Horse riding holidays in Iceland, trail rides, horseback riding
DoppelReiter-Reisen
your tour operator for individual riding and farm holidays
deutsch english

Trail rides in Iceland

Riding in a fast four-beat gait through the fascinating landscape of the volcanic island…

trail rides horseback riding in Iceland

Experience...

... the forces of nature on an exceptionally reliable and spirited horse, the Icelandic Horse!

At a good pace you fly along an undescribable nature scenery. With a fluttering mane your Icelandic Horse is tölting through the rough countryside and gives you the feeling of floating… with the wind in your face and the sound of the hooves in your ear you would like to stop the time to enjoy this moment to the maximum…

You have the possibility to chose your favourite ride out of many different offers:

For good riders:
1. Midsummer in Iceland
2. Trail ride through the Austur-valley
3. Saga trail
4. Highlights part 1
5. Highlights part 2
6. The horse round up

For very good riders:
7. Trail ride through the Highlands
8. The sheep round up

Also suitable for beginners:
 9. Beginner trips
10. Ride & discover


* according to weather conditions or unexpected occurences the program can or must be changed; but the journey will always keep its character.

trail riding

midsummer holidays Iceland

Icelandic horse tours


  horseback riding Iceland

  Icelandic horses travel


1. Midsummer in Iceland

Experience Iceland in the magic period of Midsummer...

Sample itinerary*:

Day 1, Monday:
Pick-up in Varmahlið (or arrival by rental car) and room allocation; becoming acquainted with people and horses and first ride. Enjoy your first tölt in the homeland of the Icelandic horse! Convivial evening with a german-icelandic dinner.

Day 2, Tuesday:
Extensive breakfast; afterwards we start a 5-hours ride along a riding path, where in the past people rode to assemblies. We have a picnic, enjoy the view on the fjord, the mountains and the glacier river and ride back to our farm on soft paths.

Day 3, Wednesday:
This morning we go for a nice ride through the surrounding area - in the afternoon there is time to relax. In the evening we drive to the sea to take a bath in a natural hot pot. We listen to stories of "Grettir the strong". We hope for good weather, so we can enjoy some unforgettable hours in the Midsummer sun.

Day 4, Thursday:
Today we leave the civilization and start a two-day-ride in the afternoon. We pass a picturesque valley with a river, several waterfalls and formations of basalt, where we only meet sheep and birds. On an abandoned farm we stay for the night. During the night walk to a gorge nearby we hear legends of this valley from long ago...

Day 5, Friday:
Invigorated by the breakfast and a recreative night we roundup our horses. On the ride back home you can feel the pleasant anticipation of the horses; we totally enjoy their speed!

Day 6, Saturday:
After a good breakfast we go on an excursion by car into the Austur-valley. After leaving the last inhabited farm behind us, we drive along the forested canyon of the glacier river to an abandoned farm, where we have a rest. Today we are accompanied by lots of legends about this fantastic region from long ago, that still affect us during todays´ highlight... the midnight ride!

Day 7, Sunday:
After our last breakfast we start our journey home.


For more impressions visit our gallery "Iceland "!

 

Included:
•  Pick-up at the public bus station in Varmahlið
•  Accomodation (5 nights) in double or three-bedded-rooms at the farm (shared bathrooms)
•  Accomodation (1 night) in a simple hut during the two-day-ride
•  Full board including breakfast buffet, packed lunch or cold snack and warm dinner
•  Different non-alcoholic drinks
•  Transfers during the program
•  German and english speaking host and mostly german and english speaking guiding
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person: € 950,--

Additional costs:
•  costs for the journey

Date 2010:
21.06.-27.06.2010

General information and requirements


to the top


horseback riding holidays Iceland

* according to weather conditions or unexpected occurences the program can or must be changed; but the journey will always keep its character.

holidays Icelandic horses

farm holidays horse

2. Trail ride through the Austur-valley

Experience a piece of Iceland`s past on horseback...

Sample itinerary*:

Day 1, Monday:
Pick-up in Varmahlið (or arrival by rental car) and room allocation; becoming acquainted with people and horses and first ride. Enjoy your first tölt in the homeland of the Icelandic horse! Convivial evening with a german-icelandic dinner.

