Hestasport Viking Ride, Varmahlíð

Varmahlid: Viking Horse Riding Tour runs through Hestasport Activity Tours. Rated 4.9 across 223 reviews. Runs 1.5 hours. From $118.

Overview

This ride leaves from the Hestasport office in the village of Varmahlíð, in Skagafjörður, and spends 1.5 hours on horseback following the river Svartá along a hillside track to the waterfall Reykjafoss. Along the way the route keeps you within view of the mountains around the fjord, and the operator bills the trail as having a bit of everything. One of the selling points is the chance to try the tölt, the extra gait unique to the Icelandic horse, on soft grassy paths.

The ride starts at the Hestasport reception, where riders meet the guide, get matched with a horse and are fitted with a helmet. Helmets, a snow suit if the weather calls for one, and an English-speaking guide are all included. There is no hotel pickup, so travellers make their own way to the white and blue office building on road 752, just off the Ring Road.

Several reviewers had never sat on a horse before and still called it one of the best things they did in Iceland, because the guides take it slow at first and match the pace to how confident the group feels. Others praised the horses as calm and well cared for. The weight limit is 100 kg.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Hestasport officeArrive 15 minutes before departure at the reception in Varmahlíð, the white and blue building on road 752, about 150 m from the Ring Road junction.
2. Meet your horse and gear upRiders are matched with a horse and given a helmet, plus a snow suit if needed.
3. Ride toward ReykjafossThe trail crosses along the river Svartá and follows a hillside track with mountain views, passing soft grassy paths where the tölt gait can be tried.
4. Reykjafoss horse ridingThe ride, 1.5 hours in total, is spent on horseback on the trail to the Reykjafoss waterfall.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help the ride go smoothly, from what to wear to how the pace works.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup. The meeting point is the Hestasport office in Varmahlíð: turn off Ring Road 1 onto road 752 and it is the first building on the left, roughly 150 m from the junction. Arrive 15 minutes before departure.
• What to wear. The listing recommends comfortable clothes and shoes, warm layers, rain gear and gloves. Weather in North Iceland changes fast, so dressing in layers is advised. Helmets are provided, and a snow suit is supplied if conditions require one.
• Pace and fitness. Several reviewers said the guides match horses and speed to each rider's level, starting slow and only offering a faster pace once everyone is comfortable. One reviewer specifically enjoyed riding a proper trail with ups and downs rather than a roadside track.
• The horses. Reviewers repeatedly describe the horses as well trained, calm and responsive, and note they appear well cared for. After the ride, riders may get to give the horses treats, according to one review.
• Food and drink. Food and drinks are not included and are not provided on the ride. Eat beforehand and bring water if wanted, especially since the outing lasts 1.5 hours in the saddle.
• Riding gear rule. Any riding gear brought from outside Iceland must be disinfected before the tour. This applies to boots, helmets and similar equipment, so plan ahead if travelling with your own kit.

Common issues. The weight limit is 100 kg (220 lbs), which rules out some travellers. No food, drinks or hotel pickup are included, and riders need their own transport to Varmahlíð. Some travellers have mentioned that clearer information on route difficulty before the ride would help. Weather can also affect comfort, so the operator stresses layers and provides snow suits when needed.

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