|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
Horse Round Up in Iceland
Iceland Shorts
Iceland
Imagine free and spirited horses rushing down from their highland summer pastures to be returned to their owners. Mares and their foals, young horses and geldings make their way through rough territory, not really willing to give up their freedom yet before winter returns once again.
Join the farmers in this great autumn adventure driving the herd, sorting the horses and celebrating the successful return of horses and men. The varied terrain includes the highland moors, green valleys just turning into their autumn colors of burning red and yellow, deep blue lakes and rivers.
The ancient tradition of rounding up horses is only kept alive in the north of Iceland. This departure rounds up horses into the round-up pen at Skrapatungurétt. The locals celebrate the successful round-ups with a ball “réttardansleikur” in the adjacent community hall, where farmers and friends celebrate by singing and dancing the night away.
Skrapatungurétt Round Up:
The first ride is already on the arrival day and takes 2 hours from our Riding Centre in Hafnarfjörður. This is a good opportunity to get to know the Icelandic horse and prepare for the coming days. The additional riding day takes place in the North and leads through the beautiful Vatnsdalur Valley.
When you arrive in the North you will meet our partners Haukur and Sonja at Hvammur Farm in beautiful surroundings. After a day in the mountains we can relax in a comfortable warm outdoor tub. Accommodation for all nights at the farm is in cosy 2 - 4 bed units and in Reykjavík in hotel rooms with private facilities.
Víðidalstungurétt Round Up:
In the North you will meet Eggert Pálsson from Bjargshóll Farm with his staff and horses and at Dæli Farm the hosts, Sigrún and Víglundur. All these people have taken care of this tour since we started it in 2001 and they will do their outmost to make your ride an unforgettable adventure.
Accommodation for three nights at the farm is in cosy dbl. rooms and at Gauksmýri and in Reykjavík in hotel rooms with private facilities. After a day in the mountains we can relax in comfortable warm outdoor tubs before a hearty, home cooked dinner is served.
Skagafjördur Round Up:
From the Skagafjördur area we ride through beautiful valleys and mountains to Laxárdalur valley. Here we become one with the Icelanders and help gathering the horses and driving them down from the mountains to Skrapatungurétt corral. When this task has been fulfilled the locals celebrate the successful round-ups with a ball “réttardansleikur” and we are welcome to join in the fun. The round-up continues the next day when the horses get sorted at the corral and we help returning some of them to their home meadows.
|
Horse Drive
Progressive Ride (no camping)
Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
|
|
Meeting:
|
Keflavik Airport
|
|
Airport:
|
Keflavik Airport
|
|
Transfer:
|
From Keflavik airport included
|
|
Riders:
|
Min
8 riders
Max
16 riders
|
|
Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
|
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in Reykjavík. 2 - 4 bed units at the farm, most meals, saddle bag, raingear, safety helmet, 5 riding days - 130 km
| A | 2012 | 7 day trip, AP Skrapatungurétt | 7d / 6n | €1365 | $1830 |
| Extra night in Reykjavik Hotel Bjoerk pp (dbl) ~ | €110 | $150 |
| Extra night in Reykjavik Hotel Bjoerk Single ~ | €150 | $205 |
| Single supplement (requested) in Reykjavik per night/person | €65 | $90 |
| Kids under 12 - 25% off | €0 | $0 |
| B | 2012 | 7 day trip, AP Víðidalstungurétt | 7d / 6n | €1298 | $1740 |
| Extra night in Reykjavik Hotel pp (dbl) ~ | €110 | $150 |
| Extra night in Reykjavik Hotel Single ~ | €150 | $205 |
| Single supplement (requested) in Reykjavik per night/person | €65 | $90 |
| Kids under 12 - 25% off | €0 | $0 |
| C | 2012 | 7 day trip, AP Skagafjördur | 7d / 6n | €1365 | $1830 |
On arrival Day 1- Make sure your flight arrives no later then 16:00.
Rates do not include:
Meals in Rykjavik except breakfast. Optional: Dance at the community centre in Blönduós or Víðihlíð, entrance fee to be paid locally.