Day 2, Tuesday:
After breakfast we start our ride into the Austur-valley. Today we ride along the two glacier rivers Austari and Vestari Jökulsá, take a break at Hot Pots and enjoy the fantastic view over the Skagafjörður.
Our horses spend the night at the only farm in the valley that is still inhabited, while we go back to our farm.

Day 3, Wednesday:
We ride along the accreted gorge of the glacier river and passing a bridge we reach a romantic little church. In a wonderful scenery we continue our ride along the valley. In the evening we bring our horses to an abandoned farm, take care of them and get back to our well-deserved dinner at the farm.

Day 4, Thursday:
A highlight of this trail is the todays` transition of the gorge of Merkigil. During the climbs up and down we lead our horses, but we will be rewarded for our efforts with a wonderful picnic place in the gorge.

Day 5, Friday:
Today we start our ride back home. Our horses feel the approach of their farm and spoil us with a speedy tölt through the beautiful landscape.

Day 6, Saturday:
After our last breakfast we start our journey home.


For more impressions visit our gallery "Iceland "!

 

Included:
•  Pick-up at the public bus station in Varmahlið
•  Accomodation (5 nights) in double or three-bedded-rooms at the farm (shared bathrooms)
•  Full board including breakfast buffet, packed lunch or cold snack and warm dinner
•  Different non-alcoholic drinks
•  Transfers during the program
•  German and english speaking host and mostly german and english speaking guiding
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person: € 860,--

Additional costs:
•  costs for the journey

Dates 2010:
12.07.-17.07.2010
16.08.-21.08.2010

General information and requirements

to the top



Midsummer Iceland horse riding

* according to weather conditions or unexpected occurences the program can or must be changed; but the journey will always keep its character.

riding and discovering

family holidays animals

holiday riding group

3. Saga trail

Enjoy Iceland with a combination of sagas, excursions and rides...

Sample itinerary*:

Day 1, Monday:
Pick-up in Varmahlið (or arrival by rental car) and room allocation; becoming acquainted with people and horses and first ride. Enjoy your first tölt in the homeland of the Icelandic horse! Convivial evening with a german-icelandic dinner.

Day 2, Tuesday:
Extensive breakfast; afterwards we start a 5-hours ride along a riding path, where in the past people rode to assemblies. We have a picnic, enjoy the view on the fjord, the mountains and the glacier river and ride back to the farm on soft paths.

Day 3, Wednesday:
This day is completely dedicated to our fjord – the Skagafjörður. Amongst others we visit Holar, the former bishop`s see and nowadays location of the University of Agriculture, a turf church and a small fishing village with colourful houses and formations of basalt near the harbour. Finally we visit the capital of our Fjord - Saudarkrokur - before we drive back to the farm.

Day 4, Thursday:
Today we leave the civilization and start a two-day-ride. We pass a picturesque valley with a river, several waterfalls and formations of basalt, where we only meet sheep and birds. On an abandoned farm we stay for the night.
During the night walk to a gorge nearby we hear legends of this valley from long ago...

Day 5, Friday:
Invigorated by the breakfast and a recreative night we roundup our horses. On the ride back home you can feel the pleasant anticipation of the horses; we totally enjoy their speed!

Day 6, Saturday:
Today we ride through our valley, always along the river Svartá with its soft paths, which invite to speedy tölts. Afterwards we go by car into the Austur-valley. After having left behind the last inhabited farm, we drive along the deep forested canyon of the glacier river to an abandoned farm, where we take a break. Today we are accompanied by lots of legends about this fantastic region from long ago!

Day 7, Sunday:
After our last breakfast we start our journey home.


For more impressions visit our gallery "Iceland "!

