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ICELAND : HORSE RIDING TOUR THROUGH SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA...
Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
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The old volcano Snæfellsjökull is covered with a majestic top of ice and snow and towers over the peninsula named after it. Its mystic atmosphere surrounds you on this spectacular ride from Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm into the valleys and mountains, former shelters and hide-outs for outlaws, giants and trolls. Cross salmon rivers and ride alongside deep blue lakes. See mighty lava fields, craters and ashes of ancient eruptions. Enjoy wide-open stretches of light-coloured sand on the beaches where only the tide sets a limit to the freedom of horses and riders. |
See our special information sheet on Icelandic
Rides.
ITINERARY
Saturday: Europe
- Reykjavík
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Sunday: Reykjavík – Stóri-Kálfalækur – Grímsstaðir
Morning transfer to Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, where horses and staff are waiting for us. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride into the mountains through fertile farmlands and along good riding tracks to Grímsstaðir Farm with its proud history dating back to medieval times. Overnight at Stóri-Kálfalækur in made up beds, Showers and a hot tub on site.
Monday: Grímsstaðir – Hítarhólmur
The ride today leads through multi-coloured mountains and along low bushy hillsides. Hítardalur is a geological paradise. Vast lava fields, soft tracks through ashes and the high palagonite (tuff) mountains give you the impression of taking a ride on the moon! We leave the horses at the Hítarhólmur mountain and drive back to Stóri-Kálfalækur, where the hot tub is waiting.
Tuesday: Hítarhólmur – Kolviðarnes – Laugagerði
We continue our ride through this mystical volcanic valley. We stop at the sheep gathering place Hítardalsrétt and if you take a good look you can see the troll woman Hít who was turned into stone returning late from a date. We proceed west across Hítará River and travel trough an area well known as the hideout of Iceland’s most famous outlaw, Grettir. At Kolviðarnes Farm we leave the horses and spend the night at Laugagerði Schoolhouse where a swimming pool heated with geothermal water awaits us.
Wednesday: Laugagerði Schoolhouse – Traðir – Hof
After rejoining the horses we start our beach ride on Löngufjörur, the famous horse trail on the seashores of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. View majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier ahead of you and feel the horses’ excitement and take part in their joy on this extraordinary trail released by the tide. Our horses spend the night at Traðir Farm while we stay at Hof Farm with a geothermal hot tub on site.
Optional (available at an extra charge):
Drive along the coast towards the romantic fishing villages of Arnastapi and Hellnar. Here we are right underneath magical Mt. Snæfellsjökull. Visit the Information center of the Snæfellsnes National Park and learn about its mysterious powers. View beautiful bird cliffs along the shore, shaped by powerful waves. Meet giant Bárður Snæfellsás and hear about historic celebrities like the far travelled Guðríður Þorbjarnadóttir and mass murderer Axlar Björn! (Price per person: ISK 3.000)
Thursday: Hof – Traðir – Kolviðarnes – Stóri-Kálfalækur
Another day´s ride on the yellow coloured, sandy beach. Direction changes and we head back towards mighty Eldborgarhraun lava field. An unique experience for everyone with lava-fields and mountains on one side of the trail and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. We leave the horses at Kolviðarnes Farm and drive to Stóri-Kálfalækur, where we spend the last two nights.
Friday: Kolviðarnes – Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm
Last day on the beach and yet a new experience. The sand turns black as we follow the outline of Eldborgarhraun lava field. Imagine the black lava still on the move on your way back to dry land. The ride ends at Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, where we enjoy Ólöf’s farewell dinner.
Saturday: Stóri-Kálfalækur – Reykjavík
Transfer back to Reykjavík for an overnight stay in a guesthouse. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 11:00.
Sunday: Reykjavík – Europe
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home.
Please note that the beach ride is determined by the tide. Therefore the riding can start at any hour of the day and even last into the night. Don't worry though, the nights are bright at this time of the year.
Transfer from Keflavík Airport to a guesthouse in Reykjavík. We invite you to a Welcome Meeting including traditional Icelandic soup. Receive details of your tour and meet your fellow riders.
Sunday: Reykjavík – Stóri-Kálfalækur – Grímsstaðir
Morning transfer to Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, where horses and staff are waiting for us. After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits we start our ride into the mountains through fertile farmlands and along good riding tracks to Grímsstaðir Farm with its proud history dating back to medieval times. Overnight at Stóri-Kálfalækur in made up beds, Showers and a hot tub on site.
