North Iceland: Horseback Riding Tour

The best part of this ride is the changing ground beneath you. In two hours, you move from farm fields to a river, a small lake, lava rocks, black sand, and a birch forest. That variety gives you a fine slice of northeastern Iceland without spending all day in the saddle.

I like the small group of seven and the careful feel of the instruction. Guides Audrey and Anna are singled out for patience, encouragement, and local stories. I also like that beginners can try the Icelandic horse’s special tölt, while experienced riders still get a proper outing. The main caution is simple: you need basic physical fitness, and cold, wind, rain, or snow can make the ride feel tougher than its two-hour length suggests.

Key points to know before you ride

• The route changes scenery quickly: Ride through fields, beside a river, across a small lake, over volcanic rocks, across black sand, and through birch woods.
• You can try the tölt: This smooth, distinctive gait is one of the memorable reasons to ride an Icelandic horse.
• Beginners are welcome: The tour is designed for first-time riders as well as experienced equestrians.
• Guides make a difference: Audrey and Anna are praised for patient help, good horse matching, and stories about the area.
• The group stays small: With no more than seven participants, you get a more personal ride than on a large stable outing.
• Plan your clothing carefully: Comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes, and weather-ready layers matter in northeastern Iceland.

A two-hour ride with more than one kind of Iceland

This is not a short loop around a riding arena. The route takes you into open Icelandic nature and gives you several distinct settings in a compact outing. You begin at the farm, then ride down toward the river through fields where cows graze in summer and sheep are seen in autumn.

That seasonal detail is part of the charm. The ride is connected to working farmland, not just arranged as a scenic backdrop. You may see the quiet, everyday side of rural Iceland before reaching the wilder ground.

From the fields, the route follows the river for a while. This section should appeal to riders who want time to settle into the horse and the rhythm of the group. The river provides a natural line through the area, while the open views give your guide room to explain the surroundings and help you get comfortable.

You then cross a small lake and work your way between volcanic rocks and moss. This is where the ride feels most connected to Iceland’s volcanic character. The ground is not simply green pasture. Black stone, rough lava, and soft moss create a more unusual setting, and riding through it gives you a slower view than you get from a car window.

The route reaches a broad plain of black sand. Black sand is one of Iceland’s most recognizable natural features, but seeing it from horseback gives it a different scale. You can take in the open space while moving at the horse’s pace, with no need to rush to the next viewpoint.

The return takes you through the farm’s natural birch forest. After the exposed black sand and volcanic ground, the trees offer a sheltered, more enclosed finish. That final change in scenery is one of the tour’s strengths. You are not riding the same view out and back.

Meeting the Icelandic horse

The Icelandic horse is the heart of this activity. The tour gives you a chance to ride a breed known for its sure-footed feel and distinctive gaits, rather than simply placing you on a horse for a short photo opportunity.

The special moment is the tölt, a smooth gait associated with Icelandic horses. You may get to try it during the ride, depending on the guide’s instruction and the group’s ability. For experienced riders, this adds a technical feature to the outing. For beginners, it is an enjoyable introduction to something that makes riding in Iceland different from a standard trail ride.

The horse selection also matters. One participant specifically noted that a horse named Lisa was a very good match. That points to a useful strength of a small stable operation: the guide can pay attention to the rider’s comfort and experience instead of treating every participant the same.

You should still expect to use your body. The tour is suitable for people in basic physical shape, but two hours on horseback can leave you sore, especially if you rarely ride. The ride is not presented as a strenuous advanced trek, yet sitting upright, adjusting your balance, and staying comfortable through changing ground all take effort.

Why beginners can feel at ease

You do not need advanced riding experience for this tour. The activity is specifically intended for beginners and experienced riders, and the guides provide the riding equipment, helmet, and instruction.

That matters because a first horseback ride can feel uncertain at the start. You are learning the horse, the commands, your posture, and the group’s pace at once. A small group of up to seven helps keep the setting less crowded, and the guide can check how each person is doing.

Audrey is praised for encouraging beginners and taking time to speak with everyone. Another account describes the guide as patient, friendly, and attentive throughout the outing. That kind of support is more useful than a long lecture before departure. You want clear directions when you need them, plus a calm guide who notices if you are tense.

The ride also works for experienced equestrians because it is not limited to a basic paddock lesson. The route includes water, volcanic rocks, moss, open black sand, and a forest. You get real terrain and the chance to work with the Icelandic horse in a natural setting.

Still, do not assume that beginner-friendly means completely effortless. You should be able to sit securely on a horse for two hours and handle a basic outdoor activity. Pregnant women, people with back problems, and people with animal allergies should not book this experience.

From farm fields to riverbank

The opening section begins at the farm and heads toward the river. In summer, cows graze in the fields. In autumn, sheep take their place as the more likely farm animals along the route.

I like this start because it eases you into the ride. You begin in a familiar rural setting, then gradually move away from the farm and into more open nature. The working fields help you understand that this is a local riding route, not a staged display built only for visitors.

Following the river provides a natural pause in the itinerary. You can focus on your horse, take in the view, and listen as the guide shares details about the area. The guides are English-speaking, and the ride is conducted in English.

