The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland

The most memorable part of this ride is the Icelandic horse itself. These compact, calm horses carry you through snow, river country, and open hills before giving you a chance to try the smooth tölt, a special four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses.

I like the small maximum of eight riders and the careful matching of horses to riding ability. I also like that beginners can take part without missing the best scenery. The main catch is the weather: this is an outdoor ride in an exposed northern setting, so cold, wind, snow, and wet conditions are part of the deal.

Key points

• Try the Icelandic horse’s tölt: Guides explain how to change gait and help you try this unusually smooth movement.
• Follow a scenic route to a waterfall: The ride travels beside a river and reaches Reykjafoss Waterfall.
• Suitable for first-time riders: Calm, well-trained horses and clear instruction make this a gentle introduction.
• Keep the group personal: No more than eight people ride together, with guides able to give individual help.
• Allow extra time at check-in: Arrive 20 minutes early at the Hestasport reception, not the cottages or stables.
• Dress for real Icelandic weather: Gloves, ear warmers, waterproof layers, and gaiters can make the ride far more comfortable.

Meeting the Horses at Hestasport

This experience begins at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót in Varmahlíð, Iceland. The tour listing connects the outing with Akureyri and North Iceland, but the stated meeting point is in Varmahlíð, so check your route carefully before setting off.

Hestasport has several nearby facilities, including reception, stables, and accommodation cottages. That detail matters. One rider accidentally went to the cottages and had to turn back while running late. Give yourself enough time to find the correct reception building and arrive 20 minutes before departure.

Check-in includes the practical questions that help the staff choose a suitable horse. You need to state your experience level as beginner, occasional rider, intermediate, or experienced. Your height and riding background may also be discussed, as one first-time couple found when the team selected two patient geldings for them.

That matching process is more important than it may sound. A horse that suits a confident rider may not be right for someone who has never been in a saddle. Here, the staff make that decision before you head out, which helps keep the ride calm and manageable.

The horses receive the warmest praise for good reason. They are described as gentle, steady, sure-footed, and well trained. Several first-time riders felt safe with them, and experienced riders also appreciated their individual personalities. You may even have a chance to give your horse a well-earned treat at the end.

The 90-Minute Ride Through North Iceland

The riding portion lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. That is a useful length for a first horse-riding experience: long enough to reach a waterfall and see the countryside, but not so long that a beginner is likely to feel worn out in the saddle.

The exact route can look very different depending on the season. Snow-covered trails give the ride a quiet winter feel, while other accounts describe green hills, a river, and clear views toward the mountains. Snowfall does not automatically stop the outing. The ride can still go ahead in wintry weather, provided conditions are safe.

You follow trails beside the river, moving at a pace suited to the group. The guides give basic instruction before departure, then continue helping as you ride. This is not a fast, competitive outing. It is a steady country ride built around the horses, the views, and the chance to learn how Icelandic riding works.

The route includes a waterfall, identified in the tour details and ride descriptions as Reykjafoss Waterfall. The waterfall gives the outing a clear destination rather than a simple loop around the stable. It also creates a strong photo stop, and guides may take group pictures with the falls behind you.

A river crossing or river-side section adds another memorable touch. One outing included a river crossing while another herd of horses crossed a bridge nearby. That kind of moment shows you the setting as working horse country, not just a scenic backdrop arranged for visitors.

Learning the Tölt on an Icelandic Horse

The tölt is the reason many riders choose this activity instead of an ordinary trail ride. Icelandic horses can use this smooth, four-beat gait in addition to the familiar walk, trot, and canter. It feels different from a standard trot because the horse keeps one foot on the ground at all times, reducing the bouncing motion.

You should not expect a long riding lesson or an advanced training session. The guide first makes sure everyone is secure and comfortable, then may show you how to change gait on the return section. For a beginner, even a short attempt can be a highlight.

Guides including Lara, Franka, Felecia, Maddie, Eli, and others are praised for calm explanations and individual support. One rider wanted more tips about changing gait, so expectations are worth keeping realistic: the amount of coaching can depend on the group and the guide. You will get an introduction to the tölt, but this is still a trail ride rather than a formal riding clinic.

If you already ride, tell the staff clearly what you can do. The experience levels are collected before the tour so the pace and horse assignments can suit the group. If you are new to horses, say so without embarrassment. The ride is designed to include you, not to make you prove anything.

Why Beginners Feel at Ease

This is one of the better choices in North Iceland for someone who has never ridden before. The horses are repeatedly described as calm and easy to handle, and the guides go over the basics before leaving the yard.

You will still need to follow instructions and remain alert. A horse is a living animal, not a motor vehicle, and outdoor riding has its own small demands. Keep your posture steady, listen when the guide gives directions, and speak up if you feel unsure.

The small-group format helps here. With no more than eight riders, the guide can watch the line, answer questions, and assist individual riders. A larger group might feel less personal, especially for someone who has never sat on a horse. The size also makes it easier to keep the pace together.

