Sheep Round-Up

Introduction
Iceland Shorts Iceland
Melrakkaslétta:
This part of Iceland is inhabited by only few people, most of them living in little fishing villages along the coast and on farms. There is a lot of diversity in this tour starting with beautiful mountain views from the wide Öxarfjörður Fjord. The Peninsula of Melrakkaslétta, which stretches almost to the Arctic Circle, is a paradise for birdwatchers and people with geological interest. Here we are right on top of the Mid Atlantic Ridge where the North-American and Eurasian plates drift apart.
On this special tour we join the farmers in north Iceland as they round up thousands of sheep from the mountains. We gather the sheep from Núpasveitafréttur and Melrakkaslétta peninsula and drive them into Katastaða communal sheepfold so the farmers can sort out their flock and take them to their farms. Local farmers have been rounding up sheep in this area for centuries. Learn from them how to manage the flock, drive sheep down hill sides, across rivers and out of sheltered valleys to their resting place for the night, only to head off again the next day to round up more.
Hosts for this tour are Halldór and Elín with their family from Bjarnastaðir Farm, known to many Icelanders for their excellent breeding of horses. Halldór is a respected member of his community and among other things he is a “mountain king” when the time calls for gathering up the sheep in autumn.

Landmannaafréttur:
Rounding up sheep with the farmers in Landmannalaugar, Jökulgil and near Volcano Hekla.
On this special tour we join the farmers in South Iceland as they round up thousands of sheep from the mountains. We gather the sheep into the Landmannaafréttur communal sheepfold close to the famous Landmannalaugar geothermal area. The yellow, reddish and greenish hue of the rhyolite mountains give this area a magical touch. Here, under the stately gaze of Mt. Hekla, we drive the sheep across the black sands, which is the ash spewed by this volcano over centuries. Local farmers have been herding sheep in this area for centuries. Learn from them how to manage the flock, drive sheep down hill sides, across rivers and out of sheltered valleys to their resting place for the night, only to head off again the next day to round up more.

Rangárvallaafréttur:
On this special tour we join the farmers in South Iceland as they round up thousands of sheep from the mountains. We gather the sheep into the Rangárvallaafréttur communal sheepfold close to the famous Landmannalaugar geothermal area. The yellow, reddish and greenish hue of the rhyolite mountains give this area a magical touch.
Here, under the stately gaze of Mt. Hekla, we drive the sheep across the black sands, which is the ash spewed by this same volcano over centuries. Local farmers have been rounding up sheep in this area for centuries. Learn from them how to manage the flock, drive sheep down hillsides, across rivers and out of sheltered valleys to their resting place for the night, only to head off again the next day to round up more.

Reykjaréttir:
From Kálfhóll Farm we head off through fertile farmland and enter the beautiful trail along mighty glacier river Thjórsá. The ride continues towards the herd of sheep that are herded down from the highlands in a tenth of thousands. When we meet the herd we will herd them for the rest of the way to Reykjaréttir (Reykja Coral) where all the sheep farmers come together to collect their sheep from the herd. We will get the opportunity to help one farmer to collect his sheep by catching them and check their mark. When everybody has got their sheep into the right (“dilkur”) place we will head back to Kálfhóll farm riding on our horses. On our way, there is a local pub that serves the traditional “réttarsúpa” (coral soup) which is a traditional Icelandic soup with meat and vegetable.


Being amongst the farming community and lending a helping hand in this age-old tradition of the autumn round-up is as close as you can get to the heart and soul of this nation. As participants you are joining an annual tradition and not a customized riding tour. Therefore an open mind, good physical health and the ability to work as a team is essential. Expect to be treated as one of the crowd, be prepared to pull your weight each day and enjoy the camaraderie of all those
participating.

When you participate in the Round Ups you are experiencing the Real Thing! You will be one of the group to herd and sort the animals. Of course that means long hours outside in sometimes cold weather. Iceland in autumn has many colours and types of weather. Anticipate to be in golden sunshine one moment and to ride in rain and even sleet during the next. We therefore recommend to dress well during these tours, to bring long woolen underwear and lots of woolen socks and gloves. It is also good to bring some 'quick energy supplier' like chocolate. A warm rider is a happy rider!                                                

Accomodation

Accommodations
Please bring your own sleeping bag as linen is not provided in any of the accommodations used on these tours.