Monday: Grímsstaðir – Hítarhólmur
The ride today leads through multi-coloured mountains and along low bushy hillsides. Hítardalur is a geological paradise. Vast lava fields, soft tracks through ashes and the high palagonite (tuff) mountains give you the impression of taking a ride on the moon! We leave the horses at the Hítarhólmur mountain and drive back to Stóri-Kálfalækur, where the hot tub is waiting.
Tuesday: Hítarhólmur – Kolviðarnes – Laugagerði
We continue our ride through this mystical volcanic valley. We stop at the sheep gathering place Hítardalsrétt and if you take a good look you can see the troll woman Hít who was turned into stone returning late from a date. We proceed west across Hítará River and travel trough an area well known as the hideout of Iceland’s most famous outlaw, Grettir. At Kolviðarnes Farm we leave the horses and spend the night at Laugagerði Schoolhouse where a swimming pool heated with geothermal water awaits us.
Wednesday: Laugagerði Schoolhouse – Traðir – Hof
After rejoining the horses we start our beach ride on Löngufjörur, the famous horse trail on the seashores of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. View majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier ahead of you and feel the horses’ excitement and take part in their joy on this extraordinary trail released by the tide. Our horses spend the night at Traðir Farm while we stay at Hof Farm with a geothermal hot tub on site.
Optional (available at an extra charge):
Drive along the coast towards the romantic fishing villages of Arnastapi and Hellnar. Here we are right underneath magical Mt. Snæfellsjökull. Visit the Information center of the Snæfellsnes National Park and learn about its mysterious powers. View beautiful bird cliffs along the shore, shaped by powerful waves. Meet giant Bárður Snæfellsás and hear about historic celebrities like the far travelled Guðríður Þorbjarnadóttir and mass murderer Axlar Björn! (Price per person: ISK 3.000)
Thursday: Hof – Traðir – Kolviðarnes – Stóri-Kálfalækur
Another day´s ride on the yellow coloured, sandy beach. Direction changes and we head back towards mighty Eldborgarhraun lava field. An unique experience for everyone with lava-fields and mountains on one side of the trail and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. We leave the horses at Kolviðarnes Farm and drive to Stóri-Kálfalækur, where we spend the last two nights.
Friday: Kolviðarnes – Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm
Last day on the beach and yet a new experience. The sand turns black as we follow the outline of Eldborgarhraun lava field. Imagine the black lava still on the move on your way back to dry land. The ride ends at Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, where we enjoy Ólöf’s farewell dinner.
Saturday: Stóri-Kálfalækur – Reykjavík
Transfer back to Reykjavík for an overnight stay in a guesthouse. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 11:00.
Sunday: Reykjavík – Europe
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the flight back home.
Please note that the beach ride is determined by the tide. Therefore the riding can start at any hour of the day and even last into the night. Don't worry though, the nights are bright at this time of the year.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
Self-driving tour in the South of Iceland
We suggest you a 7 days / 6 nights self-driving tour in farmstays with breakfast and unlimited mileage car rental included.
We also provide a new itinerary with a 4 wheels car and 2 extra days to go in the highlands, and especially in the Landmannalaguar part.
This discover of the south coast of Iceland, including a hinterland incursion, will let you going through many different types of typical Icelandic landscapes and the amazing volcanic activity of the island. The geyser and geothermal activity of Blue Lagoon will enthousiast your imagination, Vik and Dirholaey black beach and basaltic cliff will be a delight for your eyes and ears. At Jökusarlon, you will discover the ice world and its cristal beauty. Skogar and Hvosvollur bring for their part, tame color : green meadows and bright stained farm as scandianvian people like to build.
A simple and thoroughly itinerary for the whole family.
We suggest you a 7 days / 6 nights self-driving tour in farmstays with breakfast and unlimited mileage car rental included.
We also provide a new itinerary with a 4 wheels car and 2 extra days to go in the highlands, and especially in the Landmannalaguar part.
This discover of the south coast of Iceland, including a hinterland incursion, will let you going through many different types of typical Icelandic landscapes and the amazing volcanic activity of the island. The geyser and geothermal activity of Blue Lagoon will enthousiast your imagination, Vik and Dirholaey black beach and basaltic cliff will be a delight for your eyes and ears. At Jökusarlon, you will discover the ice world and its cristal beauty. Skogar and Hvosvollur bring for their part, tame color : green meadows and bright stained farm as scandianvian people like to build.
A simple and thoroughly itinerary for the whole family.