The horses are not treated as scenery. Their care and training are central to the experience. You get to notice their personalities during the ride, and some outings finish with riders offering a treat. That small moment helps turn the activity into an encounter with the animals rather than a simple photo opportunity.

The Waterfall, River, and Open Hills

The scenery is a major part of the value. The ride reaches a waterfall, follows a river, and passes through hills that may be green in milder months or covered in snow during winter. Several rides included mountain views and a quiet sense of space that is hard to find on a bus tour.

The setting also changes the mood of the activity. In snowfall, the ride becomes hushed and almost monochrome. On a clear day, the river, hills, and waterfall give you more color and contrast. You should not book this expecting the same view every time. Weather and season shape the outing in a very visible way.

The waterfall stop gives you a chance to pause and take pictures. Guides have helped riders with group photos in front of the falls, which is useful when everyone wants a picture without asking a stranger. Still, keep your phone protected from rain and snow. You are outside, and the weather can shift quickly.

For the best comfort, wear gloves, something warm over your ears, and waterproof outer layers. Gaiters are especially useful when trails are snowy or wet. Some riders have used the provider’s overalls to block the wind, but you should not rely on borrowed gear as your only plan. Dress as if you will spend 90 minutes outside with little shelter.

What the Price Includes at $123.75

At $123.75 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Iceland. The value comes from what is packed into the 90 minutes: a trained Icelandic horse, safety instruction, a small group, a scenic route, a waterfall stop, and an introduction to the tölt.

The group limit makes the price easier to justify. You are not simply being moved along in a large line of riders. The guide can help with horse control, explain the local riding style, and adjust attention to the needs of beginners and more experienced people.

The ride also offers something you cannot get from a roadside viewpoint. You are moving through the countryside at horse pace, hearing the river and feeling the weather directly. That slower speed lets you notice the terrain in a way a vehicle cannot.

Value depends on what you want from Iceland. If your priority is a long, fast ride or advanced instruction, 90 minutes may feel brief. If you want a manageable introduction to Icelandic horses with strong scenery and no need for previous experience, the price is more reasonable.

The tour is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 65 days. That suggests you should reserve early if the date matters, particularly for a small group. The mobile ticket is convenient, and the activity is offered in English.

Weather, Timing, and Practical Comfort

The experience operates in all weather conditions, and it requires suitable conditions for safe operation. If Hestasport cancels because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is helpful in Iceland, where road and weather conditions can change quickly.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local time, so check the time zone when arranging a tight itinerary.

The weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds. Most people can participate, but anyone with concerns should confirm the requirements before booking. You should also state your riding level in the special requirements field so the team can prepare the right horse.

Plan the drive with care. The meeting point is Hestasport Reception at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð. Do not assume the cottages or stable buildings are the check-in point. You can also ask the reception staff about warm drinks, as hot beverages have been offered before or after rides.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most

I would recommend this for first-time riders, couples, families with suitable participants, and anyone who wants a quieter countryside activity between larger Iceland attractions. It works especially well if you are curious about the Icelandic horse and want to try the tölt without committing to a full-day riding trip.

It also suits riders who want a small group and personal help. The guides have been praised for being kind, clear, and attentive, with names including Maddie, Lara, Franka, Felecia, and Eli appearing in particularly warm accounts of the ride.

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike cold weather, are uncomfortable around horses, or want a fast and demanding ride. The pace is designed to keep a mixed group together, and the weather can be rough. A 90-minute ride may also feel short to an experienced equestrian looking for serious training.

Still, the combination is hard to beat: gentle horses, a scenic river route, a waterfall, and the chance to try a gait that belongs to Icelandic riding culture. The activity feels accessible without being watered down for beginners.

Should You Book the Viking Horse Riding Experience?

Yes, if you want a friendly introduction to Icelandic horses with real scenery and a manageable time commitment. The strongest reasons are the calm horses, small group size, careful horse matching, and the chance to try the tölt. Beginners are not an afterthought here.

Book it early if you have a fixed schedule, and build in extra driving time for the correct Hestasport reception. Pack gloves, warm headwear, waterproof layers, and gaiters. If you accept that the weather is part of the experience and that the ride is steady rather than thrilling, this makes a fine North Iceland highlight.

FAQ

Where does the Viking Horse Riding Experience meet?

The stated meeting point is 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 about one hour and 30 minutes. You should also arrive 20 minutes before departure for check-in.

Do I need previous horse-riding experience?

No. Beginners, occasional riders, intermediate riders, and experienced riders can take part. You should provide your riding level when booking.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to a maximum of eight participants.

What is the weight limit?

The stated weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

Does the ride include the Icelandic horse’s tölt?

Yes. The experience includes an opportunity to learn about and try the tölt, depending on the conditions and the group.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.