(No availability) 4 Day Knitting and Horse Riding Holiday in Skeiða- og Gnúpverjahreppur, Southern Region
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Iceland Horseback Riding Holiday
Welcome to a realm where creativity intertwines with hoofbeats' rhythm and stitches' soothing melody. This tour is designed for a maximum of eight to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and enriching experience.
Key information
- Rider Weight Limit: 242 pounds / 110 kilograms
- Tack Type: Icelandic tack
- Horse Breed: Icelandic horse
Highlights
- 3 riding days
- Ride through stunning landscapes and countryside
- Daily kitting sessions with guide
- Excursion to Hespuhúsið
- 3 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
- Transfer from the BSÍ bus station
Skill level
- Intermediate
Styles
Accommodation
You will stay in a river cabin or a summer house in Kálfhóll farm during the holiday.
Program
This knit-and-ride adventure invites you to embark on a one-of-a-kind journey, a symphony of riding and knitting set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Icelandic countryside. At Kálfhóll farm, your host Sophie will initiate you into the Icelandic knitting realm, intricately woven into the fabric of Icelandic culture. This artistry is intimately connected to the magnificent Icelandic horse, a cherished companion that has been their invaluable ally throughout the centuries. You will receive a knitting kit, with enough wool for a hat, headband, or gloves, needles, and patterns.
Buying additional wool to knit a traditional Icelandic woolen sweater (Lopapeysa) is possible. The wool used is colored by Harpa Ólafsdóttir herself. Her wool brand is called HörpuGull and is made out of the best local wool of Icelandic sheep. You will be able to choose the colors yourself to create a unique knitting piece. The knitting guidance by Harpa Ólafsdóttir, a professional knitter and member of the family, allows even beginners to start their first knitting project. For experienced knitters, there is the possibility to buy additional wool to knit a traditional Icelandic woolen sweater.
Daily itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival and introduction
Embark on a journey of creativity and adventure as Íslandshestar picks you up at BSÍ bus station in Reykjavík at 12:00 p.m. and transports you to Kálfhóll farm. At Kálfhóll, you will meet Sophie, your host, have a delightful lunch, and settle into your cozy accommodations. Connect with fellow riding and knitting enthusiasts during a relaxed ice-breaking session. Spend the day exploring the world of wool with Harpa Ólafsdóttir, your experienced wool specialist, as she assists you in starting your distinctive knitting project. Wrap up the day with a delightful dinner, paving the way for the memorable experiences ahead.
Day 2 - Riding and knitting
Awaken to the crisp Icelandic morning and indulge in a hearty breakfast before delving into another enchanting day of knitting. Let your creativity flourish as you bring your knitting project to life. After lunch, saddle up for a scenic riding tour through the stunning landscapes, a perfect interlude to fuel your inspiration. Return for an afternoon of knitting, where the soothing rhythm of stitches becomes a melody. As the day concludes, share stories over a delectable dinner, creating bonds as strong as the stitches you have crafted.
Day 3 - Riding and knitting
The day begins with the aroma of a delicious breakfast, setting the tone for another day of knitting delight. Dive back into your project, refining your skills under the expert guidance of Harpa Ólafsdóttir. Following a delightful lunch, embark on another captivating riding tour, exploring the breathtaking Icelandic countryside. Return for an afternoon of knitting, where each stitch weaves the fabric of your journey. The day concludes with a shared dinner, celebrating the fusion of creativity and nature.
Day 4 Riding, Hespuhúsið, and departure
Your final day begins with a leisurely breakfast, offering a moment to reflect on the wonderful experiences shared. This day, you start by saddling up for a final riding tour, a fitting farewell to the scenic beauty that has inspired your creations. Before leaving the farm, you are going to enjoy lunch and say goodbye to the horses and the farm.
The afternoon unfolds with a visit to Hespuhúsið, where the art of coloring wool with natural methods comes to life. As the day goes by, depart for Reykjavík, carrying with you not just a completed knitting project but a tapestry of memories that will forever warm your heart. Arrival in Reykjavik at BSÍ about 5:30 p.m.
The Icelandic horse
The breed is best known for its four-beat smooth gait, the “tölt”, which is very comfortable for the rider, especially on a longer tour. Riding an Icelandic horse in its native habitat land is an authentic riding experience.
Herd
Herding along free running horses is the traditional way of traveling in Iceland since horses are changed at least once a day on longer tours. You get to ride a variety of horses.
Icelandic nature
Iceland is the least densely populated country in Europe, with a pure, unpolluted, and truly magical landscape.
Nature bathing
In Iceland (and on your riding tours), you can find a hot spring oasis featuring hot pools and geothermal hot springs that are perfect for relaxing after a long riding day.
Tacks
The tack used for Icelandic horses is slightly different than the tack ordinarily used for other breeds. The saddle is built close to a dressage saddle and has a relatively flat seat. Saddles come with plain or quilted seats. On longer rides a crupper helps keep the saddle in place. The riding style used on Icelandic horses is close to the English riding style, but stirrups are worn long. The bits used are mostly simple snaffles. Bridles have a detachable noseband and clip-on reins.
Location
The holiday will take place in Skeiða- og Gnúpverjahreppur, Southern Region, Iceland.
Food
All meals during the holiday are included in the price.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
What's included
- Daily activities
- 3 nights accommodation
- Knitting kit
- Saddlebags
- Rainwear
- Safety helmet
- Pick up from BSÍ bus station
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Wool to knit an Icelandic wool sweater (49 EUR)
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Keflavík International Airport
99 km
Transfer not provided
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