The accomodation in the middle of nature, are owned by icelandic people who have switch to tourism industry. At the same time as their new host activity, most of the guesthouse farm still in agriculture production. Generally, you will be accomodated in original little shelter of 5 to 20 rooms, which are different in style and category. Some looks like countryside hotel, others are more rustic and other one's seems to be like pretty cabins.
Whale watching tour in Reykjavik
Take part in an adventure at sea with a trip into the world of whales and sea birds.
Whale watching tours operate from the beginning of April through to the end of October, from the old harbour in Reykjavik. The whales most frequently seen on tours are the Minke whales, Humpback whales, Dolphins and Porpoises. Other speces are sometimes spotted.
No two whale watching trips are the same, we need to be flexible and organize your trip taking sea conditions, weather and seasons into account. That why each trip takes about 2:30 to 3:30.
The boats leave at 09:00, 13:00 and 17:00.
From July 01st to August 10th two new departures are scheduled at 10:00 and 14:00.
Important : For your comfort and warmth, we have special suits on board we can lend you, but we do advise you to wear your warmest clothes - hats, scarves, gloves etc – as it can get very cold, even on the warmest of days.
To take part in this adventure in the best condition, it's possible to book one extra night in Reykjavik or to take a later flight (upon availability).
HORSES AND REQUIRED RIDING LEVEL
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Horses The Icelandic Horse is unique amongst horse breeds because it masters five gaits; walk, trot, tölt, canter/gallop and flying pace. The breed is best known for its fourbeat smooth gait, the “tölt”, that is very comfortable for the rider and elegantly displayed by the horse. The tölt is the specialty of the Icelandic Horse. It is a smooth four-beat gait in which the horse’s hind legs should move well under the body and carry more of the weight on the hind part, allowing the front to rise and be free and loose. Usually we change horses once or twice a day. On most of our longer tours we herd our spare horses along in a free running herd, the traditional way of riding in Iceland. All tours of the three and four horse categories are operated that way. For tours of the two horse category our guides may lead spare horses for parts of the ride. Source: The Icelandic horse, published by The Horse Breeders Association of Iceland (Félag hrossabænda) 2006 Tack 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. |
Required riding level
It's necessary to have an outdoor equestrian experience and to be confident at all gaits to take part of this adventure.
You will ride up to 7 hours per day. This is not a very technical ride, but ask a good physical condition.
See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
YOUR GUIDES
The ride is supervised by a team of professionals of the trail ride in
Iceland that perfectly knows the Icelandic horses and the specificity
of the country.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
In Reykjavik, you will be accommodated in guesthouses in rooms with shared facilities. 2 to 4 riders share a room.
On the ride, accomodation are mostly in mountains cabins and guesthouse and offer simple accommodations in sleeping bags. Sometimes, the whole group stays together in one room.
Indoor WC, warm showers and/or hot pools are available at most locations.
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 in advance. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table : sandwich, cheese, fruits ...
In Reykjavik, lunch and dinner are not include but generfruitsally there are lots of restaurant available near the accomodation.
In Reykjavik, you will be accommodated in guesthouses in rooms with shared facilities. 2 to 4 riders share a room.
On the ride, accomodation are mostly in mountains cabins and guesthouse and offer simple accommodations in sleeping bags. Sometimes, the whole group stays together in one room.
Indoor WC, warm showers and/or hot pools are available at most locations.
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 in advance. All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table : sandwich, cheese, fruits ...
In Reykjavik, lunch and dinner are not include but generfruitsally there are lots of restaurant available near the accomodation.
DATES AND RATES
| Snaefelsness Trail 2010 | ||
| July 31 to August 08 | 1652 € |
fully booked |
| August 07 to 15 | 1652 € |
fully booked |
| August 22 to 29 - special itinerary - 5 days riding | 1377 € |
available |
- Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 415 euros
- Family discount available for parents and older children travelling together, 3 or more: - 80 euros per rider.
Not applicable if the children’s discount is used for one family member.
Flights to Reykjavik
Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country.
RATE INCLUDING
- the trail ride with 3-4 horses per rider
- full board (except at Hafnarfjordur - Reykjavik, breakfast)
- english-speaking equestrian guide
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval
- full board (except at Hafnarfjordur - Reykjavik, breakfast)
- english-speaking equestrian guide
- the financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval
RATE NOT INCLUDING
- flights to Reykjavik
- tips
- drinks
- meals at Reykjavik
- the organisation of a possible tour through another region before or after the trail ride (consult us)
- any other prestation
- insurrance (cancellation, luggage, repatriation). You can subscribe to these insurrances only if you are an european resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurrance company.
This option is only available for at leat 2 people who booked together.
