Snow, horses, and a waterfall in 90 minutes.

If you want Iceland without the long drive or the big crowd, this small-group horseback ride near Akureyri hits the sweet spot. You’ll get to feel the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt gait for yourself, guided in a way that’s friendly even if this is your first time in the saddle.

I also love how this experience is built for real-world riders. The horses are described as calm and well behaved, and the guides focus on helping people at different comfort levels, including beginners. One thing to consider is that Hestasport has multiple locations, so make sure you go to the Hestasport reception for check-in, not the cottages or stables.

Key Points That Matter Before You Go

• Tölt instruction, not just a ride: You’ll be shown how to enjoy the Icelandic horse gait, not left guessing.
• Maximum 8 riders: Small group means more attention and a calmer pace on snowy footing.
• A full winter route: You’ll ride through snow-covered tracks and spend real time outside, with a river-and-falls theme.
• Gentle, sure-footed horses: Multiple guides and riders highlight how safe and well trained the horses feel.
• Warm comfort after riding: Expect a warm beverage or hot drinks, and you may use overalls for wind and cold.

Why Akureyri Horse Riding Feels Special in Winter

Winter riding in North Iceland changes everything. Snow turns every track into a quiet tunnel, and the light makes the hills and river look almost unreal. It’s not just sightseeing, it’s moving through it on a patient horse at a human pace.

The other thing I like is that the experience centers on the Icelandic horse, not generic trail riding. The tölt is the star, and you’re not just watching it from the ground. You’ll also get guidance so you can enjoy the gait comfortably, even if you have no prior riding experience.

And yes, it’s scenic. You’ll ride to a waterfall, and along the way you may see river crossings, gates, and other horses nearby. That mix makes the ride feel like a mini adventure, not a quick photo stop.

Getting to the Right Place: Hestasport Reception and Check-In

Your meeting point is at Hestasport Reception – Cottages and Riding Tours, Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. Plan to arrive early, because you should check in 20 minutes before departure.

Here’s the practical heads-up from real-world experience: Hestasport operates across multiple spots (reception, stables, and cottages). If you head straight to where you’re staying, you might arrive late. If you’re using a GPS, double-check the address and the words reception, that’s where your ride begins.

If you’re nervous about finding it, give yourself buffer time. In winter, road conditions can slow things down, and that extra margin helps you start the ride relaxed instead of rushing.

Your 90 Minutes: How the Snowy Trail and Waterfall Stop Work

This ride runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, give or take weather and pacing. The flow is straightforward: check in, get mounted and briefed, ride out together, then return to the same starting point.

On the ground, the route tends to follow a river corridor. Multiple accounts mention riding along a river path, with a turnaround point at a waterfall. You can expect a mix of trail sections through snowy terrain, plus practical handling moments like opening or switching gates.

You might also encounter river moments during the ride. Some riders specifically describe a river crossing, and others mention watching another herd cross as part of the overall scene. It’s one of those “this is Iceland” experiences, because the terrain and weather guide what happens, not a rigid script.

The waterfall segment is usually where the guide helps you slow down and look up. People often remember the photos here, including guides taking pictures with you positioned at the falls. Even if you don’t care about photos, it’s a good point to rest your legs, feel the cold air, and enjoy the scale.

The Tölt Gait: What It Is, and How Guides Help You Enjoy It

The Icelandic tölt is a unique gait that feels different from a standard walk or trot. The point is comfort and control, and guides spend time helping riders feel what to do with their body and balance.

What I like about this setup is that it’s not only for advanced riders. The experience explicitly welcomes beginners and asks you to specify your level when booking: Beginner, Occasional Rider, Intermediate, or Experienced. That matters because it influences horse choice and the type of coaching you get.

In multiple accounts, the guide shows the tölt in a way that makes it feel achievable. Riders mention being taught how to try it, and some even call it the highlight. Guides named in the reviews include Maddie, Lara, Franca, Felecia, Eli, and Franka, and the common thread is attention and clear instruction.

Here’s how to make the tölt moment work for you: stay loose in your seat and focus on what the guide asks you to do. If you tense up, snowy footing and the unfamiliar gait can feel more intense. If you relax, it tends to feel smooth and surprisingly fun.

Riding Levels, Safety, and Horse Temperament You Can Feel

This is a “most people can participate” type of activity, and it’s designed for mixed comfort levels. The key is that you’re not doing this alone or with strangers you don’t know. With a maximum of 8 travelers, the guide can keep an eye on everyone.

What repeatedly comes through is horse temperament. Riders describe the horses as calm, gentle, sure-footed, and well trained. That combination matters in winter, because even good trails can be slick or uneven under snow.

If you’ve never ridden before, this is where you’ll feel the value. You’ll get help with basics and getting comfortable on the horse. One rider emphasized that they felt safe at all times, and others highlighted how guides adjusted their support depending on rider experience.

There’s also a weight limit of 100 kg / 220 lbs. If you’re near that range, keep it in mind when you book. It’s not a small detail, because it affects horse selection and what feels safe and comfortable for you.

