The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland

Iceland looks best from horseback. This 90-minute ride near Akureyri brings you across snow-covered trails, beside a river, and toward a waterfall on a calm Icelandic horse. I like the small groups of no more than eight and the chance to try the Icelandic horse’s smooth tölt gait. The main catch is the meeting point: it is listed near Akureyri, but the actual check-in is in Varmahlíð.

I also like how well this ride suits first-timers. Guides such as Maddie, Lara, Franca, Felecia, and Eli have helped nervous riders settle in and have explained the horses as the ride goes on. You should still plan for cold, wet weather, and remember the 100-kilogram, or 220-pound, weight limit.

The ride is simple in the best way: arrive early, meet your horse, learn the basics, and follow the trail toward the waterfall. You may cross a river, change gaits, and stop for photos. At $123.75 per person, it is not a cheap hour and a half, but the setting, gentle horses, personal attention, and real chance to try the tölt give it solid value.

Key details before you saddle up

• The meeting point is Hestasport Reception in Varmahlíð: Check in 20 minutes before departure at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð. Hestasport also has stables and cottages in the area, so use the reception address carefully.

• The ride lasts about 90 minutes: That is enough time to get beyond a basic paddock lesson and enjoy the river trail, waterfall, and open countryside.

• The group limit is eight people: A small group gives the guide room to help beginners and pay attention to different riding levels.

• The famous tölt is part of the appeal: You may be shown how to try this distinctive Icelandic horse gait during the ride, often on the return route.

• All experience levels are welcome: You need to state your level when booking as Beginner, Occasional Rider, Intermediate, or Experienced.

• Cold-weather clothing matters: Gloves, ear warmers, and gaiters are useful. The ride operates in changing weather, and some riders have also used warm overalls supplied by Hestasport.

Why Icelandic horses make this ride different

Icelandic horses are the reason this is more than a standard trail ride. They are known for the tölt, a special gait that can feel smooth and steady compared with a normal trot. The experience gives you a chance to feel it rather than simply hear about it.

You will not be thrown straight into a fast ride. The horses are described as gentle, calm, sure-footed, and easy for beginners to handle. That matters if you have never ridden before, or if your last horseback ride was years ago and your confidence is rusty.

The horses also have distinct personalities. Part of the pleasure is getting used to your mount, learning its rhythm, and seeing how it behaves along the trail. Riders have been able to give their horses a treat at the end, a small touch that makes the experience feel more personal.

Your riding level is collected before the ride so Hestasport can choose a suitable horse. Be honest in the special requirements field. Calling yourself experienced when you are really an occasional rider helps no one, least of all you.

Check-in at Hestasport Reception

The ride begins at Hestasport Reception, not necessarily at the cottages or the stables. Hestasport has three separate locations, and it is easy to drive to the wrong one if you rely on the name alone. Put Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland, into your route plan and allow extra time.

You are asked to arrive 20 minutes before departure. That early arrival is useful, not wasted time. The staff need to confirm your experience level, match you with a horse, and explain the basics before the group heads out.

The welcome appears to be warm and practical. Some riders were offered a hot drink, and the staff have been praised for clear instructions. That is especially helpful when you are already thinking about boots, layers, mounting, and whether the horse will listen to you.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation arrives at booking, and most people can take part. The stated weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds, so check this before you pay.

The first minutes in the saddle

The opening lesson covers the essentials. You will need to learn how to sit, hold the reins, give simple commands, and control your pace. First-time riders have been given enough guidance to feel safe on calm, patient horses.

This is where the small group helps. With a maximum of eight people, the guide can watch how each rider is doing instead of sending a long line of strangers down the trail with little help. Guides have been praised for checking that riders felt confident and happy as the ride continued.

The amount of instruction during the ride can vary. Some riders wanted more tips about riding techniques, including how to handle the tölt. If you are keen to improve rather than simply enjoy the scenery, ask questions early and tell the guide what you would like to learn.

The horses are the main safety net, but you still need to listen. A gentle horse is not an automatic substitute for proper instruction. Sit calmly, follow the guide, and avoid turning the ride into a private competition.

Following the river toward the waterfall

Once the group leaves the starting area, the scenery does much of the work. The route follows a river through open Icelandic countryside, with hills, mountains, and, in winter, snow-covered ground. In warmer months, the same route can look greener, and returning in summer would offer a noticeably different view.

The waterfall is the main destination. Several rides have reached Reykjavoss Waterfall, or a waterfall identified by that name in the tour setting, with the trail turning around there. It gives the ride a clear goal rather than a vague loop through the countryside.

The path is scenic without feeling like a staged photo stop. You are riding through the countryside and seeing the land from the saddle, at a pace that lets you notice the river, hills, and weather. That slower view is one of the strongest reasons to choose this over a quick roadside stop.

The setting can change quickly. A snowy ride may feel quiet and almost dreamlike, while a clear day brings out the green hills and mountain views. The tour runs in varied weather, so your clothing will shape how much you enjoy the scenery.

Trying the tölt and crossing the river

The tölt is often introduced during the ride, sometimes on the way back from the waterfall. Guides have shown first-time riders how to switch gaits and feel the difference. You may also cross a river or watch another herd cross a nearby bridge, depending on the route and conditions.