 

Included:
•  Pick-up at the public bus station in Varmahlið
•  Accomodation (5 nights) in double or three-bedded-rooms at the farm (shared bathrooms)
•  Accomodation (1 night) in a simple hut during the two-day-ride
•  Full board including breakfast buffet, packed lunch or cold snack and warm dinner
•  Different non-alcoholic drinks
•  Transfers during the program
•  German and english speaking host and mostly german and english speaking guiding
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person: € 950,--

Additional costs:
•  costs for the journey

Dates 2010:
19.07.-25.07.2010

General information and requirements

to the top



morning mood Iceland

* according to weather conditions or unexpected occurences the program can or must be changed; but the journey will always keep its character.

trail riding Iceland

Iceland on horseback

horseback riding holidays

riding and museum Iceland

4. Highlights part 1

This program shows the guests some of the highlights of this region - on horseback as well as by car. The main parts are a two day ride into the Highlands and a sightseeing tour to the fishing village Siglufjördur including a visit of the herring museum!

Sample itinerary *:

Day 1, Monday:
Pick-up in Varmahlið (or arrival by rental car) and room allocation; becoming acquainted with people and horses and first ride. Enjoy your first tölt in the homeland of the Icelandic horse! Convivial evening with a german-icelandic dinner.

Day 2, Tuesday:
Today's ride goes along a very old bridle path made accessible again in 2008. On this historical path the farmers of the surrounding farms rode to the Þing (council) in the Þinghús (parish hall). We have a wonderful view over the fjord and we tölt on soft paths through the past. After our picnic we continue along a glacier river until we reach the tournament location Vindheimamelar. There we leave our horses and drive back to the farm by car to have a good dinner.

Day 3, Wednesday:
After breakfast we drive back to our horses - maybe we will have the possibility to ride on the oval track of the tournament location before heading back to our farm passing the waterfall Reykjafoss. In the evening we again enjoy our dinner.

Day 4, Thursday:
Today we give our horses a day of rest and discover our fjord by minibus. We drive along an ancient mountain pass heading towards Siglufjördur. This road nowadays is well developed and gives great impressions passing directly along the Atlantic. Siglufjördur has once been capital of the herring and we go visiting the inventive and awarded museum of the herring. After enjoying maritime air at the new built harbour we drive back to the farm and enjoy our dinner in the evening.

Day 5, Friday:
This is an exciting day! We start our two day ride into the Highlands. We ride onto the mountain Goðdalafjall and cross a very versatile landscape, which is formed by rocks, lava, sand and heathland. If we have clear weather, up here we have a wonderful view onto the glacier Hofsjökull. Our destination is a new built hut, that is situated right on top of the deep canyon of a glacier river. Who wants to can go for a walk to the canyon before or after dinner. Afterwards we will spend a convivial evening in the cozy and comfortable mountain hut.

Day 6, Saturday:
After breakfast we pack our bags again and saddle our rested horses. On the way back we enjoy the view from the "roof of the world" onto our fjord. On our right side passes the glacier river, which goes into the Vestur-valley. As soon as we get back to civilization, our horses feel the closeness of their home and carry us in a happy tölt back home.

Day 7, Sunday:
After our last breakfast we start our journey home.

 

For more impressions visit our gallery "Iceland "!

 

Included:
•  Pick-up at the public bus station in Varmahlið
•  Accomodation (5 nights) in double or three-bedded-rooms at the farm (shared bathrooms)
•  Accomodation (1 night) in a simple hut during the two-day-ride into the Highlands
•  Full board including breakfast buffet, packed lunch or cold snack and warm dinner
•  Different non-alcoholic drinks
•  Transfers during the program
•  German and english speaking host and mostly german and english speaking guiding
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person: € 950,--

Additional costs:
•  costs for the journey

Dates 2010:
05.07.-11.07.2010
09.08.-15.08.2010

General information and requirements

to the top



horseback riding Highlands

* according to weather conditions or unexpected occurences the program can or must be changed; but the journey will always keep its character.

travel Iceland

Icelandic landscape

farm holidays

horses for sale Iceland

5. Highlights part 2

The main part of this program is a three day ride into the Vestur-valley! Experience many different faces of the wonderful North Icelandic region!

Sample itinerary*:

Day 1, Monday:
Pick-up in Varmahlið (or arrival by rental car) and room allocation; becoming acquainted with people and horses and first ride. Enjoy your first tölt in the homeland of the Icelandic horse! Convivial evening with a german-icelandic dinner.

