The rounding up of sheep is an Icelandic tradition with roots back in the past when pastures and fields near the farms were so precious that they had to be kept for the hay harvest. Thus the stock was driven to the mountains during the summer.
On this unique tour you join the farmers in South Iceland as they gather thousands of sheep from the mountains. You start your journey in the uninhabited interior of Iceland and follow the sheep all the way back to the farm lands. This adventure has been privileged to farmers and their friends until now. For the first time in 2010 it was made possible for others to come along and we are very proud to be able to present this unique tour to our clients.
You gather sheep in Landmannaafréttur, the grazing area close to famous Landmannalaugar area. Kristinn Guðnason is the “King of the mountains” and in charge of men and beast. He, his fellow farmers and their ancestors have been gathering sheep in this area for centuries and know all there is to know about this old tradition. Learn from them how to manage the flock, drive sheep down hill sides, across rivers and out of sheltered valleys to their resting place for the night, only to go out again the next day to gather more. Enjoy the singing at night in the cabins when the farmers celebrate a successful day in the mountains. One can not get any closer to the heart and soul of the true Icelanders – the farmers.
All participants join an annual tradition and not a customised riding tour. Therefore an open mind, good physical health and the ability to work hand in hand with others is required. Expect to be treated as one of the crowd, required to fulfil your duty every day and enjoy the camaraderie of all those participating in this great adventure of the fall.
Special Offer: 5% discount for all riders that have travelled with us to Iceland before.
No single rooms available (on some or all nights). Riders must be prepared to share.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - AUTUMN SHEEP ROUND UP
Friday: Transfer to Landmannahellir – Landmannalaugar Transfer from Reykjavík in the morning to Landmannahellir where we meet the horses and fellow riders. We ride into the famous Landmannalaugar area with its natural hot pool, surrounded by colourful 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.
Saturday: Jökulgilið – Landmannalaugar Jökulgilið, a long and shallow valley with multiple colours and rock formations, is our destination for today. The valley is surrounded by mountains and glaciers, mostly barren yet covered with grass here and there. This is what attracts the sheep who seek into this remote area far away from any human contact. A glacier fed river makes it hard to access the valley during the summer time and it is only now that we can ride in and look for the sheep that have been grazing there all summer.
Sunday: Landmannalaugar – Landmannahellir Today we cover the area between Landmannalaugar and Landmannahellir. Even though not too far apart the area is covered with lava fields, craters and lakes and sheep can be found widely. Therefore it is important to keep your place in the human chain to make sure that no sheep stays behind. Another and final night in Landmannalaugar.
Monday: Landmannahellir and surroundings We leave Landmannalaugar in the morning, pack our belongings into a transport vehicle and ride back to Landmannahellir, driving our spare horses along in a free running herd. Today we explore the surroundings of Landmannahellir, which has a long tradition as a night rest for those gathering sheep. Originally two caves there were used as a shelter for horses and men.
Tuesday: Mt. Hekla volcano Green grass turns into black ashes as we approach Mt. Hekla volcano. Mt. Hekla is an active volcano and has erupted regularly, spewing lava, pumice and ash into the sky. Sheep can be found in sheltered valleys and we make sure that they all return home. While some of us are out in this wilderness looking for sheep others drive the flock to Mt.Valahnjúkar. Overnight in Landmannahellir.
Wednesday: Áfangagil - Galtalækur farm Áfangagil is the final destination for our flock today. Here is the round pen where the sheep will be sorted tomorrow. On our way we search the area to make sure that no sheep stays behind. We spend our last night at Galtalækur farm, underneath the towering Mt Hekla volcano.
Thursday: Day of the round-up This is the final and well celebrated day of the round-up. At noon the sorting of the sheep starts and lasts until each sheep has been returned to its owners. Participate in sorting the sheep, pass the flask around and join in the singing and celebrating after a successful ride into the mountains. Once the sorting is finished we drive back to Reykjavík where this great tour ends.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
The weight limit for this ride is 17 st/242 lb/110 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Transfers to and from Reykjavik, all accommodation as per the itinerary, on the trail all meals are included, all riding, saddle bags, rain wear, safety riding helmet.
For price details click here
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights, accommodation in Reykjavik, alcohol with dinner (though you can buy it at Keflavik airport and bring it with you).
A nature lovers trail based in remote and beautiful Scandinavia. The wildlife and scenery is varied and peaceful.
Reading List We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.
What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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