North Iceland: Horseback Riding Tour

Watching an Icelandic horse move into a clear, smooth tölt is oddly satisfying. This 2-hour ride strings together farm fields, a river route, a small lake crossing, and the dramatic switch from volcanic rocks to a wide black sand plain, with birch forest on the way back. I especially like how you get to experience the Icelandic horse at its best, and I also like the way the tölt is offered as a real goal, not just a casual mention.

One thing to plan for, though, is logistics: there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need your own way to the ranch area.

Key things to know before you ride

• Small group of up to 7 keeps the pace calm and the instruction more personal
• 2 hours on horseback covers several Iceland terrains, not just one loop
• River follow + small lake crossing gives you that real “out on the land” feeling
• Try the tölt on Icelandic horses, with guidance for both new and experienced riders
• Helmet and riding gear included, so you can travel lighter

Entering The Ride: From Farm Paths to River Time

The tour starts at the farm, where you meet your horses, get your helmet, and settle into the rhythm before the scenery really ramps up. From there, you ride down toward the river, passing pastures where cows graze in summer, and sheep show up in autumn. That seasonal detail matters because it changes the whole mood of the ride. In warm months you get broad, open pasture views; later in the year, the same routes feel more rugged and compact as the grazing shifts.

Once you’re on the river route, the pace is usually where you can actually look around. This is not a sprint. It’s time to feel how the Icelandic horses carry you over uneven ground and how the guide reads the group, adjusting for riders who want more control or riders who just want confidence under them.

What you’ll notice fast: the trails tend to mix “easy riding” stretches with bits of uneven terrain. That combination is great value in a short tour, but it also means you should arrive with basic fitness. The tour is designed for both beginners and more advanced riders, yet it still asks you to be physically comfortable in the saddle for the full 2 hours.

Icelandic Horse Magic: Learning the Tölt Without Stress

The headline here is the Icelandic horse and the tölt. If you’ve heard the term but never felt it, you’ll probably understand why people talk about it right away. The tölt is a distinctive, smooth gait, and getting to try it is one of those “this is uniquely Iceland” moments that you can’t really copy anywhere else.

The guides are key to making this work. Multiple riders highlight that English-speaking guides like Audrey and Anna take time with everyone, including beginners. That patience is practical. It means you’re not tossed onto a horse and told to figure it out. You get the basics, then you have a real shot at experiencing that Icelandic movement under guidance.

In my view, the best part is the balance: beginners still get a meaningful ride, while more confident riders don’t feel like they’re stuck in a classroom lesson. The guide can keep the tour moving while giving you the right amount of attention. For a short, 2-hour format, that’s exactly what you want.

Birch Forest, Black Sand, Volcanic Rocks: Why the Terrain Feels So Iceland

About halfway through your ride, the scenery shifts from farmland to Iceland’s “why-does-this-look-like-this” surfaces. You’ll pass through a birch forest on the way back, and you’ll ride across a big black sand plain as part of the main route. In between, you’ll spend time around volcanic rocks and mossy ground.

That mix is the value. If you’ve only ever seen Iceland from roads or viewpoints, this tour gives you a moving, ground-level version of it. You’re not just looking at rock colors and textures. You’re traveling over them, which changes how you judge distance and how you feel the terrain under your legs.

Here’s what to expect, step by step, in plain language:

• River segment: more flowing, scenic travel, good for settling in
• Small lake crossing: a moment that adds excitement without turning the ride into a technical challenge
• Volcanic rock sections: slower footing and more careful placement of hooves
• Black sand plain: a wide, open stretch that feels dramatic and exposed
• Birch forest return: a calmer, enclosed feeling that helps you finish strong

Even one brief snow-on-the-ground experience shows up in the feedback, which is a reminder that North Iceland weather can change fast. If you’re riding in wind or cold, your best friend is proper layers and weather-appropriate clothing.

What the 2 Hours Feels Like (And Why Small Groups Matter)

Two hours sounds short until you see what they pack into it: river follow, lake crossing, volcanic rocks, black sand plain, and then birch forest on the return. Because of the variety, the ride never feels like the same moment repeated.

