Wild North Northern Tours Iceland The part of Iceland we explore during this tour is known for its spectacular sights and untouched nature. The ride takes us from Bjarnastaðir Farm to the East of Iceland, amongst the most rural parts of the country. Follow both excellent riding paths and rougher terrain while witnessing stunning sites only available to horse riders. There is nothing like riding a horse while viewing a flock of reindeers in the wild, the arctic fox running in the distance and the rich birdlife that guides our way. An optional whale watching tour completes the selection of natural attractions on and off shore (only possible on the first departure) Progressive Ride (no camping) Ride with Gaited Horses Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Reykjavik domestic airport Airport: Keflavík International Airport Transfer: Reykjavik domestic airport Riders: Max 17 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Meeting is at Flugfélagið Ernir in Reykjavík domestic airport for 07:30 am (North to East) or 5 pm (East to North) on Day 1.

Sample Itinerary: from North to East  - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Meeting is at Flugfélag Ernir in Reykjavík airport for 7:30 am (when doing this route in reverse, the meeting time is at 5 pm)!  We fly to Húsavík.
We arrive at Húsavík in the morning and start our day, for those interested, by going on a whale watching cruise. It is truly an amazing experience to see both the sea giants up close and the dolphins playing around them (Price per person EUR 80). Others can enjoy the town‘s swimming pool, GeoSea geothermal baths or go for a stroll in this beautiful town.
After some time in Húsavík, we take a bus to Bjarnastaðir Farm where we enjoy a soup for lunch. Then, we saddle up and ride along the majestic Jökulsá river and the canyon Jökulsárgljúfur untill we reach Hafursstaðir, an abandoned farm where the horses stay for the night.
On the other side of the river we see Hljóðaklettar (Echo Rocks), a distinctive cluster of columnar rock formations. After leaving the horses at Hafursstaðir, we drive back to Bjarnastaðir Farm to soak in the hot tub while looking forward to continuing our journey.
Riding approx. 11 km
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm

Day 2. Ride to Grímsstaðir á Fjöllum
After a good night’s rest we will meet our horses at Hafursstaðir farm and saddle up. The trail of the day takes us over Hólasandur, the largest desert in Iceland. We ride on old riding trails and excellent riding paths all the way up to Grímsstaðir á Fjöllum, the highest lying farm in the country, where we leave the horses before heading back to Bjarnastaðir Farm.
Riding approx. 4-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir Farm

Day 3. Grímsstaðir to Möðrudalur
On this wonderful day we head up to Grímsstaðardalur valley. On the way, we ride along the mountain ridge Víðidalsfjallgarður and through the gap Sótaskarð. As if we are riding through the ages, we see what once was…. old abandoned farms in vast wilderness. We stop for lunch at an old sheepfold which has been turned into a small shop, before we mount back on our horses. We ride about 8 km up to the valley of Möðrudalur, where we stay for the night.
Riding approx. 33 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Möðrudalur

Day 4. Möðrudalur to Sænautasel
Today, we will be riding along the same old riding path that people travelled between the North and East in the old days. Following the western mountain ridge, we come across Skessugarður or Troll garden which is a giant natural stone formation formed by a Giantess… another possible way that it was formed is by an ice-age glacier. The large arch shaped moraine is over 300 meters long and almost 7 meters high. We take our lunch there before continuing our ride to Sænautasel, an old turf house and the last farm in this wilderness where people lived. There, we leave our horses and drive back to Möðrudalur where we stay for a second night.
Riding approx. 22 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Möðrudalur

Day 5. Sænautasel to Klaustursel
Get ready for a stunning day! We will get our well rested herd at Sænautasel, saddle up and follow excellent riding paths up to Klaustursel and Skjöldólfsstaðir. On the way, we might be able to view the wild reindeers that live in the area. Before arriving at our destination for the night, we visit the waterfall Stuðlafoss and the canyon Stuðlagil by car. Stuðlagil  is an absolutely gorgeous canyon formed under the river Jökulsá á Brú. It has one of the largest number of basalt rock columns in Iceland. Stuðlafoss, the hidden gem, is no less breathtaking. Its basalt columns form seats with neon green vegetation.
You end the ride at Skjöldólfsstaðir with a swimming pool and a hot tub to relax in after a spectacular day.
Riding approx. 30 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Skjöldólfsstaðir

Day 6. Ride to Skipalækur
This is our last riding day on this venturesome riding tour. We will still be riding with a view over the wild reindeers and maybe see the arctic fox running after his prey. The majestic mountains Snæfell and Herðubreið, that were formed beneath the Ice sheet that covered Iceland during the last glacial age, will also be within our sight. And once again we will be reminded of the real forces of nature. To close this wonderful day we will visit the natural geothermal pool Vök which is an unbelievable experience.
Riding approx. 4-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Skipalækur

Day 7. Departure
After breakfast we drive to Egilsstaðir to catch a flight to Reykjavik Domestic Airport and a transfer to the city center. We will arrive in downtown Reykjavik at around 10am.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            Akureyri area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	35	36	37	42	50	56	59	58	52	43	38	36
Average Low Temperature (°F)	23	24	26	30	37	43	46	46	40	33	27	24
Average High Temperature (°C)	2	2	3	6	10	13	15	14	11	6	3	2
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-5	-5	-4	-1	3	6	8	8	4	1	-3	-5

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Iceland enjoys a much milder climate than its name and location adjacent to the Arctic Circle would imply. A branch of the Gulf Stream flows along the southern and the western coast greatly moderating the climate. However, the climate can change very quickly. Generally speaking, the south-western part of Iceland receives more rainfall than the rest of the country. The Arctic Circle in only 60 km north of Akureyri but still the climate is mild, with summer temperatures up to 25°C and winter temperatures in average around 0˚C.

