Iceland: Driving a herd of Icelandic horses
From 2.522 €

Iceland: Driving a herd of Icelandic horses

holiday package
Created: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Ref ID: 21047141
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.522 €
Based on 2 adults
Itinerary
Tours
More pictures (5)

Day 1: Hvammur

Do you want to ride horses in Iceland? Imagine a herd of wild and free horses galloping along the slopes of their summer pastures, returning to their owners. Mares with their foals, young horses, and herd leaders, who are reluctantly torn from their freedom to be taken elsewhere to await the cold winter... This ancient tradition is still alive and intact only in the north of Iceland. You will ride alongside the farmers in this autumn adventure and celebrate with them the return of the healthy horses to the farm, with the traditional dance called “réttardansleikur,” which we are invited to participate in if we wish.
You will traverse enchanted landscapes: valleys set ablaze with autumn colors, reds and yellows dominating the scene, the deep blue of mountain lakes, and the cold rock of the Kolugljúfur gorge. Legend has it that a troll woman lived in these gorges... and the proportions make us believe there may be some truth to this legend...
The day after the horses' return will be dedicated to sorting, and each horse will be returned to its rightful owner. This is what is called a “round-up,” an authentic experience, not a tourist tour – you will be part of the reality of these lands. We cannot guarantee sunshine and good weather, as Iceland's weather during this season can offer both sunny days or heavy rain. Be prepared for a truly unique experience that requires adaptability and the ability to spend long hours in the saddle in potentially harsh weather conditions!

ITALY/REYKJAVIK/HVAMMUR (-/-/D)
Plan for an independent transfer from Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Reykjavik. The meeting with the guides will take place between 7:30 and 8:30 AM (at the BSI bus station). Please consider booking a night’s accommodation (ask for a quote for your overnight stay). Be ready with your riding gear. A bus transfer will take us to Hvammur, where we will meet our guide and horses. We will then ride through the Vatnsdalur Valley, passing the impressive Hvammsfoss waterfall. We will leave the horses near the village of Stóra and return by vehicle to the farm in Hvammur (about 20 minutes) for dinner and overnight stay.


Day 2: Hvammur

B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will meet our horses again and ride along the shores of the beautiful Lake Húnavatn, then along the banks of the Laxá á Ásum river, continuing toward the village of Blönduós. Here we will cross a bridge over the glacier-fed Blanda river and continue to the Björnsólfsstaðir farm in the Langadalur valley (about 30 km). Dinner and overnight stay.


Day 3: Hvammur

B/L/D)
Today will be an exciting day: we will meet with the farmers who have been up in the mountains for the past few days rounding up the herds of horses to bring them down from the pastures. Hundreds of horses will arrive, and we will help keep them together and headed in the right direction. We will witness the celebration of this day. Optional “Stóðréttardansleikur” dance (for an extra fee) in Blönduós, during which everyone celebrates another "round-up." Dinner and overnight stay at a local farm.


Day 4: Hvammur

B/L/D)
Our day will begin at the gathering point of the horses, Skrapatungurétt, from where they will be divided and returned to their respective owners. An incredible mix of excitement and confusion. Final dinner and overnight stay at a local farm.


Day 5:

REYKJAVIK/ITALY (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we will head south toward the capital, arriving around 1:00 PM. From the bus station, you can independently transfer to the airport (plan for a flight departing in the evening), or upon request, a night’s accommodation can be arranged.

Note: The itinerary above is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty Level: From ° to °°°°°
DURATION: 5 days / 4 nights
DIFFICULTY: °°°° (EXPERIENCED)
ACCOMMODATION: Local farms
EQUIPMENT: Icelandic saddle and tack with saddlebags for lunch, water, and camera
HORSES: Icelandic horses, the original "Viking" horse, known since the 19th century, whose collaboration allowed humans to settle this territory. This breed has unique features such as its medium size, long thick mane, and special "tölt" gait, which is very fast. Despite its wild spirit, due to still living in the wild today, this horse is able to establish a unique bond and camaraderie with its rider.
RIDE TIME: 4 to 6 hours in the saddle. Moderate paces with long trots (tölt). You will experience the unique sensation of riding with the herd.
WHAT TO BRING: A helmet and waterproof poncho will be available locally for those who don’t have them. As the weather can be unpredictable, we recommend layering your clothing. It is important to protect the health of the native horses, and the Icelandic Veterinary Authority encourages thorough cleaning of equipment to prevent the introduction of equine diseases.
TYPE: Itinerary with overnight stays at local farms
ACCOMMODATION:
4 nights at local farms in rooms typically shared by two or four people. A family-like and friendly atmosphere.
Varied local cuisine, with main dishes based on lamb or fish. A vegetarian menu can be prepared if notified in advance. Each rider will prepare a packed lunch at breakfast to be consumed during the midday break.

Guaranteed shared departure dates, minimum 1 person departing from Italy:
From 11/09 to 15/09
From 25/09 to 29/09
From 01/10 to 05/10

PARTICIPANTS: MIN 8 MAX 16

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.522 €
Based on 2 adults
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This idea includes
Destinations 2
Accommodations 1
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Included
All meals as per the program
Transfer from/to Reykjavik to the meeting point with the horses
Support vehicles
4 overnight stays in local farms
4 days of horseback riding (4-6 hours per day)
Horses and equipment provided
Experienced English-speaking guide of the area
Medical assistance insurance, medical repatriation, baggage damage

Excluded
International flights to/from Reykjavik
Transfer to/from the airport
Possible extra nights
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, drinks, tips, personal extras
Everything not specified in the "the fee includes" section
Cancellation Coverage
Accommodation
- Fattoria