Melrakkaslétta Accommodations Itinerary
All nights are spent at Bjarnastaðir Farm.
Bjarnastaðir Farm, home of Halldór Olgeirsson and Elín Maríusdóttir 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:  18
•Outdoor jacuzzi:  Yes
•Number of showers:  2
•GSM connection:  Yes
•WiFi: No


Reykjaréttir Accommodations Itinerary
All nights are spent at Kálfhóll Farm.
The farm is located in the beautiful Skeiða and Hrunamannahreppi shire. All around the farm you can see gorgeous countryside.


Landmannaafrettur Accommodations Itinerary
Night 1 to 3: Landmannalaugar 
Nights 4 & 5: Landmannahellir
Night 6: Galtalækur Farm

Landmannalaugar 
This hut is big and comfortable and can accommodate up to 78 people on two floors. The ground floor has a good entrance hall, a large sleeping quarters with bunk beds and a kitchen, fully equipped with gas stoves, hot and cold running water and all utensils. Upstairs there is one small dorm room and three larger dorms. There is a big charcoal grill outside.
A patio connects the hut with a big toilet/shower house that also serves the camping ground and the numerous day visitors to Landmannalaugar. The wardens live in a roomy hut beside the toilet house.

Landmannahellir
Landmannahellir is located in a peaceful area in Fjallabak and  has for many years been one of the main dwelling place for sheep gatherers when they round up the sheep each autumn that have been grassing in this area during the summer.
•Number of rooms:  1
•Number of beds:  24
•Outdoor jacuzzi:  No
•Number of showers:  2 in separate building
•GSM connection:  No
•WiFi: No
•Made up beds: No
•Number of WC:  2 (in the building)


Rangárvallaafréttur Accommodations Itinerary
Night 1 to 3: Hvanngil Cabin
Night 4: Krókur Cabin
Night 5: Hungurfit Cabin
Night 6: Foss Farm

Hvanngil Cabin
This cabin offers accommodations for up to 60 people in four rooms. On the ground floor, there is a big entrance, a small kitchen and two dormitories with double bunk beds and tables and chairs. The loft has two sleeping quarters with sleeping bag accommodation on mattresses. There is a toilet house with showers (accessible for a fee).

Hungurfit Cabin
There have been lodge facilities in Hungurfit since 1963. In 2013, a new mountain lodge was opened in Hungurfit, housing up to 30 people. It is one of the most modern mountain lodges in Iceland, with running water, a flushable toilet and electricity.


Meals
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 if requested when booking. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
This tour is a great riding experience that is suitable for intermediate riders. You need to be comfortable and in control at all paces, have a firm seat, and feel comfortable riding for up to 7 hours per day. Riders are expected to ride regularly and be capable of handling horses in an open country. Riding days can be as long as up to 35 km in the saddle so you should be in good physical condition and have a basic knowledge of horsemanship. You will get a thorough introduction into the gaits of the Icelandic horse and feel the Tölt, the extremely soft traveling gate of the Icelandic horse.

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. 

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary: Melrakkaslétta Sheep Round-Up (approx. 130km total) - subject to changes

Day 1 (Thursday): Arrival & Introductory Ride
Meeting is at Flugfélagið Ernir in Reykjavík domestic airport for 08:00 am on Day 1. Morning flight from Reykjavik Airport to Húsavík and bus transfer to Bjarnastaðir Farm, where we meet up with the guides and horses and have a late lunch. On the way, we will stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest waterfall and Ásbyrgi National Park. Ásbyrgi is one of the wonders of nature, a wide, horseshoe-shaped canyon with sheer cliff faces up to 100 m high. According to legend, Sleipnir, the Norse god Odin's eight-legged horse, put one of his hooves down as the god rode by.
After a short introduction to the horses, we set out on a 2 -3 hours ride through Kerlingaskógur´s low bushy area and enjoy great views over the Fjord Öxarfjörður and the famous Lake Skjálftavatn which suddenly appeared over night after a strong earthquake 28 years ago, when the land had been lowered by 4 meters overnight.
Riding approx. 30km
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir

Day 2 (Friday): Rounding up the sheep in Núpasveit
We start early and each rider will join a local farmer and his dog to be his/her mentor and guide during the tour. This area is rich with vegetation, green valleys and small lakes and we continue until late afternoon. We leave horses and sheep at a remote old hut and return back to the farm for a hearty dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir

