North Iceland: Horseback Riding Tour

Ride through Iceland in two hours.

What makes this North Iceland ride fun is the mix of ground under you: birch forest at one end, black sand plain in the middle, and volcanic rocks plus moss when you want your boots tested. You’ll also see grazing animals depending on the season, with cows in summer and sheep in autumn. My favorite part is getting to ride an Icelandic horse and try the tölt instead of only moving at a walk and trot.

I also love how the route feels like real countryside time, not just a loop: down from the farm toward the river, then across a small lake, and back through a natural birch forest. Guides like Audrey and Anna are patient and encouraging, which matters if you’re new in the saddle. The main downside to plan around is simple: there’s no hotel pickup and food and drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to sort out your transport and bring what you need for before and after.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Fast

• Tölt practice on Icelandic horses so you get the signature riding style, not just basic sitting time
• Three kinds of terrain in one ride: birch forest, black sand, and mossy volcanic rocks
• River and small lake crossing that adds variety (and gets you paying attention in a good way)
• Farm life scenery with cows grazing in summer and sheep in autumn
• Small group size (up to 7) for more individual attention without the chaos

North Iceland on Horseback: What the 2-Hour Ride Actually Feels Like

This is a short tour, but it doesn’t feel rushed. Two hours is long enough to settle in, learn the rhythm, and get out of the farm paddock mindset. You’ll walk and ride through changing ground, and that constant switching is where the fun lives. One minute you’re looking at farmland, then you’re following water, then you’re bouncing across rockier ground, and then you hit that striking black sand plain.

The best value here is that you’re not paying just for the animal part. You’re paying for guided time in real North Iceland settings: birch forest, river edges, volcanic rock, and the black sand area. That’s also why the tour works for both first-timers and experienced riders. The ride is structured, but it’s still outdoorsy Iceland.

A quick note on pacing: the group is limited to seven, and the guide is actively involved. That means you’re not stuck watching other people while you figure out where to put your feet. You get instructions before you start, then the guide keeps an eye on the group along the way.

Meeting the Icelandic Horse and Getting Ready for the Tölt

The Icelandic horse is the star of this show. Even if you’ve never ridden before, the tour’s aim is comfort and control. You’ll be set up with riding equipment and a helmet, and an experienced guide gives you what you need to get moving safely.

The tölt is the big selling point, and you should treat it like a skill you’re learning, not like a stunt. The guide’s job is to help you match your seat and balance to the horse’s motion. In practice, you’ll likely spend time at the walk and a more standard riding pace before you’re encouraged to try tolting. That matters because tölt feels different from trot; it’s smoother, and it can feel surprising at first.

What I like about this is that you’re not just told about Icelandic horses. You get a chance to experience why people rave about them. And because the ride is only two hours, you won’t feel stuck doing one thing for too long.

From the Farm Down to the River: Cows, Sheep, and Real North Iceland Timing

The tour starts at the farm. From there, you ride down toward the river. Along the route, you’ll pass open fields where the animals match the season: cows grazing in summer and sheep in autumn.

This part is more than a cute detail. Seeing animals up close helps the setting feel lived-in. You’re not just looking at Iceland as a postcard. You’re moving through a working area where the landscape changes with the calendar.

Expect the river segment to be a major “look around” moment. Following water gives you a natural line to ride along, and it also changes the sound and feel of the ride. It’s often easier to relax once you’ve got your basic control, and the river side is a good place for that mental reset.

If you’re nervous, this is also where you can breathe. You have time to understand the pace, and the guide can correct small things like how you hold your reins or how you keep your posture steady.

Crossing a Small Lake and Crisscrossing Volcanic Rocks (Without Losing Your Focus)

After riding along the river, you cross a small lake, then continue across ground that gets more interesting underfoot. The description calls out volcanic rocks and moss, and that’s exactly the kind of terrain where your attention matters.

This section is a great test of comfort. You don’t need technical riding skills, but you do need a basic physical readiness. The tour notes say participants should have a basic physical shape, and that’s fair. Even if the horses are gentle, you’re still sitting, moving with the animal, and handling uneven footing.

Here’s the practical mindset: keep your upper body steady and let your legs and seat do the work. Don’t fight the motion. If you do, you’ll tire faster. If you relax, you’ll feel more in sync with the horse.

And yes, this is also the stretch where photos become worth the effort. Mossy patches, dark rock, and the “I’m really on a different planet” look of Icelandic terrain show up fast.

The Black Sand Plain Moment: Why This Part Sticks With You

Soon after the rock-and-moss stretch, you reach a broad black sand plain. That’s one of the most iconic visuals in Iceland, and the tour gives you a real taste of it rather than just passing by.

Crossing the black sand works because it changes your ride feel again. Sand tends to demand a little more balance. Your horse’s movement feels different, and you start noticing your boots and your seat more than you did on firm ground.

