Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall

If you want Iceland horses plus a famous waterfall without carving out half a day, this short ride is a smart move. You’ll enjoy the Icelandic horses up close, and you’ll get to reach the edge of the steep canyon for Reykjafoss photos. One heads-up, it’s weather-dependent and the time in the saddle is brief, so plan it as a highlight add-on, not a long trail adventure.

I like that it keeps things simple and controlled: you meet at Hestasport, ride toward Reykjafoss, and end back where you started. The views of Skagafjörður and the dramatic drop of water into Brandgil are the payoff. And if your group includes kids, it helps that the experience is set up for most travelers, with a max group size of 8.

This is also set up for modern travel. You get a confirmation after booking, and you can use a mobile ticket in English. If you like doing a lot of memorable things with minimal fuss, you’ll appreciate that approach.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Short timing, real impact: about 30 minutes of ride time, with the whole experience running closer to an hour
• Small group (max 8): more personal help on the basics of riding and safer photo moments
• Reykjafoss plus canyon views: you see water pouring down stepped rock into Brandgil
• Photo opportunity from your saddle: aim your camera between the horse’s ears for a classic Iceland shot
• Guides focus on safety and comfort: some groups are led by Ellen, who teaches the essentials and chooses a safe area to trot
• Even in winter: one group rode in January with Amrei, and the setup still felt organized

Why a quick Reykjafoss ride works so well from Akureyri

Akureyri is great for stacking experiences. You can tour town, chase viewpoints, then still fit in something truly Icelandic. This horseback outing gives you that mix fast. You get close to horses, you get a real waterfall, and you do it with a time commitment that won’t wreck your day.

What makes Reykjafoss special is the setting. The water doesn’t just fall, it drops down steps into a steep canyon called Brandgil. From the saddle, you’re not looking at a postcard from far away. You’re moving through scenery in the Skagafjörður region, then you’re positioned for the kind of photos that look like you planned it.

The “short” part is also practical. If you’re on a tight schedule or you’ve already done hikes and waterfalls, this ride offers a change of pace without demanding a full day of travel.

Arriving at Hestasport: meeting point, setup, and what to expect

You start at the Hestasport Reception, at the Cottages and Riding Tours location on Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. The ride is organized around getting you matched with a horse and getting you comfortable before you head out.

This is the part you’ll want to treat seriously. Even if you’ve ridden before, take a moment to listen carefully when your guide explains the riding basics. The experience is designed for most travelers, but “most” still means you should be ready to follow instructions.

One of the reasons people rate this so highly is the calm, friendly staff approach. In particular, I’ve seen mentions of Ellen for clear instruction, especially when it comes to riding fundamentals and safety. If you’re nervous, this kind of coaching matters more than perfect weather.

The short route to Reykjafoss: Skagafjörður views and real time in the saddle

Once you’re mounted, you ride toward Reykjafoss. The route is built around a scenic payoff, including mountain panorama views of Skagafjörður. You’re not stuck looking at one direction for the whole ride. You get that Iceland “rolling layers” feeling, where mountains and sky keep shifting as you move.

Timing is a big part of the value here. The activity is listed at about 30 minutes, but your total time on the outing can feel closer to an hour once you include check-in and the full back-and-forth. That matters because it helps you plan your day around it, not around a vague “maybe longer” situation.

This also helps if you’re traveling with kids. One family highlight was that a 6-year-old was genuinely over the moon. If you’re with children, short rides usually beat long ones, especially in cold or changeable weather.

Reykjafoss and Brandgil canyon: what you’ll see and how to photograph it

The main stop is Reykjafoss. This waterfall is the star, and the visual story is the way the water drops in steps down into Brandgil canyon. It’s dramatic without needing fancy equipment or a guide to point out the obvious. You’ll see the water rushing down, then imagine the scale once you realize how steep the canyon edge is nearby.

This is where the photo moment really comes in. You’ll have chances to take pictures while you’re on horseback. A neat detail: you can get some impressive shots between the ears of your furry companion. That framing works because it gives you both the animal and the waterfall in the same image, which is exactly what you want from a unique Iceland photo session.

