AUTUMN BREEZE , SHEEP AND SEALS
8 DAYS - ICELANDIC TRADITIONS
Every year in September thousands of sheep and horses are driven down from the highlands where they graze all summer and back into their local valleys. There is no other time when Icelandic Traditions are as much alive as during the sheep round-up called Réttir. This yearly event is a kind of public festival and a good way to get to know Icelanders and some of their traditions.We will visit Iceland's biggest seal-colony at the beautiful Peninsula Vatnsnes and the geologically interesting area around Lake Mývatn. There is no place in Iceland where the colours of autumn are more intense. Our programme also includes a visit at the picturesque Waterfall Hraunfossar and an evening in Reykjavík, the lively capital of the island.
Program "Highland,sheep and seals
Day 1, Thu. Flight and Arrival
Welcome at the airport Keflavík. Transfer (approx. 3 hours) to our farm Brekkulækur in the North-West of the island (3 nights there). (D)
Day 2, Fri. Núpsdalur-Highlands -Sheep
After breakfast we will go by car into the highlands where we will join the herds and drivers and help for some hours to drive ewes and lambs towards the folds. The method is an old one. The mares and their foals also have to be driven homewards. (B,P,D)
Day 3, Sat. Brekkulækur
First thing in the morning the mares and foals will be sorted out according to their owners. Afterwards the flocks of sheep will arrive at the folds. It is going to be a busy day at the folds and we will take part as much and as long as we like. Brekkulækur is in sight of the folds. In the evening there is a party "dance" at the town house (optional). (B,L,D)
Day 4, Sun. Museum-Vatnsnes-Seals
We will go for an excursion and start with a visit at the marvellous "seal-museum" in the nearby village of Hvammstangi. Then we will be driving around the beautiful peninsula Vatnsnes, walk along the coast and watch the seals. We will also look at the highly unusual rock Hvitserkur and the old fortress Borgarviki. We will end the day with a relaxing bath in natural hot pools. (B,P,D)
Day 5, Mon. Myvatn – Námaskarð
Sightseeing trip to lake Mývatn with a stop-over at the famous waterfall Godafoss. During a walk around lake Myvatn we get to see the pseudo-crater Skútustaðir. Perhaps we go for a swim in the "Blue lagoon of the North" (optional). Night at a guesthouse. (B,D)
Day 6, Tue. Myvatn-Brekkulækur
Another eventful day: We will explore the fantastic lava formations of Dimmuborgirs, climb the crater Hverfell, walk around the area Námaskarð and the crater lake Víti (=hell). Before the evening we will be driving back to Brekkulækur. (B,D)
Day 7, Wed. Brekkulækur-Hraunfossar -Reykjavík
Today we will be driving South and hiking through the National Nature Reserve Hraunfossar with its impressive lava waterfalls. Deildartunguhver is Europe's most productive hot-water spring (200 litres of boiling water per second). In the late afternoon we will arrive at the most northern capital of the world and take a little stroll around the town. Night at a downtown guesthouse. (B)
Day 8, Thu. Transfer to the Airport – Departure
Transfer to the airport Keflavik und departure.
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