Book now for a four day autumn horseback riding experience in the breathtaking nature of Fljót!
An authentic riding adventure in Skagafjörður, the kingdom of the Icelandic horse
Sóti Summits and Langhús have designed the perfect trip for those who want to experience the unique Icelandic horse in its natural environment. In this tour, you will traverse old routes that connected the settlements before modern transportation and have a blast at the pinnacle event of every Icelandic farming region: the sheep roundup.
Four days exploring on horseback
The history of the Icelandic horse is deeply entwined in the history of Northern Iceland, and Skagafjörður region has long been known for horsemanship and breeding. In Fljót, the northern outpost of Skagafjörður, owners of Langhús farm focus their ambitions on horse breeding, offering horse riding tours and multi-day treks.
In former times, the Icelandic horse was an indispensable servant of the rural household. The Icelandic horse assisted man from birth to the grave in all aspects of life and death, from bringing midwives to expectant mothers to bearing coffins on their owner’s last journey. Today, Icelandic horses are mainly travel companions, although they still play an important role in rounding up the sheep from the mountains in autumn.
The Icelandic sheep stock has been isolated on this rough island for over a millennium, and they have evolved into extremely good survivors. They are shy and agile like mountain goats and can almost outrun a galloping horse. Released into mountains and wildernesses in early summer, sheep are herded back to the lowlands before the winter sets in, corralled and returned to the home farms.
The locals and their friends team up in the fall for this fun challenge, and we welcome you to join us and become an Icelandic shepherd on horseback.
Unpretentious luxury in the heart of Troll Peninsula
Sóti Lodge is a quality lodge in the heart of Fljotin at the tip of the Troll peninsula. The lodge offers high quality, comfortable accommodation, personal services, renowned gastronomic experiences and beautiful scenery with breathtaking views of rugged mountain vistas and the Arctic Ocean. Entrance to the geothermal pool next door is an added bonus to your stay.
This is a truly unforgettable experience, with an authentic connection to the roots of Icelandic history.
Included
- All meals for the duration of the trip (from dinner at arrival to lunch on your last day)
- Nature picnic lunch and snacks during riding
- Experienced horse riding guide
- High-quality accommodation at Sóti Lodge
- Access to the local geothermal swimming pool (only a few steps from the lodge)
- Access to the local round up festivities
- All entrance tickets as stated in the itinerary
- A horse is especially chosen for each rider
- Riding equipment (saddle, helmet)
- Transportation as stated in the itinerary
Not included
- Flights to and from Iceland (Pickup from Akureyri Airport optional)
- Pickup from Akureyri Airport Keflavik Airport optional)
- Riding clothes*
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
Dates
- September 15th-19th 2021
Price (min pax is 6 person)
- 239.500 isk per person – Double occupancy
- 289.500 isk per person – Single/private room
For whom is this trip suitable?
- This trip suits riders with some experience, and an enthusiasm for the outdoors.
What to bring
- Riding pants (comfortable pants to use while riding)
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Gloves
- New unused riding shoes, or hiking shoes that have not been used around horses*.
- Warm base-layer
- Warm sweater
- Thin hat or buff
- Camera
Itinerary
Wednesday, September 15th:
13:30 – Check in at Sóti Lodge
14:30 – Meet your riding guide at Langhús farm. Intro to the Icelandic horse, the different gates, and how to ride these horses. First riding tour, complete with a picnic, the full experience is appr. 3.5 hours.
18:30 – Free time for relaxation or a swim at Barðslaug, only a few steps from the Lodge
19:30 – Three course dinner at Sóti Lodge
Thursday, September 16th:
8:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast
10:00 – Departure to Langhús, riders meet their horse
10:30 – Departure for a 5 hr riding tour to Flókadalur valley, complete with a picnic lunch in the wild nature of the Troll Peninsula
17:00 – Arrival at Sóti Lodge. Free time to go for a stroll or for a swim at Barðslaug
19:30 – Three course dinner at Sóti lodge
Friday, September 17th
8:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast
10:00 – Departure to a meeting point with the Langhús team (at the Hraun farm), riders meet their horse and head up to the Siglufjarðarskarð pass for a days adventure, complete with a scenic picnic light lunch from the saddle bags in the pass. Nature, history and horse blend into a unique, harmonious experience.
14:00 – Return to Sóti Lodge, sightseeing tour to Siglufjörður with visit to the Herring museum and a stop at Segull, the local microbrewery
19:30 – Three course dinner at Sóti lodge
Saturday, September 18th
8:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast
10:30 – parture from Langhús, riders meet their horse and head for the main day of the sheep round ups. With a lunch picnic and corral visit included, where you will be introduced to the true spirit of Icelandic farming
18:00 – Return to Sóti Lodge, for a relaxing visit to the swimming pool
20:30 – Three course dinner at Sóti lodge
23:00 – Departure to the Round up dance party. The Réttaball is the highlight of the roundups in every neighborhood, with a live band, music that is from 3 month-120 years old, and everybody from 18-99 years old in the area showing up. Ballroom dancing, rock, Abba, Eurovision, everything blends into a unique thrill into the night
Appr. 01:00 AM or later return anticipated.
Sunday, September 19th
9:00 – 11:00 – Breakfast
Checkout and departure
Cancellation policy & refund protocol
- 100 % refund if the trip is canceled due to disease control decisions or sickness connected to COVID-19
- 80 % refund if the trip is canceled with more than 7-day notice
- 50 % refund if the trip is canceled with more than 72-hour notice
- No refund if the trip is canceled with less than 72-hour notice