Horse Round Up 2010
6 days / 5 nights / 4 riding days, Reykjavik - Mt. Helgafell - Lake Húnavatn - Laxárdalur - Skrapatungurétt - Hvammur - Reykjavik | Imagine free and spirited horses coming down from their highland summer pastures towards the inhabited areas 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. This is a sight you will never forget! Join the farmers in this great adventure of the fall and participate in driving the herd, sorting the horses and celebrating the successful return of horses and men. The variety of terrain includes the highlands, green valleys, blue lakes and an exciting ride crossing Lake Húnavatn. You get to ride through untouched nature and get an excellent insight into the life of the Icelandic farmer and how he handles his horses. Your hosts Haukur and his wife Sonja will surely do their best to make your trip an unforgettable adventure.
| Departure | Wednesday September 15th |
| Price | $1,725 per person in double room |
| Included | 5 nights accommodation in shared rooms Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily Hotel taxes and service fees During the ride full board is included, along with water and coffee/tea Dinners, from day 2 Lunch packs (riders make their own from breakfast table) Full guidance, English and Scandinavian speaking Use of saddle bags, rain wear, riding helmet and sleeping bag (when necessary) |
| Not Included | Airfare & Airport taxes Gratuities Personal insurance / personal items Alcoholic beverages $25 Service fee |
| Please Note | Hotel accommodation in Reykjavík 2 - 4 bed units at the farm. Group size: Max. 16 guests Meeting place: Keflavík International Airport We recommend ending your tour with a stay at the Northern Lights Inn, ideally nestled into the lava fields at the Blue Lagoon. Visit the Blue Lagoon in the evening and/or the following morning prior to your afternoon departure from the Keflavik Airport. Our partners in Iceland have been a leading, fully licensed tour operator for almost 25 years. The tours introduce the traditional way of traveling in Iceland and support nature, culture and the economy of each district we cover. They were rewarded with the Environmental Award by the Icelandic Tourist Board in 2001 and is a Green Globe Affiliate. |
| Tour Options | Viking Adventure Tour, 2 days Additional nights in Reykjavik Additional sight seeing Blue Lagoon with transfer to Keflavik Airport East Greenland Excursion, 1 - 3 days Extending your stay in Reykjavik We offer an extensive range for 2, 3 and 4 star accommodation in Iceland's capital city and a wide range of Iceland excursions throughout the country. |
Day 1 ARRIVAL REYKJAVIK (D) Transfer from Keflavik Airport to the Íshestar Riding Centre. Make sure your flight arrives not later then 16:00 to be able to participate in an introductional riding tour to Mt. Helgafell Volcano. (Clients arriving earlier that day are picked up upon arrival, driven to the guesthouse and picked up at the guesthouse 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 guesthouse in Reykjavík. (10 km)
Day 2 THINGEYRAR - RODULL - HVAMMUR
(B, L, D) We drive to the North and meet guides and horses at Thingeyrar Farm, a place of great historic importance. We follow the expensive salmon fishing river Laxá á Ásum and end our ride at Farm Röðull where Haukur's grandfather lives. He is known for his storytelling and warm personality. Overnight stay at Hvammur Farm, the home of Sonja and Haukur, where we stay during this tour (30 km).
Day 3 LAXARDALUR - SKRAPATUNGURETT
(B, L, D) 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. (35 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.
Day 4 SKRAPATUNGURETT - HVAMMUR
(B, L, D) 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. After dinner at Hvammur, nearby farmers will join us for a farewell party after this great tour. (25 km)
Day 5 REYKJAVIK - BLUE LAGOON (B, L, D) After breakfast departure from the North and return to Reykjavík. We visit a factory outlet with woolen goods on our way. Approx. arrival at the guesthouse at 14:00. We offer an optional bus drive to the Blue Lagoon for a swim in the blue-colored, mineral rich water (not included in the tour price).
Day 6 DEPARTURE (B) Transfer to Keflavik Airport in time for the return flight home.
Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for this ride.
For those interested in more riding days, we suggest our popular 2-day Viking Adventure Tour
before this tour, or maybe you would like to add some riding days at the farm before the tour starts? Please contact us for more information.