North Iceland: Horseback Riding Tour

Iceland on horseback feels wonderfully close. This two-hour ride with Lava Horses takes you through birch woods, black sand, mossy volcanic rocks, fields, rivers, and a small lake, all on a friendly Icelandic horse. I especially like the varied route and the chance to try the tölt, the smooth four-beat gait that makes this breed so special.

I also like the small group, limited to seven people, and the patient guides. Audrey earned repeated praise for making first-time riders feel safe, while Anna was noted for her helpful explanations. The main drawback is practical: you must arrange your own transport to the farm, and two hours in a saddle can leave you sore if you are not used to riding.

Key points before you saddle up

• The scenery changes quickly: Ride from farm fields to a river, birch forest, lava rocks, moss, and a broad black sand plain.
• The tölt is part of the fun: Your guide can help you try the Icelandic horse’s distinctive, smooth gait.
• Beginners are welcome: You need basic physical fitness, but no advanced riding background.
• The group stays small: With no more than seven participants, the guide can give riders personal help.
• Weather can turn rough: Bring proper clothing, and know that foul-weather gear may sometimes be available from the operator.
• Transport is not included: You need to reach the farm yourself and arrive at least 10 minutes early.

Why this North Iceland ride is different

Many horseback tours offer a pleasant ride and a pretty view. This one packs several types of Icelandic terrain into two hours. You begin at a farm, pass grazing animals, follow moving water, cross a small lake, pick your way among volcanic rocks, cross black sand, and return through birch growth.

That variety matters. You do not spend the entire ride on one flat farm track. The route gives you changing ground and changing views, while the Icelandic horse provides the central attraction rather than serving merely as transport.

The horses are another strong point. The available feedback repeatedly describes them as gentle, well cared for, and well matched to their riders. One rider singled out a horse named Lisa as a particularly good fit. That kind of pairing can make a big difference, especially if you are nervous or have not ridden for years.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 53 reviews, with especially strong praise for the horses, the guides, and the scenery. That matches the practical shape of the tour: it is active, scenic, and personal without taking up an entire day.

Starting at the farm with a calm introduction

The ride begins at the farm, where you receive a helmet and riding equipment. You should arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start so there is time to get organized without rushing.

The tour is conducted in English, and the group size is capped at seven. That is a useful limit for horseback riding. A large group can create long pauses, uneven riding speeds, and less time for individual help. Here, the guide can keep an eye on beginners and answer questions as the group moves.

You do not need advanced riding skills. The tour is designed for beginners as well as experienced riders, but you should have basic physical fitness. Riding requires balance and steady use of your legs, and the two-hour duration is long enough to feel like a real outing rather than a short photo stop.

The guides appear to set a reassuring tone. Audrey was praised for speaking with everyone, offering encouragement, and checking in during the ride. Another rider described her as friendly and patient with a group of beginners. Those details matter more than fancy equipment when you are sitting on an unfamiliar horse in unfamiliar weather.

Passing cows, sheep, and the farm fields

From the farm, the route heads toward the river through open fields. In summer, cows graze here. In autumn, sheep take their place. The exact view depends on the season, but the animals add a working-farm feel to the ride.

This is not a staged animal encounter. You are passing through active countryside, with the farm and its surroundings forming part of the ride. That makes the opening section a gentle way to settle into the saddle and get used to your horse’s pace.

The animals also give you a sense of the seasonal rhythm of rural Iceland. Summer brings longer days and cattle in the fields. Autumn changes the scene, with sheep more likely to be visible. You should not book the tour expecting a guaranteed animal sighting of a particular kind, but these are built into the route description.

Your horse will be selected for you, and the available comments suggest that the operator takes this seriously. A well-matched horse can help a beginner relax, while a more experienced rider may appreciate a horse with a little more energy.

Following the river and crossing a small lake

The trail follows the river for a while before reaching a small lake. The route then crosses the lake and continues through rougher ground.

Water crossings are one of the details that make this tour more memorable than a simple ride through fields. They also add a little uncertainty to the experience, since footing and weather can affect how the crossing feels. Your guide will direct the group, but you should be comfortable with a ride that is more active than a flat pony trail.

One rider described crossing a small river, while the route itself also includes a small lake. Together, these water sections give the ride a sense of movement and variety. You are not simply circling a paddock or following one predictable lane.

The scenery around the river should be especially appealing if you like the quieter side of Iceland. There is no mention of a dramatic waterfall or famous landmark here. Instead, the attraction is the combination of water, open ground, plants, and volcanic terrain viewed at a horse’s walking pace.

Volcanic rocks, moss, and Icelandic footing

After the water, the route crisscrosses volcanic rocks and moss. This is where the Icelandic setting becomes most obvious. Black stone, low vegetation, and uneven ground create a strong contrast with the green farm fields.

You should expect to pay attention to your horse and the trail here. The ride is suitable for beginners, but suitable does not mean effortless. Basic balance and a reasonable level of comfort in the saddle will help you enjoy the rougher sections.

The volcanic rocks also give the guide a chance to explain the area. Audrey and Anna were both praised for sharing stories and information about the surroundings. The commentary appears to be informal rather than a long lecture, which suits a moving horseback tour.

Weather can change the character of this section. One October rider experienced cold, wind, rain, and even snow in some spots. Another rider said the operator provided foul-weather clothing during a particularly rough day. Do not count on borrowed clothing being available, but do plan for Icelandic weather to show up without an invitation.

Crossing the black sand plain

The ride eventually reaches a broad plain of black sand. This is one of the tour’s most striking changes in scenery. The dark ground creates a stark, open setting, and the horses give you a slow, steady way to take it in.

