Northern Lights farm stay

A trail ride in Iceland visiting the best-known sights (Secret Lagoon, Geysir Hot Spring, Gullfoss Waterfall) and with the chance to view the Northern Lights in the night sky. The ideal introduction to the Icelandic horse and the amazing landscapes of Iceland, whilst only being away from home for a long weekend. Get ready to experience the unique tranquillity of the Icelandic countryside and, if you are lucky, the magic of the Aurora Borealis. A fantastic short riding tour in Iceland.
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Centre based holidays
4 days / 3 days riding
From £950

Itinerary

Highlights

- Become part of the family life of local farmers
- Experience the magical Icelandic horse on fine riding paths
- Relax at the Secret Lagoon in its mineral rich waters
- Visit the famous Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir hot springs
- Watch the night sky in the hope of seeing the Northern Lights (weather permitting - sightings cannot be guaranteed), and enjoy the blazing colours of the Icelandic fall.
  • Day 1 1: Arrive in Reykjavík – Blesastaðir Guesthouse - No riding

    We recommend that you arrive at the airport before 15:00. If you cannot find matching flights, you should arrive a day earlier and we can book a hotel night downtown on request.

    You should take a bus to the BSI (main bus station) where you will meet your group at 18:00. You will be transferred to Blesastaðir Guesthouse where you will meet your hosts and have a hearty dinner at the farm. After dinner step outside and look skywards to hopefully see the Northern Lights.

  • Day 2 2: Þjórsá – Secret Lagoon - 2 hours riding

    This morning, you will drive to the horses where the guide will introduce the Icelandic horse and its special gaits before you start our ride along the mighty river Þjórsá, (longest river in Iceland 212 km). A perfect first riding day where you get to know the Icelandic horse and the way of riding in a relaxed atmosphere. Not far from your trail the queen Hekla (volcano) watches over you. After dinner you will go and visit the Secret Lagoon where you can relax in the mineral rich water. Enjoy the evening with your guide and hosts and take an evening stroll to look again for Northern Lights. Overnight Blesastaðir Guesthouse
  • Day 3 3: Kálfhóll Farm – Hvítá - 2-3 hours riding

    Start the day with a short ride in the winter fields by the farm before you have lunch. Ride through lava and moss-covered terrain and enjoy the views. After a short break near the river, you saddle up again and head back through the beautiful countryside to have a lovely dinner. There is nothing better after a wonderful day in the saddle than to relax in the steamy hot tub, watching the clear sky and hope for the Northern Lights to show up. Overnight at River cabins.
  • Day 4 4: Kálfhóll – Þjórsá – Geysir – Gullfoss – Þingvellir - Reykjavik - 2-3hrs riding

    After breakfast, you enjoy your last ride along the Þjórsá river and take in the breathtaking winter pastures one last time. After a light lunch, say goodbye to the horses and hop on to the bus to visit the Golden Circle, the three most impressive natural sights in South Iceland. The Golden Circle consists of the Geysir geothermal area, golden waterfall Gullfoss and Thingvellir National Park. Geysir is a geothermal area with boiling mud pits, the lively geyser Strokkur which spouts water 30 meters into the air every few minutes. At Gullfoss, you will have a chance to witness the mighty waterfall, and you can feel the power from the water coming down the canyon as you stand near the cliffs. Then you will be driven to Thingvellir National Park and see an amazing nature and geological phenomena at Thingvellir. Since 2004 Thingvellir has been listed on UNESCO‘s World Heritage List for its geological the uniqueness and historical significance.

    Arrival back in Reykjavík at approx: 18:00. We recommend you spend the night in Reykjavik (not included) or take a late flight home.

Dates & prices

Price details

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

- Rates are per person, based on riders sharing a twin or 4-bedded room.

- There is normally no single supplement for the riding days as you should be prepared to share. On some dates a single room can be organised with a supplement: €150/£130/$175.

- Groups usually consist of 1 to 20 international riding guests plus guides. All departures are confirmed regardless of the number of riders on the tour.

- Transfers to and from Reykjavik airport are not included in the price for the trip. See https://www.re.is/tour/flybus/ for more info on how to get from the airport to the city centre.

- Accommodation in Reykjavik is not included, but we can book a hotel for you upon request.

- Vegan and/or Gluten Free diets will incur on an extra supplement of around £90/€100/$110 per person.

