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Horseback riding tours
Rides in Iceland
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Eastern Symphony - Horses and Puffins
East and South
Iceland
In north-eastern Iceland, the "Trails of the Deserted Inlets" extend over an area where the coastal mountains plunge abruptly into the sea. This isolated region is considered to be the central province of "the Hidden People" - the elves. The elf queen resides in her fortress at Álfaborg, near the village of Bakkagerði in Eastern Borgarfjörður Bay, with its 130 inhabitants and thousands of puffins breeding in a sheltered rock just outside the village.
The imposing colorful massif of the area displays the entire color spectrum of volcanic rocks of rhyolite. Underneath lies the ocean, with the noise from crashing waves and the cries of thousands of nesting seabirds – a truly stunning location. The ocean changes colors with its moods - from the most exotic opal to brilliant turquoise to oil-black. Almost systematically when the evening comes, a lid of mist descends onto the landscape, adding to the mystery of the Icelandic night.
You will be sure to bring home with you the memory of those magical evenings around a bonfire on the inlet bank, a most serene feeling unbelievably found in this extreme corner of the world. As nearby fulmars soar over the surf, a curious seal comes in for a glance. And on the mountains above the cliffs, where the smoke of our fire meets the evening haze, the invisible elves will be observing you.
We spend the days riding in the vicinity of Borgarfjörður – by many considered to be one of Iceland’s most beautiful areas. Bird-watching is a frequent pastime on our routes, and side-tracks take us to deserted inlets that tell us the story of the past. You also have the advantage of being in a group of a maximum 12 guests. Our first and last night will be spent at Útnyrðingsstaðir Farm, the home of our tour guide Stefán and the other nights will be spent in a cosy private guesthouse in eastern Borgarfjörður. Accommodation is in double rooms. Stefán has been running tours in this region for 15 years and knows it better than most, you are lucky to have him as your guide.
We will get to know the local people, their traditions and way of life, and enjoy their hospitality, knowledge of the area and its culture, and taste their fresh local food. Meet them in their homes and listen to traditional singing and local history. Share the Icelandic passion for life and land – and feel that you are part of it all!
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Meeting:
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Keflavik Airport
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Airport:
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Keflavik Airport
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Transfer:
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Keflavik Airport before 4 pm
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Riders:
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Min
8 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates include:
Accommodation: Double rooms in a hotel in Reykjavík, a guesthouse and a holiday farm during the riding tour, all meals, saddle bag, raingear, safety helmet, 5 riding days - 155 km
| A | 2009 | 8 day trip, AP Tour number 20 | 8d / 7n | €1789 | $2685 |
| Kids under 12 - 25% off | €0 | $0 |
Families take 5% off (2 adults and 1 or more children 12+ years old), Groups of 5-9 riders take 5% off and Groups of 10 or more, take 10% OFF!
Arrival time at the airport on Day 1 needs to be no later than 4 pm. The first night is spent in the East.
Sunday: Arrival in Iceland - Keflavík Airport – Hafnarfjörður - Egilsstaðir
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to our Riding Centre where we invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders. After the meeting we transfer you to Reykjavík airport and you fly to Egilsstaðir in the East, where our hosts will greet you.
Monday: Kóreksstaðir Farm – Borgarfjörður Eystri
After breakfast we drive to Kóreksstaðir Farm where we meet horses and staff. After a short introduction we start our ride towards the ocean. Do not be surprised to meet a herd of reindeers on your way. We stop in Njarðvík Bay and continue through Njarðvíkurskriður to the beautiful area Borgarfjörður Eystri. Here we stay for 4 nights in a private guesthouse. (25 km)
Tuesday: Borgarfjörður Eystri – Höfn - Brúnavík
We start the day with a walk through the small village Bakkagerði which features among other things; the well known stone-factory Álfasteinn, the museum of Iceland’s most famous painter Kjarval and the residence of the queen of the elves - the fortress Álfaborg. We saddle up and ride to the beautiful harbor area. Here we visit a colony of 20.000 puffins or more living in a sheltered rock. We continue through Hofstrandarskarð mountain pass to Brúnavík bay and onto the beaches before we head home through the valleys, Engidalur and Hrafndalur. After dinner we build a bonfire by the ocean (weather permitting) and enjoy singing with our hosts. (30 km)
Wednesday: Borgarfjörður – Breiðuvík - Hólaland
This will be an adventurous day when we ride over Gagnheiði highland trail into the breathtaking area of Breiðuvík with black sandy beaches. Here we spend some time, enjoying the smooth ground, perfect for riding “tölt, the special gait of the Icelandic horse. We continue to Hólaland Farm where the horses stay behind and drive back to our overnight stay. (35 km)
Thursday: Hólaland – Hvítserkur - Húsavík
After gathering our horses we ride across Húsavík heath to a deserted bay, enjoying the endless variations of the Icelandic nature. On a clear day we can enjoy a far reaching view over the eastern part of the country. Our trail leads underneath the colorful mountain Hvítserkur, a unique example of nature’s creativity. We enjoy some time in the area before returning to Hólaland, choosing a different route this time. This will be our last night at the guesthouse and our hosts invite us into their home for dinner and a dip into their hot tub. Our guide Stefán will without doubt take out his accordion and lead the singing. (30 km)
Friday: Hólaland - Kóreksstaðir - Útnyrðingsstaðir
Our last day of riding brings us along the mountains towering above River Lagarfljót. We ride through green valleys, along bushy hillsides, across glittering rivers and through Sandaskörð pass into the fertile farmland. Our horses return to Kóreksstaðir Farm and we drive to Útnyrðings¬staðir farm, where we spend the night. On our way to the farm we stop at the Egilsstaðir swimming pool. (35 km)
Saturday: Útnyrðingsstaðir – Egilsstaðir – Reykjavík
Flight back to Reykjavík in the morning with arrival at approx. 10:30 at Reykjavík Domestic Airport. Overnight stay in a hotel in Reykjavík.
Sunday: Departure from Iceland – Reykjavík – Keflavík Airport
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
subject to change
Meeting:
Keflavik Airport
Airport:
Keflavik Airport
Transfer:
Keflavik Airport before 4 pm
Arrival time at the airport on Day 1 needs to be no later than 4 pm. The first night is spent in the East.
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Tack:
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Icelandic
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Horses:
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Icelandic Horses
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Pace:
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Moderate to fast. Daily rides are between 4 - 7 hours (30 - 50 km).
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4.5
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
8 riders
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Max
12 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.
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:
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, Luxembour. 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. Never-the-less 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.
| … 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!) |
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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 clothes 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.) |
| Towel |
| 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.
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Double rooms in a hotel in Reykjavík, a guesthouse and a holiday farm during the riding tour.
Bathroom facilities are shared but a shower is available every night.
Participants praise our meals, which consist of traditional Icelandic food (fish and lamb dishes). Vegetarian meals are available upon request.
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.
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.
|
Tack:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Icelandic Horses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate to fast. Daily rides are between 4 - 7 hours (30 - 50 km).
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4.5
out of 5) Strong Intermediate
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
8 riders
|
Max
12 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.
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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Eastern Symphony - Horses and Puffins
Tour Code: IT-ICRT20
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,685.00
Difficulty :
Lodging: 
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Icelandic
Horses:
Icelandic Horses
Pace:
Moderate to fast. Daily rides are betw...
Walk, Trot, Canter, Gallop,
Airport:
Keflavik Airport
Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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