Iceland dressed in autumn colors is truly something beautiful, and there might be a fresh layer of snow already. In February and March, the north of Iceland mostly has the winter costume on. Riding through the (deep) snow is truly an adventure to experience. There is a good chance you will see the Northern Lights in action in the Arctic sky above north Iceland during the autumn or winter seasons. Riding Iceland will do their best to find the best possibilities in the area for watching the Northern Lights when they show up in the evening.
You spend your days riding the trails around Saltvík farm and take a sightseeing trip to the mighty Goðafoss (waterfall of the Gods) and possibly the Lake Mývatn area. This holiday is suitable for all riding levels. You also will visit the newly established geothermal bath “Geosea” in Husavík which is a well-deserved relaxation after riding activities and the fresh air in the face on your daily rides. Riding Iceland tours are designed to follow the ancient riding trails that have served people to travel across the country ever since the first settlement of Iceland.
You will come across perfect riding tracks that allow you to enjoy your horse tölting at full speed - a cheering and overwhelming feeling on its own. Riding Iceland offers winter adventures from Saltvík farm on the north coast of Iceland. The north part of Iceland is truly one of the best places in the world for watching the Northern Lights during the darker hours of the winter. You will have some day rides from Saltvík farm along the coastline of the Arctic Ocean. Iceland in winter costume with the amazing Northern Lights floating across the sky is truly an adventure to experience.
On arrival day, the meeting point on the first day is at Saltvík farm, four kilometers south of Husavik in the north. The program starts on the morning of day one around 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a pick-up from Akureyri between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Riding days are the first three days. On day four, the drop off in Akureyri will be around 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. but can be moved forward up to 7:30 a.m. (in that case for the whole group) in case participants have booked an early flight.
The riding
The mean length of the day is three to four hours in the saddle and can sometimes be longer than that. You will start shortly after breakfast when all necessary preparations are done. Whenever the terrain allows it, you will enjoy the fast but still comfortable Tölt of the Icelandic horse. You will take short breaks every hour or two to stretch your muscles and allow the horses to rest a bit. During a long break at midday, you will have lunch and change horses before you continue to the destination of the day.
Terrain
Iceland’s landscapes offer a wide variety of landscapes, ranging from rough rocky mountain passes to smooth and wide heathland, flowery meadows, swamps, and stony deserts. The sure-footed Icelandic horse is perfectly fit to carry you even through difficult terrain. The aim is to find the remotest spots that remain beyond the reach of any vehicle or hiker.
Riding ability
The tours are attended with relatively high physical demands. Please make sure you are fit to join. The minimum riding ability required is mastery of the basic aids and the ability to control the horse at all paces and in the open country. It is a great advantage if you are a proficient rider. Riding Iceland does not accept absolute beginners but would be happy to offer help in finding a more suitable tour.