Akureyri Ride, Photo Stops

Akureyri: Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour with Photos runs through AK Hestaferdir EHF. Rated 4.7 across 12 reviews. Runs 1 - 1.5 hours. From $123.

Overview

This ride starts and finishes at a yellow barn with a yellow roof at Gásir, on road 816 near Akureyri, and runs between one and one and a half hours. Riders arrive at the family-run farm, meet their Icelandic horse, and get fitted with the necessary riding equipment before setting off. The route winds through the countryside around the farm with views over Eyjafjörður, the mountains, and the ocean.

Photographs are part of the plan rather than an afterthought. The group stops along the way so riders can take pictures and, on this product, photos of riders on horseback are arranged too. After dismounting there is time to wander around the farm and greet the other residents, which include cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, sheep, and guinea pigs. One reviewer described the owner's introduction to the other animals as an interesting end to the visit.

The pace suits beginners and families. One first-time riding pair called the experience a 10/10 and said they felt at ease, and another reviewer called the horses well behaved and the place a good one for families with children. The ride stays short and easy, close to Akureyri.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at Gásir farmDrive road 816 to Gásir and park in front of the yellow barn with the yellow roof. Arrive 15 minutes early.
2. Meet your horseGet introduced to your Icelandic horse and fitted with the riding equipment.
3. Guided rideSet off on a one-hour ride through the landscape around the farm, with views of Eyjafjörður, the mountains, and the ocean.
4. Photo stopsPause along the route to take photos, including pictures of riders on horseback.
5. Return and farm visitFinish back at the barn, then explore the farm and meet the cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, sheep, and guinea pigs.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the hour run smoothly, from what to wear to what the ride itself feels like.

• What to wear. The listing says to dress according to the weather and to bring weather-appropriate clothing. Closed shoes only. High heels, sandals, flip flops, and open toes are not allowed.
• Getting there. There is no pickup. The meeting point is set at booking, and the listing directs drivers to road 816 at Gásir, parking in front of the yellow barn with the yellow roof. Be 15 minutes early.
• Pace and nerves. The ride is described as leisurely, and one reviewer who had never ridden before said the experience was a 10/10 for a first time. The tour is pitched at riders who want a calm outing rather than a fast one.
• Photos. Photo stops are included in the ride, and photos of riders on horseback are part of the product. Flash photography and tripods are not allowed, so plan around natural light.
• Farm animals. After the ride, the farm's other animals are introduced, including cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, sheep, and guinea pigs. One reviewer said the owner kindly introduced the animals at the end, and another called the place a good fit for families with children.
• Group and guide. The operator is a small family-run business. Reviews describe kind and friendly guides and owners.

Common issues. The ride is short, roughly an hour in the saddle, and the pace is slow: one reviewer described walking nose-to-tail beside a road, so it is not the right pick for riders after speed. The same reviewer felt the guide seemed unhappy with her job, though most feedback points the other way. There is no pickup or transport to the farm, so a self-drive or taxi arrangement is needed, and the tour runs outdoors, meaning weather can affect comfort. Evening and midnight rides exist but only on special request rather than as standard options.

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