Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall

Reykjafoss is the star here, but the best part may be the way you see it: from between the ears of an Icelandic horse. The ride follows the water toward the falls, with Skagafjörður’s mountain panorama opening around you and Brandgil canyon dropping away at the edge.

I like the small group size, capped at eight, and the friendly instruction that helps first-time riders settle in. I also like the practical length: at roughly 30 minutes, it can fit into a busy Iceland day, though one rider described the full visit as closer to an hour with check-in and riding time.

The main consideration is the price of $90.12 for a short outing. That is reasonable if you want a quick horse experience with a waterfall and photographs, but less appealing if you are seeking a long ride through open country.

Key points to know before you book

• Reykjafoss and Brandgil canyon: The ride ends at a waterfall where water rushes down a series of steps into the canyon.
• Icelandic horses: The horses are described as calm and suitable for people with limited riding experience.
• Beginner-friendly guidance: Guide Ellen has been praised for teaching the basics and keeping the ride safe.
• Small group limit: No more than eight people can join, which should make instructions easier to hear.
• A photo-focused route: You are encouraged to take pictures from behind the horse’s ears, giving you a memorable view of the ride.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure.

A short ride with a proper Icelandic setting

This is not a full morning in the saddle. It is a compact introduction to Icelandic horses, paired with one of the Skagafjörður area’s most useful scenic stops.

You meet at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, in Varmahlíð. From there, the group heads toward Reykjafoss on horseback. The route is short, but it gives you several things at once: a close look at the horses, a mountain view, a waterfall stop, and a chance to ride under supervision.

That mix is what makes the outing useful. You do not have to commit half a day to riding, and you still get more than a simple photo with a horse in a paddock. The horse carries you toward a real natural sight, with the animal itself shaping the way you experience the route.

The activity is offered in English. The group maximum of eight is another plus. A small riding group usually means less waiting, clearer guidance, and a better chance to ask for help if you are unsure of your balance or reins.

Meeting the horses at Hestasport

Hestasport is both the starting point and the end point. The listed meeting place is at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. You should plan around that exact address, especially since the experience is associated with Akureyri but the meeting point is in Varmahlíð.

The supplied details do not give a transfer service, so you should arrange your own way to the reception. This is important when planning a day of sightseeing. Do not assume the riding company will collect you from your hotel or from another Iceland stop.

The check-in process is described as smooth, and the grounds as clean and well kept. Those details matter more than they might seem. A tidy base and clear arrival routine help you focus on the ride instead of sorting out last-minute confusion.

You can expect an introduction to the horses and basic riding guidance before setting off. Ellen, one of the named guides, has been specifically praised for making sure riders understood the basics. That is valuable for people who have only ridden a few times, or who feel nervous about getting on an unfamiliar horse.

A six-year-old child was also reported to have enjoyed the experience. That does not establish a universal age policy, since no minimum age is provided, but it does suggest that the ride can work well for some children. Ask Hestasport directly if you need confirmation about age, height, weight, or riding ability.

Riding toward Reykjafoss

The route heads toward Reykjafoss, the main stop on the outing. The ride is short, so you should think of it as a scenic introduction rather than a long trek through the countryside.

The setting supplies the drama. You look across the mountain panorama of Skagafjörður while the horse takes you toward the sound and sight of falling water. The description of the route places you near the edge of Brandgil canyon, where water rushes down the steps into the gorge.

That canyon edge is also the point where you should pay close attention to the guide. The attraction is the view, but the steep drop makes safety instructions important. The information provided says the horses bring you safely to the edge, yet you should still follow the guide’s directions and keep your attention on the path rather than only on your camera.

The Icelandic horse is central to the experience. You are not simply being led to a waterfall and then shown a horse afterward. The horse gives you a slower, lower viewpoint, with its ears in the foreground and the scenery beyond. That creates the kind of photograph that records how you reached Reykjafoss, not just what the waterfall looked like.

What makes the photo stop worthwhile

The photo idea is simple and effective. You can take pictures between the horse’s ears as you approach the canyon and waterfall. It is a personal viewpoint that gives the image a sense of movement and place.

You will want to keep your phone ready, but do not let the camera take over. The most interesting part of the shot is the connection between the horse, the path, and the rushing water. A quick ride leaves little time for elaborate photography, so listen for the guide’s instructions about when it is safe to stop and take pictures.

The weather will shape the result. Clear conditions can bring out the mountain views, while poor weather may lead Hestasport to cancel the activity. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since the ride depends on outdoor conditions, this policy is a useful safeguard rather than an afterthought.