Day 2, Tuesday:
Extensive breakfast; afterwards we start a 5-hours ride along a riding path, where in the past people rode to assemblies. We have a picnic, enjoy the view on the fjord, the mountains and the glacier river and ride back to the farm on soft paths.

Day 3, Wednesday:
We get ready for our three day ride into the Vestur-valley. We ride through the last inhabited kilometers of our valley until we reach our picnic place, a very old hurdling, used for sorting sheep. Then we continue through a picturesque valley with a river, formations of basalt, fairy hills and several small waterfalls. We left the civilization and reach an abandoned farm, where we stay for the night. A small simple hut is at our disposal, right next to the ancient turf house. We should not miss out to go for a long walk into the surroundings. The canyon of the river nearby is incredibly beautiful. Hearing the stories about this valley from long ago gives us another strong impression of this place.

Day 4, Thursday:
We keep on riding further into the Vestur-valley. The landscape of the narrow valley is terrific, because it is formed by a canyon. At the end of the valley we reach the ruins of a dwelling. In the vernacular it is called Klaustur and is declared a historic monument. According to history it was an abbey 1000 years ago. Enormous rocky walls enclose this unique place and gives it a very special atmosphere. The hours spent in this valley will stay in your memory for a long time!

Day 5, Friday:
Invigorated by the breakfast and a recreative night we roundup our horses. On the ride back home you can feel the pleasant anticipation of the horses; we totally enjoy their speed! In the evening we enjoy the comfort of civilization and a good dinner!

Day 6, Saturday:
We saddle our rested horses and enjoy a last speedy ride in tölt on soft paths along the Svartá. In the afternoon we drive to the sea and take a bath in the Grettislaug, a natural hot pot. We listen to the stories of Grettir the strong and enjoy the warm water at this beautiful place. In the evening we will exchange our impressions of the week and enjoy the dinner for the last time.

Day 7, Sunday:
After our last breakfast we start our journey home.

 

For more impressions visit our gallery "Iceland "!

 

Included:
•  Pick-up at the public bus station in Varmahlið
•  Accomodation (4 nights) in double or three-bedded-rooms at the farm (shared bathrooms)
•  Accomodation (2 nights) in a simple hut during the three-day-ride
•  Full board including breakfast buffet, packed lunch or cold snack and warm dinner
•  different non-alcoholic drinks
•  Transfers during the program
•  German and english speaking host and mostly german and english speaking guiding
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person: € 950,--

Additional costs:
•  costs for the journey

Date 2010:
26.07.-01.08.2010

General information and requirements

to the top



horse round up Iceland

* Because of the late season this program gets adapted to the weather situation. That` s why it doesn´t require such high abilities of the riders like the sheep round up.

tölt in Iceland

horse round up

Icelandic horses

6. The horse round up

Is there anything more exciting for a horse lover than riding with a huge herd of freely running horses?

Preliminary program*:

Day 1, Monday:
Pick-up in Varmahlið (or arrival by rental car) and room allocation; becoming acquainted with people and horses and first ride. Enjoy your first tölt in the homeland of the Icelandic horse! Convivial evening with a german-icelandic dinner.

Day 2, Tuesday:
After breakfast we discover the surroundings on horseback. Afterwards we go on an excursion deeply into our valley, which will be accompanied by stories from people who lived here long ago...

Day 3, Wednesday:
In the morning we practice to round up the horses. Afterwards we leave for bringing back our own herd from the mountains. The view of the freely running herd in front of us is unforgettable... Back at the farm we inspect our horses and get as well inspected thoroughly by them…

Day 4, Thursday:
This morning we go on a ride through the surrounding area. In the afternoon we go visiting our Fjord. We start to get really excited about the coming horse round up...

Day 5, Friday:
In the morning we go on a relaxed ride through the surroundings. In the afternoon we drive to Sauðárkrókur to see the horse show there. This evening different awards are assigned, e.g. for the best rider, the best breeder or the most successful breeding horse of this year. Not only for Icelandic Horse-lovers this event is a very special possibility to immerse into icelandic horse culture!

