Horseback riding in North Iceland: River and waterfall

Ride across mountain terrain to a waterfall, surrounded by fjord peaks

Horseback riding in North Iceland on a 1.5-hour guided ride along the river Svartá to Reykjafoss waterfall, with an English-speaking guide, thermal overalls or rain gear, helmet and hot drinks included. Tell us your riding experience level at checkout so the operator can match you with the right horse. Operates year-round in all weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Viking horse riding tour in North Iceland

• Check in 20 minutes before departure
• Enjoy 1.5 hour riding tour
• Ride along river Svartá and hillside track
• Visit Reykjafoss waterfall
• Experience mountain fjord panorama

The experience

How do you know which horse will suit you? You tell the operator your experience level (beginner, occasional rider, intermediate or experienced), and they pair you with a horse that fits. The ride itself follows an adventure track along a hillside beside the river Svartá, climbing toward Reykjafoss waterfall while mountain peaks of the fjord frame the whole route. The terrain changes with the season: frozen ground and snow in winter, soft grass in summer, but the horses handle both.

The 1.5-hour ride starts with a 20-minute check-in at the reception. You get a riding helmet, and thermal overalls or rain gear depending on the weather: the operator dresses you for the conditions. An English-speaking guide leads the group. Before you leave and again when you return, there's free coffee or tea to warm up.

This is not a sightseeing tour where you watch from a vehicle. You're in the saddle the whole time, operating the horse across real terrain. The route is built around what the landscape offers (river, hillside, waterfall, mountain views) rather than a fixed sequence of stops. Riders of all fitness levels can do it, though the operator notes it's not suitable for people with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnancy.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide.
• riding helmet.
• thermal overalls or rain gear as required by weather.
• free coffee or tea before and after the ride.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 11:00, 13:30 and 15:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Hestasport - Riding Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're riding in a small group and want a guide who knows the route and can match you with the right horse. The fixed 1.5-hour timeframe and the guide's eye on the group's pace make it work for mixed experience levels, from first-time riders to people who've ridden before.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the riding experience like if I've never been on a horse before?

Beginners are welcome and the operator will match you with a calm, reliable horse suited to your level. Tell them you're a beginner at checkout and they'll pair you accordingly. The 1.5-hour ride moves at a pace the group can handle.

Does the weather affect whether the ride happens?

The ride operates in all weather: snow, rain, wind, sun. The operator provides thermal overalls or rain gear as needed, so you stay dry and warm. Dress in layers and bring waterproof outerwear on top.

What exactly is the route? How far do we ride and what do we see?

You ride along the river Svartá on an adventure track that climbs a hillside, heading toward Reykjafoss waterfall. The whole route is framed by the mountain panorama of the fjord. The terrain is a mix of paths and open ground, and the ride lasts 1.5 hours.

What's included in the price besides the horse and guide?

Horseback riding in North Iceland includes the English-speaking guide, riding helmet, thermal overalls or rain gear depending on conditions, and free coffee or tea before and after the ride. Everything you need to ride safely is provided.