Rounding up sheep is an Icelandic tradition with roots firmly in the country's past, when pastures and fields near the farms were so precious that they had to be kept especially for the hay harvest. Thus the stock was driven into the mountains during the summer to graze. On tour we join the farmers of South Iceland as they gather thousands of sheep from the mountain pastures. We have a chance to experience the Icelandic horse at its best- sure-footed and eager to fulfil the task set for them every autumn!

Our host, Sigrún from Fossnes Farm, actively participates in the round-ups with her family and their friends whom we get the pleasure of meeting. Everyone is always tired but happy after their successful return from the mountain drive. Fossnes Farm plays a major role in the annual round-up since the flock spends one last night in the meadows before finally being sorted and returned to their owners.

For 2010 we have now added the fourth riding day to this popular tour a day that will take us into the mountains and valleys in the land of Fossnes. This will be a relaxed day and will give everybody the chance of getting better acquainted with the Icelandic horse.

The ride leads towards the highlands, along good riding tracks and through the black ash from Mt. Hekla eruptions. The mountain cabin at Hólaskógur offers shelter to the farmers who, for days now, have been gathering sheep. When the flock is down from the mountains, there is still time to explore the many sights, such as the beautiful Gjáin Valley and picturesque Hjálparfoss Waterfall. The third riding day brings us to the round-up pen where the sheep are sorted and returned to their owners. We sing with the farmers, celebrating the successful journey into the highlands to secure the livestock.

On our way back to Reykjavík, we visit the golden Gullfoss Waterfall, the hot springs of Geysir and Thingvellir National Park, the ancient assembly fields of the Icelandic parliament. The sheep round-up tour intertwines tradition, nature and history leaving nobody untouched by the Icelandic spirit of togetherness. Three nights on this tour are spent at Fossnes Farm. After each day in the saddle, we can relax in a comfortable outdoor hot tub. The first and last night will be spent in a hotel in Reykjavík.

Three nights on this tour are spent at Fossnes Farm in 2-4 bed units. After each day in the saddle we can relax in a comfortable outdoor hot tub. The first and last night will be spent in a hotel in Reykjavík.

2010 Itinerary
Monday: Arrival in Iceland – Transfer to Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to our Riding Centre in Hafnarfjörður, where we invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup (Kjötsúpa). Receive details of the following tour and meet your fellow riders. At a approx. 19.00 transfer to a hotel, situated in the centre of Reykjavík. Those who have arrived earlier this day or the day before will be picked up at the hotel between 16.30 and 17.00.

Tuesday: Reykjavík - Thingvellir – – Geysir – Gullfoss – Fossnes Holiday Farm
Transfer from Reykjavík via Thingvellir Nationalpark to Fossnes farm, situated in beautiful surroundings, where we meet horses and guides. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride along pleasant trails and explore the colourful Gnúpverja¬hreppur countryside. This day is the perfect start to get to know your horse and the Icelandic way of trail riding in a relaxed atmosphere. During the ride you will enjoy the view of deep green mountains and valleys and the mighty glacial river Thjórsá. Relax in a hot tub before a hearty dinner at the farm. (25 km)

Wednesday: Fossnes Holiday Farm – Hólaskógur – Fossnes
This day takes us into the mountains and fields of black ashes from numerous eruptions of volcano Mt. Hekla. At Hólaskógur mountain cabin we meet the farmers who have been riding in the mountains for some days already to gather the sheep. We leave the horses at Hólaskógur and drive back to Fossnes for an overnight stay and relaxation in the hot outdoor tub. (35 km)

Thursday and Friday: Riding and rounding up the sheep
During both days we join the farmers, ride along and help them with their flocks, yet sometimes leaving them to take a look at some of the interesting sights in the area, such as Gjáin valley with it’s rich vegetation, beautiful Hjálparfoss Waterfall and Stöng, the site of a 12th century Viking farm. We participate in the round-ups, help the farmers sort out their livestock and join in their singing and celebrating after a successful ride into the mountains. (40 km) + (20 km)

Optional (not included in the tour price):
"Réttardansleikur" dance at the community center Árnes, where everybody relaxes after the excitement of the day and celebrates yet another successful round up.

Saturday: Fossnes – Reykjavík
It is time to say goodbye to our hosts and horses. Transfer at approx. 10.00 to Reykjavík, where we spend the last night. Approx. arrival at the hotel at 11:30.

Sunday: Dep. from Iceland - Reykjavík - Keflavík Airport
Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.

subject to change

2009 Itinerary
Tuesday: Arrival in Iceland – Transfer to Reykjavík

A representative meets all participants at Keflavík Airport and drives them to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. At approx. 17:30 we invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of the following tour and meet your fellow riders.

Transfer to Fossnes Holiday Farm where we meet our hosts and horses. Our ride starts into the lovely countryside and continues into black ashes of numerous eruptions of volcano Mt. Hekla. At Hólaskógur mountain cabin we meet the farmers who have been riding in the mountains for some days already to gather the sheep. We leave the horses at Hólaskógur and drive back to Fossnes for an overnight stay and a relaxing dip into the hot out door tube.

Thursday: Fossnes – Hólaskógur – Gjáin – Stöng – Hjálparfoss - Fossnes

We drive back to Hólaskógur and saddle up again. We help the farmers with their flocks of sheep, yet sometimes leaving them to take a look at some of the interesting sights in the area. There is the splendid valley of Gjáin, a little paradise made of lava and basalt strata decorated with beautiful vegetation and numerous little waterfalls. Close by we visit Stöng, a reconstructed farmhouse of one of the early settlers. Learn about the tragic story that happened to this once so blooming settlement. We will stop as well at the magnificent waterfall Hjálparfoss before returning to Fossnes Farm for the night.

Today we ride to the round-up paddock Skaftholtsréttir and help the farmers sort out their livestock and join in their singing and celebrating after a successful journey into the mountains. After the sorting out each family brings back their flock of sheep to the home farm. Back at Fossnes we will taste “kjötsúpa”, a traditional lamb-soup that is offered at every farm on the the round-up day.

"Réttardansleikur" dance at the community center Árnes, where everybody relaxes after the excitement of the day and celebrates yet another successful round -up.

It is time to say goodbye to our hosts and horses. On our way to Reykjavík we visit beautiful Gullfoss waterfall, the famous Geysir Hot Spring Area and Thingvellir National Park, site of the old Icelandic parliament, before spending the last night at a guesthouse in Reykjavík. Approx. arrival at guesthouse at 16:00.

Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
subject to change

Packages and Options

Season	Year	Description	EUR	~US$
A	2010	7 day trip, AP Gnupverjaafrettur	€989	$1515

Extra night in Reykjavik Guesthouse pp (dbl)	€62	$95
Extra night in Reykjavik Guesthouse Single	€98	$150
Kids under 12 - 25% off	€0	$0
Single supplement (requested) in Reykjavik per night/person	€60	$95

B 2010 7 day trip, AP Landmannaafrettur €1596 $2445
- Extra night in Reykjavik Guesthouse pp (dbl) €62 $95
  Extra night in Reykjavik Guesthouse Single €98 $150
  Kids under 12 - 25% off €0 $0

The US Dollar Rate is Based on Exchange Rate of 1.53

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

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.

Sheep Round-Up

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Packages and Options

Tour Dates

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