North Iceland: Horseback Riding Tour

The special part of this two-hour Icelandic horse ride is the variety under your saddle. You leave the farm, follow a river, cross a small lake, pass through volcanic rocks and moss, cross a black sand plain, then return through a birch forest. It feels like a proper ride through northeastern Iceland, not a short paddock circuit.

I like the mix of gentle horses and changing scenery. I also like that guides such as Audrey and Anna take time with beginners and match horses carefully to riders. The catch is practical: you must arrange your own transport to the farm, and two hours in the saddle can leave you sore. Cold, wind, rain, and even snow are possible, so clothing matters.

Key points to know before you ride

• Try the tölt: This smooth, distinctive gait is one of the highlights of riding an Icelandic horse.
• Ride through five kinds of scenery: Expect fields, riverbanks, a small lake, volcanic rocks, black sand, and birch woodland.
• Good for beginners: You need basic physical fitness, but previous riding experience is not required.
• Small group setting: The tour is limited to seven people, which allows for more personal help.
• Plan your own transport: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
• Allow for Icelandic weather: Wear warm, weatherproof clothing and comfortable shoes.

Why this ride feels more than a beginner circuit

Many horseback outings give you a short loop near the stable. This one uses the countryside around the farm as the main attraction. You ride through several surfaces and habitats in one outing, so the scenery keeps changing instead of repeating.

I especially like the way the route combines everyday farm life with raw volcanic terrain. At the start, you pass fields where cows graze in summer and sheep are present in autumn. Later, the setting becomes less cultivated, with moss, lava rocks, dark sand, and water.

That change tells you something about northeastern Iceland. The ride is not only about sitting on a horse and taking photos. You get a close view of how farmland gives way to river corridors and old volcanic ground.

The group size helps here. With no more than seven participants, the guide has a fair chance to check each rider, answer questions, and adjust the pace. Audrey has been especially good at encouraging beginners and explaining the area as you go. Anna has also been praised for giving an informative, friendly ride.

Guide assignments can vary, so you should not book solely expecting one particular person. Still, the experience clearly depends on a patient guide, and that is an important part of its appeal.

Getting settled with an Icelandic horse

You begin at the farm, where you receive a helmet and riding equipment. The tour is designed for both first-time riders and people who already ride, so the guide can help you get comfortable before setting off.

The Icelandic horse is a particularly good match for this kind of tour. The breed is known for its sure-footed nature and its special tölt, a smooth four-beat gait. You should not assume you will spend the whole ride at the tölt, especially if the group includes beginners, but the tour gives you a chance to try it.

Your horse is selected for you. One rider specifically appreciated being paired with Lisa, a horse that suited her ability and comfort level. That kind of matching matters more than the color or size of the horse. A well-matched horse can make a beginner relax quickly.

You still need a basic level of physical fitness. Riding is not passive. You use your legs and core to stay balanced, and mounting, dismounting, and maintaining position can tire you. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with animal allergies.

Leaving the farm through fields and river country

The ride starts across farm country. In summer, cows graze in the fields. In autumn, sheep take their place, giving the same route a different feel depending on the season.

You then make your way toward the river and follow it for part of the ride. This is a good early section for settling into the horse. The route gives you time to find your balance and get used to the guide’s instructions before the more varied ground arrives.

The river is also one of the places where the scenery feels most open. You can look across the water and out toward the surrounding countryside while your horse keeps a steady pace. Guides also share small facts and stories about the area, which adds context without turning the ride into a formal lecture.

The route may include crossing moving water. The supplied description refers to a small lake, and riders have also described crossing a small river. Water conditions can vary, so follow the guide’s instructions and expect the exact footing to depend on the day.

Crossing water and volcanic ground

The small lake is one of the tour’s more memorable features. Crossing it on horseback gives the ride a sense of movement and place that you do not get from a standard trail beside a stable.

After the water, the route crisscrosses volcanic rocks and moss. This is where sturdy footwear and sensible clothing become useful. You are not walking over the rocks, but the changing surface makes the ride more active than a flat farm track.

The volcanic ground is a reminder that Iceland’s scenery is shaped by fire as much as by ice and water. Black rock, green moss, and open sky create strong contrasts, especially in clear weather. In poor weather, the same section may feel rougher and more dramatic.

The guide controls the pace, which helps make this section workable for mixed ability levels. Experienced riders may find the pace restrained, but that is the sensible tradeoff when beginners share the route. The goal is a safe, enjoyable ride for the whole small group.

The black sand plain

The broad black sand plain gives the tour its most distinctly Icelandic setting. You cross the plain on horseback before turning back toward the farm.

Black sand can make a landscape feel stark, especially beside green moss and pale water. It also gives you space to take in the scale of the surroundings. The route is not a sightseeing stop with a long break, so you should be ready to enjoy the views while riding.

This is a place where weather can change your experience. One October rider described snow in some spots, while another rode in cold, wind, and rain. Those conditions are not a flaw in the tour, but they do affect comfort and visibility.

Bring layers and weatherproof outer clothing. Comfortable clothes are required, and comfortable shoes are recommended. The operator has provided foul-weather clothing in at least one difficult-weather situation, but you should not count on borrowing equipment. Arrive prepared.

Returning through the birch forest

The final part of the loop takes you through a natural birch forest on the way back to the farm. After the open black sand plain and exposed volcanic ground, the trees create a more enclosed finish.

