30-Minute Waterfall Photo Ride

Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall runs through Hestasport - Riding Tours. Rated 5.0 across 11 reviews. Runs 30 minutes. From $86.

Overview

This short ride from Hestasport, an operator based in Varmahlíð, pairs a half hour on an Icelandic horse with a stop at a waterfall where photos are the point. Riders check in at the reception at the Hestasport cottages, get kitted out with a helmet and thermal overalls or rain gear depending on conditions, and head out with a guide along a route that reaches a waterfall. The ride ends back at the same reception where it started.

The pace suits beginners and anyone short on time. One reviewer who had only ridden a few times said the guides make it very easy, and another described it as ideal for getting close to Icelandic horses when the schedule is tight. Groups are capped at eight travellers.

Tea or coffee is included, which helps after a cold ride. Hotel pickup is not, so travellers make their own way to Varmahlíð, on road 752. Arrive at the reception about 20 minutes before departure.

What's Included

Included

Riding Helmet
Thermal Overalls or Rain Gear as required
Coffee and/or Tea

Not Included

Hotel pickup

Itinerary

Check in at HestasportArrive at Hestasport Reception, Vegamót, Varmahlíð, on road 752, about 20 minutes before departure. Search for "Hestasport Reception" in Google Maps.
Gear upHelmet is provided, plus thermal overalls or rain gear depending on the weather.
Ride to the waterfallThe guided ride lasts 30 minutes and heads out to a waterfall.
Trotting in a safe areaOne reviewer reported the guide allowed the group to trot where it was safe, for riders who wanted to.
Return to the receptionThe ride ends back at the meeting point at the Hestasport reception.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the half hour go smoothly, from what to wear to how the group runs.

Getting there. There is no hotel pickup, so travellers drive or arrange transport to the Hestasport reception in Varmahlíð. The listing asks riders to arrive 20 minutes before departure.
Warm clothing. Thermal overalls or rain gear are provided as required, along with helmets. Dressing warmly underneath is wise for Icelandic weather.
Beginner friendly. One reviewer who had only ridden a few times said the guides make it very easy, and another described it as ideal when time is short. Another guest noted the guide covered the basics of riding before heading out.
Small group. The listing caps the tour at eight travellers. One reviewer found their group was the only booking in January.
Food and drink. Coffee or tea is included. Nothing else is listed, so bring any snacks needed.
Photos. The waterfall stop is built around photos, so keep a phone or camera reachable. The listing title itself highlights eye catching photos at the waterfall.

Common issues. The ride is not wheelchair accessible, and the listing does not recommend it for travellers with back problems or for pregnant travellers, or anyone with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. It requires good weather, and poor conditions can mean cancellation, with a different date or a full refund offered instead. No hotel pickup is included. One reviewer found the whole outing ran closer to an hour from check in to finish, so allow more time than the 30 minute ride itself.

Picking A Ride

What is included in the price?

A riding helmet, thermal overalls or rain gear as required, and coffee or tea. The guided 30 minute ride to the waterfall and back is the core of the experience.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is listed as not included, so travellers make their own way to the Hestasport reception in Varmahlíð, on road 752. Arrive 20 minutes before the departure time.

Is it suitable for beginners or children?

One reviewer with little riding experience said the guides made it easy, and one family reported their six year old loved it. The listing says most travellers can participate. Anyone with back problems, heart problems, or who is pregnant is advised not to join.

How long does the tour take?

The ride itself is 30 minutes, though check in happens 20 minutes before departure. One reviewer found the whole experience ran about an hour in total, so plan for that.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather cancels the ride, a different date or a full refund is offered.

What should I bring?

Warm layers under the provided overalls or rain gear, and a camera or phone for the waterfall photos. Helmets are supplied, and coffee or tea is included in the tour.