Sheep Round-Up: A Journey Through Icelandic Tradition

5.0 (6)
7 days 6 nights
Iceland
Photo Heiðdís S.
5.0
Heiðdís S.
Tour Provider
View Heiðdís’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic
Weight limit

On this unique excursion, we participate in the annual gathering of sheep by farmers in South Iceland. We assist in herding thousands of sheep from the mountains to the communal sheepfold near the renowned Landmannalaugar geothermal area. The colorful rhyolite mountains add a magical ambiance to the surroundings with their yellow, reddish and greenish hues.

In the presence of Mt. Hekla, we guide the sheep across the volcanic black sands, remnants of ash from past eruptions. Local farmers, who have tended to sheep in this region for generations, teach us the techniques of flock management, guiding sheep through various terrains, including hillsides, rivers and valleys, to their nightly resting place before resuming the round-up the next day.

Engaging with the farming community and contributing to this timeless autumn tradition of rounding up sheep provides an intimate connection to the essence of Icelandic culture.

$3,161
$3,728
per tourist for 7 days
Departing from
Capital Region, Reykjavík
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Heiðdís S.
Heiðdís S. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
Our Company is owned by local Icelandic farmers, and our tours are organized by them. Our farmers live in almost every part of Iceland so we offer riding tours in a diversified landscape.

Tour highlights

Help the Local Farmers
Assist them in herding their sheep and join them in their celebration afterward
Full Spectrum of Dazzling Colors
Landmannalaugar mountains are famous for their colorful view
Meet Our Icelandic Horses
This breed is all fun!

Route details

Day 1
Arrival

Pick up at 10:00 from BSÍ bus station in Reykjavik. Be dressed already in riding clothes. 

Transfer from Reykjavík to Landmannahellir where we meet the horses and fellow riders. We ride into the famous Landmannalaugar area with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colorful mountains and black lava fields. This is a short riding day which gives us time to get acquainted with the terrain and to learn about the task which lies ahead. 

Overnight stay in Landmannalaugar. (3 – 4 hrs.)

Landmannalaugar
Day 2
Jökulgilið
Day 3
Landmannalaugar
Day 4
Landmannahellir and Surroundings
Day 5
Mt. Hekla Volcano
Day 6
Áfangagil – Galtalækur Farm
Day 7
Day of the Round-Up
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments

6 riding days. For advanced riders. Therefore an open mind, good physical health and the ability to work as a team are essential. Expect to be treated as one of the crowd, be prepared to pull your weight each day and enjoy the camaraderie of all those participating.

Horses: Icelandic. Tack: Icelandic.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Camp Site
6 nights

Sleeping bags in shared rooms.

2 nights
Landmannahellir Mountain Cabin

Landmannahellir is located in a peaceful area in Fjallabak and has for many years been one of the main dwelling place for sheep gatherers when they round up the sheep each autumn that have been grassing in this area during the summer.

  • Number of rooms: 1
  • Number of beds: 24
  • Outdoor jacuzzi: No
  • Number of showers: 2 in a separate building
  • GSM connection: No
  • WiFi: No
  • Made up beds: No
  • Number of WC: 2 (in the building)
3 nights
Landmannalaugar Cabin
1 night
Galtalækur Farm

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Capital Region, Reykjavík
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips
sparklines

Tour conditions

Included

  • riding;
  • all transfers during the tour;
  • rainwear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet;
  • transfer from Reykjavík to the farm and back;
  • full-board;
  • accommodation;
  • 11% VAT.

Extras

  • alcoholic beverages;
  • international flights;
  • tips;
  • insurance.

Group size

up to 8 tourists

Duration

7 days
6 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

Please bring your own sleeping bag.

Any recommendations
Cancellation of booking

Reviews

5.0
Based on 6 reviews
  • L
    Lena
    15 Apr, 2024
    about provider
    Friendly horses, enjoyable guided tours and an authentic Icelandic experience that feels welcoming, like being at home. Thank you!
    15 Apr, 2024
  • W
    Wolfram
    10 Mar, 2024
    about provider
    Wir haben jetzt schon zum fünften Mal eine Tour gemacht. Alle Touren sind richtig gut organisiert. Die Pferde sind super und die Strecken sind echt schön anzusehen Wir übernachten auf isländischen Bauernhöfen und die Atmosphäre ist total familiär und toll. Diese Touren sind nur für erfahrene Reiter geeignet Das Team ist großartig und alles ist top organisiert
    10 Mar, 2024
  • A
    Annette
    5 Dec, 2023
    about provider
    I consider them to be the top horse riding company in Iceland. This was my fourth experience with them, and I am already making plans for a trip in 2024!
    5 Dec, 2023

Dates and Prices

  • $3,161
    $3,728
    12 – 18 Sep, 2025 7 days 6 nights
    Request to book

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