Ride Description

Since 1985 your hosts have been organising riding tours in this extraordinary landscape with helpers from all over the world who return year after year. About seventy Icelandic horses live with them during the whole year and during the months of June, July and August some twenty more join the herd.

You have the opportunity to ride through remote valleys to the North Atlantic and, with a herd of freely running horses, to Lake Myvatn, the famous lake of the midges. In the autumn, when the first snowflakes are announcing winter, you may experience a new riding tour through the autumnal landscape of Northern Iceland.

You may prefer to stay closer to the farmhouse and enjoy short riding tours around the fascinating landscape. Your children will most definately enjoy taking a closer look behind the scenes of an Icelandic farm with the horses, sheep, lambs, chicken, rabbits, cats and a dog.

The basic accommodation here means this is not a ride for those looking for luxury. If, however, you dream of exploring a totally unspoilt country second to no other in the world, this ride is perfect for making this dream come true. Iceland is a land not only of immense beauty but one laced with mystery and legend. Sharing this with one of the world's most powerful yet gentle horses makes this a holiday experience of a lifetime.

Food & Accommodation

The farmhouse from where the ride is based lies in the North of Iceland at the longest fjord and is the starting point of a variety of long and short riding tours. It is located a few kilometres away from Grenivik a little fishing village. The accommodation is not for those looking for luxury but nevertheless is comfortable, warm and hospitable. Accommodation at the farm is one of three cottages belonging to your hosts. The first has two double rooms and one four bed room. The second has three double rooms and one four bed room both have shower and toilet facilities. The third cottage has one four bed room and one five bedroom each with their own shower and toilet facilities. During trails you will sleep at farmhouses, mountain huts, schools and community centres in sleeping bag accommodation.

The food here is substantial - your host's believe riders must never be hungry! Here you have an opportunity to savour Icelandic specialities but nothing too "exotic". Favourites are lamb, fish, vegetables, salads, rice and noodles. Vegetarians are catered for. During the rides there are plenty of sandwiches and on the longer tours when the herd runs freely, Goi will drive the bus and be on hand with the lunch boxes. In the evening there will always be a hot and hearty meal to enjoy. Unlimited tea, coffee and delicious Icelandic Spring Water is always available.

Activities

The unique landscape invites long walks, fishing or just exploring the area on a bike. In the village you may go shopping or go for a dip in a hot pool.

Horses

Type of horses: Icelandic

Nature of horses: Powerful, honest and gentle

Number of horses: 70 plus 20 in June, July and August

Height of horses: Average 13.2hh

Weight limit: 100 kg

Tack type: Icelandic tack is slightly different than tack ordinarily used for other breeds. The saddle is built closer to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Stirrups are worn long and it is not uncommon to use a crupper which keeps the saddle in place. Iceland saddles come with flat or quilted seat. Stirrups are shaped to accommodate heavy boots. Bits range from simple snaffle to the Icelandic curb bit. Bridles often have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.

Further Details

Languages: English

Health requirements: None

Age limit: None

Tuition: No

Included: Transfer to and from Akureyri, full board, sleeping bag accommodation, entrance fees to sights visited on tours, safety helmet and raingear, English speaking guides.

Not included: Sleeping Bags, alcoholic drinks.

Travel Information

There are many flights to Reykjavik and from there you are able to take a 45 minute internal flight to Akureyri. Alternatively if you wish to see more of this country there are buses which take approximately 6 hours. You will be transferred from Akureyri usually at about 18.00. From there your journey is 30 minutes to the farm.

Airport: Akureyri

Airport 2: Reykjavik

Elves and Trolls Trail

You will ride along the valley of Fnjoska river which is the longest freshwater river in Iceland. Some 10,000 years ago there was a glacial lake in this valley whose shore is still visible in the slopes of the mountains.

You will have time to take a look at the famous church and turfhouses at Laufas and ride along impressive woods to Hjardarholt farmhouse. Enjoy the magnificent view to the mouth of the Fnjóská river and into the Eyjafjordur fjord the next day.

On the fifth day your ride will take you to Fjordur, a deserted countryside populated only by 4000 sheep and the trolls and elves. Names like Trölladalur - valley of the trolls and Álfaborgir - cities of the elves - remind you of the existence of these invisible beings. They have chosen some of the best places for their homes. Old volcanoes, glaciers, little ponds and an amazingly green landscape greet you.

The next three days will be spent enjoying the idyllic life and fascinating atmosphere of this special area.

Minimum group size: 4

Maximum group size: 10

Ability description: Intermediate onwards

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: 6 long days in the saddle

Departure dates: 28th June, 5th July, 12th July, 19th July, 26th July, 2nd August, 9th August,18th August 2008.

Pricing: Price is £885

North Iceland Trail

This is an eight day, seven night trail with six long days in the saddle following the tracks of Gods and Vikings. You must be an experienced rider comfortable at all paces and happy to ride with a herd of free horses. You will have the opportunity to ride two or three horses a day. Sleeping bag accommodation is at farm houses, schools and guest houses.

