Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall

Reykjafoss gives this short horseback ride a clear purpose: you are not simply circling a paddock, but riding toward rushing water and a steep canyon. I like the small group limit of eight, which should make it easier to receive help, and I like the chance to photograph the waterfall between the ears of an Icelandic horse.

The ride also works well for families and first-time riders. Staff help with the basics, and one six-year-old rider had a particularly happy outing. The main caution is timing: the published duration is about 30 minutes, while one account describes roughly an hour from start to finish, so ask Hestasport what is included before you pay $90.12.

Key points at a glance

• Reykjafoss is the destination: Ride toward the waterfall and watch water drop in steps into Brandgil canyon.
• Icelandic horses make the experience special: You get close to the breed that is closely tied to Iceland’s riding culture.
• A practical choice for a short stop: The ride suits a tight schedule better than a long countryside excursion.
• Groups are capped at eight: That gives the guide more room to explain the basics and help nervous riders.
• Photography is built into the appeal: The horse’s ears frame the waterfall and mountain views in a memorable way.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the activity, with a new date or full refund offered.

A waterfall ride, not just a horse photo

The best part of this outing is the combination of horse, canyon, and water. Reykjafoss is not treated as a distant view. You ride toward it, stopping near the edge of the steep Brandgil canyon while the water rushes down the rock steps below.

That setting gives the experience more character than a basic introductory ride. You have the calm rhythm of a horse beneath you, then the sharper sense of scale that comes from looking into a canyon. The mountain panorama around Skagafjörður fills out the scene, especially when you turn away from the falls and look across the wider country.

You also get a picture that feels tied to the activity. The suggested angle is between the ears of your horse, with the waterfall and Icelandic scenery ahead. It is a simple idea, but it captures what makes riding here different from walking to a viewpoint.

The ride is short, though, so keep your expectations in check. This is not a full afternoon in the saddle or an extended route through the valley. It is a compact introduction with one strong natural focus.

Meeting Hestasport in Varmahlíð

The activity begins at the Hestasport Reception for Cottages and Riding Tours at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð. The supplied location is in the Varmahlíð area, even though the experience is often associated with Akureyri and North Iceland, so check your driving plan carefully before setting out.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point. That makes the outing simple to fit into a road trip, since you do not need to arrange a separate pickup from Reykjafoss.

Hestasport provides a reception area, riding tours, and cottages. The emphasis here is on a working riding operation rather than a large attraction with many layers of entertainment. You arrive, check in, meet the staff, and prepare for a short ride.

Confirmation comes at booking. Since the activity is offered in English, communication should be straightforward for English-speaking riders. The maximum group size is eight, a useful detail if you prefer a guide who can keep an eye on each person rather than managing a long line of horses.

Getting comfortable on an Icelandic horse

You do not need to arrive as an expert rider. The guide covers the basics and helps you understand how to handle the horse before heading out. One guide, Ellen, was specifically praised for explaining the fundamentals clearly and allowing a controlled trot in a safe area.

That combination matters. A short ride has little room for a long lesson, so you want useful instructions without spending the entire outing standing still. At the same time, the horse should not be treated as a moving photo prop. Basic control helps you ride with more comfort and gives the guide a safer group to lead.

The horses themselves are a major part of the appeal. Icelandic horses are compact, hardy, and distinctive, with a calm presence that can help new riders settle in. The staff have also been described as friendly and accommodating, which is especially useful if you have only ridden a few times or feel unsure at the start.

One family found the experience suitable for a six-year-old. That does not guarantee the same fit for every child, but it suggests that young riders can take part when the guide and horse pairing are right. If your child is nervous, mention that before the ride begins so the staff can respond appropriately.

Following the route toward Reykjafoss

The main riding section heads toward Reykjafoss. The route is short, but its reward comes from the change in viewpoint. You are not looking at the waterfall from a roadside pullout. You approach on horseback, with the animal’s ears and head forming part of the view.

The water runs down in steps into Brandgil canyon. That detail gives Reykjafoss a more textured appearance than a single vertical drop. The canyon edge also adds drama, although it means you should listen closely to the guide and follow instructions about where to ride and stop.

This is a photo-friendly route, but do not let the camera take over. The most useful images will come during a pause, when you can frame the waterfall without trying to hold a phone while controlling the horse. A guide can also help you make the most of the stop, particularly if the group is small.

The mountain panorama of Skagafjörður adds breadth to the outing. The waterfall is the main target, yet the ride would feel much less special without the surrounding peaks and open Icelandic views. I would plan to look up from the screen now and then. The landscape is literal here, in the broad sweep of mountains and canyon, and it rewards attention.

How much time should you allow?

The stated duration is approximately 30 minutes. That makes the activity appealing if you are passing through Varmahlíð and want a quick horse-riding experience without committing to a half-day tour.

