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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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Geysir Gullfoss Hot Springs and Waterfalls
Iceland Shorts
Iceland
This tour is a shorter version of our popular Golden Circle Tour covering the Geysir Hot Spring area and the Golden Waterfall Gullfoss. Exchange the beaten tracks for fine bridle paths along deep canyons, travel across wide salmon rivers to the wonders of untouched nature. Ascend through a lovely birch forests with wild mountain flowers to a highland plateau and enjoy great views of mountains and glaciers! Visit Thingvellir Nationalpark on your transfer day, the historical place where the first parliament was founded around the year 1000 and where the continental plates drift apart. You don´t need to be a very experienced rider for this tour, because our horses, especially chosen for this trip, take you safely and comfortably to your destination. Still riding days can be as long as up to 38 km in the saddle so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship.
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Camping Ride with vehicle support Progressive Ride (no camping) Short Getaway Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
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Meeting:
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Reykjavik hotel
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Airport:
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Reykjavik Airport
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Transfer:
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Reykjavík. Accommodation before and after the ride to be arranged individually
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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 2012
Rates include:
Accommodation: 2 - 4 bed units, 2 nights in rooms with private facilities at Geysir, meals, saddle bag, raingear, safety helmet, 4 riding days - 110 km
Tour starts on Day 2 of the Golden Circle Tour
| A | 2012 | 5 day trip, AP tour number13 | 5d / 4n | €1094 | $1470 |
| Extra night in Reykjavik FossHotel Baron pp (dbl) ~ | €110 | $150 |
| Extra night in Reykjavik FossHotel Baron Single ~ | €150 | $205 |
| Kids under 12 - 25% off | €0 | $0 |
Pick up is in Reykjavik City at your hotel, please let us know where you will be staying.
The tour leaves Geysir at 9:30 and arrives back in Reykjavík at 11:00 on Thursday morning (it is best to book departure flights the day after the last riding day, ie: Friday).
Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2012
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06/10
- 06/14
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP tour number...
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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06/17
- 06/21
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP tour number...
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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06/24
- 06/28
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP tour number...
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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07/01
- 07/05
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP tour number...
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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07/08
- 07/12
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP tour number...
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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07/15
- 07/19
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP tour number...
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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07/22
- 07/26
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP tour number...
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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07/29
- 08/02
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP tour number...
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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08/05
- 08/09
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP tour number...
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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08/12
- 08/16
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP tour number...
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6
/18
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Sold Out
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| A |
2012
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08/19
- 08/23
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP tour number...
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6
/18
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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08/26
- 08/30
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP tour number...
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6
/18
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Reserve
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Sunday - Thursday
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Rates do not include:
Transfer from Reykjavik Airport. Accomodation in Reykjavik
Sunday: Reykjavík – Thingvellir – Gnúpverjahreppur – Fossnes 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 Gnúpverjahreppur countryside. 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. (20 km) Monday: Fossnes – Hvítárdalur – Fossnes We leave the farm and head off to the fertile farmlands of neighbouring community Hrunamannahreppur. We take handhorses along for changing our mounts a couple of times a day and this gives us the opportunity to travel at a comfortable speed. We cross the well know salmon river Stóra-Laxá and stop for our picknick lunch at Hrunaréttir, a round pen for the annual sheep round-up in autum. We leave the horses at Hvítárdalur Farm and drive back to Fossnes for the night. (40 km) Tuesday: Fossnes – Hvítárdalur – Gullfoss – Geysir Guesthouse We continue our ride on soft trails ideal for tölting towards the majestic canyon Brúarhlöð where milky green water passes through bizarre rock formations. Alongside Hvítá River we follow the ever deepening canyon on to the impressive Golden Waterfall Gullfoss and continue to the famous Geysir hot spring area where we will stay for two nights. You have plenty of time to explore this highly interesting area with its countless bubbling hot springs. Hot outdoor tub on site. (40 km) Wednesday: Geysir – Haukadalur – Haukadalsheiði – Geysir Our ride takes us through Haukadalur valley with its beautiful birch forest. Cross clear little streams on the way and enjoy the rich vegetation of wild mountain flowers that bloom during high summer. While you ascend to a highland plateau you will notice the changes in nature as you reach higher ground. A breathtaking view of the mountain ranges and glaciers of the highland around awaits you when you reach the top of Haukadalsheiði. Accommodation again at Geysir Guesthouse. (15 km) Thursday: Geysir – Reykjavík Today we leave our riding companions in the morning after breakfast and drive back to Reykjavík. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 11:00.
Subject to change
Meeting:
Reykjavik hotel
Airport:
Reykjavik Airport
Transfer:
Reykjavík. Accommodation before and after the ride to be arranged individually
Pick up is in Reykjavik City at your hotel, please let us know where you will be staying.
The tour leaves Geysir at 9:30 and arrives back in Reykjavík at 11:00 on Thursday morning (it is best to book departure flights the day after the last riding day, ie: Friday).
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Tack:
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Icelandic
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Horses:
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Icelandic
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Pace:
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Daily rides are 5 - 6 hours -70 miles
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
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Max
18 riders
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A great riding experience that is also suitable for Low Intermediate riders. A special ride seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding with a free running herd of horses on the third day.
The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience. Still riding days can be as long as up to 35 km in the saddle so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. You will get a thorough introduction into the gaits of the Icelandic horse and feel the Tölt, the extremely soft travelling gate of the Icelandic horse.
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 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 with 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.
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, because of the rivers we cross) |
| 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 *shared accommodation* |
| 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
Accommodation: Enjoy accommodation at a cosy holiday farm (2-4 bed units) with a hot outdoor tub and 2 nights at a hotel with private facilities in Geysir during this tour. Accommodation before and after the ride to be arranged individually. Meals: Participants praise our meals, which consist of traditional Icelandic food (fish and lamb dishes). Vegetarian meals are available upon request.
|
Tack:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Daily rides are 5 - 6 hours -70 miles
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
6 riders
|
Max
18 riders
|
|
A great riding experience that is also suitable for Low Intermediate riders. A special ride seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding with a free running herd of horses on the third day.
The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience. Still riding days can be as long as up to 35 km in the saddle so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. You will get a thorough introduction into the gaits of the Icelandic horse and feel the Tölt, the extremely soft travelling gate of the Icelandic horse.
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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Geysir Gullfoss Hot Springs and Waterfalls
Tour Code:
IT-ICRT13
5 days /
4 nights
~$1,470.00
Dates :
June to Aug
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :

Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Icelandic
Horses:
Icelandic
Pace:
Daily rides are 5 - 6 hours -70 miles
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Reykjavik Airport
Location on Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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