Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall

Waterfall views come with a saddle. This short ride from Hestasport gives you a quick, friendly introduction to Icelandic horses while taking you toward Reykjafoss and the canyon of Brandgil. I like the mix of easy riding, mountain scenery, and a clear photo goal. I also like that the group is capped at eight people, which should keep the outing personal rather than crowded.

The main point to consider is the timing. The tour is advertised at about 30 minutes, but one rider described the full experience as closer to an hour, including check-in and preparation. That difference may matter if you are fitting this stop between drives or other plans. The meeting point is also in Varmahlíð, not central Akureyri, so check your route carefully before booking.

Key details at a glance

• Ride toward Reykjafoss: The route leads to a waterfall where water runs down a series of steps into Brandgil canyon.
• A small group of up to eight: The limited capacity should allow the guide to give more attention to each rider.
• Icelandic horses and beginner-friendly instruction: The guide explains the basic riding skills, making this suitable for people with limited experience.
• Strong photo opportunity: You can take pictures between the horse’s ears with the waterfall, canyon, and Skagafjörður scenery ahead.
• English-language activity: The tour is offered in English and includes a mobile ticket.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled ride or a full refund.

Meeting the horses at Hestasport in Varmahlíð

Your visit begins at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. The experience ends back at this same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer from the riding area.

The setting is part of the appeal. Hestasport is presented as a clean, well-kept place with friendly staff and attractive views. That matters on a short tour. You are not spending half the day on a complicated operation. You arrive, check in, meet the horses, and get moving toward the main view.

The location needs careful planning, though. The tour information associates the activity with Akureyri, while the actual meeting address is in Varmahlíð. Those are not the same place, so do not assume the ride begins in town. Put the full Varmahlíð address into your route plan and allow enough time to reach it.

The group limit is eight people. That is a useful number for a riding outing because the guide can keep an eye on the group without managing a long line of horses. It also makes it easier to ask for help if you are unsure about mounting, steering, or controlling your pace.

A gentle introduction for first-time riders

You do not need to arrive as an expert rider. The guide covers the basics, and the experience has worked well for people who have ridden only a few times. One guide named in the feedback is Ellen, who was praised for explaining the essentials and creating a safe area where riders could trot.

That does not mean every part of the ride is a fast-paced lesson. The focus is on a short scenic outing, not a full riding course. You should expect the guide to help you get comfortable and show you how to handle your horse, then lead you toward the waterfall.

I especially like this format for a mixed group. A confident rider can enjoy the scenery, while a nervous or inexperienced rider can get clear instructions and a calm start. One family also found the activity suitable for a six-year-old, though the supplied information does not state a minimum age or specific child policy. If you are booking for a child, confirm the details directly with Hestasport.

The horses themselves are a major part of the experience. Icelandic horses are known to be a central feature of riding culture in Iceland, and this tour gives you close contact with them rather than treating them as simple transport. You spend time beside a distinctive animal, learn basic control, and see the countryside at horse pace.

That pace is important. A short ride lets you notice the ground, the changing views, and the movement of the horse beneath you. It is a different experience from pulling into a viewpoint, taking a quick picture, and driving away.

Riding toward Reykjafoss and Brandgil

The main stop is Reykjafoss. The water runs down a stepped section into Brandgil canyon, giving you a view with movement and depth rather than a flat wall of falling water. The canyon edge also creates the dramatic setting for the ride’s signature photos.

The route is designed around the view. You ride toward the waterfall, take in the mountain panorama of Skagafjörður, and pause for pictures. The horse carries you to the edge of the steep canyon, where the guide can help create the classic image looking forward between the horse’s ears.

That photo angle is more than a gimmick. It gives you a sense of being in the ride rather than simply standing beside a waterfall. You see the horse’s head in the foreground, with the canyon and Icelandic scenery beyond it. If you have a phone with a camera, the mobile-ticket format makes it easy to keep the booking on hand and capture images during the outing.

Still, you should keep the photography secondary to the horse and the guide’s instructions. A steep canyon edge is not the place to become distracted by a perfect frame. Listen carefully, hold your phone securely, and take pictures when the guide says the horses are settled and it is safe to do so.

The scenery is likely to be the strongest part of the ride. The views across Skagafjörður provide a wide mountain setting, while Reykjafoss gives the outing a clear destination. I like that the activity has a purpose beyond simply circling a paddock. Even with limited time, you are heading somewhere memorable.

What the short duration really means

The official duration is approximately 30 minutes. That makes this a useful add-on for a busy Iceland itinerary, especially if you want to meet Icelandic horses without committing to a long trail ride.

A half-hour ride also keeps the experience manageable for a young child or anyone unsure about spending a long time in the saddle. You get the animal encounter, a taste of riding, a waterfall, and photos without giving up a full morning or afternoon.

