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Imagine free and spirited horses rushing
down from their highland summer pastures to
be returned to their owners. Mares and their
foals, young horses and geldings make their
way through rough territory, not really
willing to give up their freedom yet before
winter returns once again. Join the
farmers in this great autumn adventure
driving the herd, sorting the horses and
celebrating the successful return of horses
and men. The varied terrain includes the
highland moors, green valleys just turning
into their autumn colours of burning red and
yellow, deep blue lakes and rivers. An
introduction ride from the Íshestar Riding
Centre will help you to get acquainted with
riding Icelandic style before your ride in
the north really starts.
The ancient tradition of rounding up horses
is only kept alive in the north of Iceland.
Our September departure rounds up horses
into the round-up pen at Skrapatungurétt and
our October departure brings the horses back
to Víðidalstungurétt. The locals celebrate
the successful round-ups with a ball "réttardansleikur"
in the adjacent community hall. Farmers and
friends celebrate by singing and dancing the
night away.
Accommodation for all nights at the farm
is in cosy 2 - 4 bed units and in Reykjavík
in hotel rooms with private facilities.
After a day in the mountains we can relax in
a comfortable warm outdoor tub before a
hearty, home cooked dinner is served.
Day 1 Wednesday:
Arrival in Iceland - Íshestar Riding Center
- Transfer to Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to the
Íshestar Riding Center. Make sure your
flight arrives not later then 16:00 to be
able to participate in an introductional
riding tour to Mt. Helgafell Volcano.
(Clients arriving earlier that day are
picked up upon arrival, driven to the
guesthouse and picked up at the guesthouse
again in time for the ride.) After the ride
we enjoy a traditional Icelandic soup.
Receive details of the following tour before
the day ends at your accommodation in a
guesthouse in Reykjavík. (10 km)
Day 2 Thursday:
Reykjavík - Bjargshóll - Dæli Holiday Farm
We drive to the North and meet guides and
horses at Bjargshóll Farm, where we start
our ride. Our first riding day takes us
through the beautiful valleys Fitjárdalur
and Víðidalur each with their own salmon
fishing river. We cross the river Víðidalsá
and end at Dæli Holiday Farm, close to
Kolugil canyon, beautifully located in
Víðidalur Valley. Accommodation for the next
three nights is at the farm. (30 km)
Day 3 Friday: Dæli
- Kolugil - Víðidalstungheiði - Dæli
Today we ascend towards the highland plateau
Víðidalstunguheiði and meet the horses
coming down from their pastures in the
highlands. We enjoy a warm lunch at a
mountain shelter before we join the farmers
in driving the herd down from the mountains.
Before ending our ride at Dæli Farm we stop
at Kolugili Farm for refreshments. Following
dinner that day, 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. (36 km, 8-9 hours
including lunch and coffee breaks)
Day 4 Saturday:
Víðidalstungurétt - Bjargshóll - Dæli
Our day starts at the round up place
Víðidalstungurétt where horses are sorted
out. An auction is held right on the spot
and we can join the farmers in their joyful
singing, celebrating the return of their
horses. In the afternoon we ride back to
Bjargshóll Farm and return our horses to
their meadows, before driving back to Dæli
for a hearty dinner. (30 km)
Optional activity paid locally:
"Stóðréttardansleikur" dance at Víðihlíð,
where everybody relaxes after the excitement
of the day and celebrates yet another
successful round up.
Day 5 Sunday:
Return to the South - Reykjavík - Blue
Lagoon (optional)
Departure from the North and return to
Reykjavík. We visit a factory outlet wit
woollen goods on our way. Approximate
arrival at the guesthouse at 1400.
For those interested we plan a tour to the
Blue Lagoon (entrance paid locally.
Day 6 Monday:
Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík -
Keflavík Airport
Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the
return flight home. |
