Varmahlid: Viking Horse Riding Tour

If you want Iceland that feels real and lived-in, this horseback ride in North Iceland is a solid pick. You start in Varmahlíð, ride past the Svartá River, and finish at Reykjafoss, with fjord-and-mountain views around you the whole way.

I like two things a lot. First, you get to experience the Icelandic horse gait, including the famous tölt and the fourth-gait feel that makes these horses different. Second, the guides focus on control, comfort, and care, so even first-timers tend to feel steady in the saddle.

One thing to plan for: this is outdoors the whole time. If it’s cold or rainy, you will feel it unless you dress for layers and bring rain gear, and you’ll want to do it on a day when you are not counting on food on-site.

Key things I’d bookmark before you go

• Icelandic horse gait practice (tölt): You are not just sitting there, you are riding a horse with a signature rhythm.
• Svartá River trail time: The ride gives you real time in the North Iceland mountain setting, not a quick drive-by.
• Reykjafoss by horseback: You reach the waterfall at the end of the ride, built into the experience rather than treated as an optional add-on.
• Helmets and cold-weather help: You get helmets, and a snow suit if needed, which matters in Iceland.
• Personal guidance: The small-group format and patient coaching help a lot if you have never ridden before.

Entering North Iceland on Icelandic horses near Varmahlíð

Varmahlíð sits in the Skagafjörður region, and that location matters. Instead of a big, busy “big-ticket” stop, you get a quieter pocket of North Iceland where the scenery feels close to the trail and the pace stays human.

This is a 1.5-hour riding experience, so it is short enough to fit into a day of driving around the Ring Road without turning your schedule upside down. You spend your time where it counts: with the horse, on the trail, and at Reykjafoss.

Also, the ride is built around Iceland’s horses, not generic tourism horses. If you are curious about what makes Icelandic horses special, this is one of the most direct ways to experience it without needing prior riding knowledge.

Hestasport Reception in Varmahlíð, and how to show up ready

You meet at Hestasport Reception, cottages and riding tours in Varmahlíð. If you are driving in, you turn off Ring Road 1 onto road 752. The office is the first building on the left about 150 meters from that junction. It is painted white and blue, so it should be easy to spot.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. That buffer is not just “for check-in,” it is what helps you get settled, get fitted, and get your nerves sorted before the horses are moving.

A practical note from what I see riders value most: the meeting point is just the start of the experience. Depending on how they stage the horses that day, you might get transported to the actual trail starting area before you ride. In one recent case, a rider reported about a 20-minute drive between the office and the beginning of the ride, so it’s smart to mentally budget for a short transfer even though the horseback time is the headline.

Gear and clothing that actually works in Iceland

Included gear is straightforward and useful: you get helmets. You also get a snow suit if needed, which is a big deal in Iceland because the cold can creep in fast once you are out on the trail.

What you bring matters just as much. Wear:

• comfortable shoes (you will want grip)
• warm clothing in layers
• rain gear (even light rain can make paths slippery)
• gloves
• comfortable clothes you do not mind getting a little dusty or wet

The ride involves grassy paths and uneven ground as you move along the hillside and near the river route. Layers are the key because Iceland weather can flip during a short window.

One rule to take seriously: if you bring riding gear from outside Iceland, it must be disinfected. This is one of those logistical details that can save you stress on arrival.

The horses: what makes the tölt and fourth gait feel different

The star of this tour is the Icelandic horse. These are not just horses with a cute look. They have movement patterns that feel unique under you, especially the tölt.

This ride gives you the chance to experience that gait on soft grassy paths, which is ideal for learning. Softer footing helps new riders feel safer as the pace and rhythm change.

From the way the tour is run, you should expect:

• clear guidance before you set off
• coaching on how to sit and follow the horse’s rhythm
• a pace that works even if you have little or no riding experience

Icelandic horses are often described as steady, and the guides here clearly prioritize calm, obedient animals. In at least one account, a rider even called out a horse named Siley as well behaved. That kind of detail hints at what you want on a first ride: horses that are used to the routine and guides who know how to handle them confidently.

Riding the Svartá River: the part where you slow down and look up

Once you start, the route takes you along the river Svartá. This is one of the most satisfying sections, because the trail puts you close to water and mountains at the same time.

As you move, you will pass through:

• soft grassy areas where the gait experience is easier to feel
• an adventure track over a hillside section, so you get variety rather than a straight line
• mountain panorama views tied to the fjord area, which makes the ride feel like it is unfolding in layers

In plain terms, the Svartá segment is where you stop thinking of this as a “tour” and start feeling like you are in the North Iceland countryside. You are not just looking from a bus window. You are moving through it.

If you tend to get motion-swayed or nervous on horses, this is still a good choice because the trail is designed for manageable riding and the guide is there to keep you on track.

