7 Day Icelandic Horse Week: Discover the Wild Heart of Östersund, Northern Sweden on Horseback
Advanced Horse Riding Holiday in Sweden
Combine breathtaking nature experiences on Taikuri-adventures' horseback riding tours through the wilderness of the Ansättfjällen mountains with subsequent relaxation at their cozy and comfortable guesthouse. It is located on their farm in the beautiful little mountain village of Bakvattnet, in close proximity to the Norwegian-Swedish mountain landscape.
Instructions will be offered in English and / or German.
Key information:
- Rider maximum weight: 75 kg / 165 lbs
- Horse breed: Icelandic horses
- Daily riding time: 2 to five hours
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- 4 riding days
- Friendly, sure-footed Icelandic horses
- 1 guided excursion to stunning waterfalls, diverse landscapes, and more
- Breathtaking nature: Mountains, forests, waterfalls, lakes, and more
- No unnecessary transfers, as activities will always start directly from the farm
- Opportunity to meet Taikuri-adventures' 40 sled dogs
- 6 nights accommodation at a comfortable, cozy guesthouse right on the farm
- Full board
Skill level
- Advanced
Types
5 days with instruction in English or German
Accommodation
Facilities
- Barbeque facilities
- Garden
- Kitchen
- Smoke-free property
- Laundry
- Parking lot
Hildingstugan is a guesthouse that was completely renovated and modernized in 2022 and has become a haven of comfort, nestled in the heart of a stunning landscape.
- Size: Approx. 90 sq. ft.
- Number of guests: Up to six people
- Outdoor facilities: Use of the garden, garden furniture, barbecue, and parking
Features:
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Microwave
- Fridge-freezer
- Wood-burning stove
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Sofa bed
- 2 bathrooms (one with a shower, one with a washing machine)
- 3 bedrooms (one with two single beds, two with pull-out single beds)
- Vacuum cleaner
Additional information:
- No smoking
- Pets allowed only upon request
- Bed linens and towels available for rent
Program
Taikuri-adventures' eight Icelandic geldings make up a cool all-male household. They’ve always been captivated by Icelandic horses’ sure-footedness, fearlessness, and ability to handle any terrain, even the most challenging. On top of that, their eight are highly motivated and always up for an adventure. They are loyal companions, weather-resistant, and fearless - simply the best of friends.
Day 1:
Arrive at Taikuri Farm, go on a tour of the farm, and get to know each other over dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 2: Introductory ride (approximately two hours, around 10 km)
The riding week will begin with a relaxed introductory ride, which is the perfect way to get acquainted with the horses and enjoy the beautiful landscape around Ansättenfjäll. On easily navigable trails, you will ride at a moderate pace (walk and trot) through sparse birch forests and over gentle hills, which will repeatedly offer fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
Passing small streams and vast moorlands, you will finally arrive at a rest stop with a breathtaking view. With a little luck, you may already encounter the first reindeer on this day; they are native to this area and define the region’s unique landscape. This ride will provide the ideal foundation for the adventures of the coming days.
Day 3: Scenic ride (approximately three to four hours, around 20 km)
Go on a varied ride that will take you through completely different types of terrain - from open plateaus to sheltered forest paths. You’ll use all gaits during the ride, alternating between calm stretches and brisker sections. There’s also a short stretch through an enchanted forest where the horses will be led. Halfway through the ride, you will reach an impressive viewpoint where you'll take a break and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Ansättenfjäll.
Day 4: Day trip
Taikuri-adventures will take you to stunning waterfalls, diverse landscapes, and scenic overlooks with sweeping views of the mountains. All you'll need are sturdy shoes, a camera, and a sense of curiosity. They’ll show you the most beautiful spots.
- Optional add-on: Meet and cuddle with Taikuri-adventures' large pack of huskies
Day 5: Day ride around Åkersjön (approximately four to five hours, more than 20 km)
This extended day ride will take you through the unspoiled wilderness surrounding Ansättenfjäll. The route offers an impressive variety of northern Swedish landscapes, with breathtaking views of a sparkling lake nestled in the heart of the countryside.
On this day, you’ll spend many hours in the saddle, riding at all gaits. At an idyllically situated spot, you will take a long break, during which the horses will graze peacefully, and you can soak up the magic of this special natural setting before returning to Taikuri Farm at the end of the day.
