Sunday: Arrival in Iceland - Keflavík Airport - Reykjavík
A representative meets all clients at Keflavík Airport and drives them to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. At approx. 17:30 we invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of the following tour and meet your fellow riders. 

Monday: Reykjavík - Egilsstaðir -  Skriðuklaustur – Fjallaskarð Mountain Cabin
Flight to Egilsstaðir town in the morning and a drive to Skriðuklaustur Farm where we meet horses and staff. After a short introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gait we start our ride. We ascend from a valley at nearly sea level to the great highland plateau, where vegetation and landscape have already an artic character. Enjoy magnificent views on this ride. We stay overnight at the mountain cabin Fjallaskarð, at the foot of the mountain Eyvindarfjöll. (6 - 7 hours)

Tuesday: Fjallaskarð – Aðalból Farm
We ride from Fjallaskarð mountain cabin to Aðalból Farm. Here we leave the herd behind and ride on one horse through the beautiful valley of Hrafnkelsdalur, the setting of the famous Hrafnkelssaga from the Viking Age. Imagine life at the adventurous Saga times while our guides will tell you about historic events and make the Saga come alive. Among other sites we visit the waterfall Faxafoss named after one of the most famous horses in Icelandic literature. (5-6 hours)

Wednesday: Aðalból – Hafrahvammagljúfur – Sauðá Mountain Cabin
A highlight of today is the ride to the gigantic canyon Hafrahvammagljúfur. This huge, narrow, steep canyon is an unforgettable sight. Enjoy far-reaching views over Iceland's rugged interior, when we ride across the fertile landscape of Vestur-Öræfi. Overnight stay at Sauðá Mountain Cabin, situated 5 km north of Vatnajökull glacier, in the main summer pastures of reindeer in Iceland. (6 - 7 hours)

Thursday: Sauðá - Snæfell - Vatnajökull Glacier – Snæfell Mountain Cabin
Our ride continues towards the magnificent Mt. Snæfell, one of the highest mountains Iceland. In the afternoon we change to 4Wheel-drive transportation and drive towards  Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull. View endless stretches of ice and snow and explore the glacier, a truly thrilling experience. Overnight stay at the foot of Mt. Snæfell in a spacious mountain cabin. (4 - 5 + 3 hours)

Friday: Snæfell - Eyjabakkar – Laugarfell Mountain Cabin
A good chance to see more reindeer herds and countless numbers of pink-footed geese on our way round Mt. Snæfell and into the beautiful pastures of Eyjabakkar, with Eyjabakkajökull glacier towering over us. Natural hot pool on site. We stay for the night at Laugarfell Mountain Cabin. (6 - 7 hours)

Saturday: Laugarfell – Skriðuklaustur – Hallormsstaður Guesthouse
View beautiful waterfalls in the glacier fed river Jökulsá in Fljótsdalur as we descend to Norðurdalur valley. The riding tour ends at Skriðuklaustur Farm where we say good bye to the horses and drive to Hallormsstaður forest, Iceland´s biggest forest. Relax in the nearby swimming pool after an exciting riding adventure. Overnight at Hallormsstaður Guesthouse. (6 - 7 hours)

Sunday: Egilsstaðir - Reykjavík
Flight back to Reykjavík in the morning with arrival at approx. 11:00 at Reykjavík Domestic Airport. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Reykjavík.

Monday: Departure from Iceland - Reykjavík - Keflavík Airport
Transfer to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.

     Subject to change

From the end of May to the end of August it's the time of the midnight sun; of the never-dark nights. Iceland is famous for its thermal pools, and you can count on never being more than a few nights away from their warmth and relaxation. 

As its name suggests, Iceland is cold, but not as cold as might be expected because of the passing warm waters of the Gulf Stream, which regulate the climate. The summer temperatures in Reykjavík range from 41°F (5°C) at night to as high as 77°F (25°C) during the day. The average January temperature is 31°F (-0.5°C). The south is the wettest part of the country, but snow is rare. Coastal areas tend to experience winter gales and are generally windy. During the summer months there is almost continuous daylight; early spring and late autumn feature long twilights. From mid-November until the end of January, in the darkness of winter, the opposite is true, with the country only experiencing a few hours of daylight each day. The Northern Lights are often visible in autumn and early winter.