The small group size, limited to 7 participants, makes the experience work. With that many riders, the guide can:

• check in on safety and comfort more often
• give clear directions when the trail gets rougher
• avoid long waits when someone needs a quick adjustment

You also get a better chance to actually ask questions along the way. Riders in recent feedback mention the guides explaining things about the land and taking time to encourage first-timers. In other words, this isn’t just a “follow the person in front” setup.

Practical note: you should arrive at least 10 minutes early. That buffer matters because it gives you time to get kitted up and settled before the horse handles the start of the journey.

Riding Level: Beginners Are Welcome, With Basic Physical Readiness

This tour is explicitly suited for both beginners and advanced riders, assuming you have a basic physical shape. That wording is important. It means you don’t need years of horseback experience, but you do need to be comfortable doing some sustained sitting, maintaining balance, and handling uneven ground.

So I’d think of it like this:

• If you can walk for a while and stay steady on your feet, you’ll likely be fine.
• If you struggle with back comfort or have a back problem, this may not be a good fit.

It also isn’t for pregnant women. And if you have animal allergies, you’ll want to skip this one. Those limits are about safety and health, not rider attitude.

If you’re new, listen closely to your guide at the first instructions. The quicker you understand the horse’s cues and your own posture, the easier the rest of the ride becomes.

Price and Value: Is $141 Worth It?

At $141 per person for a 2-hour horseback tour, you’re paying for something specific: a guided ride on Icelandic horses, plus the terrain variety that most short tours can’t manage in one loop. You’re also not paying extra for the basics. Helmet and riding equipment are included, so your cost stays predictable.

Value also comes from the small group size. Limited to 7 riders, the guide can manage instruction and pacing without turning your ride into an assembly line.

The only cost item you should mentally account for is that there’s no included hotel pickup or drop-off, and food and drinks aren’t included either. In other words, plan to get yourself there and bring what you need for after. If you already have transport and you don’t mind a quick snack plan on your own, the price looks solid for what you get.

For me, the biggest “value” signal is the combination of:

• tölt trial
• multiple terrain types in one ride
• a guide who works with beginners

That’s the formula that turns a horse tour into a true memory, even if you’re riding for the first time.

What to Bring for North Iceland Weather (So the Ride Stays Fun)

You’ll want comfortable clothes that match the weather. Wear weather-appropriate layers, and bring comfortable shoes. That sounds basic, but in Iceland, basic is smart. Trails can be uneven, and the day can go from bright to windy quickly.

If rain or cold hits, it helps to have stuff that keeps you warm enough to focus. One rider noted that the operator provided foul-weather clothing when conditions were rough, which suggests they can help in some situations. Still, don’t rely on that. Pack for the possibility that you’ll need your own layers.

And don’t forget a simple timing habit: show up at least 10 minutes early, even if you think you’re cutting it close. Horse days run on their own clock.

Who Should Book This North Iceland Horse Ride

This tour is a great match if you:

• want a short, high-impact Iceland experience
• care about riding Icelandic horses and trying the tölt
• prefer a guided ride with small group attention
• enjoy variety, from pastures and river paths to black sand and volcanic rocks

It’s also ideal for mixed groups, like one rider who has never ridden before and one rider who wants to feel more comfortable in the saddle. The tour is structured to handle both skill levels, so you’re less likely to end up in a ride that feels too slow or too rushed for your comfort.

Skip it if you:

• are pregnant
• have a back problem
• have animal allergies

Should You Book This Tour?

Yes, if you want a memorable 2-hour ride that actually feels Iceland on the ground, not just Iceland from a bus window. The combination of Icelandic horses, the tölt opportunity, and the varied route, river and lake included, makes this one of those “do it once and you get it” experiences.

I’d book it especially if you’re a beginner who wants a patient guide and clear encouragement. Just come prepared for weather, plan your own transport since there’s no pickup, and make sure you’re comfortable riding for the full 2 hours.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

It’s in Northeastern Iceland, in the North Iceland region.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It’s suitable for both beginners and advanced riders, with the requirement that you have a basic physical shape.

Can I try the tölt on the Icelandic horse?

Yes. The tour highlights trying the tölt with the Icelandic horse.

What is included in the price?

Included are the 2-hour horseback riding tour, an experienced guide, a helmet, and riding equipment.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes, and wear weather-appropriate clothing.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How big is the group?

The group is small, limited to 7 participants.

What is the tour language?

The live guide speaks English.

Is the tour refundable if I cancel?

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