Do not expect an advanced riding lesson. The focus is on giving you a safe taste of the gait, not turning you into a skilled Icelandic rider in one afternoon. Still, for many people, this is the moment that makes the ride memorable.

If you are new to horses, the guide may keep the pace comfortable and concentrate on control. If you already ride, you may want to ask whether there is a chance to try more than one gait. The group’s mix of ability can affect how much time is available for individual practice.

The river and waterfall also create good photo spots. Guides have taken group and individual pictures in front of the waterfall, which is useful because taking your own photograph while holding reins is not a clever plan.

The final minutes and care for the horses

The ride ends back at the Hestasport meeting point. After dismounting, you may have time for a warm drink, and some riders have been able to offer their horse a well-earned treat.

That ending matters. You are not simply dropped off after a ride with no explanation. You have a chance to settle down, say goodbye to the horse, and appreciate the animal that carried you through the countryside.

The horses are repeatedly described as well cared for, well trained, and in good condition. I would pay attention to that if animal care is part of your decision. A good riding experience depends on a calm relationship between the guide, the horse, and the person in the saddle.

The basic format is one stop, one riding tour, and a return to the same point. There is no separate transport between attractions included in the experience, so you need to arrange your own way to Hestasport Reception.

What to wear for a North Iceland ride

The ride operates in all weather conditions, but that does not mean every day feels comfortable. The cancellation terms also allow Hestasport to cancel for poor weather, with a different date or a full refund offered in that case.

Dress for wind, cold, and possible snow or rain. Gloves and ear warmers were specifically useful to riders, while gaiters can help keep snow and wet ground out of your boots. If Hestasport offers you protective overalls, take them seriously. A beautiful winter ride is less fun when the wind cuts through your clothes.

Wear layers that allow movement. You need to sit comfortably and use your legs, so bulky clothing can be awkward. Your clothing should also be practical enough to get dirty.

Ask about the footwear and clothing available when you arrive if you are unsure. Do not count on ordinary city clothes being enough for an outdoor ride in North Iceland.

Is $123.75 a fair price?

At $123.75 per person, this costs more than a brief horse photo stop or a short introductory session. It is also not a full-day riding adventure. The value comes from the combination of a 90-minute route, a small group, a waterfall, river scenery, trained horses, and instruction in the tölt.

For a first-time rider, the price includes more than saddle time. You are paying for horse selection, basic instruction, a guide who can help you during the ride, and a route chosen for scenery. That makes the cost easier to justify if you want an organized and reassuring experience.

Experienced riders may judge the value differently. If your main goal is speed, extended trotting, or a long day in the saddle, this short ride may feel limited. The experience is better suited to scenic riding and learning about Icelandic horses than to serious riding practice.

The small-group cap improves the equation. Eight people is still a group, but it is far more manageable than a large trail procession. In a quiet period, the group may be even smaller, and a very small group can make the guide’s attention feel almost private.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend it first to anyone who wants to try horseback riding in Iceland without needing previous experience. The horses are gentle, and the guides have helped people who had never sat on a horse before.

It also suits couples and families with mixed riding backgrounds. One person can be a beginner while another is an occasional or intermediate rider, as long as everyone is prepared to follow the group’s pace.

It is a good choice if you want scenery without spending an entire day on a difficult activity. The 90-minute length leaves room for other plans, though you should allow additional time for reaching the reception, checking in, and getting ready.

I would be more cautious if you dislike cold weather, have limited mobility, or want a fast, technical ride. The available information says most people can participate, but it does not provide a detailed accessibility breakdown. Ask Hestasport directly if you have specific physical needs.

Planning the booking and cancellation

The experience is often reserved well ahead of time, with an average booking lead of about 65 days. That suggests you should place it on your Iceland schedule early, especially if your dates are fixed.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time.

Weather can make Iceland plans shift quickly. If Hestasport cancels because conditions are poor, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Build some flexibility into your schedule if this ride is important to you.

When booking, enter your riding level as requested: Beginner, Occasional Rider, Intermediate, or Experienced. Double-check the meeting point, and do not confuse the reception with the cottages or stables.

Should you book the Hestasport ride?

Yes, if you want a friendly, scenic introduction to Icelandic horses. The strongest reasons are the patient horses, the small group, the river and waterfall route, and the chance to try the tölt with help from a guide.

I would book it for a first ride, a winter activity, or a memorable countryside outing near North Iceland. I would skip it only if $123.75 feels too high for 90 minutes, or if you are looking for a demanding riding program rather than a relaxed scenic trip.

Arrive early, dress warmly, enter your true riding level, and follow the Varmahlíð reception address. Do those four things and this has the makings of one of the most enjoyable additions to an Iceland itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the Viking Horse Riding Experience begin?

The experience begins at Hestasport Reception, Hestasport Cottages and Riding Tours, Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the horseback ride last?

The riding tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You should also arrive 20 minutes before departure for check-in and preparation.

Is previous horseback riding experience required?

No. Beginners, occasional riders, intermediate riders, and experienced riders can participate. You should provide your experience level in the special requirements field when booking.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is eight people. This allows for a more personal ride and gives the guide room to assist riders at different levels.

Can I try the Icelandic horse’s tölt?

Yes. The experience includes the chance to learn and try the Icelandic horse’s tölt gait, subject to the guide, group, and riding conditions.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience operates in all weather conditions, so you should dress properly. If Hestasport cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.