Varmahlid: Viking Horse Riding Tour

Ride to a waterfall on an Icelandic horse. This short Varmahlíð outing gives you two things I especially like: calm, well-trained horses and a route with real variety, from river crossings to soft grassy paths and Reykjafoss. The English-speaking guides also get strong praise for clear instructions and patient care, which matters if you are new to riding. The main drawback is the brief 1.5-hour riding time, and the mounting point may be a short drive from the office.

You pay $111 per person, so this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour and a half in North Iceland. Still, I think the price is fair if you want more than a basic paddock ride: you get a guided route, mountain views, a waterfall, the special Icelandic tölt, riding equipment, and a small-group feel. Just arrive early, dress for fast-changing weather, and remember that the rider weight limit is 100 kg, or 220 pounds.

Key points to know before you book

• The route reaches Reykjafoss: The ride follows the Svartá River and an adventure track along a hillside before arriving at the waterfall.
• You may try the tölt: This smooth fourth gait is a signature feature of Icelandic horses, used on soft grassy sections when conditions allow.
• Beginners are welcome: Several riders with little or no recent experience felt safe thanks to patient guidance and obedient horses.
• The horses receive careful attention: Guides are praised for loving and caring for the animals, not simply moving a group along a trail.
• The setting keeps changing: Expect rivers, springs, open fields, mountain views, and a waterfall rather than one repetitive riding area.
• Plan for practical limits: Children under six cannot join, and all riders must stay within the 100 kg weight limit.

Why this Varmahlíð ride feels special

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and famous for their unusual gaits. The most interesting one for many riders is the tölt, a four-beat gait that can feel smooth and steady when the horse is moving well. You will not spend the whole tour at the tölt, and the guide decides what suits the ground and the group, but the grassy sections offer a chance to try it.

That gives the outing more character than a standard walk on horseback. You are not simply sitting on a horse while someone leads it around a fenced area. You ride through the countryside, cross or follow the Svartá River, pass mountain scenery, and reach Reykjafoss under your own saddle power.

I also like the balance between activity and sightseeing. The ride is active enough to feel like an adventure, but the pace allows you to notice the surroundings. You can take in the river, hillside, springs, and waterfall without needing to rush from one photo stop to the next.

The strong 4.9 rating from 102 bookings reflects a consistent pattern: friendly guides, good horses, attractive scenery, and a welcoming approach to first-time riders. That does not make the tour perfect for everyone. If you have serious riding experience and want a long, fast trek, 90 minutes may feel short. For most sightseers, though, the length is manageable and easy to fit into a day around Varmahlíð.

Starting at Hestasport in Varmahlíð

Your day begins at the Hestasport reception office in Varmahlíð, in the Skagafjörður area. From Ring Road 1, turn onto Road 752. The white and blue office is the first building on the left, about 150 meters from the junction.

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. That extra time is useful, not wasted. You need to meet the guide, receive a helmet, sort out clothing, and get introduced to your horse before the group leaves.

The first part of a good riding tour is often the least glamorous but one of the most important. You learn how to sit, hold the reins, start, stop, and respond to the horse. The guides on this outing receive especially high marks for patience, including with children and complete beginners. One first-time rider described feeling frightened at first but gaining confidence because the guide explained each step clearly and stayed supportive throughout.

That is the kind of help you want in Iceland. Wind, rain, uneven ground, and a horse with its own opinions can make a first ride feel intimidating. A careful guide does not treat your nerves as a nuisance. The staff here appear to understand that comfort and trust come before speed.

The office is not necessarily the point where you begin riding. One account describes a roughly 20-minute drive from the meeting point to the start of the trail. Allow extra time for that transfer, and do not assume you can arrive at the last minute and walk straight into the saddle.

Along the Svartá River and open fields

Once mounted, the route follows the Svartá River through North Iceland. River scenery gives the ride a natural focal point, and it also helps the route feel like a journey rather than a loop around a farm.

The surrounding mountains create a broad backdrop, while the horses carry you through open country. You might find the scenery especially striking on a clear day, but Icelandic weather can change quickly. Clouds, mist, rain, and low light can alter the view in minutes, which is why warm layers and rain gear matter even during summer.

Some sections take you over soft grassy paths. These are the places where your guide may invite the horses to show their tölt. Do not expect a dramatic gallop. The point is to experience the Icelandic horse’s unusual movement in a controlled setting, with the guide watching the group and the footing.

For a beginner, this part can be both exciting and slightly confusing. The tölt may feel different from a normal walk or trot, and not every rider finds the rhythm immediately. Listen to the guide rather than trying to force the horse into a faster gait. If you are an experienced rider, you may appreciate the chance to try a breed-specific movement without committing to a demanding full-day trek.

The route also includes an adventure track along a hillside. This adds a little more interest than riding only on flat ground, though it may make you more aware of your balance. Wear shoes that stay secure in the stirrups, and choose comfortable clothing that lets you move freely.

Reaching Reykjafoss by horseback

Reykjafoss is the visual payoff of the route. The waterfall gives the ride a clear destination, and arriving there on horseback makes the stop feel connected to the journey rather than like a separate roadside visit.

The surrounding area includes springs, river scenery, and mountains, so there is more to look at than the falling water alone. The route reaches the waterfall near the end, making it a natural point for photographs and a chance to take in the setting before returning.

You should keep your camera easy to reach, but do not let it become a distraction. Icelandic horses are generally steady, yet you still need to pay attention to the guide, your reins, and the ground. The most useful photos may come during a pause at the waterfall, when you can enjoy the view without trying to photograph from the saddle.