Day 6, Saturday:
Today is the big day of the horse round up. Together with the icelandic farmers and other interested persons we ride into the Kolbeins-valley to round up about 600 horses and bring them into the hurdling. Hundreds of freely moving horses... the sound of thousands of hooves... you will be stunned!
The horse round up in Iceland is like a folk festival and you will experience icelandic tradition very closely!
During the dinner there is enough time to talk about todays´ experiences.

Day 7, Sunday:
After our last breakfast we start our journey home.


For more impressions visit our gallery "Iceland "!

 

Included:
•  Pick-up at the public bus station in Varmahlið
•  Accomodation (6 nights) in double or three-bedded-rooms at the farm (shared bathrooms)
•  Full board including breakfast buffet, packed lunch or cold snack and warm dinner
•  Different non-alcoholic drinks
•  Transfers during the program
•  German and english speaking host and mostly german and english speaking guiding
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person: € 990,--

Additional costs:
- costs for the journey

Date 2010:
20.09.-26.09.2010

General information and requirements

to the top



trail ride Highlands Iceland

* according to weather conditions or unexpected occurences the program can or must be changed; but the journey will always keep its character.

riders Iceland

river riding

Highlands panorama

horse riding holidays Highlands

7. Trail ride through the Highlands

Experience Iceland`s impressive highlands, follow the Kjölur route and enjoy the freely running group of horses accompanying you and enabling to change the ridden horses!
(Please consider, that this program is a challenge for riders and that´s why it is only suitable for very good riders with a good physical condition.)

Sample itinerary*:

Day 1, Sunday:
Pick-up in Varmahlið (or arrival by rental car) and room allocation; becoming acquainted with people and horses! Convivial evening with a german-icelandic dinner.

Day 2, Monday:
The big adventure begins! We start the first leg and ride through the wonderful Gilhagi-valley. Afterwards the Highlands receive us with a spectacular view over the plateau and the majestic glaciers Hofsjökull and Langjökull. After riding along a lake and over sandy paths through heathland we reach our accomodation, a hut in the Highlands. (riding distance about 55 km)

Day 3, Tuesday:
Today's ride is more relaxing; we follow a historic path through dry deserted and stony landscape. Our accomodation offers a great view onto the glacier Hofsjökull, which is situated right in front of us. (riding distance about 30 km)

Day 4, Wednesday:
This day lets us experience the safety of our horses: we cross three big glacier rivers on our way to Hveravellir, the oasis in the highlands. After arriving there we discover this impressing geothermal area with its sputtering and steaming springs. We walk in the tracks of outlaw Fjalla Eyvindur, who lived here in the 18th century before relaxing in the Hot Pot. (riding distance about 30 km)

Day 5, Thursday:
In the morning we jump into the Hot Pot again and visit the solfataras before we get back into the saddle and head towards the next hut. Wir follow a Highlands' track, pass a river and afterwards cross a large stony desert. (riding distance about 30 km)

Day 6, Friday:
This morning we continue our ride along an artificial lake, we cross the dam and then ride into large heathland, before we start to leave the Highlands and slowly get back into civilization. Our destination is the big sheepcote Stafnsrétt, where our horses spend their night. We drive back to the farm and look forward to a delicious meal, a hot shower and a warm cozy bed. (riding distance about 35 km)

Day 7, Saturday:
Feeling rested we drive back to our horses to start the last leg of this trail. We cross the beautiful pass Kiðaskarð to reach the Skagafjord. Our horses feel the vicinity of their homeland and we enjoy their powerful tölt! (riding distance about 25 km)

Day 8, Sunday:
After our last breakfast we start our journey home.


For more impressions visit our gallery "Iceland "!

 

Far away from civilization you experience the real connection to your reliable four-legged companion...

