Horses and sheep in iceland
Europe > Iceland

Landmannaafréttur Sheep Round-up

Join local farmers in South Iceland on this authentic riding adventure as they gather thousands of sheep from the highlands during the annual autumn round-up. On sure-footed Icelandic horses, you'll help drive the flock across dramatic black sand plains at the foot of Mt. Hekla, shaped by centuries of volcanic ash. The route takes you through the stunning Landmannaafréttur region, with its shimmering rhyolite peaks in hues of yellow, red, and green - right by the iconic geothermal area of Landmannalaugar. You are guaranteed a warm welcome and a riding holiday with a purpose.
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Cattle Drive
9 days (6 days riding)
From £2,728
  • Sheep round up event in Iceland
    Celebrate the annual sheep round-up in Iceland
  • Riders driving sheep through the mountains of Landmannalaugar in iceland
    An extraordinary cultural and equestrian experience
  • Riders riding icelandic horses in Iceland
    Discover the beauty of the Icelandic landscapes on horseback
  • Sheep parked in a paddock during an Icelandic sheep round up
    Help local farmers during their traditional sheep round-up
  • Rider riding a horse and helping out at a sheep round up event
    Help bring sheep down from their summer grazing to their winter pastures
  • Riders roundin up stray sheep in iceland
    A riding holiday with a purpose in Iceland
  • Silhouette of horses and their riders in Iceland
    Experience the wild, rugged beauty of Iceland on horseback
  • Gathering cattle by a beautiful lake on horseback in Iceland
    A unique riding holiday in Iceland
  • Icelandic farmers gathering sheep from the mountains
    Join farmers in Iceland as they gather thousands of sheep from the mountains
  • Landmannaafréttur sheep round up
    Landmannaafréttur sheep round-up in southern Iceland

Itinerary

Highlights

- Join this annual tradition with local sheep farmers and experience their daily life - bringing sheep down from their summer grazing to their winter pastures
- Highlights of this ride include Mt. Hekla, Jökulgilið valley and more!
- Enjoy the dramatic Icelandic landscapes
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  • Day 1 1: Home - Reykjavik - No riding

    Fly to Reykjavik and spend a night in the city. These services are not included, but easily booked upon request.

    Your riding holiday will begin the following morning.

  • Day 2 2: Reykjavik - Landmannahellir - 3-4h riding

    Transfer from your hotel to the BSI bus station in Reykjavik (not included).

    The pick up from the BSI is scheduled for 10am. Please make sure to wear your riding.

    Today is your first ride in Iceland, and will be kept short and sweet for you to get used to the land and your horses' paces.
    You will ride into the famous Landmannalaugar area with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colourful mountains and black lava fields.

    Overnight stay in Landmannahellir.

  • Day 3 3: Jökulgilið - Approx. 6h riding

    Jökulgilið, a long and shallow valley with multiple colours and rock formations, is your destination for today.
    The valley is surrounded by mountains and glaciers, mostly barren yet covered with grass here and there. This is what attracts the sheep who seek into this remote area far away from any human contact.
    A glacier fed river makes it hard to access the valley during the summer time and it is only now that people can ride in and look for the sheep that have been grazing there all summer.

    Optional: The group can decide to finish the herding early so everyone can soak in the hot water at Landmannalaugar.

    Overnight stay in Landmannahellir.

  • Day 4 4: Landmannalaugar – Landmannahellir - Approx. 6h riding

    Today you will cover the area between Landmannalaugar and Landmannahellir.
    Even though not too far apart, the area is covered with lava fields, craters and lakes and sheep can be found widely. Therefore it is important to keep your place in the human chain to make sure that no sheep stays behind.

    Overnight stay in Landmannahellir.

  • Day 5 5: Landmannahellir and surroundings - Approx. 6h riding

    You will leave Landmannalaugar in the morning, pack our belongings into a transport vehicle and ride back to Landmannahellir, driving the spare horses along in a free running herd.

    Today you will explore the surroundings of Landmannahellir, which has a long tradition as a night rest for those gathering sheep.

    Overnight stay in Landmannahellir.

