
Iceland
Iceland - Horseback Riding Tour - Sheep round-up Landmannaafréttur
Iceland - Horseback Riding Tour - Sheep round-up Landmannaafréttur
Duration
7 days
Start/End
Keflavik
Tour type
Group
Level
Demanding
Accommodation
Dormitory room / cabin / guesthouse
Overview
On this riding tour for experienced riders you take an active part in the traditional sheep round-up. Together with the farmers you gather thousands of sheep on the Landmannaafréttur pastures – between the colourful rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar and in the black ash of the Hekla volcano.
Sheep roundup with farmers in Landmannalaugar, Jökulgil, and near the Hekla volcano. On this tour in southern Iceland, we actively participate in the sheep roundup, herding thousands of sheep into the mountains. We gather the sheep in Landmannafréttur, the pastureland near the renowned Landmannalaugar area. Yellow, reddish, and greenish mountains of rhyolite rock give this region its distinctive character. The Hekla volcano looms over the area, and we also search for sheep in its black sand and ash. Farmers in the region and their ancestors have been rounding up sheep here for centuries. Learn how to move the sheep in the right direction, drive them down mountain slopes, cross rivers, and lead them to their resting place in a sheltered valley for the night. Nowhere else will you get closer to the heart and soul of Icelanders. An authentic Icelandic experience – an extraordinary horseback riding tour.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Transfer to Landmannahellir – Landmannalaugar
Morning pick-up from the BSI bus station in Reykjavik around 10:00 AM (please wear riding clothes) and transfer to the riding center for an information meeting. Ride to Landmannahellir, where we will meet the horses and the other riders. We will ride to the well-known area of Landmannalaugar with its natural bathing area, surrounded by colorful mountains and black lava fields. This is a short day's ride, allowing us to familiarize ourselves with the surroundings and learn about the tasks that await us in the coming days. Overnight stay in Landmannalaugar. (Ride 3-4 hours)
Transfer to Landmannahellir – Landmannalaugar
Day 1
Morning pick-up from the BSI bus station in Reykjavik around 10:00 AM (please wear riding clothes) and transfer to the riding center for an information meeting. Ride to Landmannahellir, where we will meet the horses and the other riders. We will ride to the well-known area of Landmannalaugar with its natural bathing area, surrounded by colorful mountains and black lava fields. This is a short day's ride, allowing us to familiarize ourselves with the surroundings and learn about the tasks that await us in the coming days. Overnight stay in Landmannalaugar. (Ride 3-4 hours)
Day 2
Glacier – Landmannalaugar
Jökulgilid, a long, narrow valley with a multitude of colors and rock formations, is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. It lies largely barren, yet is sparsely covered with grass. This is what draws the sheep to this remote area, far removed from any human contact. A glacial river makes access to the valley difficult in summer, and it is only at this time of year that we can ride into the valley and search for the sheep that have grazed here throughout the summer. (Ride 8-9 hours)
Glacier – Landmannalaugar
Day 2
Jökulgilid, a long, narrow valley with a multitude of colors and rock formations, is surrounded by mountains and glaciers. It lies largely barren, yet is sparsely covered with grass. This is what draws the sheep to this remote area, far removed from any human contact. A glacial river makes access to the valley difficult in summer, and it is only at this time of year that we can ride into the valley and search for the sheep that have grazed here throughout the summer. (Ride 8-9 hours)
Day 3
Landmannalaugar – Landmannahellir
Today we're heading into the area between Landmannalaugar and Landmannahellir. Although these two places aren't too far apart, the area is crisscrossed by lava fields, craters, and lakes, and the sheep are widely dispersed. Therefore, it's important that you stay in your place in the herding chain to ensure no sheep gets left behind. Another and final night in Landmannalaugar. (Ride 8 hours)
Landmannalaugar – Landmannahellir
Day 3
Today we're heading into the area between Landmannalaugar and Landmannahellir. Although these two places aren't too far apart, the area is crisscrossed by lava fields, craters, and lakes, and the sheep are widely dispersed. Therefore, it's important that you stay in your place in the herding chain to ensure no sheep gets left behind. Another and final night in Landmannalaugar. (Ride 8 hours)
Day 4
Landmannahellir and surrounding area
In the morning we leave Landmannalaugar, pack our belongings into a transport vehicle, and ride back to Landmannahellir. We drive the replacement horses with us in a free-roaming herd. Today we explore the area around Landmannahellir, a place with a long tradition as a resting place for people and horses during the sheep round-up. In the past, horses and people slept in two caves here. (Ride: 8 hours)