Small-Group Riding: Why Max 8 Changes the Experience

A lot of Iceland tours feel like a conveyor belt. This one is different because it caps the group at 8 riders.

With small groups, you get three practical benefits:

• Less waiting around at the mount and stop points.
• More correction and encouragement from the guide.
• A calmer rhythm on snowy terrain.

It also tends to make the ride feel more personal. In quieter conditions, some people describe getting a very small group, even close to private. You should not assume that will happen, but the structure gives it a chance.

For photography and moments at the falls, smaller groups help too. There’s time to adjust your position and try different angles without everyone rushing past you. Some accounts even mention the guide coordinating photo shots in front of the waterfall.

If you care about comfort and being able to ask questions, small group is the difference between a good ride and a “wow, I’ll remember this” ride.

Price and Value: Is 123.75 Worth It?

At $123.75 per person for about 1.5 hours, this sits in the mid-range for guided horse riding in Iceland. The question isn’t the number alone, it’s what you’re actually getting.

Here’s the value case, based on what’s included and what riders repeatedly highlight:

• Guided instruction on Icelandic horse movement, including the tölt.
• Calm, trained horses that feel safe for beginners.
• A scenic route with river time and a waterfall turnaround.
• Small-group format with up to 8 riders.
• Warm drinks after the ride are mentioned, and overalls may be available to help with wind and cold.

When a ride includes real coaching plus a meaningful outdoor route, the per-hour cost makes more sense. If you only wanted a short loop for photos, you’d probably find cheaper options. But if you want a winter experience that feels complete, this price often feels fair.

If you’re planning in advance, note that this activity is commonly booked about 65 days ahead. That doesn’t mean you must book far out, but it’s a sign the best times can disappear.

Weather Reality: When You’ll Actually Use Those Winter Clothes

The tour operates in all weather conditions, but it also depends on good weather. That means you should expect a winter ride, not a sheltered experience. You’ll be outside, on snow, in wind at times.

Dress like you’re going to be cold while standing still, because that’s what happens at check-in, mounting, and photo moments. Riders specifically recommend gloves, ear warmers, and gators. Those details are not fancy, they’re the difference between enjoying the ride and counting minutes until you warm up.

You may also use overalls for warmth from wind, which is a big help. But even with that, you’ll want your own base layers. Aim for warmth and mobility: you’ll need to stay comfortable for sitting and balancing.

If it’s snowing or wintery, don’t assume you’ll cancel. Some accounts describe riding in snowfall, and that’s exactly the kind of day this experience is built for.

Guides, Personality, and the Moment the Ride Clicks

The guides really shape the ride experience. Names that show up in excellent feedback include Maddie, Lara, Franca, Felecia, Eli, and Franka. Even with different personalities, riders mention consistent traits: clear instructions, patient support, and knowledge shared while you ride.

One useful thing they tend to do is mix practical coaching with simple trail awareness. You’ll learn how to ride the horse safely and comfortably, then get tips that make the tölt feel easier.

Guides also help with small challenges that pop up in winter, like how to handle gates and how to stay relaxed when terrain changes. That kind of guidance is why beginners repeatedly describe the ride as safe and confidence-building.

And yes, the guides often support the photo moment at the waterfall. If you care about pictures, this is worth noting. If you don’t, the same stop still works as a natural break to take in the view.

Who This Ride Is Best For (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is best for you if you want:

• A winter outdoor experience near Akureyri
• Hands-on introduction to Icelandic horses and the tölt
• A guided ride with small-group attention
• A route that includes river and a waterfall turnaround

It’s also a good fit if you’re a beginner. The experience welcomes all levels and explicitly asks you to state your riding comfort so the team can match you well.

You might consider something else if you:

• Are sensitive to cold weather time outside, even with overalls available
• Are over the 100 kg / 220 lbs weight limit
• Strongly prefer routes with minimal motion and fewer handling moments like gates or river segments

Should You Book the Viking Horse Riding Experience?

I think this is a strong booking for most people visiting Akureyri in winter. The biggest reasons are the small-group size, the chance to experience the tölt with instruction, and the fact that the ride includes a real outdoor story, river tracks and a waterfall stop, not just a short loop.

Book it if you want Icelandic horses as the main event and you’re excited to ride through snowy terrain. If you’re unsure, send your correct riding level in your booking notes, arrive to the reception early, and dress for wind and cold. Do those three things and you’ll give yourself the best odds of a smooth, safe, memorable ride.

FAQ

How long is the Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland?

It runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Hestasport Reception – Cottages and Riding Tours, Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland.

What time should I check in before the ride?

You should check in 20 minutes before departure at the reception.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Do beginners need to have any riding experience?

No. The experience welcomes riders of all levels, including beginners. You should specify your experience level in the Special Requirements field.

What is the weight limit?

The weight limit is 100 kg / 220 lbs.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What if weather conditions are too poor to ride?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and changes less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.