The photo stop also gives the outing a clear purpose for people who have limited time. You are not booking only for riding technique. You are booking for a short story in pictures: mount the horse, follow the route, reach Reykjafoss, and bring home a view framed by the horse in front of you.

How much riding should you expect?

The advertised duration is approximately 30 minutes. That makes this one of the shortest riding activities in the area, and you should set your expectations accordingly.

One person who joined the outing described the total experience as about an hour, including the check-in process and the ride. That difference may reflect the time needed to meet the horses, learn the basics, mount up, and finish at the reception. The safest plan is to allow more than the stated 30 minutes if you have a tight schedule.

You may be able to trot in a safe area. Ellen was praised for allowing a short trot when conditions and rider confidence made it suitable. This does not mean every participant will trot, and it should not be treated as the main feature of the outing. The ride is primarily a short, guided route toward the waterfall.

That balance suits beginners. You can learn the basics without being pushed into a demanding pace. People with more riding experience may find the route too brief, but they may still enjoy the horses and the view if they want a quick stop between other Iceland activities.

Price and value at $90.12

At $90.12 per person, this is not a cheap photo stop. The value depends on what you want from a horse experience.

I think the price makes the most sense for three kinds of people. First, it suits someone who wants to ride an Icelandic horse but does not want a long tour. Second, it works for a family looking for a manageable activity, especially if one child is excited about horses. Third, it fits a busy Iceland itinerary where a 30-minute riding session can be added without giving up an entire day.

The small group limit adds value. With up to eight people, the guide can offer more direct help than on a large stable outing. The waterfall setting also gives the ride a clear scenic payoff, and the photo opportunity is built into the route.

The price is harder to justify if your main goal is extensive time on horseback. You will not get a long journey, a full day outside, or a broad range of riding terrain. For experienced riders, the short duration may feel over quickly.

Put simply, you are paying for access to Icelandic horses, instruction, a guided view of Reykjafoss, and the convenience of a compact experience. You are not paying for mileage in the saddle.

Who should choose this ride?

This outing is a good match for beginners, occasional riders, families, and people who want a taste of Icelandic horseback riding without a major time commitment.

It may also suit a nervous rider. The horses have been described as lovely, and the guides are praised for being kind and helpful. A guide who explains the basics clearly can make the difference between enjoying the ride and spending the whole time worrying about what your hands and feet are doing.

The activity is also a practical choice for a horse lover who has only a short window in the area. The waterfall and canyon give the visit more purpose than a simple stable introduction.

You may want a longer tour instead if you already ride often, want several hours in the countryside, or care more about sustained riding than photographs. The information here does not promise a long route or advanced riding. It promises a short, scenic introduction.

Weather, cancellation, and planning details

You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity is offered in English. Most people can participate, though no detailed accessibility information is provided, so you should contact Hestasport if you have mobility needs or specific concerns.

Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

The weather policy is especially relevant in Iceland. If poor weather forces a cancellation, Hestasport offers another date or a full refund. Since the route depends on outdoor views and safe conditions near the canyon, this is a sensible condition of booking.

Because the activity is booked on average 22 days ahead, it is wise to reserve early if your Iceland schedule is fixed. That timing does not guarantee every date will sell out, but it shows that people often arrange this experience well before arrival.

My call: book it for the setting, not the saddle time

I would book this tour if you want a short, friendly introduction to Icelandic horses with a strong visual payoff. Reykjafoss, Brandgil canyon, the Skagafjörður mountain views, and the horse-ear photographs give the 30-minute ride a clear identity.

I would skip it if you expect a long horseback journey or want advanced riding. The outing is brief, and the $90.12 price asks you to value the setting, guidance, and convenience.

For a first ride, a family activity, or a carefully timed Iceland stop, Hestasport’s experience makes a good case for itself. Just allow extra time beyond the advertised riding length, confirm your transport to Varmahlíð, and keep an eye on the weather.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

It begins at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the Hestasport meeting point.

How long does the ride last?

The listed duration is approximately 30 minutes. One participant described the full visit, including check-in and riding, as about one hour.

How much does the experience cost?

The price is $90.12 per person.

What waterfall will I visit?

The ride goes toward Reykjafoss.

What canyon can I see during the ride?

The route brings you toward the edge of Brandgil canyon, where water rushes down into the canyon.

How many people can join?

The activity has a maximum group size of eight people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

Can beginners take part?

Most people can participate, and the guides explain the riding basics. The available information does not give a required riding level.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If Hestasport cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.