“I cannot put into words how amazing our trip was, but I am going to try! The hospitality was one of a kind, the food was superb, the horses were wonderful and the company fantastic. I don’t think this trip could have gone any better. We were welcomed with open arms as soon as we arrived. The weather cooperated, for the most part, and Gudmar understood what we wanted in regards to the horses and he was able to implement it. He was able to pair the correct horse with the rider and gave extra attention to the ones who were a little nervous. Riding 2x a day was perfect and the length of the ride was just enough. We were impressed with the horses’ behavior as well as stamina. There were no serious horse- related issues which was perfect! Needless to say, well done!! You managed to plan a trip for tons of personalities and everyone had a great time. Nancy’s knowledge and love for the culture just shines through when she tells sagas and stories of where we were. We most definitely will be back! If it isn’t for America 2Iceland, it may be to participate in a trek! “
“This will be third trek in Iceland with Gudmar, and if that is not a great endorsement in itself, add stunning landscapes, beautiful and wonderfully trained horses, all the cozy comforts of home with fabulous food, wine, and comaraderie at our home base, Stardahus Farm… not to mention the expert and professional guidance of Gudmar and his staff. They really care that you come away excited and happy, and that your riding skills have risen to a whole, new comfort level. And Rejkavik, what a charming place to start and end the adventure, with cobblestoned streets, friendly people, and fabulous restaurants! My husband and I were never ones to repeat destinations , wanting always to try something new … but Iceland and Gudmar’s trips are an exception to the rule. We can’t wait to return next year! “
“Great idea to have the clinic horses on the trek. The group dynamics made this a most pleasant experience. Truly a Global village group. My reflections: an ‘everyone inclusive’ fun and enriching time in my lifes journey. Thank you all for that wonderful contribution.”
“Awesome holiday. Fantastic facility and horses. The family is amazing. Personalized attention and the food is Fantastic!!!
“Went with America2Island doing the “Educate & Rejuvenate” at Stadarhus … Good accomadation, very good horses and brillant instructors (Gudmar Thor Peturrson and Linda Run Pettursdottir) … Will FOR SURE be back …”
“Absolutely wonderful! I took my 8 year old daughter with met on a horseback riding tour for an hour and a half, we had a wonderful guide, Isbella. The horses were incredibly good and the sights were breathtaking! So glad we found this place, we will be returning here for horseback riding tours as often as possible on our Iceland visits in the future!
“Stadarhus is a wonderful resort! My wife and I did the six day Relax and Ride package in mid-June, 2017. The experience was a dream from start to finish. Gudmar’s driver picked us up in Reykjavik on Wednesday morning, with two other couples, and drove us to Stadurhus, about an hour away, stopping at a wool outlet store for some shopping on the way. When we got to Stadurhus we were met by Gudmar’s brother-in-law, Oscar, who manages the guesthouse, and checked in. Our guesthouse room had a king-size bed, a day bed, and an attached private bathroom. The amenities were spotless, the hot water was endless, and the internet service was fast and reliable. There are also free laundry facilities. We met the other guests in the day room and got to know each other, then met with Gudmar, who introduced us to the stables, riding arena, and horses, got to know each of us and our riding experience, and learned our individual objectives for the week. After that, it was riding, riding, riding! The horses are beautifully trained, and there are lots of them! My horse, Magnus, never gave me a moment of trouble. He had a smooth, steady gait, a beautiful toldt, and an engine like a Mack truck. The resort is several hundred acres along a river. The first day we rode in the arena. The following day we went for a couple two hour rides along the river- very relaxing! On Day 3 we went for a six-hour ride, with a lunch break in a mountain notch overlooking a beautiful waterfall. Day 4 was a morning ride, then a sight-seeing excursion to hot springs, a waterfall, and a goat farm. Day 5 was another morning ride, with a sightseeing excursion in the afternoon to the nearby town of Borgarness for shopping, the Settlement Exhibit, and the municipal hot baths (wonderful!). On Day 6 we packed up, had one final meal, said goodbye to the horses, and were driven back to Reykjavik and the airport, stopping to shop and eat lunch in Reykjavik. We were fed three fabulous meals a day by Gudmar’s wonderful cook, Lalli, and mingled with the friendly American and Canadians who made up our 12-person contingent. I should also mention Gudmar’s adorable dogs, Hekkla and Bella, who romped about and trotted along with us on our rides. Finally, I cannot say enough about Gudmar himself, both as a master horseman and horse instructor, and as a warm, friendly, host. This is a family operation, and he took us into his family. I cannot recommend this resort highly enough”
“Got lucky when I was turned on to to Stadarhus 3 years ago. First time for a winter trip. Tolt through the snow; do it now lol. No better prep and instruction. Have fun”
“Had a really great time! Thank you again for the fantastic lesson!”
