Varmahlid: Viking Horse Riding Tour

Tölting past North Iceland waterfalls beats most tours. This 1.5-hour Varmahlíð ride lets you experience the Icelandic horse’s special fourth gait and follow the Svartá river route to Reykjafoss waterfall. The scenery is dramatic, but the tradeoff is simple: you need solid layers because wind and wet weather can change fast.

I like how practical this feels. You meet the team at Hestasport, get fitted with helmet gear, and your guide focuses on making sure you and the horses are comfortable. The small-group format and patient instruction mean it often works even if you are nervous or totally new to riding.

One thing to think about up front is that this is not a long day in the saddle. It is a focused outing, so if you want hours of riding and stops for a big lunch, this may feel short and you will want to pair it with other North Iceland sights.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Icelandic horse gait practice (tölt) so your ride feels smooth and distinct from most horse tours
• Svartá River and fjord-mountain views on a trail that mixes grassy paths with hillside terrain
• Reykjafoss on horseback gives you a different angle on a very photogenic waterfall
• Care-first guides who explain clearly and keep the horses well looked after
• Gear included with helmets, and a snow suit if you need it
• Beginner-friendly control built around guided handling of the Icelandic horse

Varmahlíð and North Iceland, why this ride works

Varmahlíð is a smart base for North Iceland. You get that Fjord-country feel, big skies, and a sense that the land is older than your plans. This horse tour is designed for that exact vibe, with a trail that keeps you moving through open areas and mountain views, instead of just circling a barn.

What makes it especially memorable is the Icelandic horse itself. These horses are famous for their gait variety, and here you are there to feel it, not just watch from the ground. The fourth gait, the tölt, is the key experience. If you have only ridden a normal walk or trot before, tölt can feel like a different sport. It tends to be steady and comfortable once you learn how to sit and follow the horse’s rhythm.

The second big reason this tour earns its fans is that the route is built around a real destination: Reykjafoss waterfall. You are not just riding to ride. You are riding toward something you can actually picture in your head, and the ride brings you close to it in the middle-to-late part of the outing. That gives the time meaning.

Getting started at Hestasport, meeting point and how the day flows

You start at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, in Varmahlíð. The easy part is finding the office. In Varmahlíð, turn off Ringroad no. 1 onto road no. 752. When you get on road no. 752, the office is the first building on the left, about 150 meters from the junction. It is a white and blue building.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure. That buffer matters because you need a calm start: greeting the guide, meeting your horse, and getting your gear sorted. Even if you are comfortable on a horse, rushing your first minutes usually makes everyone a little tense, including the horses.

After you check in, you head toward the actual trail area. One rider described a short drive of around 20 minutes from the meeting point to the start area. I would treat that as a guide for your planning, not as a strict promise. Either way, you should expect a transfer before you are in the saddle.

Once you are on site, the guide’s job is to get you ready fast and safely. You will learn the basics of mounting and handling, and you will get clear cues on what to do while the horse shifts gait. The guides also make a point of horse care, and that shows. Good instruction plus calm horses equals less stress.

Icelandic horses and the tölt gait, what it feels like in motion

The star of this tour is the Icelandic horse and its unique riding experience. Icelandic horses can do gaits that most visitors never experience on other horse tours. Here, your guide gets you introduced to the rhythm and asks you to try the tölt during the ride.

So what should you expect physically? You are learning how to follow the horse while it moves with that signature gait. If you sit stiff or fight the motion, it feels harder. If you relax your lower body, keep your balance centered, and let your hands be steady, the tölt can feel surprisingly smooth. It is also why this tour tends to work well for riders with no experience. You are not being thrown into an advanced skill test. You are being coached into a comfortable pace.

The tour also uses terrain that helps you find that rhythm. The trail includes soft grassy paths, which are easier for your body to settle into compared with rougher ground. You still get variety, though. The route goes along the river area and includes hillside riding over more adventure-style track. That mix keeps it interesting without turning the ride into something too wild.

You will wear a helmet, and that is one of those small details that matters more in practice than on paper. When the guide asks you to focus on posture and cues, helmet fit and comfort let you concentrate on riding instead of worrying about safety.

The Svartá river trail, views plus real riding moments

The heart of the ride is the trail through North Iceland nature, centered on the Svartá river area. You ride through the river valley and alongside mountain panoramas linked to the fjord region. That combination is what makes this feel like more than a basic countryside loop.

The tour route described in the planning notes includes an adventure track along a hillside. That means you should expect a bit of unevenness and changing footing. You will likely feel the difference in how your weight moves through the saddle compared with a flat path.

There is also a strong chance you will get close to the river itself, and in at least one case riders reported a river crossing. I would not count on a specific number of crossings, but I would count on water in the experience. Svartá is part of the theme, and the route uses that setting rather than ignoring it.

This is also where the small-group format pays off. When you are with fewer people, the guide can adjust pace and attention based on how you and your horse are doing. That is especially helpful for riders who feel unsure. You are not just following from behind. You are part of the group’s rhythm.

For photography, this segment is good because the views open up. You see mountains and the river area, and you get moving perspectives you would not get from a standard walk. Bring a plan for your phone or camera, like keeping it secure in your outer layer pocket.

Reykjafoss by horseback, how the destination fits the ride

Reykjafoss is the payoff. The tour’s trail leads you to the waterfall, and the ride brings you to it near the end, according to rider accounts. That pacing works because you can build energy in the early and middle parts, then focus on the scenery when you are close.

