Solar Eclipse Snæfellsnes Tour

Magical Solar Eclipse

Snæfellsnes

FULFILLING THE DREAM OF LÖNGUFJÖRUR ON HORSEBACK

On 12 August at 16:47 we will experience a full solar eclipse. It will be visible in the West of Iceland so there is no better place to be then there: on the Golden beaches of  Snæfellsnes Our ride will take us through lava fields and along hillsides, as well as on light-coloured Löngufjörur, one of the world’s most renowned beaches for riding. This long stretch of coastline is a dream for Icelandic horse enthusiasts. It offers a unique experience of tölting, with the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier standing proudly in the distance.

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DURATION

5 nights – 5 riding days

DEPARTURES

Dates 2026: 8-13 August

ACCOMMODATION

Beds with linens in shared (2-4 persons) rooms at Stóri-Kálfalækur and Farm Gaul

NOTE

Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for the beach ride. On the days we ride along Löngufjörur beach, the start time will depend on the ocean tides. This means we may set off early in the morning or wait until midday or even the afternoon.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

1) Bus transfer from Reykjavík to Stóri-Kálfalækur, and back

2) Full board
We have breakfast and dinner at our accommodation, while lunch is on-the-go (at a longer break during the ride). All riders make their own packed lunch from the breakfast table. Vegetarian meals are available on request when booking.

3) Rain wear, water bottle, saddle bag, riding helmet

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

1) Individual travel insurance
We encourage tour participants to obtain relevant travel insurance before visiting Iceland.

2) Flight to and from Iceland

3) Alcoholic beverages
You are welcome to bring your own drinks to enjoy in the evening. Alternatively, our chef typically offers a limited selection of beer and wine for purchase. You can pay in ISK (cash), or if needed, we can stop by an ATM after the tour. Riding under the influence of alcohol is not permitted.

Stóri-Kálfalækur Farm

During the tour, we’ll be staying at Stóri-Kálfalækur, a working farm located on the south shore of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. While our horses spend the nights in fields at our daily destinations, we’ll return to the farm each evening. Stóri-Kálfalækur has kept its traditional countryside interior style. It offers hot showers and electricity, but no Wi-Fi. There’s a spacious common room where we can share stories from the day over a beer or a cup of coffee.
Number of rooms:  8 (2-4 beds in each)
Number of beds:  20
Outdoor hot-pot:  Yes
Number of WC:  5
Number of showers:  5
GSM connection:  Yes, but not strong
WiFi: No
Beds with linens: Yes

South to North: 8-13 August            

DRIVING: Reykjavík – Stóri-Kálfalækur

8 August Stóri Kálfalækur – Grímsstaðir

Pick up in the morning in Reykjavik and drive to Snæfellsnes (abot 1,5 hours).

We arrive and drop off our luggage at the farm. We will get our equipment and get to meet our guides and horses for the next days. Today we’ll tölt and trot across grassy plains and walk through rocky terrain at the base of a mountain range. We’ll pause for lunch at a traditional sheep round-up site, offering a glimpse into
Icelandic farming heritage. We’ll ride in the area of fertile farmlands, soaking in the peaceful colours of the surrounding landscape. We can celebrate the shortest night of the year with a relaxing soak in the farm’s hot pot – a perfect way to unwind and reflect on the adventure we’ve shared so far.

Approx. 25 km / 5 hours to reach the destination

9 August Day 2.
Grímsstaðir – Staðarhraun

Today’s journey takes us through rocky terrain, so we’ll be moving at a more leisurely pace. After crossing a mountain pass, we’ll ride through colourful hillsides and alongside a fertile fishing river. This day is all about appreciating the varied landscapes of this magnificent region of the country.

Approx. 22 km / 6 hours to reach the destination

 

10 August Day 3.
Staðarhraun – Kolviðarnes

We continue our ride through the mystical volcanic valley enjoying the scenery and local myths of trolls and outlaws. We cross rivers and enjoy great views over the grasslands against picturesque rocks and as far as the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day you can even see the snowcapped Snæfellsjökull glacier at the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Our destination today is a field at the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.

Approx. 32 km / 6 hours to reach the destination

 

11 August Day 4.
Kolviðarnes – Gaul

Today’s adventure takes us along the magnificent Löngufjörur beach, following the coastline eastward. With the herd at the distance ahead of our group and the sound of the ocean as the backdrop, you’ll get to enjoy the landscape like a local rider. We’ll experience the smooth tölt gait of our horses as they splash through the shallow waters of the shore. This firm sand provides the ideal terrain for long-distance tölting. We
follow the coast westerly direction on soft ground, splashing water under our
horses hooves and with the view of majestic Snæfellsjökull Glacier ahead of us.

Our destination is a farm field located right by the Atlantic shore, where the
horses will rest for the night.

Approx. 35 km / 5 hours to reach the
destination

12 August Day 5. Gaul

We enjoy another day on the beach with a single horse ride. Carefree tolting with views of the glacier ahead and witnessing the total eclipse right there (app. 15 km or 3-4 hours)

13 AugustDay 6

After breakfast we head towards Reykjavik