The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland

The best part of this ride is the chance to see North Iceland from horseback, with snow, mountains, river tracks, and a waterfall all folded into a 90-minute outing. You’ll also get to try the Icelandic horse’s unusual tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that feels different from an ordinary walk or trot.

I like the small maximum of eight riders, which gives guides time to help each person, and I like that complete beginners are welcome. The calm horses and careful instruction make this a sensible first ride. One thing to watch: the meeting point is in Varmahlíð, not central Akureyri, and Hestasport has several nearby locations, so check the exact address before setting out.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride toward a waterfall: The route follows countryside tracks near a river and reaches the pretty Reykjafoss waterfall.
• Try the famous tölt: Guides show you how to switch gaits, with the chance to experience the Icelandic horse’s signature movement.
• Good for first-time riders: Gentle, sure-footed horses and clear instruction make this accessible to beginners.
• Small groups matter: A maximum of eight riders allows for personal help and a calmer pace.
• Dress for real Icelandic weather: Gloves, warm headwear, waterproof layers, and gaiters are useful, especially in snow or wind.
• Check the location carefully: Begin at Hestasport Reception in Vegamót, Varmahlíð, and arrive 20 minutes before departure.

Why this horse ride feels different from a standard trail outing

Many horseback rides give you a pleasant view and a gentle walk. This one adds a distinctly Icelandic feature: the tölt. Icelandic horses can use this smooth, four-beat gait while keeping the rider relatively steady. You may not master it at once, but the guide gives you a chance to try it during the ride.

The horses are another reason this outing works well for mixed groups. They are described as calm, friendly, well trained, and sure-footed. That matters when two people in your party have never ridden before and others have ridden occasionally or often.

You should still be honest about your experience. When booking, enter Beginner, Occasional Rider, Intermediate, or Experienced in the special requirements field. This helps the staff choose suitable horses and plan the ride at a comfortable level.

The route is not only about sitting on a horse. You follow a scenic path beside the river, pass through open countryside, and make your way toward Reykjafoss waterfall. Depending on conditions and the group, you may cross a river and see another herd of horses crossing a bridge nearby.

At Hestasport Reception in Varmahlíð

Your ride begins at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð. The booking information often places the experience under Akureyri, but the stated meeting address is in Varmahlíð. Use the full address rather than relying only on the broader Akureyri label.

Hestasport has three locations in the area: the reception, the stables, and the accommodation cottages. It is easy to drive to the cottages by mistake, so allow extra time and confirm that you are heading to the reception. Check-in is required 20 minutes before departure.

That early arrival is useful, not wasted time. Staff need to confirm your riding level, match you with a horse, and explain the basics. First-time riders can use this period to ask simple questions about reins, posture, stopping, and mounting.

The reception is also where you can get oriented before going out. A warm drink may be offered before or after the ride, and some riders have been able to use warm overalls supplied by Hestasport when the wind made the day colder than expected.

Choosing the right horse for your ability

Horse matching is one of the quiet strengths of this experience. Your riding level and body size are requested in advance, and the weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds. That information helps the stable assign an appropriate horse.

Beginners should not expect a fast or demanding ride. The horses used for this outing are presented as patient and easy to handle, with guides nearby to help riders throughout. The horses are also a major part of the experience, not simply transport. At the end, you may get to feed your horse a well-earned treat.

For more experienced riders, the small group and the opportunity to try the tölt add interest. Still, this is a guided group excursion rather than an open gallop. The pace must work for the least experienced person in the group, especially when beginners are present.

That is not a flaw. It is the trade-off that makes the tour approachable. If you want a relaxed ride, thoughtful instruction, and time to enjoy the surroundings, this format fits. If you want a long, fast ride with sustained trotting, look carefully at the riding style before booking.

The 90-minute route beside the river

Once mounted and briefed, you set off for roughly an hour and a half. The route leads through open Icelandic countryside, often beside the river, with hills and mountain views around you. In winter, snow turns the familiar tracks into a quieter white setting. In warmer months, you might see greener ground and a different mood along the same route.

The pace gives you time to settle in. A beginner can focus on balance and steering without being rushed, while a more practiced rider can pay attention to the horse’s movement and the changing views.

The waterfall is a natural turning point. Reykjafoss provides a clear destination and a good place for photographs. Guides have taken group pictures in front of the falls, which is useful because taking your own photo while mounted is not always easy.

Some outings include a river crossing. Conditions can affect exactly how the ride unfolds, so treat this as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed feature. The same applies to seeing another herd cross a bridge. These moments add a welcome sense of place because you are seeing horses in their working environment, not only posing beside them.

Snow can make the ride especially memorable, but it also makes clothing more important. One outing continued while snow was falling, and the countryside remained beautiful. That sounds appealing, but cold wind can make an hour and a half feel much longer if your hands, ears, or lower legs are exposed.

Learning the tölt without pressure

The tölt is the experience’s special lesson. Your guide may demonstrate how to ask for the gait and let you try it on the return route. You may feel the difference immediately, or you may need a few attempts.

The instruction style appears to depend on the guide and the group. Guides such as Maddie, Lara, Franca, Felicia, Eli, and Franka have been praised for being patient, friendly, and attentive. Some riders received plenty of tips during the ride, while one person would have liked more guidance about moving between gaits.

