TYPOLOGIES

SNÆFELLSNES

DIFFICULTY

High, Medium

MIN. AGE

12 years

2,190 €

HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR IN SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA ICELAND

The beautiful Snæfellsnes Peninsula extends far out into the Atlantic from the west coast. You can find many features of the Icelandic nature in this part of the country. We start our ride from the StóriKalfalækur horse farm and ride into the mountains and through valleys enjoying the rich colors of nature.

Passing through lava fields and along hillsides, we ride down to the shore where we’ll be welcomed by the wide-open stretches of light-colored sand at Löngufjörur beach.  The smooth sand offers unforgettable riding and a great opportunity to experience the smooth gait tölt over long distances.

It is also possible to book this tour partially i.e. Days 1-5 – see our tour Beach and Mountain Ride or days 5-8 see our tour Löngufjörur Beach Ride

Ólöf and Siggi at Stóri-Kálfalækur operate this tour, click here to get to know them better.

DURATION

7 nights – 6 riding days

RIDING SKILLS

Intermediate – Advanced riders

DEPARTURES

Dates 2021: June: 12-19 • 26-3 July • July: 3-10 • 24-31 Aug: 7-14 • 21-28

ACCOMMODATION

Made up beds in shared rooms during the ride. Accommodation after the ride are to be arranged individually.

NOTE

Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for the beach ride!

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 on request 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.

Rain wear, 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

Please bring high rubber boots for this ride.

Bring bags rather than hard cover suitcases

Pack light because transport space is limited.

Day 1. Reykjavík – Stóri-Kálfalækur
After an afternoon drive from Reykjavik to Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, where we’ll meet up with the horses and the staff, we’ll have light dinner and prepare for the adventure ahead of us.

Day 2. Stóri Kálfalækur – Grímsstaðir
After an introduction to the Icelandic horse and its special gaits, we start our ride into the mountains through fertile farmlands. We ride through grasslands and cross rocky grounds at the foot of a mountain range. First stop for horse changing at an old sheep round-up place.
(approx. 25km or 5h in the saddle)

Day 3. Grímsstaðir – Staðarhraun
Today we ride rather slow due to rocky grounds. The ride leads along one of Icelands famous fishing rivers through multi-colored mountains and along breathtaking hillsides and valleys and over a pass. This is the longest day in the saddle although it’s not the longest by distance.
(approx. 28km or 7h in the saddle)

Day 4. Staðarhraun – Kolviðarnes
We continue our ride through the mystical volcanic valley enjoying the scenery and local myths of trolls and outlaws. We cross rivers and enjoy great views over the grasslands against picturesque rocks and as far as the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day you can even see the snowcapped Snæfellsjökull glacier at the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Our destination today is a field at the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.
(approx. 32km or 6h in the saddle)
NB: Next three days we ride on Löngufjörur beach where timings depend on the tide. In some cases, we need to start the ride very early in the morning or we have to wait until the afternoon.

Day 5. Kolviðarnes – Gaul
We start our beach ride on Löngufjörur, the famous horse trail on the seashores of the Snæfellsnes peninsula with the view of majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier ahead of us. We follow the coast westerly direction on soft ground, splashing water under our horses hooves and with the view of majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier ahead of us.
(approx. 35km or 5h in the saddle)

Day 6. Gaul – Kolviðarnes
We enjoy another day on the beach in the opposite direction, with the sea on the right side. Even if it is the same trail it looks completely different due to different view in front of us and different level of sea water.

Day 7. Kolviðarnes – Stóri-Kálfalækur
Another stunning day at the Atlantic Ocean. The sand turns black as we follow the outline of the Eldborg lava field. The coast is rugged and we ride through vast, spectacular fjords at low tide and cross rivers on the way. Watch out for eagles on the rocks and horses running free in the dunes!

Day 8. Stóri-Kálfalækur – Reykjavík
After breakfast, we will head back to Reykjavik to your accommodation.

Terms & Conditions:
If you book the tour through the website the full amount is requested. Íshestar requests a confirmation payment upon booking of a minimum of 30% of the tour price. When the confirmation payment is received the seat is secure. The remaining balance is due 6 weeks before the tour departs.
Children under 12 years receive a 25% discount on our multi-day tours.

Liability:
Íshestar 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 Íshestar. 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 and/or contact us at ishestar@ishestar.is

Stóri Kálfalækur Farm

Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm, the home of our farmers Siggi and Ólöf is situated in rich farmland close to the ocean and the wonderful beaches of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. It’s a renovated farmhouse with a sleeping up to 20 persons so it’s plenty of space for everybody. Large kitchen and a spacious dining room. Together with the well-known hospitality of your hosts this will make an excellent place to stay.
  • Number of rooms:  8 (2-4 bedded)
  • Number of beds:  20
  • Outdoor jacuzzi:  Yes
  • Number of showers:  5
  • GSM connection:  Yes, but not good
  • WiFi: No
  • Made up beds: Yes
  • Number of WC:  5

Tour Map