The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland

The special treat here is the Icelandic horse, a calm, sturdy breed famous for its smooth tölt. You ride through snow, hills, and open countryside toward a waterfall, with plenty of time to settle into the saddle and take in the views. I like the small maximum group of eight, and I like that complete beginners can join without being pushed into a faster pace.

The main drawback is the meeting-point confusion. Hestasport has a reception, stables, and cottages in the area, and they are not the same place. You must check in at the reception 20 minutes early, so allow extra time to find the right building.

Key points to know before you book

• The tölt is the star: Your guide may show you how to try the Icelandic horse’s distinctive four-beat gait.
• The ride reaches a waterfall: The route follows beautiful countryside and may include a river crossing or a view of another herd crossing nearby.
• Beginners are welcome: Calm, well-trained horses are matched to your riding level.
• Groups stay small: A maximum of eight people gives your guide room to help riders individually.
• Winter gear matters: Bring gloves, ear warmers, and gaiters, and use the provided overalls if offered.
• Check the address carefully: Meet at Hestasport Reception in Vegamót, not automatically at the cottages or stables.

Why the Icelandic horse makes this ride different

Icelandic horses are smaller than many riding horses, but do not mistake small for timid or toy-like. They are strong, sure-footed animals bred for Iceland’s rough ground and changeable weather. On this ride, you get to see what makes them special instead of simply using them as transport for a scenic photo.

The signature moment is the tölt. This is a smooth gait with little bounce, and it can feel remarkably steady once your horse finds its rhythm. Your guide introduces it according to the group’s ability. Beginners may spend most of the outing walking, while more experienced riders may get a chance to change gates and feel the horse move differently.

That variety gives the ride more substance than a basic horseback photo stop. You learn something about the breed, handle a real horse, and move through the countryside at a pace that lets you notice the river, snow, hills, and waterfall.

The horses are chosen with care. Riding experience and body size are requested when you book so the staff can match you with a suitable mount. The weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds. You also need to state your level as beginner, occasional rider, intermediate, or experienced.

From Hestasport reception to the saddle

The ride begins at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð. Although the activity is commonly associated with the Akureyri area and North Iceland, the listed meeting point is in Varmahlíð, so check your driving plan closely before booking.

Arrive 20 minutes before departure. This is not needless padding. You need time to check in, confirm your riding experience, meet the staff, and get ready. The nearby Hestasport properties include a reception, stables, and accommodation cottages, and arriving at the wrong one can cost you valuable minutes.

The staff explain the basics before you mount. That includes how to sit, hold the reins, and guide the horse. First-time riders have been paired with gentle horses and given enough instruction to feel secure. You should still tell the guide if you are nervous or have never ridden before. The staff need that information to match the horse and set the pace.

The small group size helps here. With no more than eight riders, the guide can keep an eye on the whole line while still offering personal help. That matters more than a fancy welcome center. A large riding group can leave a beginner staring at the tail ahead, unsure what to do. This format gives you a better chance to ask for help.

A 90-minute ride through snow and open countryside

The riding portion lasts about 90 minutes. The exact feel depends on the season and weather, but the route takes you beside the river and toward a waterfall. Snow-covered ground can make the winter outing look stark and quiet, while summer brings green hills and a different mood.

The waterfall is a useful turning point rather than a separate stop with a long visit. You ride toward it, pause for views and photographs, and then return along the route. Guides have taken group pictures in front of the falls, which is helpful because getting a good image from horseback is not easy when you are also trying to keep your reins straight.

The setting gives you more than a fenced paddock. You are out in the open, riding across natural ground and seeing Iceland from the saddle. The route can include a river crossing, and one outing even included the added sight of another herd crossing a bridge. That sort of moment cannot be scheduled, so treat it as a bonus rather than a promised part of every ride.

You may also pass other horses or see them moving through the area. The countryside feels active without becoming crowded. For many people, that is the point of choosing a riding tour instead of a bus excursion. You move slowly enough to notice the terrain and the horses’ reactions.

The winter ride deserves special attention. Snowfall can continue during the outing, and the tour may still run in those conditions. Riding through fresh snow can be beautiful, but cold wind cuts through ordinary travel clothes quickly. Wear warm layers, gloves, and something to cover your ears. Gaiters help keep snow and wet ground out of your boots.

The stable may provide overalls for extra warmth. Use them if they are offered, especially in winter. Icelandic weather can shift fast, and an hour and a half outside is long enough for cold hands or damp trousers to spoil an otherwise excellent outing.

What beginners can expect from the horses

You do not need previous riding experience. Beginners have been given calm, patient horses that are easy to steer at a walking pace. The guides begin with simple instructions and watch the group as it gets moving.

That said, beginner-friendly does not mean risk-free. Horse riding is an active outdoor experience, and you should be comfortable following instructions and staying mounted for about 90 minutes. If you have ridden only once or twice, say so clearly rather than selecting intermediate or experienced.

The horses’ personalities become part of the outing. Some are quiet and focused, while others may have more character. The chance to feed a horse a treat at the end can be a nice closing touch, especially for children and first-time riders, though you should follow the guide’s instructions about feeding.

