The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland

The best part of this ride is the chance to see Iceland from horseback, not through a car window. You follow countryside tracks toward a waterfall, cross near a river, and may try the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that feels different from an ordinary walk.

I like the small group limit of eight, which gives the guide room to help nervous beginners. I also like the calm, well-trained horses and the clear attention to matching each rider with a suitable mount. The main drawback is the weather: this is an outdoor ride in an exposed part of Iceland, so cold, wind, snow, and wet conditions are part of the deal.

Key points to know before you book

• The ride lasts about 90 minutes, long enough to see a waterfall and settle into the saddle without taking up your whole day.
• The tölt is the special feature, and guides may let you try it on the way back.
• Beginners are welcome, with basic instruction before the group sets off.
• Groups are capped at eight riders, making this more personal than a large stable outing.
• Meet at Hestasport reception in Varmahlíð, not automatically at the cottages or stable buildings.
• Bring serious cold-weather gear, especially gloves, ear warmers, and gaiters for snowy or wet ground.

Why the Icelandic horse makes this ride different

The Icelandic horse is a compact, sturdy breed known for handling rough ground and for its extra gait, the tölt. Most horses walk, trot, and canter. Icelandic horses can also move in this smooth four-beat rhythm, which can feel surprisingly steady when you are seated correctly.

You should not assume that every rider will spend the whole outing tolting. The guide sets the pace for the group, and the focus is on control and comfort. Still, the chance to try the gait is a real reason to choose this ride over a standard horseback outing.

The horses are described as gentle, calm, sure-footed, and well trained. That matters if this is your first time in a saddle. A horse that responds quietly to simple instructions lets you pay attention to the river, hills, snow, and waterfall instead of worrying about every step.

You will be asked to give your riding level when booking: beginner, occasional rider, intermediate, or experienced. Take that question seriously. It helps the stable choose an appropriate horse and place you where you can ride comfortably within the group.

The weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds. This is a firm practical detail to check before booking.

Starting at Hestasport reception in Varmahlíð

The meeting point is Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. You need to check in 20 minutes before departure.

This detail deserves attention because Hestasport has three locations: the reception, the riding stables, and the accommodation cottages. They are connected with the same operation, but they are not interchangeable meeting points. Put the reception address into your navigation and allow a little extra time to find it.

The check-in is more than a quick hello. Staff need to confirm your riding experience, help prepare you for the outing, and get the right horse assigned. Some riders have also been offered a hot drink, a welcome touch when you arrive cold from the road.

After check-in, expect a short orientation covering the basics of riding and handling the horse. First-time riders have been given enough instruction to feel comfortable before setting out. Guides also take time to help riders individually, which is especially useful if one person in your party has experience and another has never ridden.

Ninety minutes beside the river and hills

The ride itself lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. That is a good middle ground. A one-hour ride can feel rushed once mounting and instruction are included, while a much longer outing may be tiring for a first-time rider.

The route leads through the countryside around Hestasport, with the river and hills providing the main scenery. In winter, snow can cover the tracks and surrounding fields. Snowfall is not automatically a reason to expect a poor ride. It can make the setting feel quiet and striking, but it also makes warm clothing and good protection for your lower legs more important.

The ride turns around at a waterfall, identified in the tour experience as Reykjavoss Waterfall. The waterfall gives the outing a clear destination rather than a simple loop around the stable grounds. Guides may stop to let you enjoy the view and take photographs, including group pictures with the horses.

The scenery changes with the season. Winter brings snow-covered ground and a stark, quiet feeling. In warmer months, you may see greener hills and a different view of the river and waterfall. If you are choosing between seasons, winter offers the more unusual setting, while summer may be easier for riders who dislike cold and wet weather.

Some rides include a river crossing or a view of another herd of horses crossing a bridge. These details can vary with the route and conditions, so treat them as possible additions rather than guaranteed parts of every departure.

Trying the tölt on the return

The guide may introduce the tölt during the return leg. This is sensible, since you have had time to learn how your horse moves and how to follow the group.

Do not worry if you are a complete beginner. The guides explain the basics and keep the pace suitable for the group. The ride is not presented as a speed-focused session, and the key aim is to help you enjoy the horse safely.

That said, riders who want detailed coaching on every gait should set their expectations carefully. The amount of instruction during the ride can depend on the guide and the mix of abilities in the group. Some people have wanted more tips on trotting and changing gaits, while others have found the guidance exactly right for a relaxed outing.