There is one timing wrinkle. A rider described the complete outing as about one hour, which may include check-in, instruction, mounting, and the ride itself. That is not necessarily a problem. In fact, extra time for preparation can make the experience feel less rushed. But you should not schedule another activity immediately afterward based only on the 30-minute figure.

I would allow at least some breathing room around the stated duration. The tour ends at the same reception point, which helps with planning, but the actual time on site may be longer than the riding time alone.

The value of $90.12 per person

At $90.12 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a waterfall. You are paying for more than a viewpoint stop, though. The price includes a guided horseback experience, access to the Hestasport operation, time with an Icelandic horse, instruction, and the chance to reach a scenic location on horseback.

The value is strongest if you want three things at once: a short activity, an animal encounter, and memorable pictures. A person who only wants to see Reykjafoss may find a horse ride unnecessary. Someone who has always wanted to ride an Icelandic horse may find the price reasonable, even with the short duration.

The group size helps the value. With no more than eight people, the guide should be able to offer practical help instead of giving a broad speech and sending everyone off. That personal attention matters even more if you have limited riding experience.

The price also makes sense for a special stop during a wider Iceland trip. You are not buying an all-day excursion, so you can pair it with other plans. Just remember that the meeting point in Varmahlíð requires its own route planning, and the total time may run longer than the listed 30 minutes.

Friendly staff and a calm start

The human side of the experience receives especially strong praise. The staff are described as kind, friendly, helpful, and accommodating, with good service from check-in through the end of the ride.

That tone can shape the whole outing. Horseback riding is not like boarding a bus. You may need help with the basics, reassurance if you feel nervous, and clear instructions before the group sets off. A welcoming team can make a first ride feel approachable rather than intimidating.

The operation is also described as clean and well organized. That is a small detail, but it matters when you are arriving with children, dealing with riding equipment, or starting an activity in changeable Icelandic weather.

The named guide Ellen received particular praise for teaching the basics and managing a safe place to trot. Another visit in January had only one booking group, with a guide named Amrei providing a pleasant, personal outing. That suggests the experience may sometimes feel almost private, although you should not count on having the horses or guide to yourself.

Weather, seasons, and practical expectations

The ride requires good weather. If conditions are poor and Hestasport cancels, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. This is sensible for a ride near a steep canyon, where wind, rain, or poor visibility could affect both comfort and safety.

You should dress for Iceland rather than for an indoor attraction. The supplied details do not list a clothing or footwear requirement, so I would confirm those points with Hestasport before you go. At minimum, expect an outdoor activity where conditions can change.

The January visit described in the feedback shows that the ride can operate in winter conditions when the weather cooperates. Winter may bring a different look to the waterfall and surrounding scenery, but the exact appearance and riding conditions will depend on the day. Do not book this as a guaranteed-weather photo session.

The activity is offered in English. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the ticket is available on your mobile phone. Most people can participate, but the information does not provide specific mobility, weight, age, or riding-level requirements. If any of those details affect your booking, ask Hestasport before paying.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this experience to:

• First-time riders who want a short, guided introduction
• Horse lovers who want close contact with Icelandic horses
• Families looking for a memorable activity that does not take all day
• Couples or solo visitors who care about scenic photographs
• People with limited time near Varmahlíð
• Riders who prefer a small group over a large organized outing

It is less suitable if you want a long trail ride, sustained fast riding, or a full lesson. The short format is its strength, but it is also its limit.

If your main goal is a waterfall walk, you may prefer a land-based visit. This tour makes the most sense when the horse is part of the reason you are booking. Reykjafoss is the destination, but the journey on an Icelandic horse is the experience.

Booking, cancellation, and planning notes

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, so keep your schedule reasonably firm.

The activity is often reserved well ahead of time, with bookings averaging 22 days in advance. That does not guarantee that every date fills early, but it is a useful sign that you should not leave this until the last minute if your itinerary is fixed.

I would book after confirming the meeting point and checking the timing against your driving plans. Keep a little extra time after the ride because the preparation and return process may make the full visit longer than 30 minutes.

Should you book this Hestasport ride?

Book it if you want a compact, friendly introduction to Icelandic horses with a real scenic destination. The strongest reasons are the small group, clear beginner support, attractive views across Skagafjörður, and the chance to photograph Reykjafoss from horseback.

Think twice if you are looking for a long ride or if your schedule cannot handle a possible one-hour visit. Also confirm the Varmahlíð location, since the activity is associated with Akureyri but starts at Hestasport Reception.

For the right person, this is a smart short stop: personal, scenic, and easy to fit into a wider Iceland trip. You get a horse beneath you, a waterfall ahead, and a photograph that says more than another roadside snapshot.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride begin?

It begins at Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point where it begins.

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The listed duration is approximately 30 minutes. One account describes the full experience as about one hour, likely including check-in and preparation.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is eight people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The activity is offered in English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

You can receive a full refund or choose a different date if Hestasport cancels because of poor weather.