Summer (May to September)
The first half of this period the sun stays above the horizon for almost 24 hours. However, even during the middle of summer the sky can be cloudy or overcast and in that case, the air is usually cool and cold during nighttime.

Winter
The winter season sees long nights and severe winter storms. However, the silence of the frozen expanse and the dance of the Aurora Borealis on a clear night sky draw an increasing number of tourists.

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 saddle bag (where you can keep the picnic lunch, a small camera, extra pair of gloves etc.).

Luggage will be transported in the kitchen van. Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases. Pack light because transport space is limited.
We recommend not too much luggage on the tour and you can leave extra luggage at the guesthouse if you want to.

You should be ready for all kinds of weather as the weather can change very quickly.

We recommend that the following items are included when preparing for our longer tours.
• Knee high riding boots -  water resistant/ waterproof
• 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 against chafing).
• For the ladies – sports bra.
• Riding trousers.
• Track suit.
• A pair of slippers to wear in the accommodation (Icelanders take off their shoes when entering a house).
• Swim suits, towels, soap etc.
• A small camera to take with you on the ride.
• Band aids and second skin plasters for chaffing.
• Insect repellent, gnat net head cover.
• Chocolate or glucose sweets for strenuous riding days.
• Sun lotion for face and lips (with high sun factor).
• Sunglasses.
• For those with sensitive eyes/contact lenses, goggles.
• Sleeping bag
• Small pillow to sleep on.
• Ear plugs. Some people snore!

Disinfecting of the riding gear
It is important to follow the regulation regarding the disinfecting of used riding clothes. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which can not be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland's fragile nature! For further information please take a look at: http://www.mast.is/english/frontpage/import-export/import/ridingequipment/ 

Cameras:  
We recommend to bring a small camera that can be taken in a pocket, a waist/hip bag or in the saddle bag.
Large camera equipment we can not allow on the horses for security reasons. Tours are operated with a free running herd - at speed of tölt or trot for most of the day. We take breaks to relax the horses and then it is possible to take pictures. While on the horse taking pictures is rather difficult since the horses are constantly moving. Because of the herd instinct it is not possible to stop an individual horse, they all will follow each other.
You can leave larger Digital SLR with your luggage at the farm or put it in their luggage that will be transferred to the new accommodation.

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Accommodation
This is a progressive ride so you will be staying in different locations each night.

Description
During this tour, you will sleep in simple accommodations in dormitory style rooms. Please, bring your own sleeping bag!

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Bjarnastaðir Farm
Night 3 & 4: Möðrudalur
Night 5: Skjöldólfsstaðir
Night 6: Skipalækur

Bjarnastaðir Farm
It is the home of Halldór Olgeirsson and Elín Maríusdóttir and is situated in the low bushy area of Kerlingaskógur, close to the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum and Dettifoss Waterfall. You will enjoy great view over the Fjord Öxarfjörður and the famous Lake Skjálftavatn which suddenly appeared over night after a strong earthquake 28 years ago. Halldór and Elín, breeders of both horses and sheep will welcome you with open arms and their warmth and hospitality is indeed second to none.
•Number of beds: 23
•Made up beds: Yes
•Outdoor jacuzzi: Yes
•Number of showers: 4
•GSM connection: Yes
•WiFi: Yes

Möðrudalur
This is the highest farm in the country at about 450 m above sea level. You will sleep in one of the beautiful traditional turf houses. Facilities are shared. 

Skjöldólfsstaðir
You sleep in simple but comfortable rooms with shared bathrooms. There is a small outdoor pool and a hot tub where you can relax in the evening.

Skipalækur
This campground offers simple accommodations in a quiet setting. Facilities are shared. 

Room Occupancy
Single rooms are not available on this trip.


Meals
During the ride full board is provided.

The menu consists of a large breakfast and traditional Icelandic meals (fish or lamb). 
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 at a reasonable price in the Duty Free Store at Keflavik Airport upon arrival.

Dietary restrictions
Vegetarian meals are available if requested in advance.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Icelandic
Horses:		Icelandic Horses
Pace:		Riding approx 20-25 km per day (about 140 km total)
Level:		(3.5 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Weight:		Max 242 lbs / 110 kg
Riders:			Max 17 riders

Riding Experience
This tour is a great riding experience that is suitable for 

Riding Gear – Disinfect!
Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to disinfected at least 5 days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles, chaps and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland’s fragile nature!
We provide saddle bags, rain wear and safety helmet.

Tack & Riding Style
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different then the tack ordinarily used for other breeds.
The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides, a crupper helps keeping the saddle in place. Riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to English riding style, but stirrups are worn long.
Bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip on reins.

The Farmers
The real connoisseurs of the local terrain and history. We make sure that each tour has its own charm and is organized by the local expert, the farmer, and his family. They use their own horses and ride through the part of the country they know so well.
Our farmers have over 30 years of experience in leading riding groups through Iceland.

Herd of Horses
On this ride, you will be riding several days (except for two days) with a free running herd of horses. Herding along free running horses is the traditional way of travelling in Iceland, since horses are changed at least once a day on longer tours. You get to ride a variety of horses. 

Horses
The Icelandic horse is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour.  Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience. The horses are especially chosen for this trip and are suited even for riders who have not had much riding experience. 

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. 

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes/1
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	No

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.