Contact Elli today to secure your spot:
(970) 946-1686
elli@soulutionsbyelli.com
Góðan daginn, Fire & Ice Adventurer!
That means “good day” in Icelandic!
I am very excited to share more about the Fire & Ice Adventure!
I can’t wait to spend these adventure-packed days & nights with you on the island of fire & ice!
Fun fact: despite its name, Iceland is lush & green, it’s Greenland that is icy…!
Fire & Ice 2024 Highlights
Before we take a look at the exciting details for 2025, let’s look at the Fire & Ice 2024 highlights.
HORSES, HORSES, HORSES!
Imagine the cutest & fluffiest horses ever and you get to be surrounded by them in the wild nature of Iceland!
Although these horses are small, it is important to refer to them as horses, not ponies. Icelandic horses are long-lived and hardy. In their native country, they have few diseases; in fact, Icelandic law prevents any horses from being imported into the country, and exported horses are never allowed to return to their island.
In addition to the gaits of walk, trot, and canter/gallop typical of other horse breeds, Icelandic horses can also do the tölt and the flying pace.
Huldufólk
Most Icelandic people believe in “huldufólk” (hidden people). Many subscribe to the belief that huldufólk, who can be best thought of as elves, exist and dwell among Icelanders. This belief has deep, strong roots that still show themselves in the present culture: in some cases, the construction of new roads or businesses has been halted due to a fear that bulldozers might destroy an elvish home or community.
I can’t wait to experience this magical place on horseback! Keep your eyes peeled for the elf houses along the trails you’ll ride!
ABOUT ICELAND
I am very excited to share more about the Fire & Ice Adventure and I can’t wait to spend these adventure-packed days & nights with you on the island of fire & ice!
🇮🇸 Fun facts:
• Despite its name, Iceland is lush & green, it’s Greenland that is icy…!
• Did you know that Iceland was the last place on Planet Earth to be settled by humans?
• A little over 1,100 years ago, Vikings from Norway discovered Iceland by accident!
🇮🇸 Horses – The Icelandic Horse developed from ponies taken to Iceland by the Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries.
🇮🇸 Crime – In Iceland, you don’t have to worry about violent crimes. That’s because the country boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the world! For over a decade, it has always topped the list of safest countries. Did you know that Iceland is the only member of NATO that maintains no standing army?
🇮🇸 Language – While Iceland’s language is famously difficult to grasp, it’s good to know that most locals learn English as a second language, making it easy for travelers to communicate and get by.
🇮🇸 Volcanic Activity – Eyjafjallajökull, the name of a volcano, is a fine example of the many Icelandic words that are real tongue twisters. It comes as no surprise that there are over 100 words to describe “wind” which is a constant companion. Volcanic activity is a fact of life in Iceland. People have learned to live with its drawbacks and advantages, such as geothermal energy and a dramatic natural environment.
Recent volcanic activity in Iceland:
🇮🇸 November 29, 2024
A new fissure eruption started on Reykjanes Peninsula, in the Southwest of Iceland on November 20, at 11:14 PM by Sundhnúksgígar crater, marking the seventh eruption in the area since December 2023.
🇮🇸 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
‣ Air traffic to and from Iceland operates normally, and the country remains a safe destination.
‣ The eruption’s impact is highly localized and poses no threat to people. However, the area remains closed to visitors for safety.
‣ All services in Iceland are operating as usual.
‣ The eruption is significantly smaller than the last eruption in the area.
‣ Activity is decreasing, with the eruption continuing from a single vent.
This eruption is significantly smaller than the last eruption, which began on August 22. The estimated lava flow rate is about 1,300 m³/s, compared to approximately 2,500 m³/s during the August eruption. The measured SO2 (sulfur dioxide) emissions level is very low and comparable to previous eruptions. The fumes do not pose a danger to people.
🇮🇸 Glaciers – Studies show that glaciers cover 11% of Iceland! Iceland is also home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, which is equivalent to three times the size of Rhode Island!
🇮🇸 Geological Activity – Iceland sits on top of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, an almost 25,000-mile-long crack in the ocean floor caused by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Even today, the country is growing by about 1 inch per year, as it splits wider at the points where the two tectonic plates meet, and new magma fills up the gaps.