Despite its extreme north Atlantic situation, Reykjavik's climate is not as cold as might be expected, its average mid-winter temperatures being no lower than those in New York City. This is because the Icelandic coastal weather is tempered by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. The city's coastal location does, however, also mean it is prone to wind, and gales are common in winter. Reykjavik is also a very wet city, having on average 213 rainy days out of the year, with spring having slightly more sunny days.

 You should be ready for all kinds of weather as it can change very quickly. We provide you with good rain-clothes, a riding helmet and a sleeping bag and sheet. Also a saddle bag (where you can keep the picnic lunch, a small camera, extra pair of gloves etc.).

Normal street-clothes are not necessary except for your stay in Reykjavík before or after the tour.

We recommend not too much luggage on the tour and you can leave extra luggage at the guesthouse if you want to.

…  this list is only a guideline for you
 
Travel documents and Voucher
Flight tickets
Passport
Visa (check with your consulate)
 
RIDING GEAR
Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
Riding boots (Knee high riding boots - preferably rubber, because of the rivers we cross)
Riding helmet- provided
Warm jacket or overcoat
Warm (woolen or fleece) sweater
  Warm socks and gloves, at least two pairs, scarf and a cap or hat.
Warm underwear, long if possible (protects also from chaffing).
 
PERSONAL CLOTHING
Jogging suit or other comfortable cloths to wear in the huts
      For the ladies – sports bra.
Bathing suit and flip flops
Slippers for the huts (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house)
 
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
A small camera to take with you when riding
Personal toiletries (soap etc.)
Earplugs (some people snore!)
Small Pillow
Towel
Small flashlight, ie: headlamp
If interested, duty free alcohol at Iceland airport
Chocolate or glucose sweets for strenuous riding days
  Insect repellent, gnat net head cover.
Band aid and second skin plasters for chaffing
Sore cream (for the emergency)
Sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor)
Sunglasses
Song books

Participants praise our meals, which consist of traditional Icelandic food (fish and lamb dishes). Vegetarian meals are available upon request.

Important: Meals during guesthouse stay in Reykjavík/Hafnarfjördur: only breakfast!

Sample of accommodations during the ride- subject to change!

Garður: Guesthouse Hotel Garður, 101 Reykjavík, phone 511 5656, fax 511 5918,

e-mail: reservations@icelandichotels.is

Situated close to the center of Reykjavík at the University Campus. Double and triple rooms without private facilities, made up beds, breakfast included. Short walk to the city center with numerous restaurants.

Fjallaskarð: Simple mountain cabin.

Two buildings, one room each, bunk beds (partly shared by 2 clients per bed), one long-drop toilet, no running water in the hut, but a river running by.

 Aðalból: Holiday Farm, 701 Egilstaðir, phone 471 2788.

Several rooms, beds, bunk beds and matresses on the floor, one toilet, one shower.

Sauðá: Simple mountain cabin, only 5 km away from Vatnajökull Glacier.

One room, bunk beds (partly shared), long-drop toilet, no shower, no running water in the hut, but a river running by.

Snæfell: popular mountain cabin (other groups at the accommodation).

Several rooms, bunk beds (partly shared by 2 clients per bed), two toilets, running water, one shower.

Laugarfell: Simple mountain cabin.

Two buildings, several rooms, 2 – 4 beds and bunk beds, one long-drop toilet, no running water in the hut, but a natural hot tub on site.

Útnyrðingsstaðir: Holiday Farm, 701 Egilsstaðir, phone 471 1721.

Several rooms, beds, shared facilities, indoor toilets, showers.

A very special experience seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding each day with a free running herd of horses. You may switch horses from time to time.
You should be a strong intermediate rider capable of handling horses in open country.
 