The waterfall stop is also where the tour feels most rewarding for people who are not committed riders. Even if you mainly want scenery, you get a distinctive way to reach one of North Iceland’s natural sights. The horse adds a slower pace and a closer connection to the terrain.

There is one practical tradeoff. A 1.5-hour activity cannot spend a long time at Reykjafoss. If you want a relaxed picnic, extended photography, or a long walk around the waterfall, this tour is not designed for that. It gives you a guided look and a memorable riding route, not a full afternoon at the falls.

Horses, guides, and the beginner question

The horses are one of the strongest reasons to choose this experience. Riders repeatedly describe them as obedient, beautiful, calm, and well trained. That matters more than a fancy saddle or a long route. A horse that responds reliably helps you relax and enjoy the scenery.

Several riders had little or no riding experience. One had not ridden for decades, while another had never ridden before and arrived feeling nervous. Both found the instructions helpful and the horses manageable. That makes this a good option for a first Icelandic riding experience, provided you are comfortable sitting on a horse for the duration.

The guides also appear to care for the animals rather than treating them as equipment. Riders noticed that the staff handled the horses thoughtfully and seemed genuinely fond of them. That is important to me. A scenic route is not enough if the animals look overworked or the staff rushes through preparation.

The small-group setup adds to the personal service. Exact group numbers are not provided, so do not book expecting a guaranteed private ride. Still, the experience is described as small-group and personal, and the guide’s attention seems to be a central part of the outing.

The tour also works for families with children old enough to ride, though children under six are not permitted. One guide received specific praise for being excellent with a child. Parents should still consider the weather and the child’s comfort with animals, heights, and a moving horse.

What to wear for North Iceland weather

The tour includes helmets, and a snow suit is available if needed. That does not replace your own weather preparation. Bring warm layers, rain gear, gloves, comfortable clothes, and sturdy comfortable shoes.

I would avoid jeans that restrict movement, loose scarves, or footwear that feels unstable. The instruction to dress in layers is especially sensible here. You might start under cool skies and later find yourself in sun, wind, or rain.

If you bring riding equipment from outside Iceland, it must be disinfected. This is an important biosecurity rule, so check it before arrival rather than assuming you can use your own gear without preparation.

Do not bring food or drinks expecting them to be supplied. They are not included. For a 90-minute ride, that is rarely a serious problem, but it is worth having water and a snack before or after the activity, especially if you are fitting it between longer drives.

Is $111 good value for 90 minutes?

At $111 per person, the cost works out to roughly $74 per hour. That sounds high if you compare it with a simple horseback ride near home, but Icelandic prices often reflect guide time, specialist care, equipment, transport within the riding operation, and the remote setting.

Here, the value comes from the full package. You get an Icelandic horse, a trained English-speaking guide, safety equipment, a route beside the Svartá, a hillside section, the possibility of trying the tölt, and a visit to Reykjafoss. It is also more personal than a large coach excursion and more active than simply stopping at a waterfall.

I would call it good value for a visitor who specifically wants to ride an Icelandic horse. I would not choose it if your only goal is to see Reykjafoss cheaply. The waterfall is part of a wider horseback experience, and you are paying for the horse, guide, care, and route as much as the view.

The free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before departure adds useful flexibility, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Iceland plans are still shifting. Check the available starting times before you commit, since the 1.5-hour duration does not include every possible transfer or preparation detail.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction and a gentle introduction
• Couples or families seeking a scenic activity near Varmahlíð
• Horse lovers who want to experience the Icelandic horse and its tölt
• Sightseers who prefer reaching a waterfall by trail instead of by car
• Visitors with enough flexibility to prepare for changing weather

I would hesitate if you dislike animals, have difficulty sitting on horseback, or want a long-distance riding expedition. The tour is short and guided, not a full-day wilderness trek. You also need to remain within the 100 kg weight limit, and children under six cannot join.

Should you book the Varmahlíð horse ride?

Book it if you want a well-supported introduction to Icelandic horseback riding, with scenery that keeps changing and a clear destination at Reykjafoss. The combination of caring guides, calm horses, river views, mountain surroundings, and the chance to try the tölt gives the outing more substance than a basic farm ride.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to a nervous beginner. Arrive early, wear proper layers, and tell the guide honestly about your riding experience. If you want a longer ride or a leisurely waterfall visit, choose another activity. If 90 minutes feels like the right amount of saddle time, this is a practical and memorable way to see a small slice of North Iceland.

FAQ

How long does the Varmahlíð horse riding tour last?

The horseback riding portion lasts 1.5 hours. You should also arrive 15 minutes before departure, and the starting point for the ride may involve a short drive from the Varmahlíð office.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at the Hestasport reception office in Varmahlíð, Skagafjörður. From Ring Road 1, turn onto Road 752. The office is the first white and blue building on the left, about 150 meters from the junction.

Is the tour suitable for someone who has never ridden before?

Yes. The guides provide instructions, and the horses are described as calm, obedient, and well trained. The tour is also suitable for riders with little recent experience, though you should be comfortable sitting on a horse for 1.5 hours.

What equipment and clothing are included?

Helmets are included, and a snow suit is available if needed. Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, warm layers, rain gear, and gloves.

Can children join the horse riding tour?

Children under six years old cannot take part. The available information does not specify a maximum age, so check the booking details if you have a particular age-related concern.

What is the rider weight limit?

The maximum rider weight is 100 kg, or 220 pounds. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before departure qualify for a full refund.