The route description includes both a small lake crossing and water-crossing references in the ride accounts. Expect a water section, but remember that conditions may affect exactly how the crossing feels on the day. Comfortable clothing and weather-ready layers are essential, since Icelandic conditions can change quickly.

Volcanic rocks, moss, and black sand

The middle section is the most unusual part of the ride. You cross water, then move among volcanic rocks and moss before reaching the broad plain of black sand.

For me, this combination is the strongest reason to choose the tour. Many horseback rides offer fields and forest. Fewer give you such a clear sequence of Icelandic terrain in only two hours. The black sand makes the ride feel stark and open, while the moss softens the rough volcanic stone.

This terrain also explains why the guide’s role matters. You are not simply walking around a flat enclosure. The horse and rider move through natural ground, so you need to follow instructions and stay aware of your balance. The tour remains suitable for beginners, but you should pay attention rather than treating it as a passive sightseeing trip.

The open black-sand plain is also likely to feel exposed in poor weather. One ride took place in cold, wet, windy conditions, and the operator provided foul-weather clothing. That flexibility is useful, but you should not count on every item being supplied. Bring clothing suited to the forecast and be ready for conditions to feel colder on horseback.

Finishing through the birch forest

The return route passes through a natural birch forest. This closing section changes the mood again. After the wide black-sand plain, the trees bring a more sheltered setting and a closer view of Icelandic plant life.

The forest also gives the ride a satisfying shape. You start near the farm, travel out through fields and along water, cross volcanic ground and black sand, then return through trees. The route feels like a small journey rather than a circle around one patch of land.

You may want to take photos, but keep your attention on the horse and the terrain. The guide can point out places of interest and share local details, as Audrey and Anna are known to do. The best parts of this outing are not just the big views. They are the changes in ground, the horse beneath you, and the quiet pace of moving through the area.

What the $141 price gives you

At $141 per person, this is not a cheap add-on activity. The value depends on what you want from a horseback ride.

You are paying for two hours, an English-speaking guide, a helmet, riding equipment, and a small group limited to seven people. You are also getting a route with several different types of terrain, not a brief horse introduction. For a first Icelandic horse experience, that makes the price easier to justify.

The value is strongest if you care about scenery and the horse itself. You are not paying only for transportation to a viewpoint. The ride is the activity, and the changing terrain gives the two hours enough variety to feel worthwhile.

The price is less attractive if you are looking for a quick, low-cost stop or if you dislike outdoor activities in uncertain weather. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and food and drinks are not included. You must arrange your own way to the farm and arrive at least 10 minutes early.

That transportation detail matters in northeastern Iceland, especially if you are relying on a cruise schedule or have limited time between other plans. One participant found getting to the ranch difficult after a ship changed ports, although the operator was flexible. I would confirm your route to the farm before booking and allow extra time.

Weather, clothing, and physical comfort

Icelandic weather can change the feel of this tour. You might ride in sunshine, rain, wind, or even snow in some spots. The ride continues through outdoor terrain, so clothing is not a minor detail.

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes, then add weather-appropriate layers. You want to stay warm without wearing anything that restricts your movement. The supplied information does not specify a footwear style, so use practical outdoor shoes that you can wear comfortably around a horse.

A helmet and riding equipment are included. You do not need to bring those items, but you should arrive ready to ride rather than expecting a long indoor preparation period.

Basic physical fitness is required. Two hours is manageable for many people, but beginners may feel muscle soreness afterward. If you have a back problem, are pregnant, or have an animal allergy, choose another activity.

Who should book this ride

I would choose this tour if you want to combine a gentle outdoor activity with a close look at northeastern Iceland’s terrain. It suits couples, families, and solo riders who like animals and do not mind getting outside in changeable weather.

It is especially good for first-time riders who want more than a short horse introduction. The patient instruction, small group, and friendly horses create a reassuring setup, while the river, volcanic rocks, black sand, and birch forest keep the ride interesting.

Experienced riders should also find enough variety here, especially if trying the tölt appeals to you. Just keep your expectations in proportion. This is a two-hour nature ride, not a full-day expedition or a fast-paced equestrian trek.

I would be more cautious if you have a tight schedule, no easy way to reach the farm, or limited tolerance for cold and rain. The activity has no hotel pickup, and the open sections may feel demanding in rough weather.

Should you book the North Iceland horseback ride?

Book it if you want a small-group ride with gentle horses, patient guides, and a route that packs several types of Icelandic scenery into two hours. The chance to try the tölt is a real bonus, and the experience works for beginners without becoming dull for experienced riders.

Skip it if you need a fully sheltered activity, have back problems, animal allergies, or cannot manage your own transportation to the farm. For everyone else, the $141 cost is reasonable when you value personal instruction, a varied route, and time spent outdoors rather than simply checking off a viewpoint.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and advanced riders. Participants should have a basic level of physical fitness.

Can I try the tölt?

Yes. The tour includes the opportunity to try the Icelandic horse’s tölt, a distinctive gait associated with the breed.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the two-hour horseback ride, an experienced English-speaking guide, a helmet, and riding equipment.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What should I bring, and who should not participate?

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, and clothing suitable for the weather. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with animal allergies.