There is a small timing question worth clarifying. A detailed account describes the whole experience as about one hour, including the check-in, preparation, instruction, and ride. The published 30 minutes may refer mainly to time on horseback, but the exact split is not explained.

For planning, I would not schedule a major appointment immediately afterward. Allow extra time for arrival, getting ready, basic instruction, photographs, and returning to the reception. That is not a complaint. It is simply the sensible way to handle an activity involving horses and changing weather.

The short length is a strength for some people and a weakness for others. It suits you if you want a taste of Icelandic riding, have children with limited patience, or are fitting several North Iceland stops into one day. If you want a long, quiet ride through open country, this will likely feel too brief.

The $90.12 price and what it buys

At $90.12 per person, this is not a bargain-basement photo stop. You are paying for a guided horse experience, a small group setting, access to the Hestasport operation, and a route that reaches a natural feature rather than remaining at the stable.

The value improves if you place importance on guidance and convenience. A first-time rider may not want to arrange a longer ride, buy special equipment, or spend hours learning in a large group. Here, the short format lowers the commitment while still giving you a genuine ride and a waterfall setting.

The price is harder to justify if your only goal is to see Reykjafoss. The waterfall and surrounding views are the main visual reward, but you are paying for the horse and guide, not simply access to a viewpoint. If you do not particularly care about horses, a self-guided visit to a waterfall may offer better value.

I also see value for families. A long riding tour can become tiring, especially for a young child or someone who is not sure about horses. This format gives you a concentrated experience, and the staff’s friendly approach can make the first few minutes less daunting.

Guides, horses, and the human side of the ride

The people running this activity add much of its appeal. Staff have been praised for being kind, helpful, and accommodating from check-in through the end of the ride. That practical warmth matters more than polished presentation when you are trying to mount a horse, learn unfamiliar instructions, or calm a nervous child.

Ellen has been singled out for explaining the riding basics and choosing a safe place for a trot. Amrei has also been named as a pleasant companion on a quiet January outing. Guides can change, of course, so do not book on the assumption that one particular person will lead your ride.

The horses receive equally strong attention. They are described as beautiful, well cared for, and suitable for riders with limited experience. Clean grounds also help create a good first impression, particularly if you are bringing children who want to see the horses before and after the ride.

A small group can improve this part of the experience. With no more than eight people, you have a better chance of hearing instructions and getting direct help. It also reduces the chance that your photo stop feels rushed by a large crowd.

Weather, comfort, and practical limits

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, Hestasport can cancel the ride and offer you another date or a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but it also means you should keep some flexibility in your Iceland schedule.

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and a ride beside a canyon is not the place to push ahead in poor conditions. Confirm the local forecast and keep your clothing practical. The supplied information does not specify a clothing list, so Hestasport is the right place to ask about what to wear on your date.

The activity is offered in English. Most people can participate, according to the supplied tour information, but individual riding ability, age, and comfort with horses still matter. If you have concerns, contact the provider before booking rather than relying only on the general participation statement.

The photos may also be less impressive in bad weather. Waterfall spray, low cloud, or dull light can change the feel of the stop. That is not a reason to avoid the tour, but it is a reason to see the ride as an outdoor experience first and a photo session second.

Who should book this short ride?

I would recommend it to you if you meet one or more of these descriptions:

• You want to try an Icelandic horse without giving up half a day.
• You are traveling with a child who would enjoy a short, guided outing.
• You like the idea of combining an animal experience with a waterfall and canyon.
• You have ridden only a few times and want basic instruction in a small group.
• You are already driving through the Varmahlíð area and can return to the same meeting point.
• You want a distinctive Iceland photo rather than a standard waterfall snapshot.

I would hesitate if you want a long, fast-paced ride or a broad route through the countryside. The outing is designed around a brief approach to Reykjafoss, not an extended expedition.

I would also think twice if your schedule is so tight that a weather delay or a longer-than-30-minute visit would cause trouble. The ride may take closer to an hour from arrival to finish, so build in breathing room.

Booking, cancellation, and final advice

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded. The cut-off uses local time, so check the clock in Iceland when making changes.

My advice is to book this if you value a compact, well-supported horse ride more than a long route. Reykjafoss, Brandgil canyon, and the Skagafjörður mountain panorama give the outing a strong setting, while the small group and patient instruction make it approachable for beginners.

Before paying, confirm two things with Hestasport: the exact riding time and what happens if the forecast turns poor. Once those details fit your schedule, this is an easy way to add Icelandic horses and a striking waterfall to a North Iceland road day.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride begin?

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

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at the Hestasport meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The published duration is approximately 30 minutes. One detailed account describes about one hour for the full experience, including preparation and the ride, so confirm the exact timing with Hestasport.

How many people can join the ride?

The activity has a maximum of eight participants.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The activity is offered in English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

You can be offered a different date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.