The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland

The special part of this ride is the horse beneath you. Icelandic horses are compact, calm, and sure-footed, and the famous tölt gait gives you a smooth new way to move through snowy fields, river paths, and hills near Varmahlíð. The route also reaches a waterfall, with time for photographs and, on some outings, a river crossing.

I like the small maximum of eight riders, which gives the guide room to help each person. I also like the clear welcome for beginners: guides such as Maddie, Lara, Franca, and Eli have helped first-time riders feel at ease while still giving experienced riders a chance to enjoy the tölt.

The main thing to watch is the meeting point. The tour is often described as being near Akureyri, but the stated check-in address is Hestasport Reception in Vegamót, Varmahlíð, about 20 minutes before departure. Hestasport has several locations, including reception, stables, and cottages, so arriving at the wrong one can cost you time.

Key points to know before you book

• The horses are gentle and beginner-friendly: First-time riders receive basic instruction before setting out.
• The tölt is the star lesson: Your guide may show you how to ask for this distinctive four-beat gait.
• The route includes a waterfall: Reykjavoss Waterfall is reached on a scenic ride beside the river.
• You ride in a very small group: No more than eight people join the outing.
• Winter weather is part of the setting: Snow can make the ride beautiful, but gloves, warm layers, ear warmers, and gaiters matter.
• The actual meeting point is in Varmahlíð: Check in at Hestasport Reception, not the cottages or another Hestasport site.

A gentle introduction to the Icelandic horse

You do not need riding experience to enjoy this outing. Before mounting, you provide your riding level in the special requirements field: beginner, occasional rider, intermediate, or experienced. That helps the team choose suitable horses and set the pace for the group.

The horses are a major reason this tour works for first-timers. They are described as calm, well trained, patient, and easy to ride. Several beginners felt safe from the start, while experienced riders still had the pleasure of learning more about the tölt and seeing the horses’ individual personalities.

You can expect a basic explanation of how to ride and how to manage your horse before the group leaves. Guides have been praised for giving useful riding tips, answering questions, and checking that people remain comfortable. That personal help matters more here than a long formal lesson. You are not signing up for a riding school class, but you should receive enough guidance to sit correctly, steer, and enjoy the route.

The horses themselves are relatively small compared with many riding breeds. That can make mounting and handling less intimidating, especially if this is your first time on horseback. There is a stated weight limit of 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds, so check that requirement before booking.

From Hestasport Reception to the saddle

The outing begins at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. You should arrive 20 minutes before departure. This is not a detail to brush aside. Hestasport operates several nearby locations, and one couple accidentally drove to the cottages instead of reception.

The check-in process is intended to be clear and friendly. You may be asked about your riding background, and the team uses that information when assigning a horse. Some outings have included a warm drink before or after the ride, though you should not treat that as the main feature of the booking.

The riding portion lasts about 90 minutes. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup at the end.

The location deserves careful planning. The experience is marketed in connection with North Iceland and Akureyri, but the supplied meeting address is in Varmahlíð. Do not assume you can walk over from central Akureyri or find the stable by entering Hestasport into a navigation app without checking the exact address. Allow extra time, especially in winter, and use the reception address supplied with your booking.

Along the river toward Reykjavoss Waterfall

Once the group sets off, the ride follows countryside near the river and heads toward a waterfall. The exact feel of the route changes with the season. In winter, snow covers the ground and softens the hills. In warmer months, you may see greener slopes and a different character along the river.

Reykjavoss Waterfall provides a clear destination for the ride. It is not simply a short turn around a paddock. You go out into open countryside, stop near the falls, and take in the surrounding hills. Guides have also taken photographs of riders with the waterfall behind them, a useful touch when you are managing a horse and cannot easily take your own picture.

The route is as much about quiet scenery as speed. This is a guided countryside ride, not a galloping session. You should expect a steady outing suited to mixed ability levels. If you want a fast, athletic ride, this may feel restrained. If you want to sit comfortably on a well-mannered horse and see more than an indoor arena, the pace makes sense.

Some outings have included a river crossing, while another group watched a separate herd cross a bridge. These details may depend on the route, weather, and conditions on the day, so consider them possible extras rather than promised parts of every departure.

Trying the smooth tölt

The tölt is the Icelandic horse’s famous four-beat gait. It is often described as smooth because the horse keeps one foot on the ground at a time, reducing the bounce many people associate with a faster horse gait.

You may be invited to try it on the return journey, once you have settled into the saddle. This timing is sensible for beginners. First you learn the horse’s rhythm at a walk. Then, with the guide’s help, you can attempt the tölt when you feel more secure.

Do not worry if you do not master it at once. One useful point from the ride reports is that the amount of in-ride coaching can vary. Some guides give frequent tips, while others let the group enjoy the route with less technical instruction. If learning the tölt is a priority, tell your guide early and ask for help with your leg position and reins.