Your best approach is to tell the guide what you want. If you are eager to try the tölt, say so. If you are nervous, say that too. A small group makes this conversation easier.

What the guides add to the experience

The guide is central to a horseback tour, and Hestasport’s guides are repeatedly praised for being kind, calm, and helpful. Names associated with recent rides include Maddie, Lara, Franca, Felecia, and Eli.

The strongest pattern is personal attention. Guides help riders before departure, explain how to handle the horse, share information about the animals and route, and check that everyone feels safe. That matters more than a long spoken presentation. You are here to ride, not sit through a lecture.

Franca has been especially noted for helping riders with no previous experience enjoy the outing. Lara has guided rides featuring the waterfall and tolting. Felecia has helped with group photographs, while Eli has led a ride that included a river crossing and changes of gait.

Guide assignments can change, so do not book on the assumption that a particular person will lead your tour. The useful point is the guiding style: expect practical help, a friendly manner, and attention to different skill levels.

Clothing matters more than you may expect

The tour operates in all weather conditions, and the booking information says it may be canceled if poor weather makes the outing unsuitable. Those two facts belong together. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and riding outdoors exposes you to wind and cold for the full duration.

Dress in layers and protect your hands, ears, and lower legs. Gloves, ear warmers, and gaiters are particularly useful suggestions for this ride. Waterproof outer clothing is also sensible, especially in snow or rain.

Hestasport has provided warm overalls for some riders, which can be helpful against wind. Do not count on those as your only protection, and ask at check-in what is available that day.

Comfort affects the whole experience. If your fingers are cold or your boots are wet, it is harder to enjoy the horses and scenery. Pack clothing for sitting still outdoors, not just for walking between sights.

Is $123.75 a fair price?

At $123.75 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. It is fair value if you want a proper 90-minute ride, a small group, a guide, a trained Icelandic horse, and a route reaching a waterfall rather than a short circuit near the stable.

The small group is important here. With no more than eight riders, the guide has a better chance of helping beginners and keeping the pace together. You are also paying for horse care, preparation, equipment, staff time, and the handling of riders with different levels of experience.

The value is strongest for a first-time rider who wants a safe introduction with memorable scenery. Experienced riders may find the outing less demanding than a long trail ride, particularly if the group moves at a beginner-friendly pace.

You can also book the experience without needing to commit to a full day. The 90-minute duration leaves room for other plans, though you should still allow time to arrive 20 minutes early and find the correct reception building.

Who should book this ride?

This is a strong choice for beginners, couples, families with suitable participants, and anyone who wants to add a slower outdoor activity to an Iceland trip. It also suits riders who care more about scenery and the character of the Icelandic horse than speed or technical riding.

The experience is especially useful for mixed groups. One person can be new to horses while another has occasional or intermediate experience, and the guide can match horses and pace as needed.

It is less suitable if you want a long, fast, advanced ride or a highly technical lesson. The tour welcomes experienced riders, but the group still has to work for all ability levels.

Check the weight limit before paying. Also consider the weather forecast, your clothing, and your comfort with outdoor activity in cold conditions. The ride can operate in snow, but that does not mean every person will enjoy riding in it.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

Your confirmation arrives when you book, and the activity is offered in English. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. If Hestasport cancels because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Because the experience is popular and is often booked around 65 days ahead, reserve early if your Iceland itinerary has fixed dates. A mobile ticket makes the booking simple, but it does not remove the need to arrive at the correct Hestasport reception.

Should you book the Viking Horse Riding Experience?

Book it if you want a friendly, scenic introduction to Icelandic horses, especially if you are new to riding. The waterfall, river, snow, and chance to try the tölt give the outing more character than a basic stable ride.

I would be cautious only if you dislike cold weather, need an advanced riding workout, or are unsure about meeting the 100-kilogram limit. For most suitable riders, the combination of calm horses, patient guides, a small group, and a 90-minute route makes this one of the better ways to experience the countryside around Varmahlíð.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride begin?

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

How early should I arrive?

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

How long does the experience last?

The riding experience lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners and riders of all experience levels can participate. You should provide your level as beginner, occasional rider, intermediate, or experienced when booking.

How many people can join the tour?

The group has a maximum of eight riders.

What is the weight limit?

The weight limit is 100 kilograms, or 220 pounds.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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