Skrapatungurétt Round Up:
Wednesday: Arrival in Iceland – Riding Center – Transfer to Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to the Riding Center. Make sure your flight arrives not later then 16:00 to be able to participate in an introductional riding tour towards Mt. Helgafell Volcano. (Clients arriving earlier that day are picked up upon arrival, driven to the hotel and picked up at the hotel again in time for the ride.) After the ride we enjoy a traditional Icelandic soup and receive details of the following tour before the day ends at your accommodation in a hotel in Reykjavík. (10 km)
Thursday: Reykjavík – Hvammur – Vatnsdalur – Stóra-Giljá
Transfer by bus from Reykjavík to Hvammur Farm, where we meet horses and guides. On our way to the north we visit a factory outlet for woolen goods. We start our ride in Vatnsdalur valley. This beautiful valley is the setting of the Vatnsdæla-Saga. We ride on the eastern side of Vatnsdalur valley, past Hvammsfoss waterfall, surrounded by impressive basalt columns. The horses rest close to Stóra - Giljá Farm and we return to Hvammur Farm, home of our hosts Sonja and Haukur, for our overnight stay. (20 km)
Friday: Stóra-Giljá – Björnsólfsstaðir – Hvammur
After rejoing our horses we start our ride along the shore of Lake Húnavatn, follow the expensive salmon fishing river Laxá á Ásum and continue to Blönduós village. Here we cross the glacier fed river Blanda on a bridge and continue to Björnsólfsstaðir Farm in Langadalur valley. This farm belongs to Haukur’s grandfather who is known for his storytelling and warm personality. Overnight stay at Hvammur Farm. (30 km)
Saturday: Gathering horses in Laxárdalur - Skrapatungurétt
We meet up with our horses again at Farm Strjúgsstaðir. Today we meet the farmers coming down from the mountains where they already spent some time gathering the horses in their summer pastures. Hundreds of horses are coming down from the highlands and we participate in herding them to the round up place Skrapatungurétt. During this long riding day join in the singing of the farmers, celebrating this great event of the fall. (45 km)
Optional (not included in the tour price):
"Stóðréttardansleikur" dance at Blönduós, where everybody relaxes after the excitement of the day and celebrates yet another successful round up.
Sunday: Sorting of the horses and driving the herds to their home pastures
Our day starts at the round up place Skrapatungurétt where horses are sorted out. Experience the excitement and view beautiful horses while joining in this great event. When the horses are sorted we participate in returning some of them to their meadows at their home farms. Dinner at Hvammur Farm and time to share our personal experience on this riding adventure with our fellow riders. (25 km)
Monday: Return to the South - Reykjavík
Departure from the North and return to Reykjavík. Approx. arrival at the hotel at 14:00.
Tuesday: Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport
Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
Víðidalstungurétt Round Up:
Tuesday: Arrival in Iceland – Riding Center – Transfer to Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to the Riding Centre. Make sure your flight arrives not later then 16:00 to be able to participate in a short (1,5 – 2 hours) introductional riding tour towards Mt. Helgafell Volcano. (Clients arriving earlier that day are picked up upon arrival, driven to the hotel and picked up again in time for the ride.) After the ride we enjoy a traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of the following tour before the day ends at your accommodation in a hotel in Reykjavík. (8 km)
Wednesday: Reykjavík – Bjargshóll – Gauksmýri
We drive to the North and meet Eggert with his staff and horses at Bjargshóll Farm. We visit a factory outlet with woollen goods on our way. Our ride takes us alongside the river Miðfjarðará towards the ocean and from there underneath Mt. Vatnsnesfjall to Gauksmýri Farm. Here we stay overnight in a cosy country hotel. (35 km)
Thursday: Gauksmýri – Dæli
This exciting riding day takes us into the friendly countryside of Vestur-Hóp, past a lake and into the beautiful valley Víðidalur. We follow Víðidalsá River to Dæli Holiday Farm, close to Kolugil canyon. This farm is beautifully located in Víðidalur Valley and we will enjoy the hospitality of Sigrún and Víglundur, who have been working with us for many years. The outdoor hot tubs are waiting, as well as a hearty dinner. (32 km)
Friday: Dæli - Kolugil – Víðidalstungheiði – Dæli
Today we ascend towards the highland plateau Víðidalstunguheiði and meet the horses coming down from their pastures in the highlands. We enjoy a warm lunch in the mountains, before we join other guests and locals following the farmers driving the herd down from the highland. Before ending our ride at Dæli Farm we stop at Kolugili Farm for refreshments. Following dinner that day, we spend time with the farmers and other guests in Dæli and join in their singing, dancing and celebrating of this great event of the fall. (30 km, 7-8 hours including lunch and coffee breaks)
Saturday: Víðidalstungurétt – Bjargshóll - Dæli
Our day starts at the round up place Víðidalstungurétt where horses are sorted out. An auction is held right on the spot and we can join the farmers in their joyful singing, celebrating the return of their horses. In the afternoon we ride to Bjargshóll Farm and return our horses to their meadows, before driving back to Dæli for a hearty dinner. (30 km)
Optional (not included in the tour price):
"Stóðréttardansleikur" dance at Víðihlíð, where everybody relaxes after the excitement of the day and celebrates yet another successful round up.