Experienced riders should set expectations properly. This is a scenic riding tour, not a long gallop or a technical lesson. You may be allowed to switch gates and try the tölt, but the guide controls the pace for the group. If you mainly want speed or advanced training, this may feel gentle.

For most people, that gentle pace is an advantage. You can look around, take photographs when stopped, and enjoy the horses without spending the whole ride trying to keep up.

The guides shape the experience

The guide makes a big difference in a small-group ride. Guides named in past outings include Maddie, Lara, Franca, Felecia, Eli, and Franka. Your guide will vary, but the pattern is clear: expect a hands-on introduction, riding tips, and information about the horses and area.

Franca has been praised for giving clear advice that helped both beginners and more experienced riders relax. Lara has led afternoon rides with extra attention to the tölt, waterfall route, and river crossing. Felecia has helped arrange group photographs, while Eli has included changes of gate and a river crossing when conditions allowed.

Do not expect a formal lecture. The information comes naturally as you ride. You may hear about the horses, their movements, and the countryside while the guide keeps the line moving. That style suits the setting. You learn enough to understand what you are doing without losing the quiet feel of the ride.

A minor limitation is that the amount of coaching can vary with the guide and group. One outing had plenty of instruction, while another rider wanted more tips during the ride, especially about changing gaits. If you want extra help, ask directly. A small group gives the guide a good chance to respond.

The price and what you receive for $123.75

At $123.75 per person, this is not a cheap add-on, but the price is reasonable for a 90-minute guided ride with a small group and trained horses. You are paying for more than a short stable loop. The outing includes preparation, horse matching, a guide, countryside riding, the waterfall route, and the chance to try the tölt.

The value is strongest if you want an active experience that feels tied to Iceland. A standard viewpoint stop may give you a photograph in front of a waterfall. Here, you reach the waterfall on horseback and learn about one of the country’s most distinctive animals along the way.

The value is weaker if you have little interest in horses or if you want a fast, dramatic outdoor activity. The pace is controlled, and the tour is designed to suit mixed riding levels. You should book it for the combination of animals, scenery, and a calm outdoor rhythm, not for speed.

The maximum of eight also helps justify the cost. You get more personal attention than you usually receive in a large group, and the guide can keep beginners comfortable while giving experienced riders a little more to do.

Location, timing, and the easy mistake to avoid

The advertised location is Akureyri, but the actual meeting point provided for this experience is Hestasport Reception at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð. Those details matter. Do not rely on a general map search for Hestasport and assume you have arrived.

Look for the reception rather than the cottages or stables. The properties are separate, and at least one person arrived at the cottages by mistake. The staff were able to sort it out, but being late adds stress before a ride that should begin calmly.

Plan to arrive 20 minutes before departure. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup at the finish. The listed riding time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with check-in and preparation on top of that.

The tour is offered in English. You receive confirmation when booking, and you should use the special requirements field to state your riding level. That detail is not cosmetic. It helps the staff choose the right horse and prepare the correct introduction.

Weather, clothing, and the winter question

The experience is designed to operate in all weather conditions, but poor weather can still lead to cancellation. If the provider cancels because conditions are not suitable, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund.

For you, the practical lesson is simple: plan this on a day when you can handle some flexibility. Do not schedule it so tightly that a weather change ruins the rest of your day.

Dress for sitting outdoors in wind and cold, even if the forecast looks mild. Gloves, ear warmers, and gaiters are especially useful. Warm overalls may be available, and you should accept them when needed. Snowfall does not automatically make the experience unpleasant, but poor clothing can.

Summer has its own appeal. The hills may be green, the river route easier to see, and the waterfall framed by softer colors. Winter offers snow and a quieter mood. Neither season is automatically better. Choose based on the sort of scenery you want and your tolerance for cold.

Cancellation and who should book

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted. Weather-related cancellations are handled separately with a new date or full refund.

I would book this if you want a small, personal introduction to Icelandic horses and do not need a fast-paced ride. It suits complete beginners, occasional riders, couples, and people looking for a memorable break from driving and sightseeing.

I would think twice if you dislike cold weather, feel uneasy around horses, or want a demanding riding lesson. The tour is calm and scenic, not an advanced equestrian session.

The best reason to choose it is the combination of gentle horses, real countryside, and the chance to try the tölt. The best practical advice is to enter your riding level, check the exact reception address, and arrive early. If you do those three things, the outing offers a friendly and authentic way to see North Iceland at horse speed.

FAQ

Where does the Viking Horse Riding Experience meet?

You meet at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. The activity ends at the same meeting point.

How long does the horse ride last?

The riding tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. You should also arrive 20 minutes before departure for check-in and preparation.

Can a complete beginner join?

Yes. All riding levels are welcome, including people with no previous riding experience. You must provide your experience level when booking.

What riding levels should I report?

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

What is the maximum weight?

The stated weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

Will I get to try the tölt?

The guide may teach you how to try the Icelandic horse’s tölt gait during the ride. The pace and opportunity can depend on the group and conditions.

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. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.