The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland

The special part of this ride is the chance to try the Icelandic horse’s tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that feels different from an ordinary walk or trot. You ride through snowy countryside, beside a river, and toward Reykjavoss Waterfall, with calm horses and guides who adjust their help to your ability.

I like the small groups of eight or fewer, which gives beginners room to ask questions and lets the guide keep an eye on everyone. I also like the mix of riding and scenery: a waterfall, a river crossing or bridge, mountain views, and the chance to see another herd of horses along the way.

The main drawback is practical rather than dramatic: the meeting point is the Hestasport reception in Varmahlíð, and Hestasport has separate reception, stable, and cottage locations. You need to arrive 20 minutes early, dress for wind and cold, and check the route carefully before setting out.

Key points to know before you ride

• The tölt is the star skill: Your guide may show you how to try this distinctive Icelandic gait during the ride.
• Beginners are welcome: Calm, well-trained horses and clear instruction make this a sensible first riding experience.
• The route reaches a waterfall: The ride follows trails near a river and turns around at Reykjavoss Waterfall.
• Groups stay small: A maximum of eight riders allows for more personal attention.
• Winter gear matters: Gloves, ear warmers, waterproof layers, and gaiters can make a big difference.
• The ride returns to Hestasport: Check in at the reception in Varmahlíð, not at the cottages or stable yard.

Why the Icelandic horse makes this ride different

Icelandic horses are compact, sure-footed animals bred for the country’s rough ground and changeable weather. On this ride, you are not simply sitting on a horse for a countryside photo. You get a chance to learn what makes this breed special.

The key feature is the tölt. This is a four-beat gait that can feel remarkably smooth because the horse keeps one or more feet on the ground at all times. It is not guaranteed that every rider will master it at once, but the guides may demonstrate it and invite you to try when conditions and riding ability allow.

That makes this tour appealing even if you have ridden before. A beginner can enjoy a gentle walk and learn the basics, while a more experienced rider may look forward to switching gaits and feeling the horse move differently.

The horses are also an important part of the experience. The rides use animals described as calm, gentle, well-trained, and easy to handle. You may notice different personalities within the group, and at the end you may be able to give your horse a well-earned treat.

Hestasport reception in Varmahlíð

Your visit begins at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð. The riding portion lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but you should arrive 20 minutes before departure for check-in and preparation.

Pay close attention to the place name. Hestasport operates a reception, stables, and accommodation cottages at separate locations. It is easy to drive to the cottages by mistake, especially if you are following a general Hestasport address rather than the riding-tour meeting point.

That small bit of planning matters in Iceland, where weather and road conditions can slow a drive. Build in enough time to find the reception without rushing. You will need to tell the operator your riding level in advance, using one of four categories: beginner, occasional rider, intermediate, or experienced.

This information helps the team match you with a suitable horse and prepare the right amount of instruction. If you have never ridden, say so plainly. Several first-time riders have found the calm horses and basic briefing reassuring, but honest information gives the staff the best chance to make a safe match.

Along the river toward Reykjavoss Waterfall

After the introduction, the ride heads into the countryside on horseback. The route follows a river and continues toward Reykjavoss Waterfall, which becomes the main scenic stop.

The setting changes with the season. In winter, you may ride through snow-covered ground and see the hills and river under a clean white cover. Snowfall can make the ride especially atmospheric, though it also makes warm clothing more important. In other conditions, you may see green hills, open countryside, and the water moving beside the trail.

The waterfall gives the ride a clear destination. You are not simply circling a paddock or following a short track near the stables. You have a scenic goal, with time to appreciate the setting and, when the guide can do so, take photographs in front of the falls.

Some rides include a river crossing, while another account describes watching a separate herd cross by a bridge. These details can vary with conditions and the exact route, so treat them as possible features rather than guaranteed parts of every departure.

The route is scenic without asking you to spend a full day in the saddle. At 90 minutes, it offers enough time to settle into the horse and enjoy the countryside without becoming an endurance test.

What the guides add to the ride

A good horse ride depends as much on the guide as on the scenery. The guides here have been praised for patient instruction, friendly conversation, and attention to riders who need extra help.

Several guide names appear in connection with the experience, including Maddie, Lara, Franca, Felecia, Eli, and Franka. You should not expect a particular person on a particular date, but the range of names reflects a team that works directly with the riding groups.

The guide begins with the basics, then helps riders during the route. That can include posture, handling the reins, steering, changing gaits, and finding a comfortable pace. If you are new to horses, you should have a chance to ask questions before heading out.

One useful point for experienced riders is that the amount of coaching may vary. Some people want steady tips throughout the ride, while others prefer to relax and follow the group. If you want more help with the tölt or with changing gait, ask directly rather than waiting for the guide to guess.