Day 6: Wilderness adventure - Pure nature (approximately two to three hours, around 10 km)
The wilderness ride will be a truly special and immersive way to conclude your eventful week of riding, as it will require close coordination between horse and rider, and will take you along narrow nature trails through untouched wilderness to the most beautiful and secluded spots. It’ll be a relaxing adventure that will focus entirely on the experience of nature and the bond with your horse.
At a walk, you will explore nature all the more intensely, riding through dense vegetation, crossing streams, and riding past hidden spots accessible only on horseback. The horses will be led through some of the more challenging sections. A long break along the way will invite you to deeply soak up the indescribable tranquility of nature one last time - a profound experience that will stay with you forever.
Day 7: Departure
After a delicious breakfast, it’ll be unfortunately time to say goodbye on this day, and you’ll head to Östersund on the group shuttle.
General requirements:
- Experienced riders only
- Weight: Maximum of 75 kg
- Solid experience in riding and cross-country riding
- Confident in all gaits (no experience with gaited horses required)
- Safe mounting and dismounting off-road
- Working independently with the horse
- Physical fitness and health
- Sure-footedness on rough terrain
Included excursions
Day trip (Day 4)
Taikuri-adventures will take you to impressive waterfalls, diverse landscapes, and viewpoints with panoramic views across the fells. Sturdy shoes, a camera, and curiosity will be all that you'll need; they'll show you the most beautiful spots.
Instructors
Norbert Kranz
Norbert Kranz has been running a sled dog tour business in northern Germany for over 15 years, the Huskyhof Ridderade, with Julia Kranz. Starting in 2017, they established a second base in Sweden for training purposes and to organize guest tours. Armed with many years of experience, they took the plunge and moved to Bakvattnet, Sweden, a picturesque mountain village, to continue there, amidst breathtaking scenery, what they started in Germany: using their sled dogs and Icelandic horses to provide their guests with a truly special experience and unforgettable moments.
Location
Hildingstugan is located on the Taikuri Farm in the idyllic mountain village of Bakvattnet in the Swedish region of Jämtland. The guesthouse is situated right on the shore of the beautiful Lake Stor Bakvattnet, whose crystal clear waters will invite you to swim or canoe in the summer.
Directly across from the farm lies the Ansättfjällen mountain range, accessible via marked hiking trails and guaranteed to offer magnificent nature experiences.
Surroundings:
- 25 minutes - Rötviken, small store)
- 1 hour - Krokom, large supermarket)
- Mat & Logi (restaurant) - 250 m
- Swimming - 250 m
- Hiking trails
- Cross-country ski trail - 50 m; downhill skiing - 5 km
- Numerous nature attractions in the immediate vicinity
Food
Included:
- Daily hearty breakfast
- Freshly cooked evening meals
- Swedish fika (coffee break)
- Special farewell dinner from the bakery
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Things to do (optional)
Other possible activities:
- Day program featuring huskies and Icelandic horses available for booking through Taikuri-adventures
- Hiking, swimming, canoeing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing
Meet and cuddle with the huskies (Day 4)
You'll begin with a tour of Taikuri-adventures' husky kennel, where they'll introduce you to their 48 huskies. You'll learn many exciting and interesting details about their dogs' lives, their personalities, and the fascinating world of sled dogs and this special Nordic breed.
Afterward, a truly unique experience awaits: together, participants will enter Taikuri-adventures' large enclosure, where a group of their huskies roams freely. There, you can get up close to the dogs, move freely among them, pet them, cuddle them, and enjoy their friendly, often playful nature. The huskies decide for themselves how they want to interact, often leading to particularly beautiful and natural encounters.
After spending time with the dogs, you'll bring the experience to a relaxing close: enjoy coffee, tea, and something sweet around a crackling campfire during a traditional Swedish fika in a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by Nordic nature.
What's included
- 4 days of riding
- 1 guided excursion
- 6 nights accommodation at the guesthouse Hildingstugan
- Full board
What's not included
- Airfare
- Transfer from and to Östersund to Taikuri Farm (45 EUR per person per way)
- Alcoholic beverages
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer available for additional US$ 105 per person
Åre Östersund Airport
73 km away from your destination
Arrival by shuttle
Guests shall arrive via Östersund (train station / airport). A shared shuttle to Taikuri Farm can be provided for the guests on the day of arrival and departure for 45 EUR per person each way.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 20% 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.
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