Reykjafoss from the saddle: seeing the waterfall when you are already warmed up

The ride’s ending payoff is Reykjafoss. You reach the waterfall as the ride comes to a close, which is perfect timing. Instead of rushing straight to the attraction and then leaving, you arrive after you have already been riding, watching, and settling into the experience.

Reykjafoss is beautiful on foot, but seeing it from horseback adds a different angle. You get that moment of surprise when the waterfall finally comes into view while you are still on the trail.

If you care about photos, this is the part to be ready for. You will have the best chance to capture the waterfall once you arrive, and the guide can help you find a safe spot for quick pictures without turning the end into a traffic jam.

Duration and rhythm: how the 1.5 hours usually feels in practice

The total time for the horseback portion is about 1.5 hours. That usually translates to a ride that feels substantial but not exhausting.

This kind of tour is ideal when:

• you want one signature activity without losing half a day
• you are visiting North Iceland and want an experience that is outdoors but not a long hike
• you want something more memorable than a viewpoint pull-off

One advantage of a shorter ride: it is easier to dress correctly. If the weather turns, you are not trapped for hours.

If the day is windy or very wet, you might notice that the ground can be uneven. That is normal here. The tour’s setup, including helmets and the option of a snow suit, is meant to keep you comfortable enough to focus on riding.

Price and value: is $111 for 1.5 hours worth it?

At $111 per person, this is not the cheapest activity in Iceland. But it also is not a long, luxury multi-hour production. So how do you decide if it’s value?

To me, it feels like good value if you match your expectations to what you’re buying:

• You are paying for a guided horseback experience, not a scenic drive.
• You are paying for Icelandic horses and gait coaching (which is the whole point).
• You are paying for gear support: helmets and a snow suit if needed.

If you are the type of traveler who will regret skipping a once-per-trip Iceland horse experience, the price tends to make sense. If you only want a quick photo and you are not really into animals or riding, you may prefer something lower cost and less weather dependent.

Also, food is not included, so factor in what you’ll eat before or after. That is a small budget item, but it matters in Iceland where meals can be expensive.

Small group coaching, and why it matters for first-timers

A major reason this tour earns a high score is the feel of personal care. The experience is designed with a small group and an English-speaking guide, and the tone is practical: get you mounted, help you settle, and keep you safe while you learn.

If you are riding for the first time, that kind of coaching changes everything. It is not just about whether the horse is calm. It is whether the guide can explain what you need to do in a way that makes sense in the moment.

In one example, a rider described feeling secure from all points of view, which is exactly what you want when you are new.

Guides here also seem to add storytelling during the ride, which turns the experience from pure motion into something that feels connected to the place.

Who should book this ride, and who might not

This tour is a great fit for people who want:

• an easy-to-manage horseback experience, even without previous riding
• the Icelandic horse experience with gait variety
• a waterfall finish that is part of the ride, not a separate add-on

It is not suitable for children under 6 years. There is also a weight limit of 100 kg / 220 lbs, which you should respect for safety and comfort.

If you are someone who hates being outdoors in cold rain, you might find the weather factor annoying. But if you dress for it, the outdoor setting is also the reason the ride is worth doing.

Booking checklist: questions to ask yourself before you go

Before you book, I’d think through three things:

1. Do you want an animal-based experience today? If yes, this is a strong match.
2. Can you dress in warm layers plus rain gear? If no, pick a different day or activity.
3. Are you okay with a short ride on uneven ground? It is not a rock scramble, but it is not a treadmill either.

If those boxes check, you’ll likely feel like you got a lot for your money, because the experience focuses on what you can only get by riding.

Should you book Viking Horse Riding Tour in Varmahlíð?

Yes, if you want a real North Iceland horseback outing with Icelandic horses, guided coaching, and a waterfall payoff within 1.5 hours. It is especially worth it if you have never ridden before and you want the gait experience without needing skills first.

Skip it if you have a hard time with cold, wet weather, or if you simply do not want to spend time with horses. This is a riding experience, not a short sightseeing walk.

If you book, arrive early, bring gloves and rain gear, and dress in layers. That small prep is what turns a good ride into a comfortable one, and it helps you actually enjoy the Svartá River views and the moment Reykjafoss finally shows up.

FAQ

How long is the Varmahlíð Viking horse riding tour?

The horseback riding tour lasts 1.5 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included are the horse-riding tour, helmets, a snow suit if needed, and an English-speaking guide. Food and drinks are not included.

Where do I meet the guide in Varmahlíð?

Meet at Hestasport Reception, cottages and riding tours in Varmahlíð. From Ring Road 1, turn onto road 752, then the office is the first building on the left about 150 meters from the junction, white and blue.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, comfortable clothes, and gloves. Wear layers since conditions can change.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The weight limit for riders is 100 kg / 220 lbs.

What ages is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 6 years.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.