Sunday: Return to the South – Reykjavík
Departure from the North and return to Reykjavík. Approx. arrival at the hotel at 14:00.
Monday: Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport
Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
Skagafjördur Round Up:
Wednesday: Arrival in Iceland – Íshestar Riding Center – Transfer to Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to the Íshestar Riding Center. Make sure your flight arrives not later than 16:00 to be able to participate in an introductory riding tour towards Mt. Helgafell Volcano. (Clients arriving earlier that day are picked up upon arrival, driven to the hotel and picked up at the hotel again in time for the ride.) After the ride we enjoy a traditional Icelandic soup and receive details of the following tour before the day ends at your accommodation in a hotel in Reykjavík. (8 km)
Thursday: Reykjavík – Steinsstaðir – Mælifell – Stafnsrétt
Transfer by bus from Reykjavík to Steinsstaðir in the North where we meet out horses and guides. On our way to the North we visit a factory outlet with woollen goods. We enjoy lunch before we start our ride at the Mælifellsrétt corral and into the mountain valley of Mælifellsdalur with small rivers, lakes and hills. We end our ride at the Stafnsrétt corral where we leave the horses and drive to our accommodation for next four nights, the Steinsstadir guesthouse. (20 km)
Friday: Stafnsrétt – Svartárdalur Valley – Gautsdalur
After rejoining our horses we start our ride down the narrow and beautiful Svartárdalur Valley with the Salmon River Svartá running through the valley. We continue through Thverárdalur Valley to Gautsdalur Farm. Here we leave our horses and head back to Steinsstadir where we can relax in the naturally heated swimming pool or hot pot. (25 km)
Saturday: Gathering horses in Laxárdalur - Skrapatungurétt
We meet up with our horses again at Farm Gautsdalur. Today we meet the farmers coming down from the mountains where they already spent some time gathering the horses in their summer pastures. Hundreds of horses are coming down from the highlands and we participate in herding them to the round up place Skrapatungurétt. During this long riding day join in the singing of the farmers, celebrating this great event of the fall. (45 km)
Optional (not included in the tour price):
"Stóðréttardansleikur" dance at Blönduós, where everybody relaxes after the excitement of the day and celebrates yet another successful round up.
Sunday: Sorting of the horses and driving the herds to their home pastures
Our day starts at the round up place Skrapatungurétt where horses are sorted out. Experience the excitement and view beautiful horses while joining in this great event. When the horses are sorted we drive the herd through Laxárdalur back into Svartárdalur. Here we say good bye to our horses before we return back to Steinsstaðir. (35 km)
Monday: Return to the South – Reykjavík
Departure from the North and return to Reykjavík. Approx. arrival at the hotel at 14:00.
Tuesday: Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport
Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
Meeting:
Keflavik Airport
Airport:
Keflavik Airport
Transfer:
From Keflavik airport included
On arrival Day 1- Make sure your flight arrives no later then 16:00.
|
Tack:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Daily rides are 4-6 hours - 80 miles
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
8 riders
|
Max
16 riders
|
|
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. Also a saddle bag (where you can keep the picnic lunch, a small camera, extra pair of gloves etc.).
It is not yet legally mandatory that riders need to wear riding helmets. Nevertheless 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.
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 |
|
|
| 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) |
| 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). |
|
|
| 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) |
| |
| 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.
|
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation for all nights at the farm is in cozy 2 - 4 bed units and in Reykjavík in hotel rooms with private facilities. After a day in the mountains we can relax in a comfortable warm outdoor tub before a hearty, home cooked dinner is served.
|
Tack:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Daily rides are 4-6 hours - 80 miles
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
8 riders
|
Max
16 riders
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Horse Round Up in Iceland
Tour Code:
IT-ICRT24
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,830.00
Dates :
September/October
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Icelandic
Horses:
Icelandic
Pace:
Daily rides are 4-6 hours - 80 miles
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Keflavik Airport
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
|