North Iceland: Horseback Riding Tour

The special part of this ride is how much Iceland fits into two hours. You leave the farm, follow a river, cross a small lake, pass volcanic rocks and moss, cross a black sand plain, then return through a birch forest. It is a real countryside ride, not a quick circuit around a paddock.

I like the friendly Icelandic horses and the way the route keeps changing under hoof. I also like that guides such as Audrey and Anna adjust their help to the rider, explain the land, and give beginners a calm introduction to the tölt. The main consideration is weather: rain, wind, cold, and even snow can arrive, and two hours in the saddle may leave you sore.

Key points to know before you ride

• A varied two-hour route: Follow a river, cross a small lake, pass lava and moss, ride over black sand, and finish through birch woods.
• A good first ride in Iceland: Beginners with basic physical fitness can join, while experienced riders can try the Icelandic horse’s tölt.
• Small groups matter: With no more than seven participants, the guide can pay attention to horse choice, confidence, and riding ability.
• Guides make the difference: Audrey is praised for patient instruction and local stories, while Anna is described as an excellent and informative guide.
• You arrange your own transport: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your route to the ranch carefully.
• Weather-ready clothing is essential: Comfortable clothes and shoes are required, and foul-weather gear may be available at the ranch when conditions turn rough.

A real Icelandic ride, not a sightseeing prop

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and famous for the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that can feel different from a normal walk or trot. This tour gives you a chance to try it in open country, though the guide will decide what suits the group and each horse.

The ride begins at the farm. That starting point gives you time to meet your horse, receive instructions, and settle into the saddle before the route opens up. The horses are described as gentle and well cared for, and the staff take care when matching each rider with a suitable mount. One rider singled out a horse named Lisa as an especially good fit.

That matching process is important. A nervous beginner needs a steady horse, while a more confident rider may want a horse that responds readily to direction. You should still arrive ready to listen and ride at the pace set by the guide. This is an outdoor group activity, not a private lesson.

The group limit of seven is a strong point. A small group gives the guide more room to check your position, explain how to handle the horse, and keep an eye on anyone who feels unsure. It also helps preserve the quiet character of the ride. You are not pushed through the countryside in a large line of riders.

From the farm to the river

The first section takes you down from the farm toward the river. In summer, cows graze in the fields. In autumn, sheep take their place, giving the ride a different seasonal feel.

This opening stretch is useful for beginners. You have time to find a comfortable rhythm, learn how your horse responds, and watch the guide before the more varied parts of the route begin. The guide may also point out details about the area and explain how local farming fits into the setting.

The river section adds a sense of movement to the ride. You follow the water for a while, rather than simply crossing it and moving on. That makes this part feel like a journey through the countryside, with the river serving as a natural guide.

Keep in mind that the route is outdoors and conditions can change. A cold wind or wet clothing will feel very different from a mild summer morning. Wear layers that can handle Icelandic weather, even if the forecast looks friendly when you leave your accommodation.

Crossing water and volcanic ground

The tour includes a crossing of a small lake, followed by a route between volcanic rocks and moss. These details give the ride its strongest sense of place. Iceland’s geology is not something you only look at from a roadside viewpoint. Here, it forms the ground beneath the horse’s feet.

The volcanic rocks require attention. You should watch where the horse is going, follow the guide’s instructions, and keep a comfortable distance from the horse ahead. The route is suitable for people with basic physical fitness, but it is still active riding over natural ground rather than a smooth, level track.

The lake crossing is one of the memorable parts of the route, but it may also be the point where a nervous beginner needs the most reassurance. The guides are used to helping first-time riders, and Audrey is particularly praised for checking on people and encouraging them. You do not need previous riding experience, but you do need to be comfortable taking simple instructions and staying balanced in the saddle.

Moss and lava give the area a soft and rough contrast at the same time. Iceland’s moss can be delicate, so staying on the established route matters. The appeal here comes from seeing the terrain at close range without treating it like a stage set.

The black sand plain

After the river, lake, and volcanic ground, the route reaches a broad plain of black sand. This is where you get the clearest sense of space. The dark surface, open sky, and Icelandic horse make a striking combination, and the plain gives the group room to ride in a more open setting.

Black sand is one of Iceland’s most recognizable natural features, but its effect changes when you cross it on horseback. You notice the texture of the ground, the pace of the horse, and the quiet around you. It is a simple experience, but a very Icelandic one.

This section may appeal most to riders who want scenery rather than speed. The tour is designed for a mixed group, so do not book it expecting a fast gallop or an advanced training session. Experienced riders can enjoy the horse and scenery, and may have the chance to try the tölt, but the group’s comfort comes first.

The guide also makes a difference here. Anna is praised for explaining the area and sharing stories, while Audrey is described as friendly, encouraging, and attentive. Those small bits of local context can make an open plain feel more meaningful than a photo stop.

Returning through the birch forest

The return route passes through the farm’s natural birch forest. After the exposed black sand plain, the trees provide a more enclosed finish. The change in setting is part of the pleasure: farmland, river, water, lava, open sand, and woodland all appear within a short ride.

Birch trees are especially notable in Iceland, where forests are less common than in many other countries. You should not expect a large, dense woodland. The appeal is the contrast between the low natural forest, the volcanic ground, and the wide-open country around it.

This last section also offers a quieter close to the tour. By now, beginners have had time to settle in, and experienced riders can simply enjoy the horse’s rhythm. The route returns you to the farm after roughly two hours, long enough to feel substantial without taking an entire day from your Iceland itinerary.

