This is one of those Akureyri experiences where the views come at you from every angle, because you start on a farm and ride out toward the ocean and mountains. I like the peaceful pace and the way the horses fit both kids and adults, from first-time riders to people who have ridden before. I also like the farm animal setting and the chance to pause halfway for photos. One thing to consider: this is very weather-dependent, so if conditions are poor, the ride can be rescheduled or refunded.

You will be on Icelandic horses known for being calm and friendly, and the scenery is the main event: ocean, mountains, and fjord views you can actually take in without feeling rushed. I recommend it if you want something scenic that still feels hands-on. If you are not comfortable mounting a horse or you are expecting a long hike, this shorter ride may feel too brief.

Key things to know before you go

• Gentle Icelandic horses with a reputation for a calm, friendly temperament
• Two route options during the ride, black beach direction or a forest road path
• Halfway photo stop, with a pause so each rider gets a moment for pictures
• Family-run farm atmosphere, with other animals like sheep, cats, and dogs
• Private experience for your group, so you are not sharing instruction with strangers

Gásir Farm Views, Fjord Air, and Icelandic Horse Temperament

Start your day at Gásir (604) and you are already surrounded by Iceland’s best trick, big views from small spaces. From the farm, you look out toward the ocean, the mountains, and the fjord stretching nearby. It is the kind of setting that makes you feel like you are riding along a postcard, but you are not just standing still, you are moving.

What makes the whole thing work is the horse temperament. Icelandic horses are often praised for being even-keeled and approachable, and this tour leans into that. You are not treated like a ticket number, you get practical instruction before you mount, and you ride at a pace that lets you enjoy what is around you.

Getting Set Up at Ak Hestaferdir Ehf in Gásir

This is run by Ak Hestaferdir Ehf, a family-run operation based on a working farm. That matters because you are not showing up to a sterile arena. You are stepping into a real place where horses share space and attention with other animals, including sheep, cats, and dogs. Even if you are not an animal person, it adds warmth to the experience.

The tour is designed for a wide range of riders. They have horses suited for both children and adults, and they cater to first-time riders as well as experienced riders. The key requirement is simple: you need to be fit enough to mount a horse and participate comfortably.

You will also want to think about how much attention you need before riding. The instruction is part of the value here. If you have not been on a horse before, you will likely feel supported. If you ride often, you will still appreciate a clear refresher so everyone gets on the same page.

The One Hour Ride Plan: Black Beach or Forest Road

You do not start with a long, complicated itinerary. You mount, then ride out along one of two scenic routes. The direction you take will be either toward black beach or along the road toward the forest.

Both options make sense, and that flexibility helps the tour feel like it fits the day. If you want dramatic shoreline vibes, you will probably enjoy the black beach direction. If you prefer something a bit calmer and greener in feel, the forest road option can be more sheltered and easy to focus on.

Either way, the ride is timed so you get real views without feeling like you have been on a mount for half a day. At about one hour, it is a solid add-on when your Iceland day already has other plans.

Halfway Photo Stop and How the Timing Really Feels

About halfway through, the ride stops briefly for photos. This is one of those details that sounds small, but it changes everything. When you are riding, it is hard to get a clear picture because you are moving, and you are usually coordinating with other riders and your own balance.

Here, each rider gets a moment for pictures, which means you are more likely to come away with at least a few shots that actually look like you were having a good time. It is also a natural break for your body. Even on a calm horse, an hour in Icelandic weather and on uneven ground can add up.

Timing-wise, remember that this is approximately 1 hour total for the riding experience. You will mount, ride out, pause for photos, then return to where you started.

Meet the Icelandic Horse Up Close, Not Just From a Distance

If you like horses, this is the sweet spot. You are not just observing from afar, you are interacting through riding and handling. Icelandic horses are known for different coat colors, and you may notice that they come in many shades. More than color, though, is personality. These horses are described as gentle and friendly in nature, and the whole setup is built around that.