  • Day 6 6: Mt. Hekla volcano - Approx. 7h riding

    Green grass turns into black ashes as we approach Mt. Hekla volcano. This is an active volcano and has erupted regularly, spewing lava, pumice and ash into the sky.
    Sheep can be found in sheltered valleys and you will make sure that they all return home. While some riders are out in this area looking for sheep, others drive the flock to Mt.Valahnjúkar.

    Overnight in Landmannahellir.

  • Day 7 7: Áfangagil – Galtalækur Farm - Approx. 6h riding

    Áfangagil is the final destination for the flock today. There you will find the round pen where the sheep will be sorted the following day. On our way you will continue to search the area to make sure that no sheep stays behind.

    Overnight in Hrólfsstaðahellir.

  • Day 8 8: Round-up - Reykjavík

    This is the final and well celebrated day of the round-up.
    At noon the sorting of the sheep starts and lasts until each sheep has been returned to its owner. Participate in sorting the sheep, pass the flask around and join in the singing and celebrating after a successful ride into the mountains.

    Once the sorting is finished we drive back to Reykjavík BSI. Approx. arrival time at BSI - 6pm.

    We recommend staying an extra night in the city before flying back home (not included, please contact us).

  • Day 9 9: Reykjavík - Home

    Transfer, at your own account, to the airport in time for your flight home.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights to your destination are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on riders sharing communal rooms. There is no single supplement and you must be willing to share.

- Groups are comprised of 5-12 international riding guests plus guides depending on your chosen dates.

- Transfers from the airport to Reykjavik are not included, but are included from Reykjavik to the farm. See here for more info on how to get from the airport to the city centre.

- Accommodation in Reykjavik is not included but easily booked upon request.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 english speaking horse guide since Reykjavik
2-4 assistants in charge of the free herd.
2 local horse guide, horses owners

Logistic

2-3 horses per rider equipped with saddle and bridle
1 vehicle and driver
1 cook

Inland transports

Minibus

Accommodation

Mountain Huts, dormitory style

Meals

Full board during the ride

Extra equipment

First aid kit

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverage and personal extra
2 free dinner in Reykjavik (£28-36 each meal)
Special diet supplement - please see above

Transports

Transfers between Keflavik airport to Reykjavik
International flights

Extra

Tips to local team
Touristic sites fees not already included on the program

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Accommodation in Reykjavik

Extras

Trip extensions or additional activities
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    10/09/2026 18/09/2026 £2,728 €3,110 $3,519
    Guaranteed departure
    		Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

The Icelandic horse is a part of the history and saga of the country and its Vikings. It is characterised by it's extra pace - the tölt, which is fast and very comfortable. Some are also capable of an additional Flying Pace, which is similar to trot, but much faster and used for racing. Icelandic horses are small, sociable, comfortable and energetic. Icelandic tack consists of simple snaffle bridles, often with drop nosebands and straight cut saddles similar to English style.

Guide & local team

You will be assisting local farmers who know the land very well. You may be split into small groups, and sent in different directions to find sheep all over the mountainsides, but there will always be someoneto point you in the right direction.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You should be a confident rider, capable of riding over varied terrain at all paces. You should be open to learning a new style of riding - the tölt (fast pace and normally comfortable) and fit enough to maintain this pace for long periods.

Rider weight limit is 110kg/ 17,3 st/ 242lb

Pace

The pace on this ride is moderate. The tölt, used most of the time, is a specific pace likened to a very fast walk which you sit to. Over technical terrain the horses will walk or trot. There can be long periods of walk or even standing around waiting for the sheep.

Tacking ability and participation

You will be expected to assist with grooming and tacking up your horse (guidance is available) and to help with meal preperations.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You need to be physically fit for some very long hours in the saddle. The terrain is varied to include steep ascents/descents, rocks/lava fields and there may be holes to avoid. You should also be prepared for the changeable weather. The climate is temperate (12°c - 16°c during the day) but the temperature can change suddenly with strong winds and rain always possible. As this is Autumn you may also experience early snow flurries.

All participants join an annual tradition and not a customized riding tour. Therefore an open mind, good physical health and the ability to work hand in hand with others is required. Expect to be treated as one of the crowd, required to fulfil your duty every day and enjoy the camaraderie of all those participating in this great adventure.

Equestrian equipment

Saddle bags are provided.