“Our favorite place during two weeks in Iceland
Remote, beautiful scenery. Comfortable accommodations on site of a family farm. We booked and enjoyed a wonderful trail ride which included a short lesson, competent guides, and happy horses. While members of my family had mixed feelings about our trip in Iceland for two weeks, this was everyone’s favorite destination and riding horses here was everyone’s favorite activity. We stayed at the Stardus house, which was very comfortable, clean, and spacious with stunning views of the countryside”
“Wonderful Surprise! Great way to start our Ring Road Trip!
Location! Great place for those seeking peace and relaxation! This is actually a working horse farm with beautiful animals right across the field. Neighbors also include Shaun the Sheep type sheep and no one else! Really nice setting! However, the best thing about this place was the excellent staff! Berta and her nieces made us feel right at home! The breakfast was great every morning as well! Also enjoyed meeting and talking with the horse trainers and instructors who joined us for breakfast each morning! And, great location for day trips to Bingvellir National Park and the Snaefellsjokull volcano and peninsula!
LEAVING! Hope our next stops are half as good!”
“This was a beautiful location, our host was wonderful and made us a fantastic breakfast.”
“La zona en la que se encuentra nos encantó. De hecho, íbamos para una noche y nos terminamos quedando dos. Se pueden ver bastantes cosas alrededor. Todo muy bien cuidado, limpio y acogedor. Nuestra habitación era amplia, dos camas grandes, cómodas, con aseo muy limpio también. Puedes aparcar sin problemas. El personal perfecto, muy atenta, con un trato muy cercano y amable. Sin duda repetiremos cuando volvamos a Islandia.”
“This place was great. And Berta was even better. We arrived early and tired from a crappy flight and she arranged a room two hours before check in so we could rest. It was a lifesaver!!!!”
“Beautiful cottage at (for Iceland) a very reasonable price, the setting was beautiful. In fact, the photos on the website do not do it justice. There is a view of the mountains and even a little bit of the sea from the cabin we stayed in. There was a terrace with a grill and a spacious sitting room.”
“Die Unterkunft ist ein kleines Containerdorf etwas außerhalb von Borganes, zwar direkt an der Ringstraße, aber trotzdem sehr ruhig. Ein Auto wird aber benötigt. Alles war sauber und unser Zimmer war relativ groß. Die Fenster sind dicht und lassen sich auch gut mit den Vorhängen abdunkeln. Auf dem Zimmer findet man einen Wasserkocher, so dass man sich auch mal selbst einen Tee zubereiten kann. Wir hatten ein eigenes, großes Badezimmer mit WC und Dusche. Wlan ist kostenlos und hat sehr gut funktioniert. Gasgrill und Wirlpool sind zur freien Verfügung auf der Terrasse vorhanden. Das kleine Frühstücksbüffet mit Toast, Wurst, Käse, Marmelade und Obst war lecker und hat alles geboten was man benötigt. Eier und Speck wurden immer wieder frisch für einen zubereitet. Kaffee gab es nachmittags noch aus der Thermoskanne. In Borganes selbst gibt es mehrere Supermärkte, Restaurants und Tankstellen.”