Accordingly, the western part of Iceland belongs to the North American plate, and the eastern region belongs to the Eurasian plate, which means Iceland is split between two continents!!! On the last day of our trip, you will get to walk through the tectonic plate split!
This geological activity is responsible for some of the most dramatic features of Icelandic nature. The mountainous landscapes, black lava fields, black sand beaches, geothermal pools and geysers, and even glaciers result from a continuous interplay between volcanic activity and the natural elements.
🇮🇸 Flag – The three national colors of Iceland (the same as the US) that appear on the country’s flag represent the elements of the land. Iceland’s volcanic fires are represented by red, white for the snow & ice, and blue for the ocean.
What people are saying about their 2024 Fire & Ice Experience:
Herridarholl Farm
Herridarholl Farm is owned by Renate and her husband Arnar who grew up on this farm. Renate is from Germany, and her husband Arnar is as Icelandic as they come! This German-Icelandic family with their daughters Annika and Sigurlín manage a herd of 130 horses and almost twice as many sheep. They raise sheep and breed Icelandic horses for high-level competition (the horses that is, not the sheep ) and safe guest horses.
Get ready for cuteness overload with this year’s lambs & foals during our time there!
Our accommodations are very comfortable, we will be sleeping in guest rooms located on the first floor of their house. Typically, two people share a room, however, depending on the size of our group there might be a chance to upgrade to a private room.
There is a shared bathroom in the hallway and more showers & restrooms on the lower level.
The horse farm has 2 hot pots for us to relax in, naturally fed tubs with geothermal hot water.
A hot pot is like a hot tub, just without the jets.
ITINERARY
Saturday, July 12th or Sunday, July 13th :
Arrive in Iceland!
Flights from the US are generally red-eyes, arriving in Iceland in the morning hours.
You can fly directly to Iceland’s international airport Keflavik from Boston, Baltimore, JFK, Newark, Washington Dulles, Chicago, Denver, Orlando, Portland, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver – so, no excuses!
Check out United Airlines, Delta, Play, or Iceland Air for the best deals!
The airport code for the international airport in Reykjavik is KEF (because it is located in the small town of Keflavik, about 45 minutes from the capital).
It usually works out that most flights from the US arrive within a window of about 1 hour; usually mid-morning.
I will arrange for a group transfer to the city at a time that suits most arrivals. There is a yummy bakery in the arrival hall if your flight arrives earlier and you need to wait for a bit… 😉
I have several hotel rooms reserved for Saturday night, just let me know if you will need one! I was able to secure an early check-in at 2 pm. What I would suggest we do is store our luggage at the hotel and go explore the pedestrian area which is just 2 blocks away.
It is up to you how close you want to cut it with your arrival in Iceland or if you would prefer an extra day to get rested up.
Keep in mind that it won’t get dark at night, since summer solstice is just three weeks before this date. This is your chance to experience the famous midnight sun!
Sunday, July 13th:
Explore Reykjavik and visit one of the many Hot Springs in Iceland (if you wish to do so). This past summer we went to the Sky Lagoon, which was amazing. Not only is there an infinity pool overlooking the bay but also a swim-up bar, located just outside the city.
We did the 7 Step Ritual which included a cold plunge, sauna, salt scrub, and steam bath.
The famous Blue Lagoon is another option. However, it is currently closed due to the latest volcanic eruption on that peninsula.
Alternatively, you will have time to explore the city and do some shopping!
After an early dinner, we will leave the city around 6 pm and get shuttled to Herridarholl Farm where we will meet the owner’s family, get settled into our rooms, sit in the Hot Pot, do some yoga, or just crawl into bed.
Monday, July 14th:
After breakfast, it’s time to meet your lease horse!
Renate and her team will coach you on the oval track, which is the more common riding space in the Iceland horse scene than rectangle arenas.
After a light lunch, we will head out on our first ride in the stunning nature of Iceland!
Dinner and Hot Pot time will wrap up the day.
Tuesday, July 15th:
This morning, we are off on a half-day ride!
After a light lunch, it’s time to go sightseeing!
We are in for a treat: we will get to see the waterfall Urríðafoss which is the most voluminous waterfall in Iceland!
A visit to the black beach as well as a historic fishing village will conclude this tour.
