UNADALUR AND LAUFSKÁLARÉTT – HORSE GATHERING IN THE NORTH OF ICELAND

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15-17

Many of the old traditions regarding horse keeping are still very much alive in the north of Iceland, and it’s no coincidence that you will find many of the famous breeding farms in this area.

The horse round up is a long-standing Icelandic tradition. Join us for this unique experience. A sight like no other, the horse round up is perhaps the ultimate thrill for those with a passion for horses – spectacular to see and invigorating for the rider. Join an impressive herd of several hundred of free-running and spirited horses as they make their way across rugged territory to their winter pastures.

On this tour you will take part in two horse roundups. We start off by helping Jóhann and Fridgeir to round up their horses from the valley of Unadalur. The next day we visit the biggest and most famous horse round up in Iceland, the one in Laufskalarétt close to Hólar.

THE HORSE ROUND UP WITH US:

(There may be changes in the daily programme)

Day 1/ Wednesday: Arrival in Hofsós. Welcoming dinner at Jóhann and Elsa’s house.

Day 2/ Thursday: The “small” horse round up. We join Jóhann and Fridgeir, driving a herd of about 150-200 horses down from Unadalur.

Day 3/ Friday: We ride and drive the horses together with Jóhann, Fridgeir and the local farmers down to the horse round up in Hofsós where they are sorted. In the evening we go to the indoor riding area in Saudarkrókur, and join the competitions and festivities with the locals.

Day 4/ Saturday: We visit the big horse round up in Laufskálarétt, close to Hólar, where we join the locals and watch the farmers driving down a herd of about 500-600 horses from the highlands. Here we can join in the singing and celebrating of this great autumn event.

Sunday: Return to Reykjavik.

Please note that on this tour you need to make your own arrangements for the journey between Reykjavik and Hofsós. There is a bus service Reykjavik-Saudarkrokur, from where we can pick you up, or you can rent a car. Please don’t hesitate to phone if you want to discuss the best option.

Photo: Sofie Lahtinen Carlsson