Iceland : Snaefellsnes - Magic and Mystery

For riders Snaefellsnes holds many delights and challenges with mighty lava fields contrasting with wide-open, sandy beaches where only the tide sets a limit to the freedom of horses and riders. It is also an area believe to hold mystic powers and provided the inspiration for Jules Verne’s novel, ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’.

Rich in Icelandic folklore, a number of the famous Sagas originate from this spectacular area and the country’s most famous outlaw found the curious landforms afforded him an ideal hideout.

Ride through fertile farmlands and along good riding tracks to a farm with a history dating back to medieval times. Throughout the course of the week, you’ll ride through colourful mountains and along low bushy hillsides, vast lava fields that lead to soft ashen tracks and into high tuff mountains. The latter leaves the impression of riding on the moon and gives little doubt as to how Jules Verne found his inspiration.

One of the highlights of this tour is the ride along the shoreline of Longufjorur. In full view of majestic Snaefellsjokull, traverse the beach at low tide on a trail that is as thrilling for the horse as for the rider. At Eldborgarhraun the gold sand turns black as the volcanic lava merges with the sea.

Should you wish to spend an afternoon out of the saddle, it is possible to join a guided tour (at additional cost) along the coast towards the quaint fishing villages of Arnastapi and Hellnar. Lying in view of Snaefellsjokull explore the beautiful bird cliffs along the shoreline and learn about the area’s intriguing folklore.

Your hosts own a sizeable collection of well-trained horses and whether your preference is for an easy going mount or a more spirited one, you can be sure to find the right horse to suit. Six nights are spent in comfortable accommodation with shared facilities, with access to an outside hot tub on several nights. One night is spent in guesthouse accommodation in Reykjavik at both the beginning and end of the holiday.