Being amongst the farming community and lending a helping hand in this age-old tradition of the autumn round-up is as close as you can get to the heart and soul of this nation. As participants, you are joining an annual tradition and not a customized riding tour. Therefore an open mind, good physical health and the ability to work as a team are essential. Expect to be treated as one of the crowd, be prepared to pull your weight each day and enjoy the camaraderie of all those participating.

You will be one of the group to herd and sort the animals. Of course, that means long hours outside in sometimes cold weather. Iceland in autumn has many colors and types of weather. Anticipate to be in golden sunshine one moment and to ride in the rain and even sleet during the next. When you participate in the Round Ups you are experiencing the real thing! 

Sheep Round Up Melrakkaslétta in the very North East of Iceland

Advanced riders only

This part of Iceland is inhabited by only a few people, most of them living in little fishing villages along the coast and on farms. There is a lot of diversity on this tour starting with beautiful mountain views from the wide Öxarfjörður Fjord. The Peninsula of Melrakkaslétta, which stretches almost to the Arctic Circle, is a paradise for birdwatchers and people with geological interest. Here we are right on top of the Mid Atlantic Ridge where the North-American and Eurasian plates drift apart.

On this special tour we join the farmers in north Iceland as they round up thousands of sheep from the mountains. We gather the sheep from Núpasveitafréttur and Melrakkaslétta peninsula and drive them into Katastaða communal sheepfold so the farmers can sort out their flock and take them to their farms. Local farmers have been rounding up sheep in this area for centuries. Learn from them how to manage the flock, drive sheep down hillsides, across rivers and out of sheltered valleys to their resting place for the night. Hosts for this tour are Halldór and Elín with their family from Bjarnastaðir Farm, known to many Icelanders for their excellent breeding of horses. Halldór is a respected member of his community and among other things, he is a “mountain king” when the time calls for gathering up the sheep in autumn.

Sheep Round Ups in the South – Landmannaafréttur and Rangárvallaafréttur

Advanced riders only

On these special tours we join the farmers in South Iceland as they round up thousands of sheep from the mountains. We gather the sheep into the Landmannaafréttur communal sheepfold close to the famous Landmannalaugar geothermal area. The yellow, reddish and greenish hue of the rhyolite mountains gives this area a magical touch. Here, under the stately gaze of Mt. Hekla, we drive the sheep across the black sands, which is the ash spewed by this volcano over centuries. Local farmers have been herding sheep in this area for centuries. Learn from them how to manage the flock, drive sheep down hillsides, across rivers and out of sheltered valleys to their resting place for the night, only to head off again the next day to round up more.

Trail of Hope – Autumn Adventure in the North West of Iceland

Advanced riders only

We are proud to present an autumn adventure in the North West of Iceland that includes a roundup day. There is a lot of diversity in this tour starting with beautiful mountain views from the wide Húnaflói Fjord and into the mysterious highland with a great view towards the two great glaciers; Hofsjökull and Langjökull. We will meet sheep farmers on their way back to civilization after many days in the saddle, herd a big flock of sheep. It is for sure a unique sight to witness 14 thousand sheep on their way back home after spending the summer up in the highland followed by over 30 shepherds with 100 horses! You can feel the joy and the excitement as this is their last day and everyone is on their way back home. You can for sure help them out and take part in the singing and happiness. 

Sheep Round Up Reykjaréttir in the South of Iceland

Intermediate to Advanced riders

From Kálfhóll Farm we head off through fertile farmland and enter the beautiful trail along mighty glacier river Thjórsá. The ride continues towards the herd of sheep that are herded down from the highlands in a tenth of thousands. When we meet the herd we will herd them for the rest of the way to Reykjaréttir (Reykja Coral) where all the sheep farmers come together to collect their sheep from the herd. We will get the opportunity to help one farmer to collect his sheep by catching them and check their mark. When everybody has got their sheep into the right (“dilkur”) place we will head back to Kálfhóll farm riding on our horses. On our way, there is a local pub that serves the traditional “réttarsúpa” (coral soup) which is a traditional Icelandic soup with meat and vegetable. When we arrive at Kálfhóll in the late afternoon we get our dinner. At the same pub we stopped on our way there will be a dance in the evening so if you like to go that can be arranged for those who want. The next morning, we enjoy breakfast and later the bus will take you back to Reykjavík city.

Note

• We recommend to dress well during these tours, to bring long woolen underwear and lots of woolen socks and gloves. Knee-high rubber boots are recommended.

• Please do not bring used riding boots or other gear, that can not be disinfected.

• It is also good to bring some snack like chocolate for a quick energy boost.