The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland

The special thrill here is riding an Icelandic horse through open country and snow covered trails, then feeling the smooth, unusual tölt gait beneath you. The horses are calm, sure footed, and well trained, so even a first time rider can focus on the river, hills, and waterfall instead of worrying about the saddle.

I like the small group limit of eight, which gives the guide room to help each rider. I also like that the ride offers more than a basic walk in a paddock: you may cross a river, change gaits, stop for photos, and learn about the horses as you go.

The main drawback is location confusion. Hestasport has a reception, stables, and cottages at separate places, so you need to follow the meeting instructions carefully and arrive 20 minutes early. Weather can also affect the outing, and the 100 kilogram, or 220 pound, weight limit is firm.

Key points to know before you book

• The famous tölt: You get a chance to try the Icelandic horse’s distinctive four beat gait.
• A waterfall ride: The route follows scenic country near a river and turns around at a waterfall.
• Beginner friendly horses: Calm, patient mounts make this a practical first riding experience.
• Eight riders maximum: The small group keeps the outing personal and easier to manage.
• Winter ready: Snow can make the scenery memorable, but gloves, warm layers, and gaiters matter.
• Plan for Varmahlíð: The listed meeting point is Hestasport Reception in Varmahlíð, not simply a generic Akureyri pickup.

Riding an Icelandic horse near Varmahlíð

This outing gives you a close look at one of Iceland’s most distinctive animals. Icelandic horses are compact, sturdy, and valued for their calm nature and sure footing. You are not being sent off on an uncontrolled gallop across open ground. The pace is suited to the group, and the guides help match you with a horse based on your riding level and the details you provide at booking.

That matters if you have never ridden before. Several guides, including Maddie, Franka, Lara, Felecia, and Eli, are praised for clear instruction and steady support. You receive the basic riding guidance before setting out, and the horses are described as gentle and easy to handle for beginners.

You should still be honest about your experience. The booking form asks you to identify yourself as a beginner, occasional rider, intermediate rider, or experienced rider. This helps the team choose a suitable horse and set the pace for the group.

The ride lasts about 90 minutes. That is long enough to settle into the saddle, get used to your horse, and see the countryside without turning the outing into a full day in the saddle. If this is your first time riding, the duration offers a useful balance. You get a real outing, but not an exhausting expedition.

From check in to the first trail

Begin at Hestasport Reception, Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. Arrive 20 minutes before departure. This extra time is not pointless padding. You need it for check in, confirming your riding level, getting ready, and meeting the horse assigned to you.

Pay attention to the words reception, stables, and cottages. Hestasport operates these as separate locations, and driving to the cottages by mistake can cost you valuable time. Put the reception address into your navigation before you leave, and do not assume that any Hestasport sign is the correct starting point.

The outing ends back at the same meeting point. There is no separate drop off arrangement listed, so plan to have your own transport or a clear return plan.

Before mounting, the guide explains the basics and helps you get comfortable. You might be riding beside people with far more experience, but the maximum group size of eight makes it easier for the guide to keep an eye on everyone. A private or very small outing may also be possible during quiet periods, though you should not book expecting that result.

Snow, river country, and the waterfall

The route leads into the countryside near the Hestasport base, with hills, river views, and open Icelandic scenery. In winter, snow gives the ride a quiet, almost storybook quality. In other conditions, you may see green hills and a clearer view of the river corridor.

A waterfall is one of the main route highlights. The ride turns around at the falls, giving you a natural pause and a good place for photographs. Guides have taken group pictures in front of the waterfall, so you may not need to choose between holding the reins and trying to frame a picture of yourself.

The waterfall is commonly identified as Reykjafoss in descriptions of the route, though one account uses the spelling Reykjavoss. Either way, the value is the setting, not the spelling. You ride to a real natural feature rather than circling a riding arena.

Some outings include a river crossing. This is not guaranteed as a separate feature on every departure, since weather and trail conditions can affect the route, but it adds a sense of adventure when available. Seeing another herd cross by a bridge is another memorable detail from the ride.

The scenery deserves your attention, but keep expectations sensible. This is a 90 minute horse ride, not a long wilderness trek. You will see a focused slice of North Iceland, with the horse and the route providing the connection to the surroundings.

Trying the Icelandic tölt

The tölt is the signature skill here. This gait is a smooth four beat movement that can feel different from an ordinary walk or trot. The Icelandic horse is famous for carrying a rider comfortably while using this gait, and the guide gives you a chance to try it during the outing.

The timing varies with the group. A beginner group may spend more time walking and learning the basics, while riders with more experience may receive more help with changing gaits. One guide was especially praised for explaining when to switch gates, and another rider wished for a little more instruction about trotting. That is a useful expectation to set: you should receive an introduction to the tölt, but this is not a formal riding lesson.

Listen closely to the guide and do not push your horse. The goal is to feel the movement, not to force a particular speed. If you are nervous, say so. If you ride often, tell the guide that as well. The experience works best when the pace matches the people in the group.

The tölt also gives the ride a stronger sense of place. You are not simply taking a generic horseback outing in a scenic country. You are learning one of the skills that makes Icelandic horses special.