Included:
•  Pick-up at the public bus station in Varmahlið
•  Accomodation (3 nights) in double or three-bedded-rooms at the farm (shared bathrooms)
•  Accomodation (4 nights) in different simple huts in the highlands (in sleeping bags)
•  Full board
•  Different non-alcoholic drinks
•  baggage transport by escort vehicle
•  Transfers during the program
•  German and english speaking host and mostly german and english speaking guiding
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person: € 1.450,--

Additional costs:
•  costs for the journey

Date 2010:
01.08.-08.08.2010

Advice:
contrary to the other programs for the "trail ride through the highlands" a minimum attendance of 10 persons does apply!

What to bring:
Additionally to the items written below you should bring along the following items for the trail ride through the
highlands:
•  sleeping bag
•  rubber boots, riding boots, slippers
•  gloves, warm underwear, woolen socks, bathing suit
•  dextrose or chocolate bars as for some energy during the ride
•  we recommend: use a travelling bag or a rucksack for your luggage!


General information and requirements

to the top



sheep round up Iceland

sheep round up

holidays and riding

8. The sheep round up

Immerse into icelandic traditions, ride side by side with an icelandic farmer and experience the power and the stamina of the Icelandic horse at work...

Preliminary program:
(Please consider, that this program is a challenge for riders and that´s why it is only suitable for very good riders. You have to ride with a near horse in parts in very difficult terrain and possibly with very uncomfortable weather conditions. On the main round up day you will sit in the saddle the whole day and you have to cover some distances on foot; according to this a good physical condition is also very important.)

Day 1, Monday:
Pick-up in Varmahlið (or arrival by rental car) and room allocation; becoming acquainted with people and horses and first ride. Enjoy your first tölt in the homeland of the Icelandic horse! Convivial evening with a german-icelandic dinner.

Day 2 and Day 3, Tuesday and Wednesday:
We prepare ourselves intensively for the „work“ we will have to do. We try out riding with a near horse and we learn the technique of how to drove the sheep. Would you ever have dreamt of this?

Day 4, Thursday:
We ride into the Gilhaga-Tal, everyone of us with a near horse at his side. We meet more herders and start to get really excited about tomorrows´ event. We leave the horses near a hut and drive back to our farm. We can`t wait for tomorrow to come...

Day 5, Friday:
After a very early breakfast we drive to our horses and prepare ourselves for the very long ride. All the herders are divided into teams and get their fix place in the chain of the herders. The sheep are rounded up till the late afternoon or evening and they are brought to the hurdling Mælifellsrétt. You won´t forget the sight of the crowd of sheep surging down into the valley for a long time…
After finishing our job we get back to our farm and enjoy the well-deserved dinner. If the tiredness doesn´t win, we will certainly sit together far into the night and talk about our experiences…

Day 6, Saturday:
This morning we drive into the next valley to the main hurdling. We watch the sorting of sheep and can also muck in. Everybody is in a good mood, the atmosphere is like during a folk festival. During our last ride this afternoon we have the possibility to remember all the adventures of the last days.

Day 7, Sunday:
After our last breakfast we start our journey home.


For more impressions visit our gallery "Iceland "!

 

Included:
•  Pick-up at the public bus station in Varmahlið
•  Accomodation (6 nights) in double or three-bedded-rooms at the farm (shared bathrooms)
•  Full board including breakfast buffet, packed lunch or cold snack and warm dinner
•  Different non-alcoholic drinks
•  Transfers during the program
•  German and english speaking host and mostly german and english speaking guiding
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person: € 900,--

Additional costs:
•  costs for the journey

Date 2010:
06.09.-12.09.2010

What to bring:
Additionally to the items written below you should bring along the following items:
•  warm clothes! wool or fleece pullover, gloves, scarf, woolen socks, and so on.
•  dextrose or chocolate bars as for some energy during the long riding day

Advice: The dates of the sheep round up are 95% fix, but it is not impossible, that something changes in the short term, where we have no influence on. Reasons can be the weather conditions or changes in the dates of the slaughterhouse. In this improbable case we will certainly organize an alternative program, in all probability the participation in a different sheep round up in the surrounding area.

