Deacon Horse Riding Tour

This Deacon Horse Riding Tour from Akureyri is interesting because it swaps the big-road, bus-style sightseeing for time in the mountains and countryside on an Icelandic horse. I like the way the ride keeps things small-group and personal, with guides who handle everyone from first-timers to people who ride often. One consideration: the “mountains” vibe is real, but parts of the route include gravel and dirt roads, so it is not a non-stop off-road climb the whole way.

I also really like the practical setup. You get matched with a horse, you receive straightforward help in the beginning, and you get multiple chances to tölt, Iceland’s smooth four-beat gait. At the end, you warm up with coffee and light refreshments, and I’ve seen homemade cake show up at least sometimes.

The main drawback I’d flag is pacing and time. The ride is about 1.5 hours of riding, and some riders who wanted more speed or longer time felt it was short.

Key things I’d focus on before you book

• Tölt opportunities: You’ll get multiple chances to try Icelandic horse comfort on the move.
• Small-group feel: Maximum group size is listed at 8, and many days are even smaller.
• Guides who slow down for beginners: Names you might meet include Lara, Ann Marie, Anna María, Amelie, Monica, Britt, Berber, and Marta.
• Photo and rest moments: Expect short breaks for photos and a calmer rhythm during the ride.
• Coffee and refreshments after: Homemade cake has popped up in the experience, plus tea and snacks at finish.
• Mountain views, plus some gravel: You’ll see the dramatic backdrop, but you may spend part of the ride on dirt/gravel paths.

Akureyri horseback riding, but with time where buses can’t go

If you’re based around Akureyri, this is a nice “north Iceland” activity that feels like you actually get into the countryside. The highlight is being on horseback in the mountains and around trails that larger tour buses typically cannot access. You’ll trade the usual quick photo stops for a slower, moving view where the scenery keeps changing every few minutes.

The other reason I like it is that Icelandic horses do a lot of the work for you. Even when you’re tense at the start, their gait can make riding feel surprisingly manageable. That’s a big part of why this tour earns such high marks, including from people who had never ridden before.

Where you meet: Ytri Bægisá, then back again

The meeting point is Ytri Bægisá, Þelamerkurvegur, 604, Iceland. This is not a “meet at a random parking lot and hope for the best” situation. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you can plan your day without a long, confusing transfer at the end.

One practical note for cruise days: some riders reported needing an extra taxi ride to reach the stable when ship transport did not match what they expected. If you’re arriving by cruise, I’d plan a little buffer time and confirm how you’ll get to the farm on your specific date.

The setup: matching you to the right horse (and the right comfort level)

You join the stable team for the riding part, and the tour is designed for all skill levels. That matters because you do not just show up and get thrown onto any horse. In practice, the guides take time to get you comfortable in the saddle, and many riders start with a short lesson in a pen or at the beginning of the experience.

If you are an experienced rider, you still get value here. You’ll be able to ride the Icelandic horses at a pace that fits the group, with chances at faster moments when conditions and safety allow. If you are a beginner, the focus is on steady reassurance and clear help. People in the group often end up feeling secure fast.

The ride itself: trails, river crossings, and multiple tölt moments

The riding adventure is about one and a half hours, and you may get breaks for photos during the ride. The overall tour duration is listed at about 2 hours 15 minutes, which includes what comes before and after the horseback time.

The terrain sounds varied enough to keep it interesting:

• wooded trails and open stretches
• mountain backdrop views
• streams and countryside edges
• moments that can include crossing a river, plus riding through different ground types

And yes, the tölt is a core part of why Icelandic horse riding is different. You’re not just walking along. You’ll have multiple opportunities to experience that signature gait, which is one reason first-timers often say the ride feels smoother than they expected.

About pace: most rides lean calm and controlled. Some guests describe slow walk riding, with faster tölt moments closer to the end. If you want a higher-energy ride, say so at the start and ask what is possible for your level and the day’s horse lineup.

Expect photo stops and a short breather for your brain

Part of what makes this tour feel “storybook” is the rhythm. It is not nonstop effort the whole time. You get stops that let you reset, take photos, and look around without feeling rushed.

