Iceland : Horse Round Up

Day 1 arrive at Keflavik airport and transfer to the Ishestar Riding Center for an introductory riding tour to Mt. Helgafell Volcano. Afterwards enjoy a light supper of traditional Icelandic soup together with a briefing of the rest of the tour. Transfer to your accommodation in Reykjavik.

Day 2 Drive to Hvammur Farm, where we meet guides and horses. 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.

Day 3 Today we start our ride along the shore of Lake Húnavatn, follow the 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.

Day 4 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.

Day 5 Our day starts at the round up place Skrapatungurétt where horses are rounded up. Experience the excitement and view beautiful horses while joining in this great event. We participate in returning some of the horses to their meadows at their home farms. Dinner at Hvammur Farm.

Day 6 After breakfast leave the North and return to Reykjavík. Visit a factory outlet with woollen goods on the way. Arrive at the hotel at about 14:00. For those interested we can arrange for a visit to the Blue Lagoon (available at an extra charge).

Day 7 transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight to the UK.