Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall

That waterfall run feels quick.

This short horseback ride is built for people who want Icelandic horses and dramatic scenery without a long day. You start at Hestasport, then head out toward Reykjafoss, where you’ll watch water spill down in steps toward Brandgil canyon.

I especially like the way the guides keep things friendly and straightforward, even for beginners and kids. Two things I’d underline: the horses are well cared for, and the staff focuses on safety while still letting you enjoy the scenery.

One consideration: this experience runs on good weather. If conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled and you’ll need to switch dates or get a full refund.

Key takeaways

• Short ride time with time for photos, so it fits tight schedules in Akureyri
• Reykjafoss + Brandgil canyon views make the photos feel like a full adventure
• Small group size (max 8) keeps the ride calm and easy to manage
• Beginner-friendly guidance from staff who walk you through the basics
• Friendly, accommodating service that works well for kids and nervous riders
• Weather-dependent timing, so keep your expectations flexible

Entering Hestasport: Where the Ride Starts

Your day begins at Hestasport Reception – Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. This is the base where you meet your guide, get set up, and get your bearings before you head out.

What I like about this kind of start is that it keeps the whole experience practical. You’re not guessing how it works. You come in, you check in, and you’re on the path toward Reykjafoss with clear instructions.

The tour is offered in English, and the group stays small—up to 8 travelers. That matters more than you might think on horseback. Smaller groups mean less waiting, more personal attention, and a smoother pace.

Reykjafoss and Brandgil Canyon: The Scenery You Came For

Once you head out, the focus stays on the views. You ride toward Reykjafoss, a waterfall where the water runs down in steps into Brandgil canyon. It’s the kind of scenery that instantly makes your photos look like they belong on an Iceland postcard.

Along the way, you get mountain panorama scenery tied to Skagafjörður. Even if you’re not a scenery-obsessed person, the way the ride is routed helps you keep your eyes up. You’re not stuck staring at the trail the entire time.

The best part is that you can get close to the moment of the waterfall. You’re not just looking from far away. And the guides also help you find the best viewing spots while keeping you positioned safely near the steeper areas of the canyon edge.

What You’ll Actually Do on the Horse (30 Minutes, or Close)

The ride itself is listed at about 30 minutes. In real life, you should think of it as a short, focused chunk of time—long enough to feel the experience, short enough to still enjoy the rest of Akureyri the same day.

One review described about 1 hour total, which makes sense when you include check-in and getting started. If you’re trying to pack your schedule tightly, I’d plan around that longer total time rather than only the riding minutes.

You’ll come along for a guided ride out from Hestasport and toward the waterfall area, with the guide managing the pace. You’re not left to figure out the logistics on your own. The goal is simple: enjoy the scenery, take photos, and get safely back.

Photo Time: Getting Pictures Without Losing the Moment

The tour is built with photography in mind, especially for those classic “horse head + waterfall view” shots. There’s time to take pictures between the ears of your furry companion, so you can frame the waterfall while your horse stays calm and posed.

This is one of those details that sounds small until you try it. On short tours, you don’t want to spend your limited time wrestling your camera while worrying about control. The setup here is more like a guided photo moment, where the guide helps you feel confident enough to grab a few great shots.

If you’re traveling with a smartphone, this is a good match. You’ll want a quick burst of photos when you’re at the best angles. And because the tour is short, you can keep moving toward the next view instead of standing around too long.

Guides and Horses: The Stuff That Makes It Feel Easy

The biggest recurring theme is how smoothly the experience runs. People consistently highlight friendly staff, clean grounds, and guides who make the basics feel manageable.

Two guide names show up in feedback: Ellen and Amrei. Ellen is described as making sure riders learned the basics, then taking the group to a safe area where a trot was possible. Amrei is praised for organization and good company, including for someone in the group who was understandably nervous at the start.

That’s the practical lesson here: if you’ve ridden only a few times, you’ll likely appreciate the structured coaching. And if you’ve never ridden before, this tour has the right energy for your first outing—clear guidance, a short route, and a focus on comfort.

The horses themselves are another highlight. Reviews mention beautiful Icelandic horses and the calm, confident way they’re handled. That’s a big deal when you’re dealing with wind, uneven ground, and the excitement of seeing a real waterfall up close.

Weather and Safety: The Real World Side of Iceland Riding

This is a tour that depends on good weather. That doesn’t mean it’s canceled at the first cloud. It means the operator takes conditions seriously for rider safety and comfort.

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. I like that clarity because it helps you plan the rest of your day without guesswork.

Safety also shows up in how the ride is described. Even when people talk about trotting, they also mention it happens in a safe area. That’s a smart approach for a short tour: you get the fun part, but you also keep control of where and when it happens.

Price and Value: Why $90.12 Can Be Worth It

At $90.12 per person for a short ride, you’re paying for more than just the horse time. You’re paying for guided handling, a maintained riding base, and the route planning that gets you to a standout spot like Reykjafoss.

What makes the value feel strong is the mix of elements: small group size, English-speaking staff, photo-friendly viewing, and a short format that doesn’t drain a full day. If you’re in Akureyri on a tight schedule, this kind of experience can be a high-percentage use of your time.

It’s also good value if you want horses but don’t want a long multi-hour program. People who feel short on time have a clear path here: get the Icelandic horse experience and still keep your day open.

Who This Ride Best Suits (and Who Might Hesitate)

This tour fits best if you want a quick introduction to riding Icelandic horses with real scenery payoff. It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling as a family, since a review specifically mentioned a 6-year-old being over the moon.

It can also be a good option if you’re a little nervous. The ride is short, the group is small, and staff are described as accommodating and helpful—so you’re not thrown into a long, intimidating ride.

If you’re someone who wants hours of riding without stops, you might feel this is too short for your style. The whole point is that it’s quick. You’re there for Reykjafoss and Brandgil canyon views, not for an extended horseback journey across big distances.

Booking Mindset: Mobile Tickets and a Smooth Flow

You’ll receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the tour uses a mobile ticket. That’s convenient in Iceland, where you’re often hopping between activities and don’t want to manage paper tickets.

You can also lean on the operator’s capacity limits: it caps at 8 travelers, so it stays in a manageable zone for the staff. If you’re traveling at a busy time, booking ahead helps secure your preferred slot—on average, this is booked about 22 days in advance.

For most people, participation is possible. The operator also keeps things organized from the reception check-in through the end back at the meeting point.

Should You Book This Short Ride to Reykjafoss?

If you want a time-efficient way to experience Icelandic horses and get memorable views of Reykjafoss and Brandgil canyon, I’d say yes. This tour stands out for its small groups, friendly staff, and a ride format that doesn’t waste your limited time.

Book it especially if:

• you’re short on time but still want a real horse experience
• you care about getting good photos without stress
• you want a guided, beginner-friendly ride with safety in mind

I’d think twice if you’re traveling on days when weather is likely rough and you dislike changing plans. Since the experience requires good weather, a flexible mindset helps you get the best outcome.

If you’re aiming for a classic Akureyri highlight that’s practical, scenic, and not too long, this one fits the bill.

FAQ

How long is the horseback tour?

The ride is listed at about 30 minutes, and the total outing can run closer to around 1 hour when you include check-in and getting set up.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Hestasport Reception – Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

This activity has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid won’t be refunded.