Why beginners tend to feel at ease

The horses are the heart of this experience. They are described as friendly, patient, and well cared for, with several first time riders feeling safe from the start. That is important because a beautiful route cannot rescue a bad match between horse and rider.

You may also get to know your horse’s personality during the ride. At the end, riders have been able to give the horses a well earned treat. That small moment makes the experience feel less like a photo stop and more like time spent with a working animal.

The guides also play a large role. Maddie, Lara, Franka, Felecia, and Eli are among the named guides associated with particularly warm and helpful outings. The exact guide depends on the departure, but the pattern is clear: expect instruction before the ride and support along the trail.

You should not expect constant one on one coaching. One account noted that extra tips during the ride would have been welcome. With eight people, the guide must divide attention across the group. For most beginners, the calm horses and basic instruction should be enough. Riders looking for advanced technique training may prefer a lesson designed specifically for that purpose.

What to wear for an Icelandic winter ride

The tour operates in all weather conditions, and the scenery can be especially striking during snowfall. That also means you need to dress for the saddle, wind, and damp conditions rather than for a quick walk from a car to a viewpoint.

Bring warm gloves and something that covers your ears. Gaiters are useful in snow or wet ground, and warm layers give you more flexibility than one bulky coat. One rider appreciated using the provider’s overalls to stay warmer in the wind, but do not rely on that option unless it has been confirmed for your departure.

Wear clothing that allows you to move your legs and sit comfortably. Avoid arriving in delicate travel clothes that you would not want exposed to mud or horse hair. You should also expect outdoor conditions to change during the 90 minutes.

The weather policy needs a close look. The general information says the ride operates in all weather, while the cancellation terms say the experience requires good weather and may be canceled in poor conditions. If the provider cancels, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Dress for the forecast, but keep your schedule flexible.

Is the $123.75 price good value?

At $123.75 per person, this is not a cheap add on. Still, the price makes more sense when you consider what you receive: a 90 minute guided ride, a small group of no more than eight, a trained Icelandic horse, instruction, and a route reaching a waterfall and river country.

The small group is the biggest value point. A crowded ride can feel slow and impersonal, especially when several people are learning for the first time. Eight riders gives the guide a better chance to adjust the pace and answer questions.

You are also paying for access to an activity that is hard to recreate on your own. You cannot simply rent an Icelandic horse and follow local trails without instruction, a suitable mount, and knowledge of the area. The guide handles that part while you enjoy the ride.

The value is strongest if you have never ridden before, want a distinctly Icelandic activity, or are looking for something beyond waterfalls and scenic drives. It is less compelling if you already have extensive riding experience and want long stretches of cantering or technical instruction. This route is built around a relaxed, scenic outing, not speed.

The included hot drink after the ride is a welcome extra when available. It is not the main reason to book, but it helps take the chill off after a snowy departure.

Who should book this ride?

I would point first time riders toward this outing. The calm horses, clear preparation, and patient guides create a gentle introduction. Couples and families with suitable participants should also find the small group format appealing.

It suits you if you want to:

• Try the Icelandic tölt without committing to a full day of riding
• See a waterfall from the saddle
• Ride through snowy or green countryside near Varmahlíð
• Learn about Icelandic horses from a guide
• Take a quieter break from driving and sightseeing
• Book a small group activity with a personal feel

You should think twice if you dislike cold weather, have trouble sitting on a horse for 90 minutes, or want a fast, advanced ride. The 100 kilogram, or 220 pound, maximum also rules out some riders, so check that before paying.

The activity is offered in English. Most people can take part, but you need to state your riding level in the special requirements field. That information is practical, not cosmetic. It helps the staff prepare a safer and more enjoyable ride.

Booking, timing, and cancellation details

The tour is booked an average of 65 days ahead, so reserve early if your Iceland itinerary has fixed dates. It comes with a mobile ticket and confirmation at booking.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the local start time. Canceling or changing the booking inside that 24 hour window means you will not receive a refund. If poor weather forces the provider to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Try not to schedule this as a tight connection before an airport transfer or another timed attraction. Weather and road conditions can be difficult in Iceland, and the meeting point is outside the main town setting suggested by the broad Akureyri location label. Use the precise Varmahlíð reception address when planning your drive.

My call on the Hestasport ride

I would book this if you want a friendly, manageable introduction to Icelandic horses with real scenery around you. The combination of gentle mounts, guides such as Franka, Maddie, Lara, Felecia, and Eli, a waterfall route, and a chance to try the tölt gives the outing more substance than a basic horseback photo stop.

The best reason to choose it is the balance. You get a genuine outdoor ride without needing advanced skills, and the 90 minute length leaves room in your day. Just arrive early at the correct reception, dress more warmly than you think necessary, disclose your riding level, and accept that weather may change the plan.

If those conditions suit you, this is a strong choice for a memorable North Iceland activity. If you want an advanced riding lesson or a long, fast trek, spend your money elsewhere.

FAQ

Where does the Viking Horse Riding Experience begin?

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

How long does the horse ride last?

The experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You should check in 20 minutes before departure.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. Beginners, occasional riders, intermediate riders, and experienced riders are welcome. You must provide your experience level in the special requirements field when booking.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is eight travelers.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum stated weight is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the provider to cancel, you receive the option of another date or a full refund.