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 he chance to ride past waterfalls, mountains, caves, lava fields, lupins 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 day 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
DURATION
4 days - 4 nights
RIDING SKILLS
Intermediate and advanced riders
DEPARTURES
Departure 2023: 13-17 September
ACCOMMODATION
Double rooms in a guesthouse (1 night) 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 at a reasonable price 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: 13/9 Markaskarð-Foss
We drive to Markaskarð, 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 2: 14/9 Chasing Waterfalls
Today we explore the area around our hut "Foss" further. We will go on two different rides in the morning and 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. Like the day before, we will go for two rides from our hut. 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 3: 15/9 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: 16/9 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: 17.9. Pick up after breakfast and drive back to Reykjavik
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
Terms & Conditions:
Íshestar requests a confirmation payment upon booking of a minimum of 30% of the tour price. When the confirmation payment is received the seat is secure. The remaining balance is due 6 weeks before the tour departs.
Join our mailing list
Submit your email for our monthly newsletter and special offers
Sörlaskeið 26
220 Hafnarfjörður
Iceland
+354 555 7000
info@ishestar.is
Námskeið
Follow Us