That is worth keeping in mind. The experience is suitable for beginners, but it is not a formal riding clinic. Tell your guide if you want extra help with the tölt, steering, or posture. A small group makes that request more realistic than it would be on a large commercial ride.

The tölt is best treated as an opportunity, not a test. You do not need to perform perfectly to enjoy the outing. For many people, simply feeling an Icelandic horse change from a walk into this distinctive movement will be one of the day’s most memorable moments.

What the guides add to the experience

The guide is important here because the route, horse handling, and instruction all happen at once. A good guide keeps the group together, watches the horses, offers riding tips, and points out details along the route.

The named guides connected with this experience include Maddie, Lara, Franca, Felicia, Eli, and Franka. The staff are also described as helpful from check-in through dismounting. You can expect a friendly, hands-on approach rather than being sent off with a quick safety talk and little help afterward.

Guides also explain the horses and the countryside as you ride. That turns the outing into more than a photo stop with animals. You learn why the horses move as they do and gain a better feel for their individual personalities.

The small group limit of eight is a practical advantage. It means the guide can notice if someone is nervous, help adjust the pace, and answer questions without holding up a large line of riders. In quieter periods, the group may be even smaller, and private rides have occasionally been possible.

Clothing and weather: plan for the saddle, not the forecast

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress for wind, cold, snow, and wet ground. The cancellation terms also say that poor weather can lead to a cancellation, with another date or a full refund offered. In practice, you should be ready for changing conditions but understand that severe weather may alter the plan.

Start with warm layers. Gloves and ear warmers are particularly useful. Waterproof outer clothing will help if snow or rain arrives, while gaiters can keep wet or powdery snow out around your lower legs.

Hestasport may have warm overalls available, but do not rely on that as your only protection. Wear clothing that allows you to sit comfortably for 90 minutes and move your legs enough to follow instructions.

You should also expect outdoor conditions underfoot. The route may include snow, river-side tracks, and uneven countryside paths. The supplied information does not promise a specific type of footwear, so practical waterproof footwear is a sensible choice.

Is the $123.75 price good value?

At $123.75 per person, this is not a cheap short activity. Still, the price covers about 90 minutes in the saddle, a small group capped at eight, staff support, horse matching, instruction, and a route that includes a waterfall and river-side scenery.

I think the value is strongest for first-time riders and for anyone who wants a focused Icelandic horse experience rather than a long, demanding expedition. You are paying for a carefully managed introduction, not simply for access to a horse.

The price also makes more sense if the ride is a highlight of a wider North Iceland trip. The experience combines animals, scenery, local riding tradition, and a chance to try the tölt in one outing. A warm drink and occasional use of overalls are pleasant extras, though they should not be the reason you book.

If you already ride regularly and want several hours on the trail, this may feel brief. The 90-minute duration is enough to reach the waterfall and try the tölt, but it will pass quickly once you are comfortable in the saddle.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to couples, families with suitable participants, solo riders, and mixed-ability groups. It is particularly useful when one person is a complete beginner and another has some riding experience. The calm horses and attentive guides reduce the usual worry about a first ride.

It also suits people who want an outdoor activity with a clear beginning and end. You do not need to commit to a full day in the saddle, and the route provides strong scenery without requiring advanced riding skills.

You may want to think twice if you dislike cold weather, have a strong fear of horses, or need a fully weather-proof activity. The tour takes place outdoors and may run in snow or wind. The 100-kilogram weight limit is firm, so check that before paying.

Booking, cancellation, and timing details

The activity is offered in English, uses a mobile ticket, and is generally booked well ahead, with an average lead time of about 65 days. If your Iceland itinerary is fixed, reserving early is sensible.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. If Hestasport cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The most important practical detail is the meeting point. Arrive 20 minutes early at Hestasport Reception in Vegamót, Varmahlíð. Do not confuse the reception with the stables or cottages.

Should you book the Viking Horse Riding Experience?

Yes, if you want a friendly, scenic introduction to Icelandic horses and do not need a long or fast ride. The combination of gentle horses, a waterfall route, a small group, and the chance to try the tölt gives the outing real substance.

I would book it especially for first-time riders who want support without feeling herded through a large group. Experienced riders should book with realistic expectations: this is a relaxed 90-minute countryside ride, not an advanced training session.

Check the Varmahlíð meeting point, enter your riding level, bring serious cold-weather clothing, and leave enough time to arrive early. Do that, and the ride offers a memorable way to experience North Iceland at a horse’s pace.

FAQ

Where does the Viking Horse Riding Experience begin?

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

Does the ride start in central Akureyri?

The experience is associated with Akureyri, but the stated meeting address is in Varmahlíð. Use the full Hestasport Reception address when planning your route.

How long does the horse ride last?

The riding portion lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 20 minutes before departure.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is eight travelers.

Can beginners take part?

Yes. All riding levels are welcome, including people with no previous riding experience.

Can I try the tölt?

Yes. The experience includes the chance to learn and try the Icelandic horse’s tölt gait.

What riding level should I provide when booking?

Enter Beginner, Occasional Rider, Intermediate, or Experienced in the Special Requirements field.

Is there a weight limit?

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

What happens if the weather is too poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date. You should also dress appropriately because the activity operates in all weather conditions.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.