For first-time riders, the real benefit is confidence. A calm horse makes it easier to learn basics quickly because you are not fighting the animal’s energy. For experienced riders, you still get a scenic ride without the pressure of a complicated technical route.

One more practical point: you should only plan this if you feel comfortable mounting and staying on. The tour is not described as an option for people who cannot mount a horse. If that is a concern, ask before booking so you do not waste time.

Where Medieval Trade Meets a Modern Horse Farm

There is a history layer here that you will likely enjoy once you connect the dots. Gásir, also known as Gásakaupstaður, was a trading post on Gáseyri by the Hörgár River in Eyjafjörður. It was the main trading post in North Iceland during the Middle Ages.

Even if you are not a medieval-history nerd, it makes the location feel less random. You are standing in a place that once mattered for moving goods through the region, and now it is a working farm where the “trade” is experiences and care for animals. That change of purpose is part of what makes Iceland feel human, not just scenic.

Price and Value: Is $138.58 Worth It?

At $138.58 per person for about one hour, this is not a budget activity. But it also is not trying to compete with mass-market tours.

Here is why I think it can be good value:

• You get a private setup for your group, not a crowded ride where you wait your turn.
• You ride scenic terrain with ocean and fjord views from near the farm, not just a generic loop.
• The horses are suited for kids, adults, and mixed experience levels, which reduces the hassle of trying to find the right setup elsewhere.
• The experience includes real instruction before mounting, which is especially valuable for beginners.

If you are comparing it to longer multi-hour tours, the shorter duration can be a downside. But if your goal is a high-quality, scenic hour that does not eat your entire day, this is a pretty clean match.

Also, it is easy to plan: you will receive confirmation at booking, and you get a mobile ticket. That is less stress when you are moving around Akureyri.

What to Wear, Bring, and Expect on the Day

Because this is outdoors and Iceland weather can shift fast, plan like you are heading onto a cool farm road, not into a controlled indoor venue. Even if the views look clear, wind and damp air can happen.

A good, practical packing mindset:

• Dress in layers so you can adjust while you are waiting and while you are riding
• Bring gloves if you get cold easily
• Wear shoes you can trust on uneven ground around the stables and farm areas
• If you want extra photos, bring a camera or phone with a strap, since you will be holding position while riding

You should also know the tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That flexibility matters, especially in Iceland where “plans” sometimes mean “suggestions.”

Who Should Book This Horse Ride in Gásir, Akureyri

This is a strong choice if you:

• love animals and want hands-on time with horses
• want fjord and ocean views without committing to a long trek
• have mixed skill levels in your group, because the setup supports both first-timers and experienced riders
• prefer a private tour experience rather than joining a large group

It might not be for you if:

• you are not comfortable with mounting a horse
• you were hoping for a long ride or a half-day adventure
• you are traveling during a stretch when weather is consistently bad and you cannot reschedule

Should You Book? My Practical Take

If you want a calm, scenic hour in the Akureyri region, I would book this. The strongest reasons are simple: gentle Icelandic horses, the promise of ocean and mountain-fjord views, and that thoughtful halfway photo stop that helps you actually capture the experience.

Just be honest about your comfort level with mounting and staying on. If you are comfortable with that and you can handle Iceland weather possibly changing your timing, this ride is a very satisfying way to spend part of your day.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour start and end?

The tour starts at Gásir, 604, Iceland, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the ride?

The experience lasts about 1 hour.

Is this a private tour?

Yes, it is private, and only your group will participate.

Can first-time riders join?

Yes. The horses and instruction are described as suitable for first time riders, as well as more experienced riders.

What kind of horses do you use?

The tour uses Icelandic horses and you can choose horses suitable for children and adults. They are described as gentle and friendly.

Do you ride to the black beach or the forest?

You will ride either toward the black beach or take the road to the forest, depending on the route option used that day.

Is there a photo stop during the ride?

Yes. There is a stop halfway through to take pictures of each rider.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

When can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.