Wednesday, July 16th:
Our trusted steeds will carry us over Hill & Dale on this morning’s half-day ride.
While our horses get to rest in the afternoon, we get to soak in Iceland’s oldest hot springs, the Secret Lagoon!
ARE YOU EXCITED YET!?!?
Thursday, July 17th:
Today’s adventure is an all-day ride with a picnic lunch! Imagine tölting across green meadows, and water crossings and feeling the wind in your hair as we canter along the trail!
One last soak in the Hot Pot, a celebratory dinner and soon it will be time to pack our bags.
Friday, July 18th:
After a hearty breakfast, we will get picked up for our private tour of Golden Circle!
Some of the highlights of this tour are Þingvellir, Geysir & Gullfoss.
At the end of the day, we get dropped off in Reykjavik.
Þingvellir – No single place epitomizes the history of Iceland and the Icelandic nation better than Þingvellir. At Þingvellir – literally “Assembly Plains” – the Alþing general assembly was established around 930 as the national parliament of Iceland. It is one of the oldest surviving parliaments in the world and continued to convene there until 1798. Research has shown that Þingvellir is a natural wonder of the world where the geology and the ecosystem form a unique world. Þingvellir is part of the Atlantic Ocean ridge that runs through Iceland. Want to see two tectonic plates drifting apart above sea level? Þingvellir is one of the few places in the world where you can – in fact, you can walk right through the middle of the plates!
Geysir Hot Springs Area boasts boiling mud pits & exploding geysers. A favorite is the lively Strokkur geyser, which spouts water 100 ft into the air every few minutes.
Gullfoss which translates to “Golden Falls” is one of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls! On sunny days, visitors are treated to thousands of rainbows but don’t be surprised to find yourself drenched by the waterfall’s mighty spray if you get too close!
Saturday, July 19th:
After a hearty breakfast with a view over the bay & opera house, we will get picked up by our airport transfer. Unless you are opting to stay longer? 🙂
By the way, all activities are optional, but I’d hate for you to get a severe case of FOMO…! (Fear of missing out) 😉
This is an exclusive, behind-the-scenes insider experience of Iceland you don’t want to miss out on!
LOGISTICS
What’s included:
🇮🇸 Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Reykjavik
🇮🇸 transfer from the hotel in Reykjavik to the horse farm
🇮🇸 5 nights at the horse farm
🇮🇸 3 meals a day while at the horse farm
🇮🇸 Entry to the Secret Lagoon Hot Springs
🇮🇸 Sightseeing & excursions during your time at the horse farm
🇮🇸 Private all-day sightseeing tour on the Golden Circle
🇮🇸 Transfer from the hotel in Reykjavik to the airport
What’s Not Included:
✗ Flights to Iceland
✗ lunches & dinners while in Reykjavik
✗ Tips
✗ Sky Lagoon
✗ The hotel rooms that I have reserved for the night of July 12/13th as well as July 18/19th are $300/night for a private room including breakfast which is a standard price for a 4* hotel during the high season of July. The hotel is centrally located hotel in Reykjavik, only 2 blocks away from the main downtown shopping area & pedestrian area. Just let me know if you’d like to have one of them. However, you are welcome to pick a hotel of your own choice as well.
Fire & Ice Adventure: $4,295
Deposit:
🇮🇸 A deposit of $2,150 is required to secure your spot by February 3rd, 2025.
🇮🇸 The remaining balance of $2,145 is due by April 3rd, 2025.
🇮🇸 Payment plans are available – just ask Elli!
Cancelation Policy:
🇮🇸 10% of the full price is non-refundable if canceling before or by April 3rd, 2025
🇮🇸 50% of the full price is non-refundable if canceling after April 30th, 2025 (or find a replacement rider for your spot).
🇮🇸 No refunds are given if canceling after May 30th, 2025, (or find a replacement rider for your spot).
FAQs
Have you ever ridden an Icelandic horse?
I like to compare them to electric vehicles, they have immediate acceleration and deceleration.
Despite their size, they are super fast and powerful. Therefore, this trip is best suited to advanced riders who are confident at the canter & gallop on uneven ground and in a group.
A good motto to follow is to just grab onto the mane (there’s lots of it) and enjoy the ride!
