Sheep round up
fljótshlíð, South iceland
3 days riding and round up sheep with the farmers!
Date 2018
September 7. - 10.
Micro Group Tour with max. 4 guests!
September 7. - 10.
Micro Group Tour with max. 4 guests!
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Imagine thousands of sheep coming down the mountains like a huge white wooly blanket leaving their highland summer pastures to be sorted and reclaimed by their owners. The ancient tradition of rounding up the livestock is kept alive in Iceland and truly an experience of a lifetime since you you are invited to be one of the group to herd and sort the animals.
This round up take place in the beautiful area of Fljótshlíð were Gunnar frá Hlíðarenda, famously portrayed in the Njáls-Saga, did not want to leave this area when sentenced to outlawry. „When Gunnar killed two family members of Gissur the White, the family sought vengeance and the men set out to Hlíðarendi to do murder. Njáll advised Gunnar to leave Iceland and head abroad to escape them. Initially, Gunnar intended to depart, but when he saw his homestead from the distance, he was so moved by the beauty of it that he changed his mind and decided to remain behind with the words:“Beautiful are the hills – they never have been so beautiful before. I will therefore return and leave no more“ During this time of the year we are also very likely to get a superb display of the Northern Lights although of course we cannot guarantee them. This tour is in operation with Kiddi and Birna who have a great reputation from Landmannalaugar and Thórsmörk tours. |
Type: Multi days tour round up sheep with local farmers
Duration: 4 days / 3 riding days Level of expertise required: Intermediate and experienced riders in good physical shape. Area: Fljótshlíð, South Iceland Accommodation: 3 nights sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts. Accommodation in Reykjavik before the tour is not included but can be arranged. Meals: Full board during the ride. Max: 4 riders Guide: English speaking. Group: International Maximum Weight: 110 kg Special introduction price 2018: ISK 173.000.- |
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Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Friday Sep. 7. Reykjavík – Fljótshlíð - Riding to Einhyrningur mountain hut Pick up between 9:30 - 10 am in Reykjavík in the morning. Please be ready at the earliest pick up time and already in your riding gear. Short drive through the lush green farming area of South Iceland to Bjarkarland, home to our lovely host. Before lunch there will be a welcome meeting with a thorough introduction into the tour details and the Icelandic tack and special gaits of the Icelandic Horse. After a good lunch we meet the horses at Fell and start our ride alongside the Markarfljót River. We ascend into the mountains to Einhyrningur Mountain Cabin where we spend the night and get to know all the farmers and the sheep round up plan. Enjoy the great view of Eyjafjallajökull Glacier and Thorsmörk Nature Park. Accommodation: Sleeping bag accommodation at Einhyrningur mountain hut for next 2 nights Day 2: Saturday Sep.8.: Sheep Round Up in stunning landscape A very early morning start or usually at 06:00. The "mountain king" (the farmer Kristinn Jónsson at Staðarbakki farm) plan the day with the farmers and you need to be willing to helping out, looking for sheep, herding, walking and riding. Please note you have to be prepared to work as a local farmer for 2 days - this is the authentic way of sheep round up! The scenery is stunning or high cliffs, glacier views and glacier rivers, caves and gorges and with some luck you might even spot some elfs or hidden people on the way. This will be a long day and a well derserved delicious home made Icelandic food await us at the mountain hut. Day 3: Sunday Sep.9: More Sheep Round Up Again an early rise and shine! Today will be another full day of sheep round up and it is really a special sight to witness hundreds of sheep walking down the mountains and more and more sheep added to the flock. Today we end our day at the mountain hut in Fell where we stay overnight, singing and celebrating a good work. Day 4: Monday Sep. 10.: Sorting the sheep - Saying good bye Now it is time to sort the sheep and of course you need to help out. Around noon the sorting of the sheep starts and lasts until each sheep has been returned to its owners. Participate in sorting the sheep and join in the singing and celebrating after a successful ride in the mountains. Once the sorting is finished we drive back to Reykjavík . Arrival in Reykjavik in early afternoon Exploring Iceland reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries or timetables should the necessity arise. The estimated duration of tours as indicated by km or timing can change according to road or weather conditions. |
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Included:
• 3 nights sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts
• Full pension during the tour starting with lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the 6 th day.
• 3 riding days according to program
• English speaking guide.
• 3 nights sleeping bag accommodation in mountain huts
• Full pension during the tour starting with lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the 6 th day.
• 3 riding days according to program
• English speaking guide.
- Transfer to and from Reykjavik