The birch woodland is also a good contrast to the route’s harsher sections. You move from open farm fields to river, water, lava, sand, and then trees. That sequence gives the two-hour ride a satisfying sense of progress.

Because the route returns to the farm rather than ending at a separate site, the outing stays easy to understand. You start and finish in the same place, with no mid-tour transfer or extra pickup involved.

What the two-hour duration really gives you

Two hours is long enough to see several types of terrain without committing to an all-day riding trip. For a first-time rider, that is a useful balance. You get a real outing, but you are less likely to spend the entire day uncomfortable if your legs are not used to riding.

The drawback is that the time passes quickly. You cannot expect long stops at every scenic point, extended instruction, and a fast ride all in the same two hours. The guide must keep the group moving to complete the route.

Experienced riders may want more time at the tölt or a faster pace. This tour is better suited to riders who value scenery, a friendly atmosphere, and a manageable introduction to Icelandic horses. It is not presented as an advanced riding lesson or a high-speed trek.

Some soreness afterward is normal. One rider was delighted with the outing but noted feeling sore the next morning. If you rarely ride, stretch beforehand and avoid scheduling a demanding activity immediately afterward.

The guide makes the difference for beginners

You do not need riding experience, but you do need to listen closely and remain calm around the horses. The guide explains what to do, checks on the group, and helps you feel secure in the saddle.

Audrey has been singled out for patience, encouragement, and attention to each person. That is useful if you are nervous or part of a family group with mixed confidence. She has also shared stories and details about the area while keeping an eye on the riders.

Anna has received similar praise for being friendly and informative. The important point is not the name of the guide on your booking, which may change, but the guide’s role in making the ride work for different abilities.

Families and couples can enjoy the outing together, provided everyone meets the basic physical requirements. People with no riding background have been able to feel comfortable on the horses after the initial explanation. You should still be honest about your fitness and any back problems before booking.

Price, group size, and transport

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Iceland. But the price includes a full two-hour ride, an experienced English-speaking guide, a helmet, and riding equipment. The small group limit of seven also gives it more value than a large stable operation where individual help may be limited.

The route itself strengthens the case for the price. You are not paying for a brief ride around a fenced area. You cover farm fields, river country, a lake, volcanic rocks, black sand, and birch forest in one loop.

The main cost to factor in is getting to the farm. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own transportation. This can be especially important if you are visiting from a cruise ship or working around a tight port schedule.

One rider had trouble when a cruise ship changed ports shortly before the tour. The operator was flexible and accommodating, but that should not lead you to assume every transport problem can be solved. Check the farm location and travel time before paying, and leave a proper margin before the start.

You should arrive at least 10 minutes early. That gives you time to find the meeting point, put on equipment, and settle in without rushing the group.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

Icelandic weather can change the tone of this ride in minutes. In summer, you might have clear views and see cows in the fields. In autumn, you may see sheep, colder air, rain, wind, or even snow.

Wear layers that allow movement. Bring weather-appropriate outer clothing, comfortable clothes, and sturdy comfortable shoes. Avoid dressing as if this were a short photo stop. You will be outside and on horseback for two hours.

A helmet and riding equipment are included. Food and drinks are not, so bring anything you need before or after the outing. The activity does not appear to include a meal break, and the route is built around continuous riding.

Animal allergies are a clear concern. You should not book if you have an allergy to horses or other animals. Pregnant women and people with back problems should also choose another activity.

Who should book this horse ride

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a scenic introduction rather than a formal lesson
• Couples looking for a quiet outdoor activity
• Families whose members have a basic level of fitness
• Experienced riders who enjoy Icelandic horses and varied scenery
• People who want to try the tölt in a relaxed small group
• Visitors with their own transport to the farm

I would be more cautious if you want a fast, technical ride. The mixed-ability format means the guide must keep things manageable for everyone.

I would also skip it if you have a back problem, animal allergy, pregnancy, or serious difficulty with physical activity. The tour is beginner-friendly, but beginner-friendly does not mean effortless.

Cancellation and booking flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some flexibility while you finalize your Iceland plans.

That is useful in a country where weather and road conditions can complicate a schedule. Still, the flexible policy does not replace checking transport. You remain responsible for reaching the farm on time.

Should you book the North Iceland horseback ride?

Book it if you want varied scenery, gentle horses, and a small group rather than a short stable-yard ride. The route gives you a good sample of northeastern Iceland in two hours, and the guide support makes it approachable for people who have never ridden before.

The $141 price is reasonable when you count the length, equipment, guide, and route. Your main decision is transport and weather. If you can reach the farm, dress for a rough day outside, and accept a steady group pace, this is a strong way to meet the Icelandic horse in its natural setting.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts two hours.

Where does the tour take place?

It takes place in northeastern Iceland, starting from a farm in the region.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for beginners and advanced riders, and previous riding experience is not required. You should have a basic level of physical fitness.

Can I try the tölt?

Yes. The tour gives you the chance to try the tölt, the distinctive gait of the Icelandic horse.

What scenery will I see?

You ride through farm fields, along a river, across a small lake, through volcanic rocks and moss, over a black sand plain, and back through a natural birch forest.

What equipment is included?

A helmet and riding equipment are included, along with the two-hour tour and an experienced guide.

Is transportation from my hotel 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 wear?

Wear comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes, and clothing suited to the weather. Warm and weatherproof layers are sensible because conditions can include cold, wind, rain, and snow.

Who should not take this tour?

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

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to seven participants. The guide speaks English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.