No prior gaited horse experience is needed.
Maximum rider weight is 200 lbs.
Please let me know what other questions you might have, and I will get you an answer asap!
For now, U.S. citizens may enter Iceland without a visa for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes.
You need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket.
Later in 2025, ETIAS travel authorization will take effect. For now, you don’t have to worry about it. I will notify you if or when that changes.
ETIAS is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any European country. You can apply for it online and it will be linked to your passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.
With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays – normally for up to 90 days in any 180 days. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from Iceland, six months is recommended beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
When visiting Iceland, you’ll find that the most convenient way to make purchases is by card or mobile payment. In fact, locals rarely use cash since most merchants accept credit and debit cards even for small purchases.
Tipping is not expected in Iceland, nor is it rude or discouraged. Feel free to ask, or simply do what makes you feel good.
The following items may not be imported:
🚫 Toxic and hazardous substances
🚫 Narcotics
🚫 Chewing tobacco and finely powdered snuff
🚫 Uncooked meat products
🚫 Certain foods (meat products may be imported if they have been boiled or canned)
🚫 Weapons; and knives with blades exceeding 12 cm.
YES!, YES!, YES!
Icelandic horses are not vaccinated and are therefore susceptible to infectious agents from abroad. Visitors are asked to adopt strict biosecurity measures!
Importing the following equipment is strictly prohibited:
✓ Used riding equipment, such as saddles, bridles, nosebands, pads, rugs, whips, etc.
✓ Used leather riding gloves
Cleaning and disinfection:
Used riding clothes and boots should be washed in a washing machine or dry-cleaned before entering the country
Used riding clothes and boots that cannot be placed in a washing machine or dry cleaned should be washed and disinfected as follows:
✓ Rinse thoroughly with detergent
✓ Dry
✓ Spray with 1% VirkonS® (10g per liter of water)
✓ Store for at least 5 days before bringing the clothes into contact with horses in Iceland
Thank you for your cooperation – by following these rules you are doing your bit toward Horse Welfare in Iceland!
LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS! COME PREPARED FOR ALL TYPES OF WEATHER
Iceland’s weather is as varied as its incredible landscape.
✓ Fleece jacket/lightweight wool sweater
✓ Rainproof/windproof jacket & rain pants (also available for use at Herridarholl)
✓ Sturdy walking shoes with a good tread/grip
✓ Gloves
✓ Scarves/neck warmer
✓ Hat/beanie
✓ Swimsuit
✓ Thermal underwear
✓ Waterproof riding boots
✓ Warm socks
✓ Shampoo, conditioner, and any other cosmetic items you need
✓ Some find it difficult to sleep in the light of the midnight sun, so eye shades may be helpful.
✓ It is also recommended to bring sunglasses and sunscreen. There are few insects in Iceland, but small midges do thrive in the summertime, especially by lakes and streams.
✓ Small backpack or fanny pack if you wish
In Iceland, they use power sockets (outlets) of type F. In the United States, you have plugs A and B. You need a power plug adapter in Iceland for sockets type F. The plugs of your electric devices don’t fit without a European Travel Plug Adapter
Also, check with your cell phone provider before you leave the United States to determine if your plan allows for international phone use. Just FYI, the emergency number in Iceland is 1-1-2.
July is the main summer month in Iceland with an average temperature of 10,6°C (51°F), it is usually warmer than that and sometimes the temperature goes as high as 20°C (68°F) or higher.
During your week-long stay in Iceland, expect rain & wind for at least a couple of days. Prepare for the worst, and hope for the best!
I have reserved a block of single rooms at the Center Hotel Arnarhvoll in Reykjavik for the nights of July 12th-13th and July 18th-19th.
This hotel is located at the harbor, overlooking the bay and the mountains, offering some of the best views in Reykjavik. The Arnarhvoll not only has a rooftop bar, but also a wellness center which includes a secluded hot tub, a sauna, and a relaxation area. Feeling a little tight after your flight? You can even do a few stretches using the yoga mattress or yoga balls that are available in the wellness area but only if you are a guest at Arnarhvoll since the wellness area is only accessible for Arnarhvoll guests.
There will be a small upcharge to use the wellness area.
