Laufskálarétt 2024 in Iceland

Every summer, in the rural parts of Iceland, horses are set free to roam and raise their young. Hundreds of horses run together in the wild and enjoy the freedom. When the fall comes, farmers come together to round up, sort the horses, and take them home.

Tradition Highlights

The most spectacular part of this tradition is observed during the last weekend of September. The event, Laufskálarétt, happens in Skagafjörður, Northern Iceland. It is the most popular horse corral in the country, and thousands of guests watch farmers deal with hundreds of horses.

The Sorting and Celebration

Before the sorting starts, horses should be gathered. They are brought into Hofsós and put into the corral. Then, the farmers get into the center and sort the horses one by one. When the owner finds his horse, he has to make the animal come back home and forget about the freedom till the next summer. Sorting usually starts at around 11 am on Saturday. When the work is done, it’s time to celebrate. Visitors can enjoy the horse show, riding, singing, dancing, and having fun with the locals celebrating the return of their wild horses.

Popular Tourists Destination

The horse round-ups, a cherished tradition primarily found in Northern Iceland, attract tourists from around the globe. Many horse-tour providers and farms offer special tours, allowing guests to participate in rounding up the horses. Everyone can immerse themselves in the exhilarating experience of herding a vast herd of young stallions through the breathtaking Icelandic landscapes—a true cowboy adventure that promises unforgettable memories.

Visitor Reviews

The rove.me team reached out to several people who have experienced the Laufskálarétt tradition to learn more about the organization, the overall atmosphere, and whether they would recommend it to fellow travelers.

Nina Elzer, a visitor from Germany, shared her impressions after attending the event. She visited Iceland with her husband from September 26th to October 6th, timing her visit to coincide with the roundup on September 28th. While her husband joined by car, Nina opted for a more immersive experience, riding with the locals as part of a two-day trail ride, a tour specifically designed for experienced riders.

She said, “Overall, if you love horses, interacting with locals, witnessing old traditions, and feeling like part of Icelandic culture while surrounded by stunning nature—this is for you! If you are a good rider, joining the roundup on horseback is as thrilling as it sounds. Not every day you get to ride with approximately 600 riders, plus a free-running herd of hundreds of horses. The pace, spirits, and fun are high!”

For those who don't ride, she noted that it’s still worthwhile to come by car, especially early on to watch the hundreds of horses and people arrive, which she found to be a sight to behold.

While the event provided a truly authentic experience amidst beautiful nature, Nina advised future visitors to come prepared, as there are no bathrooms on site, and the northern weather can change rapidly. She recommended this event to riders and those interested in nature and Icelandic traditions, emphasizing that it is “work” for the locals and advising visitors to keep a respectful distance from the young, often untrained horses.