Foss Travel 2-Hour Black Beach Ride

southern Iceland: Black beach riding tour runs through FossTravel. Rated 4.8 across 108 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $185.

Overview

This two-hour ride from the Grímsstaðir farm takes you across black volcanic sand on the south coast, with the Westman Islands visible out to sea on one side and Eyjafjallajökull on the other. You ride Icelandic horses, a breed the guides introduce along the way, known for gentle temperaments and smooth gaits, including the tölt. A maximum of six riders can join each outing.

The ride suits both beginners and experienced riders, though some basic riding experience is needed. Reviewers who were new to riding said they felt comfortable throughout. Riders with more experience have found the pace picks up when the whole group can handle it, with one recent group of three experienced riders reporting plenty of cantering and galloping on the sand.

The farm sits between Hella and Hvolsvöllur, roughly an hour and a half from Reykjavík, and you make your own way there since no hotel pickup or transport is provided. Helmets, riding equipment and rainwear are included. Riders must be at least 10 years old and under the 110 kg weight limit, and each person needs to be able to mount and dismount on their own.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Drive to Grímsstaðir farmMake your own way to the farm between Hella and Hvolsvöllur. From the main road, turn where the sign says Oddi onto Oddavegur and follow it to the end, first on asphalt then gravel, then turn right; the farm is on the right.
2. Meet and gear upOn arrival you get fitted with a riding helmet and any rainwear you need, all included, before the ride begins.
3. Ride the black sand beachThe ride crosses the black volcanic sand along the coast, with views of the sea, the Westman Islands and Eyjafjallajökull, depending on conditions. Guides talk about the Icelandic horse and its gaits as you go.
4. Return to the farmThe outing ends back at Grímsstaðir after two hours of riding, where the tour finishes.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things will shape how this ride goes for you, from what you wear to the weather you meet on the coast.

• Dress for wind. The listing is specific: warm layers, long underwear, warm socks, a woollen or fleece sweater, a scarf or buff, gloves and a windproof jacket. Rainwear is provided, but everything else is your own gear.
• Footwear matters. Waterproof or water-resistant riding or hiking boots are recommended, along with riding breeches or leggings.
• Weather cuts both ways. Icelandic coastal weather changes fast, and one reviewer rode through rain, cloud and wind that hid the puffin island from view. Others rode in fog and still found the beach beautiful and empty, so a grey day does not ruin the ride.
• Pace varies by group. With a maximum of six riders of mixed ability, one reviewer who was not an experienced rider said they felt comfortable the entire time, while a group of experienced riders reported lots of cantering and galloping when everyone could manage it.
• Plan the drive. The farm is about an hour and a half from Reykjavík, and no transport or hotel pickup is included. You follow Oddavegur off the main road, first on asphalt and then gravel, so allow time to find it.
• Photos by guides. One family noted the guides took photos of them during the ride.

Common issues. Transport is not included, so reaching the farm is up to you, and it sits about an hour and a half from Reykjavík at the end of a gravel road. Some travellers say the pace feels slow in mixed ability groups and would prefer clearer groupings by level or more chances to trot. Weather can obscure the views, with one reviewer missing the puffin island entirely due to rain and wind. Riders must be 10 or older, weigh under 110 kg, and be able to mount and dismount without assistance, which rules some people out regardless of interest.

Picking A Ride