The Icelandic Horse
The origin of the horse in Iceland is exactly the same as the arrival of the first settlers from Scandinavia in the ninth century. Clearly, the horse was the catalyst that allowed the settlement of Iceland to go forward and prosper. Since no other breed of horse has ever been imported to Iceland, this special animal is a pure-bred "Viking Horse".
The horse was used for everything. They worked tilling the farmlands from dawn to dusk and provided transportation between the farms as they were settled. They went on scouting expeditions into this new territory in search of everything from water to grazing areas. Strong and sure footed, the Icelandic horse adjusted and adapted to this new land certainly as fast and most likely faster than the new settlers.
Viking battles were fought on horseback and the animal quickly adjusted to any situation that was presented to it. Is it any wonder that many of the slain Vikings warriors of the many battles in earlier times were often buried with their horses as a sign of honor and respect.
The Icelandic horse has many characteristics unique unto itself. Perhaps the most noticeable would be its intermediate size and the mane of shaggy hair. The five gaits of the horse are also one of the special features that sets it apart form all other horses. These gaits are the fetgangur, the walk or step, the brokk or trot, the tölt, which is a faster type of walk, the skeið or the pace and the stökk, or gallop.
On large farm areas, perimeter fences keep in most of the horses, but many are also simply allowed to run free. This most naturally accounts for the spirited nature of the animal. All of them seem to adapt to the personality of their owner. It is essential to establish a trust between the Icelandic horse and the rider. Doing so literally guarantees a friend for life. The passion and spirit of the Icelandic horse is never broken only brought under control. As a result, the Icelandic pure-bred horse remains one the world's most unique animals to this day.

Tack:		Icelandic
Horses:		Icelandic Horses
Pace:		Daily rides are 4-7 hours (30 - 45 km). | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3.5 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Riders:		Min 8 riders	Max 16 riders

A very special experience seldom to be experienced anywhere else but in Iceland - except maybe on some of our horse drives. On this ride you will be riding each day with a free running herd of horses. You may switch horses from time to time.
You should be a strong intermediate rider capable of handling horses in open country.
 
The Icelandic Horse
The origin of the horse in Iceland is exactly the same as the arrival of the first settlers from Scandinavia in the ninth century. Clearly, the horse was the catalyst that allowed the settlement of Iceland to go forward and prosper. Since no other breed of horse has ever been imported to Iceland, this special animal is a pure-bred "Viking Horse".
The horse was used for everything. They worked tilling the farmlands from dawn to dusk and provided transportation between the farms as they were settled. They went on scouting expeditions into this new territory in search of everything from water to grazing areas. Strong and sure footed, the Icelandic horse adjusted and adapted to this new land certainly as fast and most likely faster than the new settlers.
Viking battles were fought on horseback and the animal quickly adjusted to any situation that was presented to it. Is it any wonder that many of the slain Vikings warriors of the many battles in earlier times were often buried with their horses as a sign of honor and respect.
The Icelandic horse has many characteristics unique unto itself. Perhaps the most noticeable would be its intermediate size and the mane of shaggy hair. The five gaits of the horse are also one of the special features that sets it apart form all other horses. These gaits are the fetgangur, the walk or step, the brokk or trot, the tölt, which is a faster type of walk, the skeið or the pace and the stökk, or gallop.
On large farm areas, perimeter fences keep in most of the horses, but many are also simply allowed to run free. This most naturally accounts for the spirited nature of the animal. All of them seem to adapt to the personality of their owner. It is essential to establish a trust between the Icelandic horse and the rider. Doing so literally guarantees a friend for life. The passion and spirit of the Icelandic horse is never broken only brought under control. As a result, the Icelandic pure-bred horse remains one the world's most unique animals to this day.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden who are only required to produce national identity cards issued by the competent authorities in their countries of origin.
Passport Note
Iceland is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Visas
Not required by all nationals of referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
2. EU nationals staying longer than 90 days will need to apply for a residence permit from the directorate of immigration in Iceland.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
A stay in another Schengen-Zone country counts as the same as a stay in Iceland.