Price including
- 6 nights in guesthouse farm or cottage in double room basis with breakfast,
- 6x24h car rental (cat. A) with unlimited mileage and one extra driver,
Price not including
- lunch and diners,
- fuel,
- optionnal rent services (extra insurances for instance),
- entrance and visit,
- personal expense,
- tips.
This option is only available for at leat 2 people who booked together.
Price including
- 6 nights in guesthouse farm or cottage in double room basis with breakfast,
- 2 nights in cabin in dormitory basis (sleeping bag required),
- 8x24h car rental (cat. H) with unlimited mileage, one extra driver and basic insurances,
Price not including
- lunch and diners,
- breakfast in cabin (to organized before),
- fuel,
- optionnal rent services (extra insurances for instance),
- entrance and visit,
- personal expense,
- tips.
In case you stay one or more extra nights in Reykjavik, before or after the riding tour, the transfers from and/or to the airport are not anymore include. But it's easy with the bus (flybus) or taxi.
- tips
- drinks
- meals at Reykjavik
- the organisation of a possible tour through another region before or after the trail ride (consult us)
- any other prestation
- insurrance (cancellation, luggage, repatriation). You can subscribe to these insurrances only if you are an european resident. If you live outside European Union, please check with your local insurrance company.
Options
| Self-driving tour in Southern Iceland, tourism car (7 days / 6 nights) - 2010 | ||
| Price per person in double room basis | from June 15 to August 15 |
975 € |
| Price per person in double room basis | from August 16 to Sept. 30 |
860 € |
This option is only available for at leat 2 people who booked together.
Price including
- 6 nights in guesthouse farm or cottage in double room basis with breakfast,
- 6x24h car rental (cat. A) with unlimited mileage and one extra driver,
Price not including
- lunch and diners,
- fuel,
- optionnal rent services (extra insurances for instance),
- entrance and visit,
- personal expense,
- tips.
| Self-driving tour in Southern Iceland, 4 wheels car (9 days / 8 nights) - 2010 | ||
| Price per person in double room basis | from June 15 to August 15 |
1680 € |
| Price per person in double room basis | from August 16 to Sept. 30 |
1360 € |
This option is only available for at leat 2 people who booked together.
Price including
- 6 nights in guesthouse farm or cottage in double room basis with breakfast,
- 2 nights in cabin in dormitory basis (sleeping bag required),
- 8x24h car rental (cat. H) with unlimited mileage, one extra driver and basic insurances,
Price not including
- lunch and diners,
- breakfast in cabin (to organized before),
- fuel,
- optionnal rent services (extra insurances for instance),
- entrance and visit,
- personal expense,
- tips.
| Whale watching tour in Reykjavik | ||
| Price per person (adult) | 45 € |
|
| Price per person (children from 7 to 15 years old) | 20 € |
|
| Hotel pick-up in Reykjavik (adult) | 6 € |
|
| Hotel pick-up in Reykjavik (children from 7 to 15 years old) | 3 € |
|
| Extra night in Reykavik in guesthouse (Bed&Breakfast) | ||
| Price per person in double room basis | 65 € |
|
| Price per person in single room basis | 95 € |
|
In case you stay one or more extra nights in Reykjavik, before or after the riding tour, the transfers from and/or to the airport are not anymore include. But it's easy with the bus (flybus) or taxi.
BOOKING - INFORMATION
Contact Yves, for any enquiry !
PRATICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Iceland
LENGTH
9 days / 8 nights / 6 days on horseback.
LANGUAGE
English.
GROUP SIZE
From 10 to 20 riders. Given the fact that
we always move with a substantial herd of horses in freedom (on average
50 to 60 horses) in immense areas, a more substantial group than in
our other destinations is not a handicap at all.
ACCESS
Reykjavik airport.
CLIMATE
The rigour of the Icelandic
climate, which has formed the immense spaces that you cover, only allows
the trail rides from June to September.
However this period is really ideal seeing that the sun shines during the best part of the day.
However this period is really ideal seeing that the sun shines during the best part of the day.
Formalities
Contact your ambassy. For European people, the Identity card is enought.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus.
Riding gear (riding boots, riding trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C), dry cleaned or disinfected before arriving in Iceland.
Saddles, bridles and other leather gear may not be brought into the country.
See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
Contact your ambassy. For European people, the Identity card is enought.
Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.
We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus.
Riding gear (riding boots, riding trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C), dry cleaned or disinfected before arriving in Iceland.
Saddles, bridles and other leather gear may not be brought into the country.
See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
REFERENCE :
ch45-islande-snaefelsness_en
