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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Iceland
Intro to Iceland
 East and SouthHighland Tours Iceland Shorts Northern Tours West
Also see:
Hiking Trips
Horseback in:
Norway
Finland
Europe Overview
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Northern Odyssey
Highland Tours
Iceland
Skagafjörður is a district in Iceland that has a long tradition in
horse breeding. With great pleasure we present a riding tour from this
well known district into the rugged wilderness of the highlands. This
tour leads all the way to Laugafell, a place well known for the natural
hot pool and green vegetation, a true oasis for those following the old
and famous Sprengisandur Trail.
From green pastures we ascent onto remote desert-like areas close to
the majestic glacier Hofsjökull. Explore the outback of Iceland,
following the old Sprengisandur Trail for parts of this ride. Only here
in the North you can see horses living freely in sheltered valleys
during the summer months, independent of men, just relying on their
natural instincts. Enjoy the peaceful Austurdalur valley and Ábær
countryside church, where service is held only once a year. Merkigil
canyon is a landmark on this trail before your ride returns to lush
green fields and meadows. This is a tour that combines the fascinating
and varied wilderness of northern Iceland with historical sights and
stories of remarkable men and women.
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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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Reykjavik
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Airport:
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Keflavík
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Transfer:
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Keflavík International 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:
Accommodations (simple mountain cabins and farmhouses during the ride), meals (breakfast only in Reykjavik), 5 riding days. Rain wear, saddle bag, helmet, sleeping bag.
| A | 2013 | 8 day tour #17 | 8d / 7n | €1859 | $2420 |
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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Airport transfer is provided on first and last day of the tour. Any other days - please take the Airport "Flybus" into the city.
Rates do not include:
Meals while at the hotel in Reykjavik (excpet breakfast). Insurance
Sunday: Arrival in Iceland – Keflavík Airport - Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a hotel in Reykjavík. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Monday: Reykjavík – Gilhagi Farm – Gil – Gilhagi
We leave Reykjavík in the morning and drive to the North. At Gilhagi Farm we meet our hosts and our horses. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and the way of riding we start our ride and follow Vesturdalur valley all the way to the abandoned farm Gil. Here our horses spend the night while we return to Gilhagi Farm for accommodation. (25 km)
Tuesday: Gilhagi Farm – Gil – Rústir – Laugafell Mt. Cabin
We leave the inhabited area behind and head for the highlands. Today we ride to an area called Rústir. Here we reach the Icelandic tundra, where the vegetation is composed of dwarf shrubs, sedges and grasses, mosses, and lichens. Our horses rest at an old shepherds shack and we drive to Laugafell, where we spend the next two nights in this unique geothermal area between the glaciers Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull. A large natural hot pool invites us for a relaxing bath. (30 km)
Wednesday: Rústir – Laugafell Mt. Cabin
An exciting day when we continue our ride towards Glacier Hofsjökull, following the old Sprengisandur Trail. From the early days of settlement Icelanders travelled on horseback on exactly the same trails as we do today. We cross Eystari-Jökulsá River on a bridge. On a clear day we can enjoy the view of Iceland’s three biggest glaciers; Langjökull, Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull. We stay again at Laugafell Mt. Cabin and enjoy the natural outdoor pool. (30 km)
Thursday: Laugafell – Ábær Church – Skatastaðir Farm
This is our longest riding day. On our way down from the mountains we ride through Hörknárdalur valley and into Austurdalur valley. We follow the river Eystari-Jökulsá for most of the day and continue to the unique and remote Ábær Church. This small church can only be visited on foot or horse back. There is no altarpiece in this church; it is replaced by a window encouraging the viewer’s eye to celebrate nature. We end our day at Skatastaðir farm. Those who dare can use the aerial ropeway to cross the glacier fed river. (50 km)
Friday: Skatastaðir – Merkigil – Egilsá Farm
Today we ride past Merkigil farm and hear stories about the remarkable people who lived in this remote location in the past. We cross majestic Merkigil gorge and enjoy the beautiful countryside of the Skagafjörður area. See how the narrow valley widens as we follow good riding tracks past traditional farms. Some are deserted, but others, like Kelduland, are still today used for horse breeding. Hear about the old tradition of “hestakaup” (exchanging horses) that the farmer there has practiced for centuries with great success. We finish our ride at Egilsá Farm where we spend the night. (25 km)
Saturday: Egilsá – Mælifell – Lauftún Farm
This is our last day of riding as we continue North through the countryside of Bólstaðarhlíð with the river Héraðsvötn running nearby. If weather and conditions are favourable we cross the glacier fed river, or else ride past the Landsmót site at Vinheimarmelar to Mælifell Farm where we finish our ride. We spend our last night at Lauftún Farm and celebrate our great ride with Anna Lisa’s farewell dinner. (40 km)
Sunday: Lauftún Holiday Farm – Reykjavík
Bus drive back to Reykjavík for the last overnight stay. We return back to Reykjavík at approx. 14:00.
Monday: Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík - Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
Meeting:
Reykjavik
Airport:
Keflavík
Transfer:
Keflavík International Airport
Airport transfer is provided on first and last day of the tour. Any other days - please take the Airport "Flybus" into the city.
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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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For Strong intermediate riders capable of handling horses in open country. Some walking might be involved at steep hillsides.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Inmtermediate
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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
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland
enjoys a cool temperate ocean climate: cool in summer and fairly mild in
winter. However, the weather can change quickly, and you should be
prepared for the unexpected.
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.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
2 - 4 bed units in Reykjavík. Sleeping bag accommodation in simple mountain cabins and farmhouses during the ride.
Accommodation in Reykjavík before and after the riding tour, includes
breakfast only, not lunch and dinner.
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.
First and last night are at the Fosshotel
Lind / Fosshotel Barón
Monday: Gilhagi Farm
Tuesday: Laugafell, where we spend the
next two nights in this unique geothermal area between the glaciers
Hofsjökull and Vatnajökull. A large natural hot pool invites us for a
relaxing bath. (30 km)
Thursday: Skatastaðir farm.
Friday: Egilsá Farm
Saturday: Lauftún Farm. We celebrate our great
ride with Anna Lisa’s farewell dinner.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Pace:
|
|
For Strong intermediate riders capable of handling horses in open country. Some walking might be involved at steep hillsides.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Inmtermediate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
8 riders
|
Max
16 riders
|
|
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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Northern Odyssey
Tour Code:
IT-ICRT17N
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,420.00
Dates :
July
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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