The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland

Snow, horses, and a waterfall make a fine Iceland day. This Hestasport ride gives you a close look at the gentle Icelandic horse while following scenic trails near Varmahlíð, within reach of Akureyri. I especially like the small group of no more than eight and the chance to try the horse’s smooth tölt gait. You also get a full 90-minute ride, which feels generous for the price.

The horses are calm, well trained, and suitable for first-time riders. Guides such as Maddie, Lara, Franca, Felecia, Eli, and Franka have been praised for patient instruction and friendly help. The main drawback is the weather: you ride outdoors in Icelandic conditions, and poor weather can lead to cancellation or a date change.

Five things to know before you saddle up

• The ride reaches a waterfall: The route follows a river and turns around at Reykjavoss Waterfall, giving you a clear scenic goal.
• You can try the tölt: Guides may show you how to switch gaits, a special Icelandic horse experience.
• Beginners are welcome: Even a first ride can work well, since the horses are selected according to your experience level.
• The group stays small: With a maximum of eight people, guides can give more personal help than on a large trail ride.
• Winter clothing matters: Bring gloves, ear warmers, and gaiters, and use the available overalls if the wind turns sharp.
• Check in at the right place: Hestasport has a reception, stables, and cottages. Your meeting point is the reception at Vegamót in Varmahlíð, not the cottages.

Meeting the Icelandic horse at Hestasport

Your outing begins at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. Arrive 20 minutes before departure. That extra time is useful because you need to check in, give the staff your riding background, and get ready before mounting.

Pay close attention to the location details. Hestasport operates three nearby places: the reception, the stables, and the accommodation cottages. It is easy to drive to the cottages by mistake, particularly if you are staying there or following a map without checking the exact destination. One couple arrived at the wrong Hestasport site and had to hurry, so I would treat the reception address as an important part of your planning.

At check-in, specify your ability as beginner, occasional rider, intermediate, or experienced. This is not just paperwork. It lets the staff choose a suitable horse and shape the instruction to your needs. A German-speaking couple who had never ridden before were matched with gentle geldings and felt secure throughout the outing, which says a lot about the care taken at this stage.

The tour is offered in English. Guides handle the practical basics before you set off, including how to sit, guide, and manage your horse. For a first-time rider, this preparation is especially valuable. You do not need to arrive with riding skills, but you do need to be honest about your experience.

Ninety minutes through snow, river country, and hills

The riding portion lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. That gives you enough time to settle into the saddle, take in the surroundings, and become familiar with the horse rather than rushing through a short photo stop.

The scenery changes with the season. In winter, you may ride through snow-covered ground beneath the hills. One outing took place during snowfall and was still considered a beautiful ride. In other conditions, you might see green hills, a flowing river, and open countryside around the waterfall. The setting has the sort of broad Icelandic scale that makes a slow horse ride feel very different from viewing the country through a car window.

The trail follows the river toward Reykjavoss Waterfall. The waterfall provides a natural turning point and a memorable place for photographs. Guides have taken group pictures in front of the falls, so you may not have to manage a camera while holding reins and staying balanced.

The route also includes the possibility of a river crossing. This was described as an added highlight, especially when another herd of horses crossed a nearby bridge at the same time. Because exact conditions can change with weather and trail conditions, you should see this as a possible feature rather than a guarantee.

You will not be pushed into a fast ride simply to make the outing exciting. The great strength here is the calm pace and the chance to notice the horses, water, hills, and changing weather. If you want a long gallop, this may not be the right tour. If you want a scenic introduction to Icelandic riding, the pace makes good sense.

Learning the famous tölt

The Icelandic horse is known for the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that can feel remarkably steady. It is one of the main reasons to choose an Icelandic horse ride rather than a standard horseback outing.

Your guide may demonstrate the change of gait and let you try it when the group is ready. Several riders were surprised and delighted to be given the chance, especially those who had expected only a walking ride. Guides including Lara and Eli were praised for helping riders switch gaits, while other riders wished for a little more coaching during the ride.

That mixed point is worth explaining. The guides clearly focus on safety and comfort first, and the amount of instruction may vary with the group’s ability and confidence. If you are keen to try the tölt, tell your guide at the start. You may get extra tips on posture and reins when the trail and conditions allow.

Beginners should not feel pressured. The tölt is an optional bonus, not a test. You can enjoy the ride at a walk and still get the central experience: sitting on a friendly Icelandic horse in open North Iceland countryside.

Why the horses suit first-time riders

The horses receive the strongest praise in the available comments. They are described as calm, gentle, sure-footed, adorable, and well cared for. That matters more than fancy riding terminology when you are nervous or climbing onto a horse for the first time.

Several first-time riders felt safe because the horses were easy to ride and patient. Guides also paid attention to each person during the ride, offering help as needed. The horses have distinct personalities, so you may enjoy getting to know your mount during the 90 minutes rather than treating it as simple transport.

At the end, you may be able to give your horse a well-deserved treat. That small moment helps complete the experience. You are not simply taking a scenic ride and leaving; you get a little time to show appreciation to the animal that carried you through the countryside.

The weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds. This is an important booking detail, so check it before paying. The activity says most people can participate, but this stated limit applies to the riding experience.

Guides who make the ride easier

A good trail ride depends heavily on the guide. Here, the guide’s role goes beyond leading a line of horses. You can expect help with the basics, attention to riders during the route, and information about the horses and the surrounding area.

Maddie was praised for being especially kind to two riders with no experience. Franca was described as calm and helpful, with practical riding tips that made the outing relaxing for mixed-ability groups. Lara was attentive and informative, while Felecia helped create a group photo at the waterfall. Eli led a ride that included the waterfall, a river crossing, gait changes, and photographs.

These individual names suggest a team with a warm approach, but your guide will depend on the date. You should also allow for some variation in how much riding instruction you receive. If you need repeated help with steering, balance, or the tölt, speak up early rather than waiting until you feel unsure.

A warm drink may be available after the ride, and the reception has been described as welcoming. That is a welcome touch after a cold-weather outing, though I would still arrive dressed for the ride rather than relying on post-ride hospitality to warm you.

Winter clothing is part of the experience

Hestasport operates in all weather conditions, so you need to dress for the day you have, not the day you hoped for. Snow and wind can make a pleasant ride feel cold quickly, especially when you are sitting still on horseback.

Pack or wear:

• Warm gloves
• Ear warmers or a hat that fits beneath a helmet
• Gaiters for snow or wet ground
• Layers that allow movement
• Weatherproof outer clothing

Riders specifically advised bringing gloves, ear warmers, and gaiters. Overalls may be available to help protect you from wind and cold. Ask about them when you arrive, but do not assume they replace your own warm layers.

The weather policy needs careful reading. The activity can operate in varied conditions, but it may be canceled if weather is considered too poor. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. Road conditions can also affect your journey to Varmahlíð, so leave a sensible margin if you are driving from another part of Iceland.

Is $123.75 a fair price?

At $123.75 per person, this is not a bargain activity by Iceland standards, but the length and group size make the cost easier to justify. You receive about 90 minutes in the saddle, instruction, a scenic route, and a small group capped at eight people. On a simple time calculation, that is roughly $82.50 per hour before allowing for the horses, staff, equipment, and preparation involved in a guided ride.

The value is strongest if you want more than a short introduction. Many horse rides offer a quick circuit and little time to settle in. Here, you have time to reach the waterfall, try the tölt, take photographs, and enjoy the countryside at a proper pace.

It is also good value for couples or families with mixed experience. A beginner does not need to arrange a separate activity from a more experienced rider. The staff can match horses and provide support within the same small group.

The value is weaker if horseback riding is not a priority for you. Iceland offers many scenic stops that cost less or nothing, and the ride takes a fixed 90 minutes. You are paying for the horse, guide, care, and access to a route that you would not experience in quite the same way on foot.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction
• Couples looking for a shared outdoor activity
• Experienced riders curious about the Icelandic horse and tölt
• People who want a quieter alternative to a large coach excursion
• Visitors who enjoy winter scenery and do not mind dressing for cold weather
• Anyone staying near Hestasport’s cottages who wants an easy activity on site

You should think twice if you dislike cold, wet weather or feel uncomfortable around horses. You also need to meet the 100-kilogram weight limit. Riders wanting sustained speed or advanced riding instruction may find the outing too relaxed.

The maximum group size of eight is a major plus. It gives the guide a reasonable chance to notice nervous riders and answer questions. It also keeps the ride from feeling like a long, anonymous line of horses.

Booking, cancellation, and timing tips

The experience is available with a mobile ticket and is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and it is wise to enter your riding level in the special requirements field rather than leaving the staff to guess.

The tour is often reserved well ahead, with bookings averaging about 65 days in advance. That does not mean you must plan that far ahead every time, but it does suggest that popular dates can fill. I would reserve early if the ride is important to your schedule.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Weather cancellations are handled differently, with a new date or full refund offered.

Because the activity returns to the meeting point, you do not need to arrange a separate pickup at the end. Plan your own route to Hestasport Reception and arrive 20 minutes early. Most people can participate, but your riding level, body weight, clothing, and comfort with outdoor conditions all matter.

Should you book the Hestasport ride?

I would book this experience if you want a personal, scenic introduction to Icelandic horses, especially if you are a beginner. The calm horses, attentive guides, waterfall route, small group, and chance to try the tölt give the outing real substance.

I would skip it only if you need warm indoor comfort, want a fast-paced ride, or cannot meet the weight limit. For everyone else, $123.75 buys a memorable 90 minutes in the saddle and a side of Iceland that is easy to miss from the main road.

FAQ

Where does the Viking Horse Riding Experience begin?

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

Where does the ride end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point, Hestasport Reception.

How long does the horse ride last?

The riding experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 20 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

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

What riding ability should I provide when booking?

You should specify beginner, occasional rider, intermediate, or experienced in the special requirements field.

What is the weight limit?

The weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

How many people can join the tour?

The group has a maximum of eight participants.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If the provider cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.