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The round-up of sheep is an Icelandic
tradition with roots back in the past when
pastures and fields near the farms were so
precious that they had to be kept for the
hay harvest. Thus the stock was driven to
the mountains during the summer. On this
tour we join the farmers in South Iceland
when they gather thousands of sheep from the
mountains. We experience Icelandic horses at
their best, sure-footed and eager to fulfil
the task set for them every autumn. The
ride leads towards the highlands along good
riding tracks, through black ash from Mt.
Hekla eruptions. The mountain cabin at Hólaskógur offers shelter to the farmers who
have been gathering sheep for days. We join
the flock down from the mountains, but there
is still time to explore the many sights,
such as the beautiful Gjáin Valley and
picturesque Hjálparfoss Waterfall. The third
riding day brings us to the round-up pen
where the sheep are sorted and returned to
their owners. We sing with the farmers
celebrating the successful journey into the
highlands to secure the livestock.
On our way back to Reykjavík we visit the
golden Gullfoss Waterfall, the hot springs
of Geysir and Thingvellir National Park, the
ancient assembly fields of the Icelandic
parliament. The sheep round-up tour
intertwines tradition, nature and history
leaving nobody untouched by the Icelandic
spirit of togetherness.
Three nights on this tour are spent at
Fossnes Farm. After each day in the saddle
we can relax in a comfortable outdoor hot
tub. The first and last night will be spent
in a hotel in Reykjavík.
Day 1 Tuesday:
Arrival in Iceland – Transfer to Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to our Riding
Centre in Hafnarfjörður, where we invite you
to a Welcome Meeting including traditional
Icelandic soup (Kjötsúpa). Receive details
of the following tour and meet your fellow
riders. At a approx. 19.00 transfer to hotel
Metropolitan, situated in the centre of
Reykjavík. Those who have arrived earlier
this day or the day before will be picked up
at the hotel between 16.30 and 17.00.
Day 2 Wednesday:
Reykjavík – Fossnes Holiday Farm –
Hólaskógur – Fossnes
Transfer to Fossnes Holiday Farm. Our ride
starts into the lovely countryside and
continues into black ashes of numerous
eruptions of volcano Mt. Hekla. At
Hólaskógur mountain cabin we meet the
farmers who have been riding in the
mountains for some days already to gather
the sheep. We leave the horses at Hólaskógur
and drive back to Fossnes for an overnight
stay and a relax in the hot outdoor tub. (40
km)
Day 3-4 Thursday and Friday:
Riding and rounding up
the sheep
During both days we join the farmers, ride
along and help them with their flocks, yet
sometimes leaving them to take a look at
some of the interesting sights in the area.
We participate in the round-ups, help the
farmers sort out their livestock and join in
their singing and celebrating after a
successful ride into the mountains. (40 km)
+ (20 km)
Optional activity paid locally: "Réttardansleikur"
dance at the community center Árnes, where
everybody relaxes after the excitement of
the day and celebrates yet another
successful round up.
Day 5 Saturday:
Fossnes – Geysir – Gullfoss – Thingvellir –
Reykjavík
It is time to say goodbye to our hosts and
horses. On our way to Reykjavík we visit
beautiful Gullfoss waterfall, the famous
Geysir hot spring area and Thingvellir
National Park, before spending the last
night at our hotel in Reykjavík. Approx.
arrival at the hotel at 15:00.
Day 6 Sunday:
Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík -
Keflavík Airport
Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the
return flight home. |
