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ICELAND / HORSE RIDING TRAIL IN LANDMANNALAUGAR, DRIVING A 60 HORSES HERD...
Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking
A tour to Landmannalaugar, one of the natural highlights of Southern Iceland. Colourful rhyolite mountains form this unique area and surround black lava fields where hot water streams are just the right temperature for a refreshing bath. Ride into the mountains and through the lava field of Skaftáreldar, the result of the devastating eruption of 1783. This tour introduces you to the amazing power of fire and ice, which has influenced life in Iceland ever sincce the days of the first settlers. Also included in this tour is a visit to beautiful Skógarfoss, Gullfoss, Waterfalls and the world famous Geysir. |
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See our special information sheet on Icelandic Rides.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Monday: 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.
Day 2 - Tuesday: Reykjavík – Geysir – Gullfoss – Kálfhóll - Fossnes
We visit the well known sights of Iceland, Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss waterfall on our way to Kálfhóll Farm, where we meet staff and horses. Our ride starts alongside the mighty glacial river Thjórsá, using a soft trail that will make it easy for horse and rider to enjoy the famous gate; tölt !! We will follow this trail almost all the way to Fossnes Farm where we will stay the first night, enjoy a dip into the hot tub and a good dinner. (38 km).
Day 3 - Wednesday: Fossnes – Hólaskógur
Now it’s time to ride into the mountains and valleys where black ashes of numerous eruptions of volcano Mt. Hekla remind us of the huge powers hidden down below. We stop at Gjáin valley with it’s rich vegetation, and Stöng, the site of a 12 th century Viking farm. Over night at Hólaskógur cabin, warm showers and a sauna on site. (35 km)
Day 4 - Thursday: Hólaskógur – Landmannahellir
We cross mighty River Thjórsá on a bridge and ride north of Mt. Hekla and Mt. Valafell, using good riding tracks through fields of ashes and lava from Mt. Hekla eruptions. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and the trail takes us through an amazing landscape. Today's ride ends in the beautiful area of Landmannahellir where we spend 2 nights in a mountain cabin, again with hot showers. (40 km)
Day 5 - Friday: Landmannahellir - Landmannalaugar - Landmannahellir
Today we ride to the famous Landmannalaugar, with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colourful mountains and lava from 1480. We will put our horses in the stable there and have a good part of the day to relax in the hot pools or visit the numerous sights, before returning to Landmannahellir. This day will be without a doubt, one of the highlights of this tour.(40 km )
Day 6 - Saturday: Landmannahellir – Klettur Cabin
This is another exciting and a long riding day when we take another route north of Mt. Valafell with a view to the mighty glacier Vatnajökull. Part of today’s ride is on the famous Sprengisandur Trail. You can just imagine the thousands of horses and farmers using this trail through the centuries on their way to or from the parliament, then beeing held at Thingvellir. We cross River Thjórsá again and continue to the mountain cabin at Klettur where we stay overnight in beautiful surroundings. (55 km)
Day 7 - Sunday: Klettur – Fossnes
We start the day with riding to the swimming pool Reykjalaug, situated in the vaste fields of ashes from the vulcano Hekla. This is a nice pool heated with geothermal water coming up from the ground nearby and there are hot tubs on site. After returning to the cabin we have lunch, sattle up again and ride through valleys and across small rivers to Fossnes Farm. After having enjoyed refreshments it is time to say goodbye to staff and horses. A bus takes us back to Reykjavík for our last night of this tour. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 19:00. (32 km)
Day 8 - Sunday : Reykjavík – Europe
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
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.
Day 2 - Tuesday: Reykjavík – Geysir – Gullfoss – Kálfhóll - Fossnes
We visit the well known sights of Iceland, Geysir hot spring area and Gullfoss waterfall on our way to Kálfhóll Farm, where we meet staff and horses. Our ride starts alongside the mighty glacial river Thjórsá, using a soft trail that will make it easy for horse and rider to enjoy the famous gate; tölt !! We will follow this trail almost all the way to Fossnes Farm where we will stay the first night, enjoy a dip into the hot tub and a good dinner. (38 km).
Day 3 - Wednesday: Fossnes – Hólaskógur
Now it’s time to ride into the mountains and valleys where black ashes of numerous eruptions of volcano Mt. Hekla remind us of the huge powers hidden down below. We stop at Gjáin valley with it’s rich vegetation, and Stöng, the site of a 12 th century Viking farm. Over night at Hólaskógur cabin, warm showers and a sauna on site. (35 km)
Day 4 - Thursday: Hólaskógur – Landmannahellir
We cross mighty River Thjórsá on a bridge and ride north of Mt. Hekla and Mt. Valafell, using good riding tracks through fields of ashes and lava from Mt. Hekla eruptions. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and the trail takes us through an amazing landscape. Today's ride ends in the beautiful area of Landmannahellir where we spend 2 nights in a mountain cabin, again with hot showers. (40 km)
Day 5 - Friday: Landmannahellir - Landmannalaugar - Landmannahellir
Today we ride to the famous Landmannalaugar, with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colourful mountains and lava from 1480. We will put our horses in the stable there and have a good part of the day to relax in the hot pools or visit the numerous sights, before returning to Landmannahellir. This day will be without a doubt, one of the highlights of this tour.(40 km )
Day 6 - Saturday: Landmannahellir – Klettur Cabin
This is another exciting and a long riding day when we take another route north of Mt. Valafell with a view to the mighty glacier Vatnajökull. Part of today’s ride is on the famous Sprengisandur Trail. You can just imagine the thousands of horses and farmers using this trail through the centuries on their way to or from the parliament, then beeing held at Thingvellir. We cross River Thjórsá again and continue to the mountain cabin at Klettur where we stay overnight in beautiful surroundings. (55 km)
Day 7 - Sunday: Klettur – Fossnes
We start the day with riding to the swimming pool Reykjalaug, situated in the vaste fields of ashes from the vulcano Hekla. This is a nice pool heated with geothermal water coming up from the ground nearby and there are hot tubs on site. After returning to the cabin we have lunch, sattle up again and ride through valleys and across small rivers to Fossnes Farm. After having enjoyed refreshments it is time to say goodbye to staff and horses. A bus takes us back to Reykjavík for our last night of this tour. Approx. arrival in Reykjavík at 19:00. (32 km)
Day 8 - Sunday : Reykjavík – Europe
Transfer by bus to Keflavík Airport in time for the return flight home.
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 ground.
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
| Landmannalaugar trail 2010 | ||
| July 19 to 26 | 1596 € |
fully booked |
| August 09 to 16 | 1596 € |
fully booked |
- Children's discount (under 12 years old): - 400 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
- Tte financial guarantee of the deposits you send to Randocheval
- full board (except at Hafnarfjordur - Reykjavik, breakfast)
- english-speaking equestrian guide
- Tte 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 inquiry !
PRATICAL INFORMATIONS
COUNTRY
Iceland
LENGTH
8 days / 7 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 :
CH47_islande_landmannalaugar_en
