The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland

Snow makes a good ride even better. This outing pairs gentle Icelandic horses with river paths, mountain views, a waterfall stop, and a chance to try the famous tölt gait. I especially like the calm horses and the small groups, limited to eight people, which gives the guide time to help beginners. The main drawback is the meeting point: the experience is associated with Akureyri, but check-in is at Hestasport Reception in Varmahlíð, so you need to plan the drive carefully.

I also like that the ride lasts about 90 minutes, long enough to feel like a real outing rather than a quick photo stop. Guides such as Maddie, Lara, Franca, Felicia, Eli, and Franka have been praised for their patience and clear instruction. Just remember that this is an outdoor activity in Iceland, and cold, wind, snow, or rain can shape your day.

Key points to know before you book

• The horses are gentle and beginner-friendly: You do not need previous riding experience, and the horses are selected with your ability in mind.
• The tölt is the special feature: Your guide may show you how to try this smooth, four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses.
• The route includes a waterfall and river scenery: The ride follows a beautiful countryside path and turns around near a waterfall.
• Groups are small: With no more than eight riders, the guide can offer more personal help.
• Dress for real Icelandic weather: Gloves, ear warmers, and waterproof leg protection can make a major difference.
• Check in at the right Hestasport location: Arrive 20 minutes early at the reception, not the cottages or stables.

Why this ride is a highlight near Varmahlíð

Horse riding in Iceland can feel like a natural match. The Icelandic horse is compact, steady, and famous for its extra gait, the tölt. That makes this outing different from a standard trail ride at home, even if you have ridden horses before.

The setting adds much of the appeal. The route passes beside a river, crosses or approaches water depending on conditions, and leads toward a waterfall. In winter, snow can cover the tracks and soften the hills. In warmer months, the same area can look greener and more open. Several outings have included time near the waterfall for photographs, and some guides take pictures of riders there.

I like the balance here. You are not being rushed through a long list of stops, but you are also not spending your entire day in the saddle. The 90-minute ride gives beginners enough time to settle in while still offering experienced riders a taste of Icelandic riding.

The tour is offered in English, and instruction begins before you set off. You provide your riding level in the special requirements field as beginner, occasional rider, intermediate, or experienced. That information matters because it helps the staff match you with an appropriate horse and set the pace sensibly.

Hestasport Reception: the first stop matters

Your official meeting point is Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. Check in 20 minutes before departure. The riding portion lasts about one hour and 30 minutes, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

This is worth stressing because Hestasport has three locations: the reception, the stables, and the accommodation cottages. It is easy to type the wrong place into your navigation app. One couple arrived at the cottages first and had to hurry to the reception. Give yourself extra time and follow the exact address supplied with your booking.

The reception also gives you a chance to get organized before the ride. Staff may ask about your riding background and body size so they can choose a suitable horse. A warm drink has been offered before or after some rides, though you should not treat that as a guaranteed part of every departure.

The location is in Varmahlíð, while the tour may be marketed under the broader Akureyri area. Those are not interchangeable meeting points. If you are staying in Akureyri, check the driving time and road conditions before choosing a departure. The address in Varmahlíð is the one that matters on the day.

Getting matched with an Icelandic horse

For a first-time rider, the horse is the most important part of the experience. The good news is that the horses used here are repeatedly described as calm, well-trained, sure-footed, and easy to handle. That does not remove the need to listen to your guide, but it can make a first ride far less intimidating.

You can expect a basic introduction to riding before the group leaves. Your guide explains how to sit, hold the reins, and give simple signals. Beginners have been able to take part comfortably, including people who had never ridden before.

The horses also have distinct personalities. That is part of the charm. You may spend the ride noticing how your horse responds to the path, the group, and your instructions. At the end, some outings have included giving the horses a well-earned treat.

The weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds. This is a firm practical detail, so check it before booking. Most people can participate, but the tour is still a physical outdoor activity. If you have concerns about riding, balance, or mobility, contact the provider before paying.

The 90-minute ride through snow and countryside

Once mounted, the group heads onto the riding tracks. The route follows the river and passes through open countryside near Hestasport. The pace is designed for a mixed group, so expect walking for much of the ride, with instruction and chances to adjust your position.

The views are the main reward. Snow-covered hills, river edges, and distant mountains give the winter outing a quiet feel. One ride took place during snowfall, and the conditions made the setting even more memorable. Other outings have seen green hills and a lovely waterfall, showing how much the character of the ride can change by season.

The route turns around at a waterfall, identified in the experience details and ride accounts as Reykjafoss. This is a good photo point and a natural place to pause. You may get a group picture with the waterfall behind you, depending on the guide and conditions.

Some outings have included a river crossing, while others have offered views of another herd crossing a bridge. Do not assume every group will have exactly the same sequence. Weather, trail conditions, and the ability level of the group can affect the route.

This is not a high-speed riding lesson. If you want long stretches of galloping, this is not the right choice. If you want a scenic introduction to Icelandic horses with enough time to enjoy the surroundings, the pace should suit you well.

Trying the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt

The tölt is the feature that makes this outing especially appealing to horse lovers. It is a smooth four-beat gait that allows the horse to move quickly while keeping the rider relatively steady. It is not the same as an ordinary walk or trot, and many people remember this part most clearly.