Day 1:
In the late afternoon transfer to Grytubakki farmhouse - a hearty dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2:
After breakfast you will be shown the famous waterfall of the Gods. According to the sagas Þorgeir of Ljósavatn threw his statues of the gods into the falls when Iceland converted to Christianity in the year 1000, hence the name. Then you will be driven to Fremstafell farmhouse, where you catch the horses and saddle up. You will then ride to the Bardardalur valley, follow the river Skjálfandafljót and stay overnight at Hotel Kiðagil.The river Skálfandafljót flows through the valley over the Bárðardalshraun lava field that probably came all over the way from Trölladyngja in Ódaðahraun north of Vatnajökull more than 7,000 years ago. Today you will spend 5 to 6 hours in the saddle.

Day 3:
You leave Kiðagil, ride over the bridge at Stóruvellir to the other side of the valley and reach the old farmhouse of Stóratunga. Here you are very close to the entrance of Ódaðahraun, the enormous lava field, believed to be the home of outlaws, elves and trolls in the old days. At Stórutunga you leave some of the horses and ride then on to the impressive waterfall Aldeyarfoss. Here you will enjoy this wonderful nature paradise. Overnight at Stóratunga. You will have ridden for 5 hours.

Day 4:
Today you ride in a north eastern direction over Landsmelar at Viðiker to the area of Myvatn. In the 19th century at Viðiker lived Jón Þorkellsson. He was a very famous guide for foreign travellers and you then ride on through 'Odaðahraun lava field to Askja. Your ride takes you over sandy hills and through moorland. A tremendous view awaits you when you reach the highest point. If you are lucky you might see the queen of the Icelandic mountains in a distance: Herdubreið. The destination today is farmhouse Stöng where you will stay for two nights. You can relax in the hot pool which awaits you. You will have ridden for 5 hours.

Day 5:
After breakfast you will have a look at the Perles of the North by bus: The pseudocraters of Skutustaðir, the bizarre lava formation of Dimmuborgir and the bubbling mud pools of Námaskarð. After lunch you saddle up and ride with one horse per person in a north easterly direction to explore the area around Stöng. You ride on old paths and sheep tracks close to Gautlönd and Baldursheimur. Tonight you will stay in Stong and you will have spent 3 to 4 hours in the saddle.

Day 6:
After breakfast you leave Stöng first to the south close to the old farmhouse of Hörgsdalur and ride then along Myvatnsheiði to the valley of the smoke - Reykjadalur. Smooth tracks, adventurous tracks and a diversified landscape await you. Mountain Kinnarfjöll to the west side and mountain Gaesafjöll to the east side are visible if the weather allows it. You will stay overnight at Breiðimyri, close to the little village Laugar. You will have ridden for 6 hours.

Day 7:
Your ride takes you along Vatnshlið through woods. There is a wonderful view over the valley Reykjadalur and the lake Vestmannsvatn. After the hill Fljótsheiði a terrific and diversified ride awaits you along the river Skjálfandafljót and through the forest Fellskógur. On the way you will pass the waterfalls Ullarfoss and Barnafoss. You will be able to leave the horses at Fremstafell farm and drive home. A last goodbye dinner, where you can talk about your adventure with your new friends, and your overnight stay is back at the farmhouse. You will have been in the saddle for six hours.

Day 8:
After breakfast transfer to Akureyri.

Minimum group size: 8

Maximum group size: 14

Ability description: Experienced riders who are able to ride different horses and are comfortable for long hours in the saddle.

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: 6 long days in the saddle

Departure dates: 29th June, 7th July (fully booked), 18th July, 28th July (fully booked), 8th August, 18th August 2008.

Pricing: Price is £1199

Autumn Colours and Northern Lights Trail

The trail provides the opportunity to experience the variety and beauty of Icelandic nature in Autumn. By the end of August Iceland's summer is all but over. In September the days shorten and introduce a wide range of autumnal
colours and the famous Northern Lights. You will ride through fabulous valleys where flocks of cackling geese are resting for their journey South. You will ride up mountains where you will meet the sheep who have spent the last few months free in the mountains enjoying their liberty. Now is the time to bring them back home and winter starts to knock on the door. You may be lucky enough to get involved in gathering in some of these sheep in preparation for the round up.

After the first two days riding, you return to the farmhouse each night. On the third day you ride to another valley where you will stay at another farmhouse. From here your trail continues and you will sleep in a mountain hut for one night. Here everyone sleeps in the same room which, althought this sounds basic, it in fact makes your night sleeping in the mountains more exciting - a perfect opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and share tales of this amazing experience. You will have six days in the saddle exploring the autumnal countryside.

Minimum group size: 4

Maximum group size: 10

Ability description: Intermediate onwards

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: 4 - 6 hours a day

Departure dates: 6th September, 13th September 2008.

Pricing: Price is £725

Farm holiday

An eight day seven night stay on an Icelandic farm combining riding and relaxation for all the family. Have a closer look behind the scenes of the farm with horse, sheep, lambs, chicken, rabbits, cats and a dog. Every day the whole family can enjoy a short riding tour exploring some of this amazing country. During you stay you will visit Akureyri, the capital of the North and the scenic waterfall that played a role in the Christianisation of Iceland. This is a holiday perfect for families.

Minimum group size: 2

Maximum group size: 12

Ability description: Beginners welcome

Type of ride: Trail

Total riding time: Riding to suit

Departure dates: April and September 2008

Pricing: Price is £565