What I like about arriving by horse is the change in angle and scale. On foot, you approach a waterfall with the assumption that you will be able to linger. On horseback, you get a more time-limited moment, but it often feels more cinematic because you are traveling toward it through the valley, watching the landscape shift.

From the information you are given, the ride is surrounded by mountain panorama of the fjord region as you head toward Reykjafoss. In plain terms, you are not just looking at one object. You are riding through a whole scene. That is why this tour feels memorable even if you are not a serious horse rider.

Also, if you are the type who likes multiple nature elements in one outing, you may appreciate the variety reported during the ride, including mention of waterfalls and springs along the way. The core is Reykjafoss and Svartá, but the surrounding areas can bring extra detail.

If you care about photos, aim to take them when the guide indicates safe moments. Do not try to change settings or fumble with your phone while the horse is moving through uneven ground. Your job is to ride, and the waterfall will still be there.

What to pack and how to dress for a 1.5-hour ride

This is Iceland, so you dress for layers, not vibes. The tour includes helmets and a snow suit if you need one. Still, you should expect your personal clothing to handle temperature swings, wind, and rain.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes that can grip well on uneven outdoor ground
• Warm clothing in layers
• Rain gear
• Gloves
• Comfortable clothes you can move in easily

A simple approach that works: base layer, insulating layer, and a waterproof outer layer. If you run cold easily, consider adding one extra warmth layer. If you run hot, you can remove a layer as you warm up.

The guide also notes that your riding gear must be disinfected if it came from outside Iceland. This is a very specific requirement, so if you plan to bring your own riding clothes or gear from home, check what you are bringing. When in doubt, use the provided gear and keep it simple.

Arrive on time. That matters for comfort, not just punctuality. When you are early, you can get your helmet and layers adjusted without pressure. And if you show up underdressed, you are more likely to feel cranky by minute 20, even though the ride is only 1.5 hours.

Price and value at about $111 for 1.5 hours

At around $111 per person for about 1.5 hours, you are paying for three things at once: horses, trained guidance, and access to a specific route tied to the river and Reykjafoss.

Horse riding can be expensive anywhere, but here the value comes from the whole package. You get:

• A guided riding tour (English-speaking)
• Helmets
• Snow suit if needed
• A route designed around Svartá and Reykjafoss

Not included: food and drinks. That means you should plan on grabbing snacks or a meal before or after. This tour is not meant to replace a day’s dining plan.

The other value factor is the people side. Riders talk about competent, patient care and professional instruction, including comfort for first-time riders. One rider even emphasized feeling secure the whole time. That kind of confidence transfer is worth money because it turns the experience from scary into just fun.

Where the price can feel less justified is if you only want a gentle, minimal-cost activity and you are indifferent to horses. This is an actual guided horse experience with unique Icelandic gait practice. If that interests you, the price feels fair. If it does not, look for a different activity.

Who should book this horseback ride in Varmahlíð

This tour is a great match if you want Iceland that feels hands-on, not just view-from-a-bus. If your ideal day includes animals, local terrain, and a guided route that hits a real destination like Reykjafoss, you will likely love it.

It is also a good choice for beginners. Riders have described the ride as suitable even without prior experience and felt secure due to clear instruction. The horses are described as obedient and well mannered, which matters because it reduces the mental load for first-timers.

It might be less ideal if:

• You want a long day with lots of stops and downtime
• You want food provided on the tour
• You have mobility or comfort needs that make riding difficult
• You are traveling with children under 6, since it is not suitable for kids under that age
• You exceed the 100 kg or 220 lbs weight limit

If you are comfortable following instructions and dressing for cold weather, you are already most of the way there.

Should you book the Varmahlíð Viking Horse Riding Tour?

I think you should book it if Icelandic horses and the tölt gait sound like something you cannot experience at home. The route hits the Svartá river setting and ends at Reykjafoss, so it is not just a “horse time” box check. It is a focused North Iceland nature experience with a strong guiding element.

Book it now if you value small-group attention and you want to feel confident in the saddle without guessing. Also, go for it if you like the idea of swapping a hiking approach for an animal-powered route that gives moving scenery.

Skip it if you want a big food-and-photo day with lots of walking between stops, because this is a tight 1.5-hour riding experience and food is not included.

If you decide to go, my practical advice is simple: dress warmer than you think you need and treat the guide’s cues as your main plan. Do that, and the ride to Reykjafoss can turn into one of those Iceland memories that feels personal, not generic.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the Varmahlíð horse riding tour?

Meet your guide at the Hestasport Reception at Cottages and Riding Tours in Varmahlíð. Turn off Ringroad no. 1 onto road no. 752, then the office is the first building on the left about 150 meters from the junction, painted white and blue.

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The duration is 1.5 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included: the horse-riding tour, helmets, a snow suit if needed, and an English-speaking guide.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, comfortable clothes, and gloves.

Do I need previous riding experience?

The tour is guided, and it is described as suitable even for riders without prior experience, as long as you follow the guide’s instructions.

Are helmets provided?

Yes, helmets are included.

Is a snow suit provided in cold or wet weather?

Yes, a snow suit is provided if needed.

Is there an age or weight limit?

Children under 6 are not suitable. There is also a weight limit of 100 kg, or 220 lbs.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.