Iceland - Myvatn Ice Ride

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Meeting place is at the Icelandair flight desk in Reykjavík domestic airport (easy to find in the lobby) at 14:45 for the 15:30 flight to Akureyri.
It is suggest to fly in the night before and stay at an airport hotel (or explore Reykjavik depending on arrival time), but if the flight lands early enough in Iceland, it's possible to arrive on the same day. We can assist with booking this, please ask your travel consultant.

Day 1
Reykjavík – Akureyri – Bjarnastadir: Today starts with meeting the guide in Reykjavík domestic airport at 14:45, flight to Akureyri at 15:30 (about 45min flight). The farmer/host Halldór will pick up the group at Akureyri airport and drive to Bjarnastadir farm for dinner. Afterwards it's possible to soak in the outdoor hot tub, get to know each other and chat before getting a good night before the adventure ahead begins. Hopefully the Northern Lights will will be visible.

Day 2
Bjarnastadir – Mývatn – Bjarnastadir: After breakfast the group heads out to meet the horses at lake Mývatn, participate in a fun group riding on the frozen lake and enjoy waffles and hot drinks at Sel Hotel Mývatn. After the fun, the guests will warm up in the Nature baths before going back to Bjarnastadir.

Day 3
Bjarnastadir – Mývatn Open – Bjarnastadir: Today is an exciting day watching the Mývatn Open competition where hundreds of riders compete in tölt, flying pace and other categories on the frozen lake. After the show, ride under the Northern Lights if the weather allows.

Day 4
Bjarnastadir – Beach ride – Akureyri – Reykjavik: The group will saddle up after breakfast and ride in the winter wonderland near Bjarnastadir farm. After lunch head back to Húsavík with a visit to Geosea before returning to Akureyri airport for the flight back to Reykjavík. Arrival time in Reykjavik domestic airport is approx. 17:30.

This itinerary may be altered if necessary.

On the domestic flight, the luggage restriction is 23 kg checked in bag and 6 kg carry-on.
Please don't bring a long riding raincoat as they tend to flap.

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!) who have a special gait, the tölt, which is very comfortable and anyone who is comfortable with English or Western tack will adapt without any problems. The trail leaders explain how to sit it before the first day’s riding. All the guides are English-speaking. and will explain how to tack up the horses, mount and how to ride the tölt before setting off.

The horses are responsive, calm and relaxed. They are used to being ridden in groups in open countryside and are lovely to ride! You will switch horses (taken from the accompanying herd fresh each day) throughout the trail, meaning you'll get to try out a number of the horses. The comfort of each horses tölt can vary.

The tack used is slightly different to conventional tack. The saddle is similar to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat, which may be a plain or quilted. The riding style for Icelandic horses is close to English riding, but stirrups are worn long. Bits used are mostly simple snaffles and the bridles have a detachable nose band and clip on reins.

Please don't bring a long riding raincoat as they tend to flap. A short riding jacket will suffice.

Riders need to be able to control a horse at a walk, trot and canter over open ground. Riding is done with a full loose-running herd of horses as is traditional in Iceland. Hours per day in the saddle ranges from two to six hours although the pace is relaxed. Assistance will be given in tacking up and mounting your horse and you will receive instruction on riding in the Icelandic style.

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.

Accommodation is at a traditional guesthouse equipped sleeping between 2-4 to a room, indoor shared bathrooms, warm showers and a complimentary hot tub. The farm is also equipped with Wifi. Large breakfasts are traditional and lamb and fish are the staple dinners, athough 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 an initiative to improve the centre of Reykjavik for locals and travellers, the local authorities banned all buses within the central part of the City in 2017. Instead, 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 available bus stops here http://www.busstop.is/ to find the stop closest to your intended accommodation.

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 it 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.

There is electricity available in the evening accommodation to charge cameras etc. Wifi is also provided at the guesthouse. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the groups permission to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials.
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:
If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
• Warm jacket (windproof and waterproof/water-resistant)
• Warm sweater (woollen or fleece)
• Warm socks
• Warm riding gloves
• Warm and comfortable underwear
• Riding trousers (water-resistant material is a great option)
• Warm Riding shoes/boots
• Casual clothes for evenings
• A pair of slippers
• Swimsuit
• Blister plasters
• Chocolate or glucose sweets for long riding days
• Sunglasses
• Vaseline or similar for lips
• Earplugs (there might be some snoring in shared accommodation)

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 litre 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!

4d / 3n programme with 3 riding days with a fixed departure

2025: 27 Feb - 2 March

• £
• €
• US $
• SEK

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

Disinfecting of used riding gear: Riding gear (riding boots, riding trousers, jackets, hats, gloves, etc.) needs to be washed (40°C), dry cleaned or disinfected with Virkon S before arriving in Iceland. Saddles, bridles and other leather gear may not be brought into the country.
Please understand that these precautions are necessary because there are no contagious animal diseases (i.e. rabies or foot and mouth diseases) in Iceland and therefore important to protect the animals of the country. 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.