This is also where the tour gives you a sense of scale. On a short riding tour, scale can be hard to deliver. Here, the black sand plain adds a wide-open feeling that you don’t get in a tight trail loop.

If the weather is clear, you’ll see that plain stretches out in all directions. If it’s windy or cloudy, you’ll still get the texture and mood. Either way, it’s a memorable chunk of the route.

Back Through the Birch Forest: The Ride Slows Down and You Notice the Details

After crossing the black sand plain, you make your way back toward the farm through a birch forest. That last section often feels like a relief in the best way. The pace can feel more forgiving when you’re under trees and on ground that’s less harsh-looking than sand and rock.

Birch forests add a different texture to your photos and to your senses. You get that shift from open, stark Iceland to something more sheltered and close-up. It also gives you time to think about what you learned during the ride—like how your seat feels when the horse moves steadily and how quickly you adjust when the ground changes.

If you’re a beginner, this is a good ending. It’s calmer, and you’ll likely feel proud you stayed balanced through the rougher parts earlier.

If you’re advanced, you’ll still appreciate it. Even experienced riders get value from a varied route and a horse that’s well cared for.

Price, Value, and What You Should Budget for

The price is $141 per person for a 2-hour guided ride. For Iceland, that’s a fair number because it includes more than a trail walk. You get a live English guide, a helmet, and riding equipment, plus the horses and time on a guided route through multiple terrain types.

Two things can affect your overall cost though. First, hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need your own transportation to the ranch and back. Second, food and drinks aren’t included, so plan snacks and water for before and after. Two hours on horseback can leave you hungry, especially in cool weather.

Also, consider the group size. Limited to 7 participants means you’re more likely to get personal attention, which is where your money shows up in real comfort, not just marketing.

Logistics That Matter: Getting There, Staying Warm, and Being Ready

This tour is straightforward, but Iceland weather loves surprise. Wear weather-appropriate clothing. Comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll be riding, so you want footwear that grips and doesn’t feel like an extra burden.

One small tip: arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour starts. It’s not about being strict; it’s about fitting your helmet, getting settled, and not rushing through the safety briefing while everyone’s cold and bundled.

Weather gear can be an issue on the day you go. The tour info says to dress for conditions, and in at least one ride, the operator provided foul-weather clothing when it was cold and rainy. You shouldn’t count on that as a guarantee, but it’s a sign they take weather seriously. Bring layers you can move in, not just something pretty.

If you’re on a tight travel schedule, this is also one of those experiences where your transport plan matters. One person had trouble because a port schedule shifted. The takeaway for you: don’t assume you’ll be able to wing it at the last minute.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This ride is designed for a range of riders. It’s suitable for beginners and advanced riders, with the caveat that you should have a basic physical shape. If you’re comfortable sitting through a couple of hours and managing uneven ground, you’re in the target group.

It’s not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with animal allergies

If any of those apply, skip the ride. It’s better to find a different Iceland activity that fits your body and health needs.

What You’ll Take Away: More Than Just a Ride

The best part of this tour is the blend: Icelandic horse riding skill plus scenery variety. You don’t just see black sand or just ride on a trail. You do both, and you switch between settings while a guide helps you stay comfortable.

I also like the way the guide experience shows up in the small details. Guides such as Audrey and Anna are described as patient and encouraging, especially for first-timers. That means your confidence matters, not just your riding ability.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes hands-on experiences, this is a solid choice. It’s active, outdoorsy, and grounded in everyday Iceland life—farm fields, grazing animals, and real terrain changes.

Should You Book This North Iceland Horseback Tour?

Book it if you want an Iceland horseback experience that feels like more than a short trail. Two hours is the sweet spot here: enough time to try tölt, experience river and lake crossings, and still end with a calmer return through birch forest.

Skip it (or choose another option) if you have back issues, pregnancy, or animal allergies. And go in with the right expectations on logistics: you handle your own way to the ranch and you’ll need to bring water and a snack for before or after.

If you’re deciding between “basic riding” and “Icelandic horse specialty,” this one leans into the Icelandic horse at its best. That tölt experience is exactly the kind of Iceland-only memory you’ll still be telling stories about later.

FAQ

How long is the North Iceland horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is listed as $141 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

What’s included in the tour?

It includes a 2-hour horseback riding tour, an experienced guide, a helmet, and riding equipment.

Do I need to have riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for both beginners and advanced riders, with the note that you should have a basic physical shape.

What can I expect to see during the ride?

You’ll ride through a birch forest, a black sand plain, and volcanic rocks. In summer you may see cows grazing, and in autumn you may see sheep.

Can I try the tölt?

Yes. The tour highlights trying the tölt on Icelandic horses.

What should I bring and wear?

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