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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Iceland
Intro to Iceland
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Also see:
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Horseback in:
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Europe Overview
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Arctic Coast Ride
Northern Tours
Iceland
Ride in one of the most remote parts of Iceland.
There is a lot of diversity in this tour starting with beautiful mountain views from the wide Öxarfjörður Fjord and continuing onto the Peninsula of Melrakkaslétta, which stretches almost to the Arctic Circle and is a paradise for birdwatchers and people with geological interest.
From mid-June to mid-July this area is “home” to the Midnight Sun which sends its golden light over the deep fjords of North Iceland.
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Ride with Gaited Horses
Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Reykjavík City Airport
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Airport:
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Keflavík International Airport
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Transfer:
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Reykjavík City Airport
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Riders:
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Max
17 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2024
Rates include*:
Accommodation, 7 Riding days, All meals & Local transfers
| A | 2024 | 8 day trip | 8d / 7n | €2790 | $3070 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2024
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Meet at Flugfélagið Ernir in Reykjavík airport for 7:30 am on Day 1
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€
0
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$0
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2024
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Extra fee for vegan & gluten-free diet
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€
100
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$110
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Meet at Flugfélagið Ernir in Reykjavík airport, pick up between 06:30 – 07:30 am
Rates do not include:
Drinks & Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival & Ride to Presthólar
Meeting place is at Flugfélagið Ernir (Eagle Air) in Reykjavík airport at 07:30 am or we can pick you up at a BSI bus stop in Reykjavik (pick up between 06:30 – 07:30 am / Please let us know what you prefer).
Please dress already in riding clothes and bring your passport or other identification for your domestic flight.
After our flight to Húsavík and we drive to Bjarnastaðir farm. There, where we meet up with the guides and horses and have lunch. After a short introduction to the horses, we set out through Kerlingaskógur´s low bushes and enjoy great views over the Öxarfjörður Fjord and the famous Lake Skjálftavatn which suddenly appeared overnight after a strong earthquake 28 years ago. During our ride to Presthólar, we stop at Tungurétt round-up place and Kvíar (Fjárborgir) Canyon. We leave the horses in Presthólar and drive back to the farm. On our way, we stop at Lundur swimming pool.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm
Day 2: Presthólar to Blikalón
We drive to the horses and once back in the saddle,we head north, enjoying the soft tracks of the Melrakkaslétta plains. The name Melrakki derives from an almost forgotten word for "fox". This area is a paradise for birds and well known for its fantastic nature, beautiful lakes filled with trout and rich vegetation. We finish the day by riding down the Blikalónsdalur valley, leaving the horses at Blikalón and driving to Bjarnastaðir farm for the night.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm
Day 3: Blikalón to Raufarhöfn
During this riding day along the coast, we stop at Hraunhafnarviti Lighthouse, only 3 km away from the Arctic Circle. Today's ride ends at Raufarhöfn village. Most of the 250 inhabitants of this small village live of traditional fishing and we will take a good look at their way of life.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm
Day 4: Raufarhöfn to Flautafell
Today we ride towards Flautafell farm which draws its name from the mountain Flautafell. Flautafell farm is an old abandoned farmhouse. It is about 65 meters above sea level with beautiful nature all around.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm
Day 5: Sightseeing around Langanes
This is a rest day for the horses so we head out on a fun bus tour to Langanes peninsula. The peninsula is known for its rich bird life and stunning nature with rock stacks in the sea.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm
Day 6: Flautafell to Bjarnastaðir
We meet our horses where we left them at Flautafell and head towards Bjarnastaðir over Öxarfjarðar heath. We ride about 500m above sea level.
Around 1850 there were lots of farms in the region but all were abandoned after the volcanic eruption in 1875.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm
Day 7: Bjarnastaðir to Jökulsárgljúfur
On this adventurous day, we ride beside the majestic Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. The canyon is part of the Vatnajökull glacier national park. Through the canyon, you can see the longest glacier river in Iceland Jökulsá flowing from Vatnajökull glacier. We will stop at a perfect photo stop where you can see the whole canyon behind you.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm
Day 8: Departure
Before we say goodbye to horses and drive to Húsavík airport to catch the flight to Reykjavik we will ride to Ásbyrgi canyon. This wonder of nature is a horseshoe-shaped canyon. The old saga says that the god Odin from northern mythology rode his giant horse Sleipnir who stepped down on the ground and formed this shoe print.
Arrival in Reykjavík in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Meeting:
Reykjavík City Airport
Airport:
Keflavík International Airport
Transfer:
Reykjavík City Airport
Meet at Flugfélagið Ernir in Reykjavík airport, pick up between 06:30 – 07:30 am
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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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Approx 3-6 hours in the saddle per riding day
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Level:
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(3.5
out of 5) Strong intermediate
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Weight:
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Max
242 lbs / 110 kg
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Riders:
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Max
17 riders
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Riding Experience
This tour is a great riding experience that is suitable for
Riding Gear – Disinfect!
Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to disinfected at least 5 days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature!