Two hours is a sensible length for a mixed group. A shorter ride might feel rushed, while a much longer ride could be demanding for people who have not ridden recently. One rider was happy with the experience but noted being sore the next morning, so do not underestimate the physical side.

How beginners and experienced riders fit together

The tour is aimed at both beginners and advanced riders, and the setup appears best suited to people who want a relaxed outdoor ride with some variety. You do not need riding experience, and the guides explain the basics before setting off.

For a first-time rider, the key benefits are the calm horses, small group, guide support, and changing scenery. You can learn the basics without spending the whole ride in a fenced arena. The guide can also check whether you are comfortable and help you understand how to sit, steer, and communicate with the horse.

For an experienced rider, the main attraction is the setting and the Icelandic horse itself. Trying the tölt is a highlight, especially if you have never ridden an Icelandic horse. Still, you should be realistic about the format. This is not described as a high-speed ride, a jumping activity, or a private advanced session.

Basic physical fitness matters. You need enough balance and stamina to ride for two hours over natural ground. People with back problems should not join, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with animal allergies.

Weather can change the whole experience

Icelandic weather deserves serious attention here. The ride may take place in cold, windy, wet conditions, and one outing included snow in some spots. Another group rode through very cold, rainy, windy weather but still had a good time, helped by foul-weather clothing provided by the operator.

Wear weather-appropriate clothing from the start. Comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes are required, but ordinary city clothing may not be enough for an exposed ride. Layers, waterproof outerwear, and gloves are sensible choices, based on the conditions described by riders.

Ask about available foul-weather gear when you arrive if the weather is poor. Do not assume it replaces your own preparation. A wet two-hour ride can feel much longer, especially when you are sitting still on a horse for stretches of the route.

Weather also affects the views. On a clear day, you may get broad views across the countryside. In rain, fog, or snow, the mood becomes more rugged and immediate. You should book this for the riding experience and natural setting, not for guaranteed sunshine.

What the $141 price includes

At $141 per person, this is not a cheap add-on, but the price is reasonable if you value a small group and a full two-hour route. You are paying for the horse, riding equipment, helmet, an experienced English-speaking guide, and access to a varied route that includes several distinct types of terrain.

The duration is a major part of the value. A two-hour ride gives you more than a brief introduction, while still leaving most of your day free for other stops in northeastern Iceland. The group limit of seven adds value because the guide can offer more personal help than would be practical with a large party.

Food and drinks are not included, so plan to eat before or after the ride. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included. That last point deserves attention, especially if you are staying far away or arriving by cruise ship. One rider found transport from a cruise ship difficult after the ship changed ports, although the operator was flexible and accommodating.

You should calculate the full cost with your own transport. If the ranch is easy for you to reach, the price compares more favorably. If arranging a taxi or other transport is difficult, the logistics may be a bigger concern than the tour fee itself.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around the ride.

Guides, horses, and the human side

The strongest part of this experience is the people working with the horses. Audrey receives repeated praise for patience, encouragement, local stories, and regular check-ins. That matters most when a group includes several beginners who need reassurance without feeling singled out.

Anna is also described as an excellent guide who explains the area well. You may have one guide or more, depending on the group, but the important point is that the activity includes live English guidance rather than sending you out with only basic instructions.

The horses are another clear strength. They are described as gentle, beautiful, and well cared for. A good horse can make the difference between spending two hours relaxed and spending two hours worrying about every movement.

You should still remember that horses are animals, not machines. Listen closely to the guide, avoid sudden actions, and give the horse room. The guide’s role is to keep the group safe and comfortable, but your cooperation is part of that.

Who should book this ride

I would point this tour toward several kinds of visitors:

• You are a beginner who wants a real outdoor ride rather than a short arena session.
• You want to experience the Icelandic horse and try the tölt.
• You enjoy scenery that changes from farmland to river, lava, black sand, and forest.
• You are traveling with family or a mixed group of riding abilities.
• You have two hours available and can arrange your own transport.
• You are comfortable outdoors in changing weather and have basic physical fitness.

I would think twice if you have back problems, are pregnant, have an animal allergy, or want an advanced riding workout. I would also reconsider if your schedule is tight enough that a transport delay could cause trouble, since pickup and drop-off are not provided.

Should you book the Lava Horses ride?

You should book it if you want a friendly, scenic introduction to Iceland on horseback, especially if you are new to riding. The route offers a lot in two hours, and the combination of gentle horses, small groups, patient guides, and unusual terrain gives the tour real value.

The trade-offs are clear. You must reach the ranch yourself, weather can be rough, and the ride may leave your legs or back feeling tired. The experience is also more about steady riding and scenery than speed.

For most visitors who meet the basic fitness requirements and prepare for the weather, I think the $141 price is justified. The Icelandic horse, the chance to try the tölt, the black sand plain, and the river and birch forest route make this a memorable way to see northeastern Iceland at ground level.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts two hours, including the ride through the countryside and return to the farm.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners with basic physical fitness as well as advanced riders. The guide provides instructions and support.

Can I try the tölt?

Yes. The experience includes the opportunity to try the tölt, the distinctive gait of the Icelandic horse. The guide will help determine what is suitable for you and the horse.

What landscapes does the route include?

You ride through farmland, along a river, across a small lake, between volcanic rocks and moss, over a black sand plain, and through a natural birch forest.

Is transportation to the ranch included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own transportation to and from the ranch.

What should I bring, and who should not participate?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes suited to the weather. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with animal allergies.