Sheep Roundup and Coastal Exploration in Northeast Iceland

5.0 (6)
5 days 4 nights
Iceland
Photo Heiðdís S.
5.0
Heiðdís S.
Tour Provider
View Heiðdís’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Basic+
Weight limit

We are excited to offer a unique tour in the far North East of Iceland. This remote region is sparsely populated, with most residents living in small coastal fishing villages or on farms. The tour offers a diverse experience, starting with stunning mountain views from the expansive Öxarfjörður Fjord. The Melrakkaslétta Peninsula, which extends near the Arctic Circle, is a haven for birdwatchers and those interested in geology, as it sits atop the Mid Atlantic Ridge where tectonic plates diverge.

Joining local farmers in the annual sheep roundup is a highlight of this tour. We assist in gathering sheep from the mountains of Núpasveitafréttur and Melrakkaslétta, herding them to Katastaða communal sheepfold for sorting. This centuries-old tradition involves driving sheep through varied terrain, showcasing the farming community's expertise.

Embrace this annual tradition as a way to connect with Iceland's heritage and experience the farming lifestyle.

$2,191
$2,596
per tourist for 5 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.

The tour guides you'll probably meet as well

Photo Halldór
Halldór
Elín and I have resided in our farm since the early 1900s. We raise horses and sheep, and my nickname from fellow farmers is 'Mountain King'!
Photo Elín
Elín
Halldór and I are breeders of both horses and sheep. Welcome, we strive to truly unmatched hospitality.

Tour highlights

Iceland Sheep
Live Like a Scandinavian Farmer
Participate in the most important Icelandic activities like herding and sorting sheep
Visit the Birdwatchers Paradise
The Peninsula of Melrakkaslétta is a special wild territory inhabited by different bird species
You Will Tölt With Icelandic Horses
This breed is all fun!

Route details

Day 1
Ásbyrgi Canyon and Dettifoss Waterfall

Meeting place is at Ernir Reykjavík airport at 08:00. 

Morning flight from Reykjavik Airport to Húsavík. Bus transfer to the Farm, where we meet up with the guides and horses and have a late lunch. 

On the way we will stop at Dettifoss, Europe’s largest waterfall and Ásbyrgi National Park. Ásbyrgi is one of the wonders of nature, a wide, horseshoe-shaped canyon with sheer cliff faces up to 100 m high. According to legend, Sleipnir, the Norse god Odin’s eight-legged horse, put one of his hooves down as the god rode by. 

After a short introduction to the horses we set out on a 2 -3 hours ride through Kerlingaskógur´s low bushy area and enjoy great views over the Fjord Öxarfjörður and the famous Lake Skjálftavatn which suddenly appeared over night after a strong earthquake 28 years ago, when the land had been lowered by 4 meters overnight. 

Overnight at the farm (Approx. 30km)

Day 2
Rounding Up the Sheep in Núpasveit
Day 3
Rounding Up the Sheep on Melrakkaslétta
Day 4
Day of the Round-Up
Day 5
Departure
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments

4 riding days. For advanced riders.

Horses: Icelandic. Tack: Icelandic.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic+
Guest House
4 nights

Sleeping bag in shared rooms. Accommodation in a cozy farmhouse.

4 nights
Halldór's Farm

The Farm, home of Halldór and Elín, is situated in the low bushy area of Kerlingaskógur, close to the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum and Dettifoss Waterfall. You will enjoy a great view over the Fjord Öxarfjörður and the famous Lake Skjálftavatn which suddenly appeared overnight after a strong earthquake 28 years ago. Halldór and Elín, breeders of both horses and sheep will welcome you with open arms and their warmth and hospitality are indeed second to none.

  • Number of beds: 18
  • Outdoor jacuzzi: Yes
  • Number of showers: 2
  • GSM connection: Yes
  • WiFi: No

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
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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

5 days
4 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

  • $2,191
    $2,596
    4 – 8 Sep, 2025 5 days 4 nights
    Request to book

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