For experienced riders, the tölt is likely to be the most distinctive part of the outing. For beginners, simply feeling the difference between a walk and the smoother gait can be enough. The horse’s calm nature helps keep this lesson fun rather than nerve-racking.

Why the group size matters

With a maximum of eight people, this is a much more personal ride than a large stable outing. A small group gives the guide more room to watch how each rider is doing, answer questions, and adjust advice.

That matters when the group includes both first-time riders and people who already know horses. Beginners can receive extra help without holding up a large line. More experienced riders can ask about the tölt, the breed, or the horses’ behavior without waiting for a long queue of questions.

The guide also has a better chance of taking group photographs at the waterfall. Names that appear among the guiding team include Maddie, Lara, Franca, Eli, and Felecia. You may not get a particular guide, but the reports consistently point to a warm and attentive guiding style. The team explains the basics, keeps an eye on confidence levels, and shares information about the horses and route.

There is one tradeoff. A small group does not guarantee a private ride. If bookings are light, you might be alone or paired with one other person, but the normal maximum remains eight. If you need a guaranteed private outing, that would need to be confirmed directly with Hestasport.

Winter riding: beautiful, cold, and practical

Snow can make this ride especially memorable. A snowy trail beside the river, a waterfall framed by white hills, and the steady movement of an Icelandic horse create a setting you will not get in a standard riding arena.

Winter also demands sensible clothing. Bring gloves, something to keep your ears warm, and gaiters to stop snow or wet ground from getting into your boots. Warm layers are more useful than one heavy coat because you may feel different temperatures while riding, stopping, and standing near the waterfall.

Hestasport has provided overalls to help protect riders from wind on some outings. Still, you should dress as if you may be outside in cold, wet weather for the full 90 minutes. The activity information says it can operate in all weather conditions, while the cancellation terms also allow the operator to cancel in poor weather. That means you should be prepared for ordinary Icelandic weather but understand that unsafe conditions can change the plan.

Snowfall does not automatically ruin the ride. One outing continued in falling snow and was still considered beautiful. The larger issue is road access. Winter conditions can make the drive much longer, so check road conditions and leave plenty of time for the 20-minute check-in.

What the $123.75 price includes in value

At $123.75 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. Still, the price covers about 90 minutes in the saddle, a small group, basic instruction, a guided route to a waterfall, and the chance to try the tölt. For someone who wants a proper Icelandic horse outing rather than a brief photo stop, that is a reasonable package.

The value is strongest if you have never ridden before. You get help choosing a suitable horse, an introduction to riding, and a scenic route that does not require advanced skill. A first-time rider can share the same experience as a more confident partner without either person needing to book a separate activity.

The price also makes more sense if you are already staying near Varmahlíð or combining the ride with other North Iceland sights. It is less attractive if you are based in central Akureyri and must make a long detour only for a 90-minute activity. Before booking, map the actual reception address against your day’s route.

Hot drinks and photographs have been part of some outings, but they should be viewed as pleasant extras rather than guaranteed inclusions. The core value is the horse, the guide, the countryside, and the time outside.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want:

• A first horse ride in Iceland with calm animals and patient instruction
• A small group rather than a busy stable line
• A chance to learn about the Icelandic horse and try the tölt
• A scenic outdoor activity that reaches a waterfall
• A winter ride through snow, provided you can handle cold weather
• A relaxed outing for a couple or small family group with mixed riding ability

You may want another activity if you are looking for several hours on horseback, advanced training, long stretches of fast riding, or a guaranteed private guide. The ride is scenic and friendly, but it is still only about 90 minutes.

It is also not a good choice if you cannot meet the 100-kilogram weight limit. Most people can participate, but the operator asks you to provide your experience level in advance, so do that accurately.

Booking, timing, and cancellation advice

You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity is offered in English. Mobile ticketing keeps the booking simple, but you still need the correct reception address and a 20-minute arrival buffer.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and cancellations inside that period are not refunded. The cut-off uses local Icelandic time.

Weather can affect the plan. If Hestasport cancels because of poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since the ride operates in changing weather, pack properly and keep your schedule a little flexible.

Should you book the Hestasport ride?

Yes, if you want an approachable and scenic introduction to Icelandic horses. The gentle horses, small group, waterfall route, and chance to try the tölt give this outing more substance than a quick stable circuit. I especially like that beginners can join without giving up the more unusual Icelandic riding experience.

Book with care if you are staying in Akureyri. First confirm the drive to Vegamót, Varmahlíð, and do not confuse the reception with Hestasport’s cottages or stables. If the location works for your route and you pack for cold weather, this is a strong choice for a memorable 90-minute ride.

FAQ

Where does the Viking Horse Riding Experience begin?

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

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long does the riding tour last?

The riding tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. All riding levels are welcome, including beginners. You should provide your experience level when booking so the operator can prepare appropriately.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of eight participants.

What is the weight limit?

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

What happens if the weather is too poor for the ride?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation for other reasons is available until 24 hours before the start time.