Horse round up Laufskálarétt

JOIN THE FARMERS iIN SKAGAFJORDUR IN ADVENTUROUS RIDING TOUR THAT YOU WILL NEWER FORGET
Laufskálarétt is one of the most famous round ups in Iceland. The round ups track guests from all over Iceland and travelers from all over the world as well. We combine riding with a free running herd which is an amazing experience in the beautiful north vest countryside, with a fun horse show in Sauðárkrókur and the popular horse roundup at Laufskálarétt. Experience the excitement of horses and men when the horses and foals are selected from the herd and returned to their rightful owners.

ACCOMMODATION
Made up beds in shared rooms

WHAT IS INCLUDED
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.

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

day by day itinerary

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.

Accommadation

Hvammur farm

Hvammur farm is situated in the beautiful Vatnsdalur Valley which is so full of the old Sagas and has the famous salmon fishing river Vatnsdalsá running down the middle. The farmhouse was renovated 4 years ago and has a hot tub in the garden with a view over the river.

• Number of rooms: 6 rooms
• Number of beds: 2-4 beds in each room, altogether max 19
• Outdoor jacuzzi: Yes
• Number of showers: 2
• GSM connection: Yes
• WiFi: Yes
• Made up beds: Yes
• Number of WC: 2

Useful information

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.

Liability:

We 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 our partners. 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