The guides also add context about the horses and the countryside. That turns the ride into more than a quiet trek. You learn as you go, without needing a long classroom talk before departure.

A good first ride for beginners

This tour is especially well suited to first-time riders and people who have only ridden occasionally. The horses are described as gentle and patient, and the guides explain the basics clearly before setting off.

You should still understand what beginner-friendly means. You will be sitting on a live animal in open countryside, not riding a mechanical attraction. You may need to balance, follow directions, hold the reins correctly, and stay aware of the rider ahead.

The maximum group size of eight is helpful here. A large group can leave a nervous beginner feeling lost, while a smaller group gives the guide a better view of each rider. It also creates a quieter setting for the horses.

More experienced riders should not dismiss the tour as too basic. The chance to try the tölt adds interest, and the natural route gives you something to enjoy beyond riding technique. Tell Hestasport your ability level so the staff can plan appropriately.

The 100-kilogram, or 220-pound, weight limit is firm information to check before booking. If you are close to the limit, contact the provider rather than assuming. The operator also asks for your experience level in the special requirements field.

Cold-weather riding and what to wear

Hestasport says the ride operates in all weather conditions, but the cancellation terms also allow the provider to cancel when weather is poor. That means you should prepare for normal Icelandic weather while accepting that unsafe conditions can change the plan.

Bring warm, practical clothing. Gloves and ear warmers are especially useful, and gaiters can help keep snow or wet ground out of your boots. Waterproof outer layers are sensible because the ride may take place in snow, wind, or rain.

The stable has provided overalls to help riders stay warmer in the wind. Do not count on that alone. Wear proper base layers and shoes suitable for outdoor conditions, and avoid clothing that restricts your legs or makes it hard to sit comfortably.

Winter riding can be beautiful, but cold hands and wet clothing can spoil it quickly. The right clothing is not a minor detail here. It directly affects how much attention you can give to the horse, the guide, and the scenery.

A warm drink may be available after the ride. That is a welcome finish, especially after a snowy departure, but bring your own water as well if you normally need drinks during outdoor activities.

Is $123.75 a fair price?

At $123.75 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Iceland. It is also more than a basic pony ride or a brief stable introduction. The value comes from the combination of a 90-minute ride, a small group, trained horses, a waterfall route, and instruction suited to different ability levels.

For a first-time rider, the price includes more than saddle time. You receive horse selection based on your experience, a safety briefing, help during the ride, and the chance to learn about the tölt. The small group also matters because personal attention is part of what you are paying for.

For an experienced rider, value depends on your priorities. If you want a long, fast ride or plenty of independent riding time, this may feel short. If you want to experience Icelandic horses, see the countryside from horseback, and try a unique gait, the 90-minute length is practical.

The ride can also work well within a busy North Iceland day. It is long enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough to leave time for other sights. Remember to add driving time and the 20-minute early check-in when planning your day.

Who should book this ride?

I would point this experience toward:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction
• Couples looking for an active countryside outing
• Families and friends comfortable with outdoor weather
• Horse lovers interested in the Icelandic breed
• Experienced riders who want to try the tölt
• Visitors who prefer a small group over a large coach-style activity

You should think twice if you dislike cold, wet weather or feel uncomfortable around horses. The provider sets a 100-kilogram weight limit, and the ride can be canceled in poor weather.

It is also not the best choice if you need a fully private outing. The group limit is eight, but the standard experience is still a shared ride. In quieter periods, you might end up with only a few people, but that cannot be promised.

Booking, changes, and the meeting point

You receive confirmation when you book, and the ticket is mobile, so you do not need a printed voucher. The experience is offered in English.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded for a late cancellation.

If Hestasport cancels because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since the ride operates outdoors, keep some flexibility in your schedule if possible.

The activity ends back at the Hestasport meeting point. There is no separate drop-off location, so plan your onward transport from the reception rather than from the waterfall or stable area.

Should you book the Viking Horse Riding Experience?

You should book this ride if you want a manageable, scenic introduction to Icelandic horses rather than a long or demanding expedition. The calm horses, small groups, helpful guides, waterfall route, and chance to try the tölt give the experience real substance.

I especially like it for beginners who want to feel looked after without being treated as part of a large crowd. I also like that the route has a destination and that the horse itself remains central to the experience.

Before booking, check the 220-pound weight limit, report your true riding level, confirm the reception location, and prepare for cold weather. If you do those four things, this is a strong choice for a memorable half-day activity near North Iceland.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride begin?

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

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long does the riding experience last?

The riding tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What riding levels are accepted?

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 can join the ride?

The tour has a maximum of eight participants.

What is the weight limit?

The weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

Does the ride operate in bad weather?

The activity operates in all weather conditions, but Hestasport may cancel if the weather is poor. In that case, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted.