend and neighbor Steingrímur (Denni) will take care of the rides. He loves the rough landscape of the East and has travelled the area both as a staff member on our riding tours and on foot. During past years he was guiding some of our other rides as well and we are sure that Denni will take good care of our guests. The horses will mostly be the same as in previous years and will take you through the rugged wilderness with determination and power. The surefooted Icelandic horse is the best way of transportation in the untamed nature.
The ride ascends from sea level to the great highland plateau where vegetation and landscape bear an arctic character. Hrafnkelsdalur Valley is where the Hrafnkels Saga unfolded in the Middle Ages. We hear about these historic events and view Faxafoss Waterfall, named after Faxi, a horse with a mane of a special colour. The gigantic Hafrahvammagljúfur Canyon is an unforgettable sight. The ride leads towards Snæfell – the second highest mountain in Iceland – where a 4wheel-drive vehicle takes us to Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. We enjoy watching large herds of reindeer roam free before we follow Jökulsá River that runs down Norðurdalur Valley in a number of beautiful waterfalls until we reach green meadows again.
True to the character of this ride accommodation is in rustic mountain cabins with limited facilities. In these remote surroundings a natural hot pool is waiting for us and the last night of the ride is spent at a comfortable guesthouse. Two nights at a guesthouse with shared facilities in Reykjavík are included, one night before and one after the tour.

Accomodation

Important: Meals during guesthouse stay in Reykjavík/Hafnarfjördur: only breakfast!

Sample of accommodations during the ride- subject to change!

Garður: Guesthouse Hotel Garður, - Situated close to the center of Reykjavík at the University Campus. Double and triple rooms without private facilities, made up beds, breakfast included. Short walk to the city center with numerous restaurants.

Fjallaskarð: Simple mountain cabin. Two buildings, one room each, bunk beds (partly shared by 2 clients per bed), one long-drop toilet, no running water in the hut, but a river running by.

Aðalból: Holiday Farm - Several rooms, beds, bunk beds and matresses on the floor, one toilet, one shower.

Sauðá: Simple mountain cabin, only 5 km away from Vatnajökull Glacier. One room, bunk beds (partly shared), long-drop toilet, no shower, no running water in the hut, but a river running by.

Snæfell: popular mountain cabin (other groups at the accommodation). Several rooms, bunk beds (partly shared by 2 clients per bed), two toilets, running water, one shower.

Laugarfell: Simple mountain cabin. Two buildings, several rooms, 2 – 4 beds and bunk beds, one long-drop toilet, no running water in the hut, but a natural hot tub on site.

Útnyrðingsstaðir: Holiday Farm - Several rooms, beds, shared facilities, indoor toilets, showers.

Riding

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.
You should be a strong intermediate rider capable of handling horses in open country.
 
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.

Itinerary

     Subject to changes

Rates and Dates for Egilsstadir Saga Tour

Dates Note: Sunday - Monday

Other Info
Meeting: Keflavík Airport
Airport: Keflavik Airport
Transfer: Keflavik Airport

Climate:

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. 

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 and sheet. 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
 
Travel documents and Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)
 
RIDING GEAR
Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
Riding boots (Knee high riding boots - preferably rubber, because of the rivers we cross)
Riding helmet- provided
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).
 
PERSONAL CLOTHING
Jogging suit or other comfortable cloths to wear in the hutsFor the ladies – sports bra.
Bathing suit and flip flops
Slippers for the huts (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house)
 
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
A small camera to take with you when riding
Personal toiletries (soap etc.)
Earplugs (some people snore!)
Small Pillow
Towel
Small flashlight, i.e: 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