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Sheep Round Up – Reykjaréttir

On this tour we take part in the traditional sheep farmer’s work in the corral i.e. sorting the sheep.

Dates 2024

  • September: 12-15

Help the Farmers rounding up their sheep in Adventurous Riding Tour

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. When we arrive at Kálfhóll in the late afternoon we get our dinner. At the same pub we stopped on our way there will be a dance in the evening so if you like to go that can be arranged for those who want. The next morning, we enjoy breakfast and later the bus will take you back to Reykjavík city

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 colors and types of weather. Anticipate to be in golden sunshine one moment and to ride in the 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!

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.

  1. Day 1 Reykjavík – Kálfhóll

    Pick up from BSÍ  bus station in Reykjavík at 10:00. Your accommodation might be the first one for pick up and dress already in riding clothes. You will arrive at Kálfhóll farm around noon and have a nice local lunch. We then go to the stable where you will have a riding lesson to know your horse. We will then ride ahead to the round-ups by the river Thjórsá. We stay overnight at Kálfhóll. (Approx. 15 km)

  2. Day 2 Sandlækjarmýri – Reykjaréttir

    Now it’s time to ride towards the herd of sheep coming down from the mountains. We will meet them on the way to the roundups and herd 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 corral we drive back to Kálfhóll farm and dream about the Round-Up which will take place the next morning. (Approx. 20 km)

  3. Day 3 Reykjaréttir – Kálfhóll

    The Round-Up starts early so we wake up early and go by bus to Reykjaréttir corral since our horses are to 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 sheep are at the right place with their farmer and we have done a well-done farmer´s work, we head back on our horses to Kálfhóll farm. On our way, we stop on the 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. (Approx. 20 km)

  4. Day 4 Kálfhóll – Reykjavík

    Breakfast will be served and later on, we say goodbye and the bus will take you back to Reykjavík BSÍ.

    – We reserve the right to alter the itinerary if necessary –

  • 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 if requested 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.
  • Rainwear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet.

Here you can book your Flybus ticket to and from Reykjavík. The Flybus departs from Keflavík airport 35-40 minutes after each arrival. Busses are located right outside the terminal building. Book my ticket.

Pick up:

Morning pickup: Between 09:00-10:00
Please be ready at the earliest pickup time. Your accommodation might be the first one for pick up.

Terms and Conditions:

Íslandshestar request a confirmation payment upon booking of minimum 30% of the tour price. When the confirmation payment is received the seat is secure. The remaining balance is due 2 weeks before the tour departs. If you book the tour through the website the full amount is requested.

Children’s under 12 years receive 25% discount on our multi-day tours.

Liability:

Íslandshestar reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. No liability is accepted for loss or expenses due to delays or changes of arrival or departures of flights or other services, injury, sickness, accident, strikes, damage, negligence, weather, wars or other causes outside the control of Íslandshestar. All such losses and expenses are the personal liability of the traveler. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions.

For more information please see also our Frequent Asked Questions and/or contact us at [email protected]

Reviews

I really wish I would have done this trip sooner, this is truly a life changing experience and one you can´t describe until you try it your self! The horses, nature, hosts, and helpers were amazing. I 100% recommend all riders to ride with them!

 L.E. Germany.

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