Thursday
Pick up at BSÍ bus stop in Reykjavík at 8:30 am. We will meet our hosts and horses in Hvammur farm. On this exciting day we will ride by Lake Hóp in a very beautiful area. We will pass the place where the dramatic story of the last execution in Iceland took place and was made famous in the bestseller book “Burial rights”. We cross the rivers Gljúfurá and Víðidalsá on our way to our friends farm Stóra Borg where we leave the horses for the night. On our way back home we will visit Borgarvirki, an old basaltic cliff which was used as a fortification back in the days of the Vikings.
Friday:
Today our path leads us to the cliffs of Nesbjörg and to a place called Vaðhvammur. This is where we enter the lake Hóp to cross it. It is an extraordinary experience to glide through the biggest lakes of Iceland on the back of a horse. The horses are very happy running in the shallow water with the tight sand underneath. For sure one of the most special horse tracks in Iceland. The horses rest on the fields of Þingeyrar farm while we go together to the horse show in Skagafjörður. The locals and special guests entertain us by showing their best horses for competition and breeding as well as singing and having fun.
Saturday:
Now it is time to go to the round up action at Laufskálarétt in Skagafjörður close by Hólar the University of horsemanship. When we arrive we saddle up and ride with the farmers to witness the free running horses being gathered from their summer pastures in the beautiful mountain area and the deserted valley Kolbeinsdalur. We visit Laufskálarétt (the round up) where the Mares, foals and youngsters are sorted by their owners and brought home to the farms for the winter. The roundup is a festival for the farmer and their families as well as the many guests that visit the event. Some of the best breeding farms of Iceland have their horses at Laufskálarétt and some are offering horses for sale. Tonight, we enjoy the evening together with great traditional lamb meat, stories and singing.
Sunday:
Today we will meet our horses at Þingeyrar and ride home to Hvammur farm with our herd., through the hills of Vatnsdalur. Perhaps we make a stop by our friend Dóra who is an artist on the farm Vatnsdalshólar. We cross the river Vatnsdalsá and enjoy the ride on our happy horses on the riverbanks, the last piece home.
Monday:
Departure from Hvammur after breakfast. Drop off in Reykjavík at BSÍ. Arrival Approx. 14 in Reykjavík.