General information and requirements

to the top



farm horseback riding

excursion Iceland

travelling with children

9. Beginner trips

For less experienced riders we do as well have something to offer: 2 programs, where the riding is taken a bit more easy but where you still can immerse into the life and the riding culture of Iceland! Whether at the beginning of the season - in spring - in the period of the lambs and the first foals or towards the end, by the time when the calmness of the late summer arrives... every season has its special charm in Iceland!

a) Spring awakening / 31.05.-06.06.2010

Experience the exciting period of the lambs and the first foals! Bright nights, endless days that invite us to go on long relaxed rides. The daily routine is determined by the seasonal work at the farm: the herds of horses go on the summer pastures, the lambs are getting marked and brought to bigger pastures together with their mothers. You can feel the atmosphere of departure! Our horses start their training for the season, because in winter they had a long rest. We go on shorter and longer rides into the surroundings and make an excursion through the Skagafjord.

b) Late summer week / 23.08.-29.08.2010

After the turbulences of the midsummer the calmness arrives on the Island. The nights become longer again and late summer starts. Our horses are in perfect shape and many beautiful riding routes are waiting to be discovered during shorter and longer rides. Certainly we also go on an excursion into the surrounding area - the Skagafjord - this week.

For more impressions visit our gallery "Iceland "!

 

Included:
•  Pick-up at the public bus station in Varmahlið
•  Accomodation (6 nights) in double or three-bedded-rooms at the farm (shared bathrooms)
•  Full board including breakfast buffet, packed lunch or cold snack and warm dinner
•  Different non-alcoholic drinks
•  Transfers / sightseing tour during the program
•  daily riding in consideration of the weather situation
•  German and english speaking host and mostly german and english speaking guiding
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person: € 860,--

Additional costs:
•  costs for the journey

General information and requirements

to the top



breeding Icelandic horses

* according to weather conditions or unexpected occurences the program can or must be changed; but the journey will always keep its character.

sights in Iceland

trail ride

church in Iceland

10. Ride & discover

For those, who would like to ride in Iceland as well, but not only, our program "ride & discover" is ideal. Different rides and enough free time for individual excursions is an optimal combination for getting to know the fjord and its surroundings out of different perspectives.
Within this program you arrange your spare time besides the rides yourself, that's why you should arrive with a rental car. Certainly riders can be accompanied by non-riders! Families are very welcome as well! Please prepare well for the excursions, so you can use your time best possible. Certainly your hosts are at your disposal as well with several tips for excursions!

Sample itinerary *:

Day 1, Monday:
Arrival by rental car in the afternoon; we have a cup of coffee and go on our first ride (about 2 hours). Enjoy your first tölt in the homeland of the Icelandic horse! Convivial evening with a german-icelandic dinner.

Day 2, Tuesday:
In the morning we saddle our horses and go on a 3-hours-ride. We follow a very old bridle path made accessible again in 2008. On this historical path the farmers of the surrounding farms rode to the Þing (council) in the Þinghús (parish hall). We have a wonderful view over the fjord and we tölt on soft paths through the past. Snack at lunchtime. Afternoon at your disposal. Dinner at the farm.

Day 3, Wednesday:
Today's ride will be a bit longer. We head towards Gilhagifoss, a beautiful cascade, and climb up a steep mountain afterwards for coming into the Gilhagi-valley. There we ride along the picturesque river Gljúfrá and stop for a picnic next to impressing rock formations. Afterwards we start our ride back and enjoy the view over the fjord and our valley. (riding time about 5 hours). The time up to dinner time is again at your disposal.

Day 4, Thursday:
Day 4 is your free day. You can have an early breakfast and take along packed lunch. Dinner time will be fixed the day before according to your timetable of today.

Day 5, Friday:
Our ride starts in the morning and goes along the river Svartá on long and soft paths, which invite for long tölts. After coming back it is time for a snack and you can organize your own program for the afternoon. We meet again at dinner time.

Day 6, Saturday:
We again start our ride today after breakfast and we will be on horseback for about 3 hours. We cross extensive grassland, where we get to know the typical Icelandic grass bumps! After this "crosscountry" track we follow the country lane for getting back to our farm. Snack and free time in the afternoon. dinner.

Day 7, Sunday:
After our last breakfast we start our journey home.


For more impressions visit our gallery "Iceland "!