Day 3 (Saturday): Rounding up the sheep to Katastaðarétt communal fold
The Peninsula of Melrakkaslétta, which stretches almost to the Arctic Circle, is a paradise for birdwatchers and people with geological interest. Here, we are right on top of the Mid Atlantic Ridge, where the North-American and Eurasian plates drift apart. The vegetation is ideal for the sheep and the local farmers are very proud of their stock.
We meet up with our horses and continue driving the sheep down to Katastaðarétt communal fold, where they are kept for the night together with the horses.
Riding approx. 30 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir

Day 4 (Sunday): Melrakkaslétta Sheep Round-Up 
This is the final and well celebrated day of the round-up. In the morning, the sorting of the sheep starts and lasts until each sheep has been returned to its owners. Participate in sorting the sheep, "pass the flask around" and join in the singing and celebrating after a successful ride into the mountains. Once the sorting is finished, we join the farmers from Daðastaðir Farm and Presthólar Farm and help them drive the sheep home. Farewell dinner at Bjarnastaðir.
Riding approx. 35 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Bjarnastaðir

Day 5 (Monday): Departure & optional Whale Watching Cruise
We say good bye to horses and staff and to Húsavík airport to catch the flight to Reykjavik. We stop in Húsavík for a while and those who want can decide to do a whale watching cruise (available at an extra charge). Arrival in Reykjavík in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch 
 


Sample Itinerary:  Landmannaafréttur Sheep Round Up - subject to changes

Day 1 (Friday): Arrival & Introductory Ride
Pick up between 09:00 – 10:00 am from pick up points in Reykjavik www.busstop.is. Please be ready at the earliest pick up time, already in riding clothes. Transfer from Reykjavík in the morning to the Riding Centre. Receive details about the adventure ahead of you. Then, we go to Landmannahellir, where we meet the horses and fellow riders. We ride into the famous Landmannalaugar area with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colorful mountains and black lava fields. This is a short riding day which gives us time to get acquainted with the terrain and to learn about the task which lies ahead.
Riding 3 – 4 hrs
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Landmannalaugar

Day 2 (Saturday): Ride to Jökulgilið
Jökulgilið, a long and shallow valley with multiple colors and rock formations, is our destination for today. The valley is surrounded by mountains and glaciers, mostly barren, but yet covered with grass here and there. This is what attracts the sheep into this remote area far away from any human contact. A glacier fed river makes it hard to access the valley during the summer time and it is only now that we can ride in and look for the sheep that have been grazing there all summer.
Riding 8 – 9 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Landmannalaugar

Day 3 (Sunday): Sheep Round Up around Landmannalaugar
Today, we cover the area between Landmannalaugar and Landmannahellir. The area is covered with lava fields, craters and lakes and sheep can be found everywhere. Therefore, it is important to keep your place in the human chain to make sure that no sheep stays behind.
Riding 8 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Landmannalaugar

Day 4 (Monday): Landmannahellir 
We leave Landmannalaugar in the morning, pack our belongings into a transport vehicle and ride back to Landmannahellir, driving our spare horses along in a free running herd. Today, we explore the surroundings of Landmannahellir, which has a long tradition as a night rest for those gathering sheep. Originally two caves there were used as a shelter for horses and men.
Riding 8 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Landmannahellir

Day 5 (Tuesday): Mt. Hekla volcano
Green grass turns into black ashes as we approach Mt. Hekla volcano. Mt. Hekla is an active volcano and has erupted regularly, spewing lava, pumice and ash into the sky. Sheep can be found in sheltered valleys and we make sure that they all return home. While some of us are out in this wilderness looking for sheep, others drive the flock to Mt.Valahnjúkar. 
Riding 10 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Landmannahellir

Day 6 (Wednesday): Ride to Áfangagil
Áfangagil is the final destination for our flock today. Here is the round pen where the sheep will be sorted tomorrow. On our way, we search the area to make sure that no sheep stays behind. We spend our last night at Galtalækur Farm, underneath towering Mt. Hekla volcano.
Riding 8 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Galtalækur Farm

Day 7 (Thursday): Landmannaafréttur Sheep Round-Up
This is the final and well celebrated day of the round-up. At noon, the sorting of the sheep starts and lasts until each sheep has been returned to its owners. Participate in sorting the sheep, pass the flask around and join in the singing and celebrating after a successful ride into the mountains. Once the sorting is finished we drive back to Reykjavík where this great tour ends at approx. 6:00pm.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