Landmannahellir and surrounding area
Day 4
In the morning we leave Landmannalaugar, pack our belongings into a transport vehicle, and ride back to Landmannahellir. We drive the replacement horses with us in a free-roaming herd. Today we explore the area around Landmannahellir, a place with a long tradition as a resting place for people and horses during the sheep round-up. In the past, horses and people slept in two caves here. (Ride: 8 hours)
Day 5
Hekla Volcano
Accommodation in Landmannahellir
Green grass turns to black ash as we approach the Hekla volcano. Hekla is an active volcano with regular eruptions that hurl lava, pumice, and ash into the sky. Here, too, we find sheep in sheltered valleys and ensure they return home. While some of us search for sheep in the wilderness, others drive the flock to Mount Valahnjukar. Overnight stay in Landmannahellir. (Ride 10 hours)
Hekla Volcano
Day 5
Accommodation in Landmannahellir
Green grass turns to black ash as we approach the Hekla volcano. Hekla is an active volcano with regular eruptions that hurl lava, pumice, and ash into the sky. Here, too, we find sheep in sheltered valleys and ensure they return home. While some of us search for sheep in the wilderness, others drive the flock to Mount Valahnjukar. Overnight stay in Landmannahellir. (Ride 10 hours)
Day 6
Afangagil – Hrolfstadahellir
Afangagil is the sheep flock's destination today. Here is the sheepfold where the sheep will be sorted tomorrow. On our way, we make sure no sheep are left behind. We spend the last night in Hrolfstadahellir. (Ride 8 hours)
Afangagil – Hrolfstadahellir
Day 6
Afangagil is the sheep flock's destination today. Here is the sheepfold where the sheep will be sorted tomorrow. On our way, we make sure no sheep are left behind. We spend the last night in Hrolfstadahellir. (Ride 8 hours)
Day 7
Sorting the sheep
This is the last and a particularly joyous day of the sheep roundup. Around midday, the sheep are sorted until each one has been returned to its owner. Join in the sorting and enjoy the singing and celebrations at the end of a successful ride into the mountains. Once all the sheep have been sorted, we'll return to Reykjavík, where this fantastic tour concludes around 6:00 PM. Info: Horse riding tour Suitable for: Experienced, confident riders in good physical condition: They can easily control the horse at all gaits, have a secure seat, and are comfortable riding for up to 7 hours a day. They are able to ride at a fast pace over uneven terrain and up and down slopes. Accommodation: Sleeping bag accommodation (please bring your own!) in simple mountain huts, together with the local farmers who are taking part in this cattle drive. Duration: 7 days - 6 nights - 6 days of riding
Sorting the sheep
Day 7
This is the last and a particularly joyous day of the sheep roundup. Around midday, the sheep are sorted until each one has been returned to its owner. Join in the sorting and enjoy the singing and celebrations at the end of a successful ride into the mountains. Once all the sheep have been sorted, we'll return to Reykjavík, where this fantastic tour concludes around 6:00 PM. Info: Horse riding tour Suitable for: Experienced, confident riders in good physical condition: They can easily control the horse at all gaits, have a secure seat, and are comfortable riding for up to 7 hours a day. They are able to ride at a fast pace over uneven terrain and up and down slopes. Accommodation: Sleeping bag accommodation (please bring your own!) in simple mountain huts, together with the local farmers who are taking part in this cattle drive. Duration: 7 days - 6 nights - 6 days of riding
Services
What's included
Accommodation in cabins (sleeping bag accommodation)
6 days of riding
from/to Reykjavik
Full board during the ride (not in Reykjavik)
Rain gear, water bottle, saddlebag, riding helmet
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Overnight stay in Reykjavik before/after the riding tour
Sleeping bag (please bring your own)
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This riding tour is suitable for experienced, confident riders in good physical condition. You should be secure in the saddle, able to control your horse easily at all gaits, and comfortable riding for up to 7 hours a day, even at a fast pace over uneven terrain and slopes. During the sheep roundup, you will help gather the sheep in the highlands.
Accommodation is in simple sleeping bag shelters.
Dates and prices
Group dates
10/09/2027 – 16/09/2027 · €3,234.00 per person
Notes on the trip
Notes
This tour demands a high level of physical fitness from participants and is only suitable for experienced and confident riders. Participants should also expect to cover considerable distances on foot. The itinerary is subject to change. Information for travelers with reduced mobility: Generally, our trips are unsuitable for people with reduced mobility. In individual cases, we are happy to check whether we can still accommodate your travel wishes. Please contact us.
