Forget long days. This one is fast.

You’ll head out from Hestasport and ride to Reykjafoss, where water drops in stepped pours into the canyon of Brandgil. What makes it special is the mix of calm horse-time and big, Iceland-style scenery, plus the chance to get sharp photos right from horseback.

Two things I really like: the ride is short and doable when your schedule is tight, and the experience is run with a clear focus on safety and easy basics (one guide named Ellen even made sure riders felt confident enough to trot in a safe area). One possible drawback is that this kind of riding depends on conditions, so if the weather isn’t good, you may need to shift plans.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small group, maximum 8 riders means you’re not just number 9 in someone else’s day.
• Reykjafoss + Brandgil canyon gives you dramatic payoff for a short time outside.
• English-speaking guide support, including riders who were taught the basics before moving faster.
• Photo moments from horseback, including time where you can pose between your horse’s ears.
• Icelandic horses with a family-friendly feel, even for kids who are a bit nervous.

Where you start: Hestasport reception in Varmahlíð

Your ride starts at the Hestasport Reception, at the cottages and riding tours base in Vegamót, Varmahlíð. This is one of those set-ups that makes everything feel straightforward: you arrive, you get oriented, and you’re soon mounted instead of standing around wondering when the adventure begins.

I like that the location is practical for Akureyri-area sightseeing. You’re not committing to a full-day trip just to touch horses and a waterfall. The base setup also helps if you’re traveling with limited daylight or want to keep your afternoon flexible.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. That combo matters more than it sounds. It keeps check-in quick, and it lets the guide explain what you need without you guessing about commands or safety rules.

One more thing I’d plan for: because the group is kept small, it can feel a bit more personal. That’s a plus for comfort, but it also means you should show up ready to follow instructions when your time slot comes up.

The ride to Reykjafoss: why this waterfall is a perfect target

Reykjafoss is the star. The scenery you ride through builds the suspense, then the waterfall delivers. You’re moving toward a spot where you can really appreciate how the water works its way down stepped surfaces before it drops into the canyon of Brandgil.

From horseback, the view changes in a way that a viewpoint-only stop can’t match. You’re elevated, you have forward motion, and you’re close to the textures of the terrain. That’s a big part of why the short timing works: you’re not spending the day commuting from one famous stop to another. You’re getting a single strong experience with a clear endpoint.

The route also passes through mountain panorama views of Skagafjörður. You don’t need geology lessons to enjoy it. You just need time to look up from the reins every few minutes. On a clear day, it’s the kind of scenery that makes you forget your phone is getting dusty.

You’ll ride to the edge of the steep canyon area near the falls. This is where the experience pays off visually and where that stepped water and canyon setting give you something genuinely Icelandic to photograph.

What actually happens before you move: getting comfortable with Icelandic horses

Horse riding in Iceland can be intimidating if you’ve mostly watched from the ground. The good news here is that the guides are focused on the basics and on helping you feel steady before you ask more from the horse.

One rider specifically said Ellen walked the group through riding basics, then brought people to a safe area where they could even trot. That’s a nice detail because it tells you the guides aren’t just moving you along at walk speed if conditions allow. They’re reading the group and making sure you know what to do.

Also, Icelandic horses tend to handle trails confidently, and that shows in how the experience feels. In the feedback, people repeatedly praised the horses themselves and the overall organization of the grounds at the base. Clean, well-run operations matter here. When the stables and tack area are in good shape, the whole experience feels less chaotic.

If you’re not a frequent rider, you should still feel like you can participate. The tour is described as suitable for most people, which lines up with the way the guides teach and then adjust the pace based on comfort.

If you are experienced, you still get value. You’ll get real scenery and real time on a trail, not just a quick photo stand. The ride might be short, but it’s not empty.

The Brandgil canyon moment: where the photos get real

The tour is built for memorable pictures, and it doesn’t rely only on a distant waterfall shot. The standout photo tip is that you get time for photos between the ears of your furry companion. That’s a practical detail because it’s how you get a face-forward shot with the dramatic background, without spending the whole ride trying to position a selfie stick or angle a camera awkwardly.

You’re also brought to places where you can shoot from the horse’s perspective near the steep canyon edge. That means you’re not just photographing the waterfall. You’re photographing the experience of being there—horse, rider, canyon, and water in the same frame.

My advice: bring a lens strap or a secure case and keep your hands calm. When you’re on horseback, the best photos usually come from staying relaxed and letting the guide handle the timing of stops.

Also, don’t assume every shot needs a perfect pose. The “Iceland with a horse” photos are already eye-catching. Aim for a few steady frames, then let the moment carry the rest.

Timing and group size: short ride, real payoff

This ride is about 30 minutes (approx.). That’s the official duration, and it’s exactly why it works for a lot of itineraries—especially in Akureyri when you may be packing your day with other stops.

