September is the time in Iceland to gather the sheep that are roaming free in the highlands, herd them to the lowlands and then sort them between the different farms they belong to. For centuries this has been done on horseback and you have the chance to join this highlight. You get the chance to ride past waterfalls, mountains, caves, lava fields, and lush green grass: There is nothing you don't see on this tour that leads South of Tindfjallajökull into the Southern Highlands. On one of the days you will join the farmers to get the sheep to the lowlands and on the next day you can observe the traditional sheep sorting (´réttir´). You will ride with a small group (max. 12 pax) and get to explore this remote area on horseback.
Sheep Round-Up
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DURATION
5 days - 5 nights - 4 riding days
RIDING SKILLS
Intermediate and advanced riders
DEPARTURES
2024: 17th - 22nd of September
ACCOMMODATION
Double rooms in a guesthouse (2 nights) and bunk bed accommodation in a mountain hut (3 nights) and sleeping bag arrangement during the ride. Showers available. Please bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from us. Accommodation before and after the ride are to be arranged individually.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Bus transfer from Reykjavík to the farm.
During the ride full board is provided. Our menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). Vegetarian meals are available on request when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.
Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price and are hard to get in the highlands. They can be bought in the Duty Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival.
Rain wear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet.
ATTENTION
Individual travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We encourage clients to obtain relevant travel insurance before visiting Iceland.
Flight to and from Iceland is not included
Day 1: 17/9 transfer from Reykjavik and sightseeing
We start pickup in Reykjavik at 1pm and set direction towards the South. On the way we make a few stops; to admire the view of Hveragerdi, to shop for handmade woolen products and to see the small yet voluminous waterfall Urridafoss. Then we arrive at our accommodation for the next two nights Grímstadir farm house where dinner awaits us.
Day 2: 18/9 Stóra-Hof to Foss
We drive to Stóra-Hof where we saddle up and prepare for the tour. We start in the paddock to get to know the horses and have basic riding instructions. Then we and the herd of loose horses will head off Northwards. We will be surrounded by magnificent views, with the volcano Hekla ahead of us and Eyjafjallajökull to our right. Our first riding day ends at the hut Foss, our home for the next three nights.
Accommodation: Mountain cottage Foss
Day 3: 19/9 Chasing Waterfalls
Today we explore the area around our hut "Foss" further. We will go on two different rides, one in the morning and one in the afternoon and take only one horse on each ride. We leave the herd behind to venture into the beautiful landscape around Foss. We can enjoy amazing views over the mountains, lava fields, rivers and canyons. We will pass an abandoned farm and visit a man-made cave that used to be a sheepfold. We will ride up the hills south of Foss, where we will meet beautiful waterfalls, and enter a small cave called Thieves' Cave. If the sky is clear we’ll get a great view over the lowlands and the mountains.
(app. 2x12 km)
Day 4: 20/9 Herding sheep
Today we ride to meet the Fjallmen and herd their sheep the picturesque route from Hafrafell to Reynifellsbrú. (app. 23 km)
Accommodation: Mountain cottage Foss
Day 4: 21/9 Sorting Sheep
Today is the day: We go and watch sheep getting sorted at the Reyðarvatnsréttir.
After that it is time to leave Foss and head back to the lowlands. You will feel the spirit and growing excitement of the horses who know they are on the way back home! Tölting on a joyful horse, on soft grounds, in their natural environment surrounded by mountains and glacier views, is an unforgettable experience! We leave the horses and drive to the guest house Grimstaðir for the last night.
Day 5: 22/9 Pick up after breakfast and drive back to Reykjavik
On our way back to Reykjavik we will visit the famous waterfall Seljalandsfoss which you can walk behind and after a 2 hour drive we will return to Reykjavik around 1 pm.
Please note: We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary
Airport Transfer
We recommend you to book with Airport Direct, as they have the most frequent departures.
Keflavik - Reykjavik (Bus hostel)
Reykjavik (Bus hostel) - Keflavik
Liability:
Íshestar reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise.
No liability is accepted for loss or expenses due to delays or changes of arrival or departures of flights or other services, injury, sickness, accident, strikes, damage, negligence, weather, wars or other causes outside the control of Íshestar. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveler.
The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions.
For more information please see also our Frequently Asked Questions and/or contact us at multidaytours@ishestar.is
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Sörlaskeið 26
220 Hafnarfjörður
Iceland
+354 555 7000
info@ishestar.is
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