In some experiences, guests described a rest stop on a hillside, plus multiple photo moments built into the ride. It helps a lot if you are trying to take decent pictures, because you can lift your phone or camera while the group pauses rather than trying to shoot one-handed at full motion.

Coffee, light refreshments, and the cake moment

After the ride, you’re invited to join for coffee and light refreshments. That sounds simple, but it’s one of those “small details that make the day feel finished” choices. It gives you time to breathe, warm up, and swap stories while your legs go back to normal.

Some people mention tea plus delicious cake at the end. Homemade cake has been specifically called out, and it’s the kind of local, friendly touch that makes the experience feel less like a transaction and more like a shared moment.

Price and value: what $160.57 buys you in real-world terms

The price is $160.57 per person. For Iceland, that puts the experience in the “activity money” category, so you want to be sure the value matches what you came for.

Here’s what you’re getting for the cost, based on the experience details:

• a small group (maximum listed at 8)
• about 1.5 hours on horseback
• multiple tölt opportunities
• help at the beginning, including short instruction for beginners
• coffee and light refreshments at the end

Is it a bargain? No. But it is reasonable for a guided horseback experience where the horses and guide time are the whole product. If you care about comfort, safety, and not rushing through Iceland in a vehicle, this is the kind of spend that tends to feel worth it.

If you’re expecting something else, adjust your expectations. One rider pointed out that the “mountains of northern Iceland” description can feel a bit different from reality if you imagine constant mountain trails. You still get great views, but parts of the route can be dirt and gravel. So the value comes from the horseback time and tölt experience, not from a pure, rugged trail hike all the way.

Who should book this Deacon Horse Riding Tour from Akureyri

This tour is a good fit if you:

• want Icelandic horse riding without needing advanced technique
• like a guided experience where horses are matched to your comfort level
• enjoy scenic countryside riding more than adrenaline sports
• want something you can do as a couple, friend group, or family unit

It’s also a good choice if you want a more personal feel. Even though there’s a stated cap, many days can be very small, and some riders even described just two people on their tour.

If you are very sensitive to delays, one consideration is that on busier days you may wait briefly while riders are matched to horses and saddles. Most people report patience and care, but it’s smart to plan a calm schedule.

Practical tips: how to get the most out of a smooth-tölt day

A few things will help you enjoy this more right away:

• Arrive a bit early, and ask where to park and how to enter. One guest specifically suggested that arriving riders may benefit from extra clarity on this point.
• Tell the guide your riding comfort level at the start. That helps them match the right horse and pace.
• If you want more speed, ask what is possible for your group. Some riders felt the ride was slower than they hoped, especially at the end.
• If you’re prone to feeling nervous on horses, lean into the first-lesson support. Beginners described getting comfortable quickly thanks to patient guidance.
• Bring a phone or small camera, but expect that the best shots come at planned stops. The ride includes photo breaks for a reason.

Should you book it?

Yes, I’d book this Deacon Horse Riding Tour if your goal is guided Icelandic horse time in the Akureyri region, with real chances to tölt and an end-of-tour coffee and cake moment. It’s especially worth it for first-time riders, because the experience is set up to help you feel safe and supported from the start.

Pass or consider an alternative if you’re chasing a longer ride with nonstop speed, or if you’re expecting a fully rugged off-road mountain trail the entire time. In that case, you may end up wishing the ride ran longer or faster.

In most cases, though, this is one of those days in Iceland that turns into a clear highlight, because the motion, the horses, and the scenery all stay in the same frame for about 1.5 hours straight.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Deacon Horse Riding Tour?

The tour is listed at about 2 hours 15 minutes, with about 1.5 hours of horseback riding during that time.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. All skill levels are welcome, from beginner to expert riders.

How many people are in a group?

The activity is capped at a maximum of 8 travelers.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You start at Ytri Bægisá, Þelamerkurvegur, 604, Iceland. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included at the end of the ride?

After horseback riding, you’re invited to coffee and light refreshments.

When is the tour available?

It runs in summer, February through October.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. 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 paid will not be refunded.