One review mentioned the full outing felt like about an hour total, which tells me to think beyond just the time in the saddle. Plan for a bit of pre-ride check-in and a clean, smooth wrap-up at the end back at the meeting point.

The group size is capped at 8 travelers, which keeps the experience from feeling rushed or overcrowded. A small group also makes it easier for the guide to watch how you’re holding your posture and rein contact. That matters for comfort and for safety, especially if conditions require a slower pace.

If you’re visiting in winter, you’ll likely appreciate the efficiency even more. People don’t always want to spend ages outdoors waiting for the “right” moment. Here, you get the ride and the waterfall focus in a tighter package.

Price and value: what $90.12 buys you in Iceland

At $90.12 per person, this isn’t a bargain in the sense of “cheap entertainment.” But it can feel like good value if you care about three things: real horseback time, a strong natural feature, and a guide who manages safety and riding basics.

Here’s the value math that makes sense:

• Horses aren’t a background activity. They are the whole point, and that kind of operation takes real staffing and care.
• You’re not just riding in a loop with nothing to show. Reykjafoss and the Brandgil canyon setting make the time feel earned.
• Small group size usually means fewer people to manage, which tends to improve the attention you receive.

If you’re the type who wants one memorable outdoor experience without sacrificing your whole day, this price can land as fair. You’re paying for a controlled environment, professional handling, and a scenic endpoint that you can’t really recreate on your own easily.

If you’re only looking for a quick view and you’d rather spend your money on a longer excursion or self-guided hiking, you might question the cost. But if horseback scenery is your priority, the short duration keeps the expense from ballooning into a long, complicated day.

Who should book this ride (and who might skip it)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A short horseback experience with a clear goal: Reykjafoss waterfall
• Photo-ready scenery where you can pose naturally while mounted
• A guide who teaches basics and adjusts pace to rider confidence
• A small-group experience that doesn’t turn into a herd of people at the falls

It also works especially well for families and mixed groups when kids are excited but not looking for a marathon. One rider described a 6-year-old who was over the moon, which is a strong signal that the atmosphere feels friendly and managed.

You might consider skipping it if:

• You’re expecting a long, rugged ride. This is more “hit the highlight” than “touring the countryside for hours.”
• You’re sensitive to changes from weather. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled for poor conditions, you’ll need to shift to another date or choose a full refund.

Weather and safety: the part you can’t ignore

Horse rides are outdoor activities, so conditions matter. The experience is stated to require good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the right attitude in Iceland: you shouldn’t treat the weather like an optional extra.

Safety here also comes through in how the guides run the session. Ellen was mentioned as making sure riders learned the basics and then riding at a trot in a safe area when possible. That tells me you’re not thrown into advanced movement without instruction.

If you’re nervous, the best move is simple: listen carefully at the start, ask questions in the moment, and follow the guide’s rhythm. On horseback, confidence often grows after the first few minutes once you understand how the horse responds and what the guide expects.

Also, because the group is small, you may get more attention than you’d get with a bigger tour. That’s a quiet advantage when you want to feel looked after without feeling watched.

Booking in advance: when planning pays off

On average, this ride gets booked about 22 days in advance. That suggests it’s not just a casual, every-day slot that you can always grab last minute—especially during popular seasons or when weather windows are tight.

I’d treat it like a real activity, not a “we’ll see” thing. If you’re set on it, booking ahead usually keeps your options open and reduces the risk of missing it when the calendar fills.

If your schedule is flexible, you can sometimes move dates based on weather. But if your trip is tight, earlier booking is the safer call.

Should you book this Reykjafoss horseback ride?

If your ideal Iceland day includes horses, short time outdoors, and a waterfall that looks great from multiple angles, I’d say book it. The ride is built around a strong payoff in a manageable chunk of time, with a small group size and guides who teach the basics before pushing pace when conditions allow. Plus, the photo moments are designed for real results, not just a random stop.

I’d think twice only if you want a long riding adventure, you’re strongly budget-driven, or you can’t adapt if weather forces a change. If you fall into those categories, consider a different style of Iceland outing.

For most people who are hungry for one memorable, authentic experience without spending the whole day in transit, this one is an easy yes.

FAQ

Where does the horseback ride start?

You start at the Hestasport Reception at the cottages and riding tours base in Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland.

How long is the ride?

The duration is listed as about 30 minutes. One review described the total time at about 1 hour, so expect some time for the full process in addition to riding.

What waterfall will you ride to?

The ride focuses on Reykjafoss.

What scenery will I see during the ride?

You’ll ride with views toward the mountain panorama of Skagafjörður and you’ll be able to see the water dropping into the canyon of Brandgil.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. The experience has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Do I need prior riding experience?

The tour is described as suitable for most people, and guides provide the basics so you’re not left figuring things out on your own.

Are mobile tickets used?

Yes. You’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. Within 24 hours of the start time, refunds are not available.

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