Iceland - Icelandic Farm Stay

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from SS of st helens on 29/10/2018

During the stay at the farm, guests can participate in whatever is going on, depending on the season. They are welcome to join in the daily chores and help with the horses and other animals, and the hosts will make riders a part of their daily life and, for example, take them along when visiting other breeding farms, transporting horses, training horses, or driving their herds of horses to other meadows. Each season has certain tasks to accomplish whether it be moving horses, shoeing, vet work or schooling, to name but a few. Riding is available for all levels of rider in the beautiful valley and is at a pace appropriate to the rider's experience.

The family and their team at the farm will make sure to make this a fantastic and memorable vacation. Riding time per day ranges from 2-3 hours.

There are no packing restrictions on this ride.
Please bring cash for purchases at the riding centre.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Clients ride the traditional Icelandic horses (called horses not ponies despite being pony sized!) which have a special gait known as the tölt which is very comfortable. Anyone comfortable with English or Western tack will be able to adapt to sitting to the new gait without any problems – your hosts will be happy to teach you. Your horse will be selected for you based on your riding ability, there are horses to suit everyone. Your hosts are English-speaking. The riding tracks alongside the rivers and ponds make great riding for the horses and are also the perfect place for bird watching.

This holiday caters for all standards of rider from beginner onwards.
The riding is at all paces including tölt (instruction is given), 110kg weight limit (please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.) Children are welcome provided that their parent/guardian is prepared to take full responsibility for them during the holiday. The minimum age for this ride is 6 years.

NB: Used riding clothes must be disinfected before entry to Iceland. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland's fragile nature! For further information please take a look at: www.mast.is

The weight limit for this ride is 242 lb/110 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Hvammur farm is situated in the north of Iceland in beautiful Vatnsdalur valley, home of many old Sagas, and has the famous salmon fishing river Vatnsdalsa running though it. The farmhouse has been recently renovated and has a hot tub with views over the river. Large breakfasts are normal. This is a farmhouse rather than a hotel so riders are expected to share a bathroom, there are 2 bathrooms. 

Lunch on arrival is usually a delicious Icelandic soup. Local produce such as lamb and fish are used in many of the dishes. Special diets (vegetarian, etc.) can be provided if advance notice is given. Riders make their own lunches up from the large food selection at the breakfast table.

Extra accommodation: We recommend that you arrive the day before the ride begins and stay in a hotel in Reykjavik. Some riders may also want to stay an extra night at the end of the ride before flying home. There are many hotels to choose from in Reykjavik, some recommendations are Cabin Hotel and Brim Hotel 

As part of the initiative to improve the centre of Reykjavik for locals and travellers, the local authorities have banned buses from driving within the central part of the City. Intstead, vehicles with group licenses will pick up and drop off all passengers staying at hostels and guesthouses within the area at designated bus stops, including airport transfers and tours. Please take a look at the avalible bus stops here http://www.busstop.is/ to find the closest bus stop to your intended accomodation.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.

NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures.

Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.

Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.

In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iceland

In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Iceland.html

In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/iceland

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Come prepared for all kinds of weather as the day can change very quickly!

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Iceland and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

You should make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays, adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

Sunscreen and insect repellent is advised.

No special health precautions are required for the rides.

If you need to contact the emergency services, call 112.

No special health precautions are required for visits to Iceland.

In Iceland the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

Cameras etc. can be charged at the accommodation provided you have the correct adapter. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.

You should be ready for all kinds of weather as the weather can change very quickly. We recommend that the following items are included when preparing for riding tours in Iceland:

• Helmet (also possible to borrow)
• Warm jacket (windproof and waterproof/water-resistant)
• Warm sweater (woolen or fleece)
• Warm socks
• Riding gloves
• Warm and comfortable underwear
• Riding trousers (water-resistant material is a great option)
• Riding shoes/boots (waterproof & comfortable, some prefer hiking boots)
• Casual clothes for evenings
• A pair of slippers
• Swimsuit
• Blister plasters
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen with high protection for face/lips (in summer the sun is very strong in Iceland!)
• Sleeping mask (it’s bright outside around the clock in summer)

Items provided:
• Towel
• Saddle bag
• Rain wear
• Helmet
• Water bottle


WASHING / DISINFECTING / FORBIDDEN

Geographical isolation and strict importation rules have protected the Iceland horse population from serious infectious diseases. As a result, Iceland is in a unique situation where strangles, equine influenza, equine herpes virus type 1, and many other diseases have never reached the country.

Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help Iceland to protect the fragile nature by following the instructions:

RIDING CLOTHES NEED TO BE WASHED AND DISINFECTED AS FOLLOWS:

Used riding clothes must be washed (40°C) in a washing machine or dry cleaned prior to entering the country.

Riding clothes and boots that cannot be cleaned this way should be washed and disinfected as follows:
1. Rinse thoroughly with detergent
2. Dry
3. Spray with 2% Virkon® S (20g per liter of water)
4. Store for at least 5 days prior to bringing the clothes into contact with horses in Iceland

FORBIDDEN ITEMS:
• Used riding equipment such as gloves, chaps, whips, saddles, bridles, pads etc.
• Used leather gear


If you have any doubts or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Available all year round.

2025: This ride is available all year round

Single rooms are limited, please enquire at the time of booking.

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WH Auden and Louis MacNeice Letters from Iceland

Chris Casseldine Most Unimaginably Strange: An Eclectic Companion to the Landscape of Iceland 

David Roberts 'Iceland Land of the Saga's';

Terry Lacy 'Ring of Seasons'.

For a broad selection of equestrian travel books, many previously unavailable visit www.HorseTravelBooks.com - inspiring adventure!

Close to Reykjavík: Blue Lagoon / Sky Lagoon / Whale watching / FlyOver Iceland

DISINFECTION: Used riding clothes must be disinfected before entry to Iceland. Riding gear (riding trousers, jackets, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C) or dry cleaned. Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned (riding boots, riding hats) need to be disinfected at least five days prior to arriving in Iceland. The Icelandic Veterinary Authority recommends the broad-spectrum disinfectant Virkon S for disinfection. Used riding gloves, whips, saddles, bridles and other used leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases in Iceland. Horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Please help us to protect Iceland's fragile nature! For further information please take a look at: www.mast.is

Iceland is known as the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’ and is a large island in the North Atlantic Ocean, close to the Arctic Circle. It has close ties with Scandinavia and is part of Europe. Historically, Iceland was settled by Vikings and later came under Danish rule. Known for having the world's first parliament during Norse times, Iceland passed an act centuries ago banning horse imports, leading to today's pure breed. In 1944, Iceland gained full independence. Iceland also boasts a rich horse culture, with nearly every Icelander being a rider or adept at horseback riding.

Iceland is a true gem in the world of travel. With its incredible landscapes that seem to come straight out of a storybook, this destination is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The opportunity to witness volcanoes, stunning beaches, geothermal springs, rocky formations, and mineral-packed pools sparkling with color is truly unique. Plus, its wild landscapes are home to some of the world's most awe-inspiring natural phenomena, such as the midnight sun in June where you can experience almost 24 hours of daylight. And there's no better way to immerse yourself in this natural wonderland than by taking a horseback ride through the glacial river valleys and ancient routes. With its vast uninhabited land, Iceland is an adventure waiting to happen for those who are willing to explore off the beaten path. Only approximately 15% of Iceland is populated and most people choose to live around the coast, leaving the rest of the country's rugged beauty to be discovered by travellers.

Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, is picturesque with modern architecture and commerce mixed with traditional colourful wooden houses. The nearby geothermal hot springs have been harnessed to provide a cheap natural heating system. This leaves the air pristine and pollution free. Your photographs will benefit from the fabulous clear sharp light. The sea also plays a vital role in Icelandic life, supporting the fishing industry. The coast and fjords are rich in bird species, especially sea fowl.