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Sample Itinerary:  Rangárvallaafréttur Sheep Round Up - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival & Introductory Ride
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik at 6:00 in the morning. Please, be ready for pick up and dress already in riding clothes. We will transfer to Hungurfit where we meet the horses and fellow riders. We use this day to gather up the horses and drive them to Hvanngil Mountain Cabin. This is a short riding day which gives us time to get acquainted with the terrain and to learn about the task which lies ahead.
Riding 4-5 hrs
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hvanngil

Day 2 (Monday): Ride to Mælifellssandur
Mælifellssandur a large area of sand and stones north of Mýrdalsjökull Glacier, is our destination for today. This area is surrounded by mountains and glaciers, mostly barren yet covered with grass here and there.
Riding 8-9 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hvanngil

Day 3 (Tuesday): Kaldaklof Ride
Today we cover the area Kaldaklof between the mountains Einstigsfjall and Brattháls. Even though not too far apart the area is covered with lava fields, craters and lakes and sheep can be found widely. Therefore it is important to keep your place in the human chain to make sure that no sheep stays behind.
Riding 8 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hvanngil

Day 4 (Wednesday): From Álftavatn Lake to Krókur
We leave Hvanngil in the morning, pack our belongings into a transport vehicle and start gathering up the sheep at beautiful Lake Álftavatn. We cover the mountains Faxi and Sáta and stay overnight at Krókur Cabin.
Riding 8 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Krókur Cabin

Day 5 (Thursday): Rangárbotnar & Sultarfit
We leave Krókur and ride through the area of Sultarfit and Rangárbotnar, through Reiðskarð Mountain pass and Laufahraun Lavafields. Sheep can be found in sheltered valleys and we make sure that they all return home.
Riding 9 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hungurfit Cabin

Day 6 (Friday): Ride to Reynifellsbrú
Reynifellsbrú is the final destination for our flock today. Here, close by is the round pen where the sheep will be sorted tomorrow. On our way, we search the area in Austurdalur and Lambadalur Valleys and alongside Valá River to make sure that no sheep stays behind.
Riding 8 hrs
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Foss Farm

Day 7 (Saturday): Round-Up & Departure
At noon, the sorting of the sheep starts and lasts until each sheep has been returned to its owners. Participate in sorting the sheep, pass the flask around and join in the singing and celebrating after a successful ride into the mountains. Once the sorting is finished we drive back to Reykjavík BSÍ where this great tour ends at approx. 6 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

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Sample Itinerary:  Reykjaréttir Sheep Round Up - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival & Introductory Ride
Pick up at BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik at 10:00 am. Please, be ready for pick up and dress already in riding clothes.
You will arrive at Kálfhóll farm around noon and have a nice lunch. We then go to the stable where you will do a test ride to get know your horse. We will then ride ahead by the river Thjórsá. We stay overnight at Kálfhóll.
Riding approx. 15 km
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kálfhóll Farm

Day 2: Sandlækjarmýri to Reykjaréttir
Today, we ride towards the herd of sheep coming down from the mountains. We will meet them on the way to the roundups and herd them with the locals. It is an amazing sight to see a flock of sheep kilometers long! When we arrive we will have our lunch bag. While the sheep stay overnight by the corrals, we drive back to Kálfhóll farm and dream about the Round-Up which will take place the next morning.
Riding approx. 20 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kálfhóll Farm

Day 3: Round-Up
The Round-Up starts early so we wake up early and go by bus to Reykjaréttir corrals, since our horses are already there. You get the opportunity to help to collect sheep for a local farmer, it is an interesting job and quite fun and does not get more authentic! When all the sheep are at the right place with their farmer, we head back on our horses to Kálfhóll farm. On our way, we stop at a local pub “Hestakráin” (The Horse Pub) where we will have a traditional Icelandic meat soup.
When we arrive at Kálfhóll, a farewell dinner will be served and relaxing hot tub awaits us. Those who want to party with the locals in the evening are offered a lift to the pub for a local dance (réttarball) but you can also just relax at the farm.
Riding approx. 20 km
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Kálfhóll Farm

Day 4: Departure
Breakfast will be served and later on, we say goodbye and the bus will take you back to Reykjavík BSÍ.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Sheep Round-Up

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Reykjavik
Airport: Keflavik Airport
Transfer: Reykjavik

Climate:
                                                Reykjavík area