Rain coats are available locally.

Hard hats are mandatory. We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

Most nights will be spent at Landmannahellir Mountain Cabin.
The room is dormitory-style with bunk beds.

There are toilets and showers available (hot water is not guaranteed but it may be available for an extra fee).

You must bring your own sleeping bag.

Wifi is not available and cell signal is limited throughout the holiday.

Please understand that accommodation in Iceland is usually basic, with little privacy, small rooms and limited showers.

Meals

Lunches are simple picnics; dinners are generous and hearty.
You prepare your own picnic lunch at breakfast time.

Vegetarian diets can be accommodated on this trail. Other special dietary requests cannot be accommodated.

Climate

Contrary to popular belief, the general climate in Iceland is temperate and cool with extreme cold temperatures only recorded in winter. In summer the average temperatures are 10-12c but can be as low as 5c and as high as 25c. You should be prepared for both sun and rain and dress in layers. The round-ups occur at the end of the season and so you are heading into autumn and the temperatures can be lower.

Tips

Tips are welcome but not expected. You should tip what you feel is appropriate and you are comfortable with.

Packing list

There are some important packing considerations for a riding holiday in Iceland. The Icelandic horses have had no contact with other equine species and are not vaccinated. They do not have any resistance to diseases which are common elsewhere in the world and so it is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of infections.

- You should NOT take the following products into Iceland: saddles, bridles, halters, saddle pads, whips, brushes or any leather products which have been in contact with a horse.

- Your riding clothes must be thoroughly cleaned at least 5 days before departure (riding breeches, jumpers, coats, gloves) and should be washed in temperatures of at least 40c.

- Items which cannot be washed at 40c, such as riding hats or leather boots must be thoroughly disinfected at least five days before departure:
1. Wash in detergent.
2. Dry thoroughly
3. Spray with a 1% solution of Virkon detergent (10g per litre of water)

Please visit the Icelandic veterinary authority website to learn more.
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Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. This list must be adapted depending on the season and individual needs. If possible, please opt for a soft bag instead of hard shell suitcase.

Head
- A riding helmet is compulsory and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- A flyhat to wear over your helmet may be a good idea in the summer months, when flies can be be an issue
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the elements
- Warm hat for cold evenings/days

Upper body
- Thermals in case of cold weather
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun or extra warmth
- Down jacket or gilet for cold evenings
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent
- Waterproof jacket

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub.
- Waterproof over trousers
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermal trousers

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged. It is recommended your boots are waterproof as you may be crossing rivers and they can get wet.
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves

Nightwear
- Sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner
- A small camping pillow
- Slippers (you will have to remove your shoes inside the accommodation)
- Eye mask

Other useful items
- A fly net against bugs
- Swimsuit - for hot tubs
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Wet Wipes or equivalent (for when washing facilities aren't available)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day.
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Carry a copy of your passport and insurance documentation with you.

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Icelandic sheep is a special breed that has been isolated since the island has settled and is now protected. There are over 30 natural sheep colours including yellow, black and rust brown, but the vast majority are white.

Icelandic sheep are free to roam the mountains and valleys for the whole of the summer and every autumn Icelandic farmers and shepherds ride into the mountains to collect their sheep. The sheep round-up is called Rettir and is one of the most important events in the Icelandic country calendar. 

Farmers herd their sheep down the mountains into the valleys, and into a circular wooden sheepfold (called a ‘dilkur’). Sections are labelled with farm names and all of the farmers and their helpers identify and seperate the sheep according to their ear markers. The unlucky ones goes to market and the rest spend their winters in the lower lying valleys where they can be fed and checked regularly. The traditional “réttarsúpa” (coral soup - a traditional Icelandic soup with meat and vegetable) is usually eaten after the round-up at a local pub, which normally also leads to traditional dancing! 

By joining the farmers on this annual ritual, you can really get involved and experience a riding holiday with a purpose.

 

On the blog

Equus rider Brooke has visited Iceland not only once, but twice, to participate in the annual sheep roundup. And as this post is being published, she is about to embark on her third trip! Here is a little glimpse of her riding adventures in Iceland... See more on the blog. 

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • JOANIE aged 32 La Chaux-de-Fonds 1 trip
    September 2023
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