On July 13th our driver will pick us up from the Arnarhvoll in the late afternoon/early evening and take us to the horse farm.
Please let me know if you would like to take advantage of that and stay there. If so, I will need your legal name as it is on your passport to put the room in your name
Payment (to me) is due by May 1st.
A room is $600 for both nights.
If you prefer to stay somewhere else, please plan on coming to the Arnarhvoll Hotel on Sunday to meet up with the group & our driver.
It usually works out that most flights from the US arrive within a window of about 1 hour; usually mid-morning.
I will arrange for a group transfer to the city at a time that suits most arrivals. There is a yummy bakery in the arrival hall if your flight arrives earlier and you need to wait for a bit… 😉
If for some reason, you won’t be joining the group transfer to the city, here is the best way to get there:
Keflavik airport is located 30 miles from Reykjavik, the ride to town takes about 45 minutes.
Flybus transfer between KEF airport and Reykjavik hotels is one of the best price/quality transfer options from Keflavik airport to your hotel in Reykjavik.
Flybus shuttles depart at the airport 35-40 minutes after the arrival of each flight. They adapt their schedule in case of flight delays, so there is always a bus waiting for you right outside the terminal building.
- – Your ticket is valid on any bus, so if you miss a bus, you just take the next one.
- – The company says that pre-booked tickets have a seat guaranteed, so it’s wise to book in advance.
- – After you pick up your luggage, head straight to the bus as the buses can get quite crowded at times.
When booking your ticket in advance, there is just one choice you have to make: a transfer to the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik (+ 2 stops along the way – see below) or a drop-off at your hotel in the city center. The price difference is just a few Euros, so unless your hotel is located close to the bus terminal, I’d definitely opt for the second option.
The Center Hotel Arnarhvoll is located 1 mile from the bus terminal.
Here is the link to the Flybus website: Flybus Website
You can also use Flybus for your airport transfer at the end of the trip.
Taking a taxi to/from Keflavik airport is very expensive. Depending on where your hotel is, you can expect to pay over 250 EUR for a taxi ride from Keflavik airport to the city center.
At this time, there is no Uber or Lyft in Iceland, so you cannot take an Uber from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik.
Private airport transfers are available as well
Herridarholl, which is owned by Renate and her husband Arnar who grew up there. This German-Icelandic family has two daughters, Annika and Sigurlín.
Did you know that at Herridarholl, there are 2 hot pots to soak in, fed by natural hot spring water?
Yes! There is WiFi at the guesthouse!
☕️ Breakfast: toast, special Icelandic bread, cereal, muesli, yogurt, cheese, cold cuts, jam, tea & coffee
🥪 Lunch: Soup, salad & sandwiches
🥘 Dinner: Alternating fish & meat (farm-to-table style) PLUS dessert!
There are no adult beverages available at the horse farm.
If you’d like an adult beverage, it’s best to come prepared and purchase any kind of alcohol at the duty-free upon arrival at the airport, where it is cheapest.
“Duty-Free Iceland” operates 4 stores at the Keflavik Airport (this is Reykjavik’s international airport), one of which is for arrival passengers. The store is open when there are passenger flights arriving and everyone can shop.
After getting off your plane, on the way to baggage claim, you will automatically walk through the duty-free store. Unlike most international airports, tax and duty-free goods are available upon arrival. The maximum allowance per person is 6 units of alcohol.
On the way to the horse farm, we will stop at a grocery store where you can shop for snacks for your room. However, believe me when I say that Renate and her team won’t let you go hungry! It’s always fun to try out some of the local snacks though!
If need be, we can also stop at a liquor store.
YES! Iceland’s freshly filtered glacial tap water is safe to drink and tastes delicious!
Watch this short video to get an idea and have a good laugh:
Yes, small saddle bags are available. However, you are welcome to ride with a backpack.
I did not find it necessary to bring anything on the rides, other than myself, layers, gloves, a headband, and a neck gaiter. The weather is humid but not hot so typically, I didn’t feel the need to bring water.
Yes, it is. You may bring your own (as long as you follow the directions for disinfecting your helmet as part of your riding gear) or you may use one of the helmets available at Herridarholl.
Between 2-5 hours.
If you need to go to the bathroom frequently it’s acceptable to duck behind a bush on a ride.