Practical tip: take one or two quick photos before you get too focused on the perfect shot. It sounds silly, but on horseback your best timing usually comes in short windows. When the view is good, capture it, then relax and enjoy the moment.

One more safety note, because canyon edges are involved. Your guide will position you for viewing and photos. Follow instructions without improvising, even if it looks like you can lean a bit farther for the shot.

Riding basics and trot time: getting comfortable fast

Horse tours can feel intimidating if you’ve only ridden a few times. Here’s the good part: the experience is set up to keep the learning curve short. Your guide goes over the basics, so you understand how to sit, how to hold the reins, and how to follow cues.

In one strong highlight, Ellen was specifically mentioned for teaching the basics and then taking riders out to a safe area to trot. That detail tells you something important about how the ride is managed. Trotting, when it happens, is not random. It’s done in a controlled spot, which reduces stress for newer riders and helps keep things feeling secure.

If you’re a first-timer, focus on listening and staying balanced. If you’re comfortable in the saddle already, you can still enjoy the ride without rushing. The point is a safe, scenic experience that fits the time.

Price and value: is $90.12 worth it?

At $90.12 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do around Akureyri. But for what you get, it often lands in the “worth it” category.

Here’s the value math I’d use if I were planning your day. You’re paying for: a small-group horseback experience, a professional setup at Hestasport, and access to a memorable natural stop at Reykjafoss. You’re also paying for time efficiency, because this is the kind of activity that gives you big scenery credit without stealing your whole afternoon.

Small group size matters, too. With a max of 8 travelers, you’re less likely to feel like you’re part of a rushed assembly line. That often translates into better instruction and smoother pacing, especially for beginners or families.

So if your goal is to get that unmistakable Iceland horse moment plus waterfall photos, this price looks reasonable for a short outing. If your goal is long, technical trail riding, you might feel like you want more saddle time for the money.

Weather, timing, and what to wear so you enjoy it

This experience requires good weather. That’s not a small detail. Iceland conditions change fast, and horseback riding becomes harder when paths are slick or visibility drops.

The upside is that you’re not left hanging. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That means you can book with a degree of confidence, as long as you’re flexible in your schedule.

For what to wear, keep it practical. Bring warm layers, something waterproof if rain or mist is around, and boots or shoes with decent grip. Horse tours are short, but the ground and wind can still feel cold.

If you’re doing this in winter, plan like you would for a short outdoor stop: warm hat, warm gloves, and a jacket you can trust. One review mentioned a January ride, which suggests the company runs this year-round, not just in peak summer sunshine.

Who this is best for in your Akureyri itinerary

This tour fits best when you want a concentrated dose of Iceland without a long commitment.

It’s ideal for:

• First-time riders who want basics and a guided setup
• Families who prefer shorter horseback time over long rides
• Photo-focused travelers who want waterfall scenery plus classic horse shots
• People who are short on time but still want to see Reykjafoss up close

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re expecting a full-day trek across remote terrain
• You really want lots of trot or extended canter time, since this is designed as a short ride
• You’re very anxious around canyon edges, even with safety positioning by the guide

If you’re balancing a tight schedule, think of this as one of those “high payoff per hour” activities. You’ll get a memorable animal experience and a waterfall moment in one package.

Should you book this horseback stop to Reykjafoss?

I’d book it if you want horses and waterfall views without complicated planning. The short timing makes it easy to fit between other Akureyri activities. The small group size, friendly staff, and safety-first riding style, including clear basics from guides like Ellen, are exactly what you want when you’re keeping things simple.

I’d hesitate only if weather risk would ruin your overall schedule, or if you’re specifically chasing a longer riding adventure. Otherwise, this is one of those tours where the photos look as good as the experience feels, and the time investment is fair.

FAQ

FAQ

Where do I meet for the ride to Reykjafoss?

You’ll meet at the Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland.

How long is the horseback ride experience?

The activity is listed at about 30 minutes. Some guests also report about 1 hour total when you include check-in and the full experience flow.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Do I need a printed ticket?

No. The tour uses a mobile ticket.

How many people are in a group?

The maximum group size is 8 travelers.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is this tour suitable for most travelers?

The tour notes that most travelers can participate.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

This 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 free, and how far in advance?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid will not be refunded.