- Children from 8 years of age can be accommodated provided they are good riders. Discounts are available for families of 3+ (two parents and one child aged 12+), and for children under the age of 12. Please contact us.
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

Logistic

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle

Inland transports

Minibus

Accommodation

Collective room in farms

Meals

Full board from first dinner to lunch on D4

Extra equipment

First aid kit

Extras

Entrance fee to the secret lagoon

Price doesn't include

Meals

Special diet supplement - please see above
Beverages and personal extras

Transport

Return airport transfers (FlyBus shuttle)
International flights

Extra

Tips to local team

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

Extra nights in Reykjavík: please contact us for the price
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    08/10/2024 11/10/2024 £1,130 €1,300 $1,401
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    15/10/2024 18/10/2024 £1,130 €1,300 $1,401
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    22/10/2024 25/10/2024 £1,130 €1,300 $1,401
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    29/10/2024 01/11/2024 £1,130 €1,300 $1,401
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    05/11/2024 08/11/2024 £1,130 €1,300 $1,401
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    12/11/2024 15/11/2024 £1,130 €1,300 $1,401
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    19/11/2024 22/11/2024 £1,130 €1,300 $1,401
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    26/11/2024 29/11/2024 £1,130 €1,300 $1,401
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    03/12/2024 06/12/2024 £1,130 €1,300 $1,401
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    10/12/2024 13/12/2024 £1,130 €1,300 $1,401
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Equestrian info

Horses

The Icelandic horse is a part of the history and saga of the country and is 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

Hannes will open up the doors of his Icelandic horse farm to you and will be your host you for this equestrian short break. He speaks excellent English.

Horse breeding at the farm is a family affair: his parents, Gestur and Margrét started the business here in Kálfhóll many years ago. Gestur now takes care of the horses, and Margrét cooks dinner for the guests. They don't speak much English but are friendly people.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You need to be a competent rider, confident at all paces in open spaces. You also need to be open to a new style of riding.

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

Pace

The pace is mixed but the highlight of riding Icelandic horses is the tölt. There will be plenty of opportunities to experience this fantastic pace, which can be fast or slow depending on the terrain. The tölt is a fast pace - you can expect long periods of tölt, but canters are not frequent.

Tacking ability and participation

You may be asked to assist with tacking and untacking your horse, but you will be shown what to do (the Icelandic saddles are positioned further back than you are used to!).

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You need to be prepared for inclement weather - it can be cold in Iceland in Autumn/winter and so we recommend taking plenty of warm clothing.
Riders who are not riding regularly are requested to get riding fit before joining the ride.

Equestrian equipment

Saddle bags are provided, as are rain coats.

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

You sleep in a purpose built accommodation unit in twin or 4-bedded rooms, with bed linen provided (sleeping bags are not required) The bathrooms are shared. There is a communal sitting and dining area.

Please understand that accommodation in the highlands is always basic, with little privacy, small rooms and limited showers.

Meals

Lunches are simple and usually hot soups and sandwiches.
Dinners are generous and hearty (fish or lamb, usually).

Vegetarian diets can be accommodated with advance notice. Vegan and Gluten free diets can be accommodated at an extra cost.

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.

Climate

The general climate in Iceland is temperate and cool, but as this ride runs only in the autumn the weather is likely to be colder than the UK. There is the possibility of rain and wind, so you should wrap up warm, but clear, warm days are still possible.

Tips

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

Packing list

Important!!
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)

For more details please visit the Icelandic veterinary authority website: www.mast.is/english/frontpage/import-export/import/ridingequipment

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 sun, wind or rain
- 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 (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict and it's better to be prepared. In the mountains the weather can change quickly

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. Take two pairs
- 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.
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Sandals/flipflops
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- Accommodation is in made up beds but you may find a sleeping bag liner (silk/cotton/fleece) adds extra comfort
- Slippers (you will have to remove your shoes inside the accommodation)
- An eye mask can help with the 24hr daylight

Other useful items
- Flynet against bugs
- Swimsuit - for hot tubs
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre)
- Wet Wipes or equivalent (for when washing facilities aren't available)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Swiss army knife or equivalent

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

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 (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- 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!
- We recommend you carry a copy of your passport and insurance policy at all times.

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 Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) is a natural light display in the sky, predominantly seen at high northern latitudes. A similar phenomenon in the southern hemisphere is called the aurora australis. The name comes from the Latin word for sunrise and the Roman goddess of dawn - Aurora - and the Greek word for the north wind - Boreas.

 

The Aurora Borealis is caused by cosmic rays, solar wind and magnetospheric plasma interacting with the upper atmosphere. The charged particles enter the atmosphere from above, and the ionisation of the particles and atmospheric constituents creates light emissions.

 

The northern lights are most clearly seen on a clear night against a dark sky, and so the remote highlands of Iceland are perfect. During summer months Iceland experiences almost 24 hour daylight, and so it's only possible to see the northern lights during the autumn and winter months when there are long periods of darkness. Our Northern Lights trail ride in Iceland runs during the winter months, when the nights are lengthening and there is a good chance of seeing the lights, provided there is no cloud cover!

 

On the blog

The Icelandic horse breed holds a very special place in the Icelander's hearts and souls. When riding these horses in Iceland, you will surely understand why it is considered to be one of the most curious, intelligent and independent horses in the world. Read our report on this breed on the blog.