Black sand is closely linked with Iceland’s volcanic character, but you do not need a geology lesson to appreciate the effect. The plain feels spacious and spare after the shelter of the birch growth and the more enclosed volcanic sections.

This is also a good place to enjoy the pace. Horseback riding gives you time to notice the ground, sky, and surrounding terrain without constantly stopping to park a car or take a photograph. You may find the openness particularly appealing if you want scenery that feels less arranged and more elemental.

The route is not sold as a fast ride. The focus is on the horses, the setting, and the changing terrain. If you want speed or a long gallop, this may not be the right activity. If you want to experience Iceland at a slower pace, the black sand section fits well.

Returning through the natural birch forest

The final part of the circuit leads back to the farm through a natural birch forest. Birch is not the towering woodland you might picture in warmer climates. In Iceland, it can feel modest and wind-shaped, which makes this section a quiet contrast to the black sand and open fields.

The forest gives the return journey a sense of closure. You begin in farm country, pass through water and lava terrain, cross the black sand, then come back through trees to the starting point. In two hours, the ride covers a surprising range of scenery without requiring a full-day commitment.

The route also works well for mixed-experience groups. An advanced rider can enjoy the horse and the varied ground, while a beginner has time to build confidence under guidance. The group size helps here, since the guide can offer support without turning the ride into a slow-moving procession.

Trying the Icelandic horse’s tölt

The tölt is a major reason to choose an Icelandic horse tour. It is a distinctive four-beat gait, known for being smooth and comfortable when the horse performs it well. The guide can help you try it during the ride.

Do not assume you will master it immediately. The tölt depends on the horse, your balance, and the guide’s judgment about when it is appropriate. For a first-time rider, simply feeling the change in movement can be enough. Experienced riders may enjoy working on a smoother transition.

This feature gives the tour more substance than a basic trail ride. You are not only sitting on a horse while looking at scenery. You get a chance to learn something specific about Icelandic horsemanship and the breed.

At the same time, the tour remains approachable. The activity is not limited to expert riders, and the guide’s role is to help you try the gait at a suitable point. If you are a beginner, tell the guide how you feel. There is no prize for looking brave while being uncomfortable.

How the $141 price measures up

At $141 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. Still, the price includes two hours of riding, an experienced guide, a helmet, and riding equipment. The small group limit adds real value because personal attention matters when horses and beginners are involved.

You are also paying for a route with several distinct settings rather than a short ride near the farm. The river, small lake, volcanic rocks, black sand plain, and birch forest give the outing more range than a basic countryside loop.

The price makes the most sense if horseback riding is a priority for you. If you are only mildly interested in horses, you may find other North Iceland activities offer more sightseeing per dollar. This tour is best treated as a hands-on outdoor activity with scenery, not as a standard sightseeing excursion.

Food and drinks are not included, and hotel pickup and drop-off are also excluded. Include the cost and time of reaching the farm when comparing the tour with other options. A rider coming from a cruise ship found transport especially difficult after the ship changed ports, though the operator proved flexible and helpful.

What to wear and how to prepare

Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes, along with layers suited to the forecast. Weather-appropriate clothing is not a minor suggestion here. Rain, wind, cold, and snow have all been part of recent rides.

You receive a helmet and riding equipment, but you should not arrive in delicate clothes or footwear you cannot move in. The tour requires a basic physical shape, and you may feel sore the next morning. One rider enjoyed the outing greatly but reported some stiffness afterward.

The ride is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with animal allergies. Those restrictions are worth taking seriously. Horseback riding puts movement through your back and body, while close contact with horses can be a problem for anyone with allergies.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options are useful in Iceland, where weather and road conditions can disrupt plans. Still, the practical essentials remain simple: confirm the start time, arrange transport, and arrive early.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend this tour to:

• Beginners who want a guided introduction to Icelandic horses
• Experienced riders seeking varied terrain rather than an indoor or paddock session
• Couples looking for a scenic activity with a manageable two-hour duration
• Families with participants who meet the physical requirements
• Horse lovers who want to try the tölt
• Visitors who enjoy quiet countryside, volcanic scenery, and changing weather

I would hesitate if you have back problems, animal allergies, or no way to reach the farm. I would also think twice if you want a dry, sheltered activity or a fast ride with extended stretches at speed.

The guides are a major part of the appeal. Audrey’s patience and frequent check-ins sound especially useful for beginners, while Anna’s explanations add context to the route. The consistently warm comments about the guides suggest that the human side of the tour is as important as the horses.

Should you book the North Iceland Horseback Riding Tour?

Book it if you want to experience Iceland from the saddle and value scenery that changes every few minutes. The route has enough variety to justify the $141 price, and the small group gives beginners a better chance of receiving calm, direct help.

You should arrange transport carefully and dress for serious weather. If you can handle two hours on horseback, the reward is a personal look at North Iceland through fields, water, birch, black sand, and volcanic stone.

For first-time riders, this looks like a particularly safe choice. For experienced riders, it offers a pleasant scenic circuit and a chance to practice the tölt. It is not the cheapest way to see Iceland, but it offers something a vehicle cannot: a quiet, close connection with the ground beneath you and the horse carrying you across it.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $141 per person.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is suitable for beginners and advanced riders, but participants should have a basic physical shape.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to seven participants.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English.

What scenery will I see?

The route includes a birch forest, black sand plain, volcanic rocks, moss, farm fields, a river, and a small lake.

Can I try the tölt?

Yes. The tour includes the opportunity to try the tölt, the special gait associated with Icelandic horses.

Are a helmet and riding equipment included?

Yes. A helmet and riding equipment are included in the tour price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transportation to and from the farm.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, and clothing suitable for the weather. You should arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour starts.

Who should not take this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with animal allergies.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.