We provide saddle bags, rain wear and safety helmet.
Tack & Riding Style
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different then the tack ordinarily used for other breeds.
The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps keeping the saddle in place. Riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to English riding style, but stirrups are worn long.
Bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.
The Farmers
The real connoisseurs of the local terrain and history. We make sure that each tour has its own charm and is organized by the local expert, the farmer, and his family. They use their own horses and ride through the part of the country they know so well.
Our farmers have over 30 years of experience in leading riding groups through Iceland.
Herd of Horses
On this ride, you will be riding several days (except for two days) with a free running herd of horses. Herding along free running horses is the traditional way of travelling in Iceland, since horses are changed at least once a day on longer tours. You get to ride a variety of horses.
Horses
The Icelandic horse is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour. Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience. The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience.
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
Akureyri area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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35
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36
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37
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42
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50
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56
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59
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58
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52
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43
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38
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36
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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23
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24
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26
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30
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37
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43
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46
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46
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40
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33
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27
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24
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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2
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2
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3
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6
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10
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13
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15
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14
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11
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6
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3
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2
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-5
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-5
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-4
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-1
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3
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6
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8
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8
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4
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1
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-3
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-5
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Iceland enjoys a much milder climate than its name and location adjacent to the Arctic Circle would imply. A branch of the Gulf Stream flows along the southern and the western coast greatly moderating the climate. However, the climate can change very quickly. Generally speaking, the south-western part of Iceland receives more rainfall than the rest of the country. The Arctic Circle in only 60 km north of Akureyri but still the climate is mild, with summer temperatures up to 25°C and winter temperatures in average around 0˚C.
Summer (May to September)
The first half of this period the sun stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours. However, even during the middle of summer the sky can be cloudy or overcast and in that case, the air is usually cool and cold during nighttime.
Winter
The winter season sees long nights and severe winter storms. However, the silence of the frozen expanse and the dance of the Aurora Borealis on a clear night sky draw an increasing number of tourists.
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 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.
We recommend not too much luggage on the tour and you can leave extra luggage at the guesthouse if you want to.
You should be ready for all kinds of weather as the weather can change very quickly.
We recommend that the following items are included when preparing for our longer tours.
• Knee high riding boots - water resistant/ waterproof
• 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 against chafing).
• For the ladies – sports bra.
• Riding trousers.
• Track suit.
• A pair of slippers to wear in the accommodation (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house).
• Swim suits, towels, soap etc.
• A small camera to take with you on the ride.
• Band aids and second skin plasters for chaffing.
• Insect repellent, gnat net head cover.
• Chocolate or glucose sweets for strenuous riding days.
• Sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor).
• Sunglasses.
• For those with sensitive eyes/contact lenses, goggles.
• Sleeping bag
• Small pillow to sleep on.
• Ear plugs. Some people snore!
Disinfecting of the riding gear
It is important to follow the regulation regarding the disinfecting of used riding clothes. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which can not be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland's fragile nature! For further information please take a look at: http://www.mast.is/english/frontpage/import-export/import/ridingequipment/
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.
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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Accommodation
This is a stationary ride so you will be staying at the same accommodation every night.
Description
Bjarnastaðir Farm is located in the low bushy area of Kerlingaskógur, close to the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum and Dettifoss Waterfall. You will enjoy great view over the Fjord Öxarfjörður and the famous Lake Skjálftavatn which suddenly appeared over night after a strong earthquake 28 years ago.
The farm has 23 beds and 4 showers. There is an outdoor jacuzzi where guests can relax in the evening.
There is Wi-Fi internet and cell service available at the farm.
Room Occupancy
Single rooms are not available on this trip.
Meals
During the ride full board is provided.
The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb).
All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought at a reasonable price in the Duty Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival.
Dietary restrictions
Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
Icelandic
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Icelandic Horses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Approx 3-6 hours in the saddle per riding day
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
out of 5) Strong intermediate
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
242 lbs / 110 kg
|
|
Riders:
|
|
|
Max
17 riders
|
|
Riding Experience
This tour is a great riding experience that is suitable for
Riding Gear – Disinfect!
Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to disinfected at least 5 days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature!
We provide saddle bags, rain wear and safety helmet.
Tack & Riding Style
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different then the tack ordinarily used for other breeds.
The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps keeping the saddle in place. Riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to English riding style, but stirrups are worn long.
Bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.
The Farmers
The real connoisseurs of the local terrain and history. We make sure that each tour has its own charm and is organized by the local expert, the farmer, and his family. They use their own horses and ride through the part of the country they know so well.
Our farmers have over 30 years of experience in leading riding groups through Iceland.
Herd of Horses
On this ride, you will be riding several days (except for two days) with a free running herd of horses. Herding along free running horses is the traditional way of travelling in Iceland, since horses are changed at least once a day on longer tours. You get to ride a variety of horses.
Horses
The Icelandic horse is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour. Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience. The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience.
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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Arctic Coast Ride
Tour Code:
IT-ICRT19
8 days /
7 nights
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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