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Roundups
The Sheep and Horse roundups are very old traditions in Iceland
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- Farm guest houses, with made-up beds
- Energetic Riding
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- Energetic riding. Experienced riders should catch on quickly
Farmhouse accommodations with made up beds
6 days, 5 nights - 3 riding days
The Icelandic Sheep Roundup is an ancient tradition which has its roots way back in the past when pastures and fields near the farms were very precious and had to be kept for the hay harvest. Ride into the mountains to help bring the sheep home and then be a part of the singing and celebrating after the roundup. Visit the many sights of the area and enjoy the outdoor hot tub after each riding day!
Monday Night
Leave the US
from Boston, New York, or Minneapolis, (Orlando. Seattle is NOW also available - and San Francisco may require leaving a bit earlier) on an overnight flight with an early morning arrival at Keflavik Airport in Iceland.
Tuesday:
Arrival in Iceland
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a hotel in Reykjavík. Horses North travelers are upgraded to a hotel with private facilities for their first and last nights, which are spent in Reykjavik. You’ll have the day to explore Iceland’s capital. At 5:30 you’re invited you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. You’ll get details of your tour and you’ll meet your fellow riders.
Wednesday
Reykjavík – Fossnes Holiday Farm – Hólaskógur – Fossnes
The riders are picked up and driven to Fossnes Holiday Farm. Riding starts into the lovely countryside and continues into black ashes from the numerous eruptions of volcanic Mt. Hekla. The farmers, who have been in the mountains for some days gathering the sheep, meet the riders at Hólaskógur mountain cabin. After the first day’s ride the horses stay at Hólaskógur and the riders are driven back to Fossnes for an overnight stay and a chance to relax in the outdoor hot tub.
Thursday and Friday
Riding and rounding up the sheep
You’ll ride along with the farmers, and help them with their flocks today. Occasionally, however the group will leave them to take a look at some of the interesting sights in the area. You’ll be part of the round-up, helping the farmers sort out their livestock and joining in their singing and celebrating after a successful ride into the mountains.
An optional extra, is a ticket for the "Réttardansleikur" dance at the community center Árnes, where everybody relaxes after the excitement of the day and celebrates yet another successful roundup.
Saturday
Fossnes - Geysir - Gullfoss – Thingvellir – Reykjavík
Hosts, riders and horses all say goodbye. On the way to Reykjavík there’s a visit to the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall, the famous Geysir hot spring area and Thingvellir National Park. You’re back in town around 5 pm. The last night, again, is an upgrade to a hotel in Reykjavík.
Sunday
Farewell Iceland
Reykjavík - Keflavík Airport
You’ll have a long morning to relax, explore Iceland’s capital city, visit geothermal swimming pools, cafes, museums and shops, before taking the bus to Keflavik Airport in time for your flight back home. Taking the early bus from the BSI bus terminal will allow for a stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way home!
You can download a PDF of the Roundup itinerary from the PDF Page
Horse Roundup
Experienced riders can experience Icelandic horses at their best,
sure-footed and eager to do the autumn’s work.
Farmhouse Accommodations with made up beds
6 days, 5 nights - 4 riding days
Tuesday Night
Leave the US
from Boston, New York, or Minneapolis, (Orlando. Seattle is NOW also available - and San Francisco may require leaving a bit earlier) on an overnight flight with an early morning arrival at Keflavik Airport in Iceland.
Wednesday, October 4
Welcome to Iceland
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a hotel in Reykjavík. Horses North travelers are upgraded to a hotel with private facilities for their first and last nights, which are spent in Reykjavik. You’ll have the day to explore Iceland’s capital and in late afternoon you’ll have an introductory riding tour to Mt. Helgafell Volcano, followed by a Welcome Get together, including traditional Icelandic soup. You’ll get details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Thursday, October 5
Reykjavík - Bjargshóll – Dæli Holiday Farm
You’ll drive to the North and meet guides and horses at Bjargshóll Farm, where you start the ride. The first riding day ends at Dæli Holiday Farm, close to Kolugil canyon, beautifully located in Víðidalur Valley. Accommodation for the next three nights is at the farm in rooms with shared baths.
Friday, October 6
Dæli - Kolugil – Víðidalstungheiði – Dæli
You’ll ride towards the highland plateau Víðidalstunguheiði and meet the horses coming down from their pastures in the highlands. There’s grilled leg of lamb, prepared on an open air grill at a mountain shelter. After lunch join the farmers and participate in driving the herd down from the mountains before ending back at Dæli Farm. Following dinner we spend time with the farmers and other guests in Dæli and join in their singing and celebrating of this great event of the fall.
Saturday, October 7
Víðidalstungurétt
The day starts at the round pen Víðidalstungurétt where the horses are sorted out. An auction is held right on the spot. In the afternoon you’ll ride back to Bjargshóll Farm and return the horses to their meadows, before driving back to Dæli for a hearty dinner.
Optional extra: Tonight you can replace your riding boots with your dancing shoes! You can buy tickets for the "Stóðréttardansleikur" dance at Víðihlíð, where everybody relaxes and celebrates yet another successful round up.
Sunday
Return to the South – Reykjavík
You’ll leave th North in the morning,heading south on Rt 1. After a stop at a great woolen mill shop, you’ll be back in the capital about 2 PM. Your last night, again, is upgraded to a hotel iand you can set out to enjoy Reykjavík.
Monday, October 8
Farewell Iceland
You’ll have a long morning to relax, , visit geothermal swimming pools, cafes, museums and shops, before taking the Flybus to Keflavik Airport in time for your flight back home.
Dates: and *Prices:
The Sheep Roundup runs from September 12 to 17 in Iceland and costs $2047*.
The Horse Roundup from October 4 to 8 and costs $2327* Riders from the US will have to leave for Iceland no later than the night before the tour starts. However, Europeans can leave home the same morning the tour begins.
The prices include round trip airfare from NYC, Boston or Baltimore (Minneapolis, Orlando. Seattle is NOW also available - and San Francisco for $75 extra), all transfers while in Iceland, made up beds in guesthouses, with shared facilities, all meals, tack and equipment while on the ride, and first and last nights in a hotel in Reykjavik, with private bath and breakfast. NOT included are breakfast and lunch on the day of arrival in Iceland, dinner on your last riding day back in Reykjavik and lunch the day of departure, the cost of any extra and additional travels. Additional airline fuel charges added after March 1 '08 wiill also be extra., US departure taxes and fees - which are up to $175 at press time and subject to change.
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