Your guide may demonstrate the tölt and invite you to try it on the return route. The timing depends on the group and each rider’s confidence. Beginners should not feel pressured. The best guides adjust the instruction so you can enjoy the attempt rather than worry about doing it perfectly.

The experience does not promise a long tölt session, so keep expectations sensible. It is an introduction, not a specialist riding clinic. Some riders have wished for more coaching during the ride, particularly when trying new gaits. If this is your first time, ask your guide for help when you are ready.

For experienced riders, the tölt provides a welcome chance to reconnect with a distinctive Icelandic tradition. For beginners, it is a fun extra after you have learned the basics.

What the guides add to the ride

A good horse helps, but the guide shapes the whole outing. The guides praised in the supplied experiences include Maddie, Lara, Franca, Felicia, Eli, and Franka. Their strengths include patience, friendly instruction, safety awareness, and information about the horses and the surrounding area.

Franca was particularly helpful for mixed groups that included first-time riders. Lara was described as attentive during an afternoon ride, while Felicia helped create a memorable waterfall photo. Eli included several activities, such as trying different gaits, crossing a river, and taking pictures.

The exact guide depends on your date, so you cannot request a particular person based on those names. Still, the pattern is useful: the staff appear accustomed to teaching riders with different levels of experience in the same group.

The maximum group size is eight. That matters more than it may sound. With a small group, your guide has a better chance of noticing if you are unsure, adjusting the pace, or giving an extra explanation. A private ride may also be possible during quiet periods, but it is not something the standard booking guarantees.

Winter clothing is part of the planning

The ride operates in all weather conditions, so you need to dress for the forecast and for time on horseback. Snow, wind, and cold can make 90 minutes feel much longer if you arrive in light clothing.

Bring warm gloves and something to cover your ears. Ear warmers were specifically useful on the ride, and waterproof leg protection, sometimes called gaiters, can keep snow and wet trail spray from reaching your boots or trousers.

Wear layers rather than one heavy piece. You may be given access to riding overalls for extra warmth from the wind, but do not assume every item is guaranteed. Comfortable trousers and sturdy footwear are sensible choices.

The information gives two points that seem slightly different: the activity generally operates in all weather, yet poor weather can also lead to cancellation. The practical reading is simple. The ride may go ahead in ordinary Icelandic conditions, but the provider can stop it if conditions become unsuitable. If that happens, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Is $123.75 a fair price?

At $123.75 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The value depends on what you want from your time in North Iceland.

You receive about 90 minutes on horseback, instruction, a small group, access to well-cared-for horses, and scenery that includes a river and waterfall. That is a stronger package than a short arena ride or a quick horse photo opportunity. The small group also adds value because you are not simply following a large line of riders with little personal help.

The price makes the most sense if you want an active outing that feels tied to Icelandic culture and countryside. It is less appealing if your schedule is tight, if you dislike cold weather, or if you only want to see horses without riding.

The experience is often booked well ahead, with an average lead time of about 65 days. That suggests you should reserve early if your Iceland schedule is fixed. It also means you should compare the ride time with your driving plans before booking, especially if you are based in Akureyri rather than Varmahlíð.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction
• Couples looking for a scenic activity outside the usual sightseeing stops
• Families with participants who meet the weight limit and can follow riding instructions
• Experienced riders who want to try the tölt
• Anyone who enjoys quiet countryside, animals, and outdoor activities
• Visitors taking a winter trip who are prepared for cold and changing weather

I would be more cautious if you need a fast-paced ride, dislike being outdoors in poor weather, or have limited time between other plans. You also need to be comfortable traveling to the stated Varmahlíð meeting point.

Booking, cancellation, and small practical details

A mobile ticket is available, and the tour is conducted in English. Confirmation is received at booking. Enter your riding level clearly in the special requirements field, using beginner, occasional rider, intermediate, or experienced.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded. The cut-off uses local Icelandic time.

Plan to arrive 20 minutes early. That buffer is not wasted. It helps with check-in, horse matching, clothing, and the risk of driving to the wrong Hestasport site.

Should you book the Viking Horse Riding Experience?

Yes, if you want a personal, scenic introduction to Icelandic horses and you are happy with a relaxed pace. The gentle horses, patient guides, waterfall route, and chance to try the tölt give the outing real character.

Before booking, check three things: the 100-kilogram weight limit, the Varmahlíð meeting point, and the weather forecast. Bring serious cold-weather clothing, allow extra driving time, and tell the provider your exact riding level.

For beginners, this is one of the safer-feeling ways to add horseback riding to an Iceland trip. For experienced riders, it is worthwhile for the Icelandic horse and the tölt, though you should not expect a long advanced riding session. If those expectations fit, the $123.75 price is reasonable for a small-group ride with strong scenery and a memorable animal encounter.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding experience start?

It starts at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. The activity ends back at this meeting point.

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 20 minutes before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The riding experience lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

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

What riding levels can I provide when booking?

You can identify yourself as a beginner, occasional rider, intermediate rider, or experienced rider in the special requirements field.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of eight travelers.

What is the weight limit?

The weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If the provider cancels because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.