 

Included:
•  Accomodation (6 nights) in double or three-bedded-rooms at the farm (shared bathrooms)
•  Full board including breakfast buffet, packed lunch or cold snack and warm dinner
•  different non-alcoholic drinks
•  the riding program described above
•  German and english speaking host and mostly german and english speaking guiding
•  numerous tipps for excursions by your hosts!
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person: € 720,--
Price 2010 per person without riding: € 70,-- per day

Additional costs:
•  costs for the journey
•  costs for a rental car

Dates 2010:
31.05.-06.06.2010
12.07.-18.07.2010
19.07.-25.07.2010
16.08.-22.08.2010
30.08.-05.09.2010
more dates on request!

Tipps for excursions / close destinations:
•  turf house museum Glaumbaer, Museum of Popular Art in Saudarkrokur, Museum of Immigration in Hofsos
•  Holar - college of agriculture, former diocesan town, cathedral
•  Hofsós - a beautiful fishing village with formations of basalt
•  Saudarkrokur - capital of the fjord
•  baths and hot pots
•  river rafting on the glacier rivers, boat trip to the bird island Drangey
•  hiking... and so much more!

Tipps for excursions for your day off:
•  Akureyri - capital of the North, most northern botanical garden of the world
•  Siglufjördur - former world capital of the herring
•  Myvatn - the most active volcanic area in Iceland, Blue Lagoon of the North
•  seal museum in Hvammstangi, seal colonies on the Vatnsnes peninsula, drift ice exposition in Blönduós


General information and requirements

to the top



horse riding holidaysriders horsesgeyser Strokkur

General information and requirements:


Number of participants:

4 to 14 (exception: trail ride through the highlands: at least 10 riders / sheep round up: at least 2 riders)
In case of not reaching the minimum attendance we cannot realize the tour or rather we cannot realize it for this price.

Riding ability required:
For all programs – except the sheep round up, the trail ride through the highlands and the beginnner trips – you should have a good physical fitness and be able to control a well-ridden horse in all the gaits.
The programs “sheep round up” and "trail ride through the highlands" are only suitable for very good riders with a good physical fitness, because they are a challenge for riders and require these capabilities.
The beginner trips on the other hand are suitable also for less experienced riders or even beginners, who will get a horse fitting to their capabilities.

Weight:
you should not weigh more than 95 kilos

Age:
general minimum is 18 years, if younger on request

Meeting point:
meeting point is the farm, pick-up from the public bus station in Varmahlið or (additional charge) at the national airport in Sauðárkrókur is possible.

Please inform us if you need a special diet.

What to bring:
•  A riding helmet – at our icelandic partner wearing a helmet is obligated!
•  Rain clothes / wind cheater (very important!)
•  Good riding clothes for different temperatures
•  All weather boots, slippers
•  Gloves and headband or cap
•  Bathing suit
•  Camera

Very important advice:
Riding clothes either have to be new or need to be disinfected before entering Iceland. For details please read our information about Iceland at „Countries, people and horses“!

Changed rescission conditions:
For our Iceland programs the following changed rescission conditions do apply:
Up to 56 days before departure: 25% of the price
From the 55th up to the 20th day before departure: 50% of the price
From the 19th up to the 11th day before departure: 60% of the price
From the 10th up to the 07th day before departure: 70% of the price
From the 06th day before departure and in case of not showing up: 90% of the price

Advice:
Certainly you can as well extend your stay at the farm or combine the programs; we are happy to make you an individual offer!

Regarding the journey:
Flight to Reykjavik/ Keflavik. From Keflavik airport you take the Flybus to Reykjavik and from here the cross-country bus to the northern part of the island, near to our partner.
Depending on the number of persons it can make sense to book a rental car; this is also possible one-way. From 8 participants on, who arrive at the same time, we can organize a transfer from Keflavik or Reykjavik.
We are at your disposal for finding the best possibility for reaching our partner in Iceland. If you wish, we can also make you an offer for flight tickets (except Low-Cost-Carriers), a rental car and travel insurances.
We are looking forward to hear from you!


Legal notice | Booking conditions | Contact