Tölt on Icelandic horses hits different. This 2-hour North Iceland horseback tour strings together a birch forest, a black sand plain, and volcanic rocks, with a small lake crossing and a river ride thrown in. I loved getting to try the tölt on the Icelandic horse, and I loved how the scenery keeps shifting so even beginners stay engaged. The main drawback is you need a basic physical shape, and it isn’t suitable for people with back problems or animal allergies.

The horses and guidance matter here. You ride with an experienced guide, in a small group limited to 7, and you get a helmet plus riding equipment—so you can focus on learning without scrambling for gear. In a couple of rides, guides like Audrey and Anna were especially patient and encouraging, which makes a big difference when you’re still figuring out your balance.

Season changes what you might spot on the farm fields: cows in summertime, sheep in autumn. You’ll want weather-ready clothes and comfortable shoes, and you should arrive at least 10 minutes early since there’s no time to make up delays once everyone’s mounted. Also, hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so plan your own ride to the ranch.

Key highlights you’ll feel on this ride

• Try the tölt (Icelandic horse style) with guidance that helps you get the timing right
• A route with big variety: birch forest, black sand plain, volcanic rocks, and mossy ground
• River time plus a small lake crossing—more than just a loop trail
• Seasonal farm animals: cows grazing in summer, sheep in autumn
• Small group format (max 7), so you’re not lost in the crowd
• Works for beginners and advanced riders if you have a basic level of fitness

North Iceland horseback riding: the 2-hour route you’ll remember

This is a practical, no-fluff horseback ride in northeastern Iceland that’s built around variety. In just two hours, you move through multiple “Iceland in a sentence” environments: grassy fields near the farm, a birch forest, a black sand plain, and rocky volcanic terrain. If you like the idea of getting photos and fresh air without spending an entire day driving, this format makes a lot of sense.

The ride starts from the farm and heads downhill toward the river. Early on, you pass fields where animals graze depending on the season—cows in summertime and sheep later in the year. It’s a small detail, but it makes the farm setting feel alive instead of staged.

After you follow the river for a while, you cross a small lake on horseback and then work your way across volcanic rocks and moss. That part is where the scenery really shifts from “green and familiar” to “Iceland as it is,” with ground that looks dramatic and feels different underfoot.

Finally, you reach a broad plain of black sand and cross it before turning back toward the ranch through your own birch forest route. Returning through the forest at the end is a nice reset—like closing a book on a wild chapter, then rolling right into calm.

Why the Icelandic horse and tölt practice are the whole point

If you’ve never ridden an Icelandic horse, you’re in for a treat. These horses aren’t just a mode of transport here—they’re the star. The tour is specifically designed so you can experience the Icelandic horse at its best and try the tölt, the horse’s distinctive fast, smooth gait.

For beginners, that matters because the tölt often feels more stable than you might expect from a “fast” gait. The guide’s job is to help you sit correctly and stay relaxed, so you’re not fighting the horse. For more experienced riders, it’s still a highlight: it’s not the same thing as standard trot practice. You get a chance to feel how Icelandic horses move when they’re doing what they’re known for.

Guides also seem to tailor the ride to the group. One rider noted how the guide took time to talk with everyone and keep people encouraged—especially when everyone is new. That’s exactly what you want on tölt practice, because confidence is half the equation.

What happens at the start: farm fields, getting settled, then down to the river

At the beginning, expect a straightforward prep phase. You’ll have riding equipment and a helmet provided, and you’ll follow your guide’s instructions before you set off. The goal is simple: get you comfortable enough to focus on riding, not figuring out gear.

Then you ride down to the river. This is a good first “workout” for your body—enough movement to wake you up, not so much that you’re exhausted. You’ll also see those seasonal fields again along the way, which helps you understand the farm setting and why this route is chosen.

If you’re coming from a place where you can only see Iceland from a car window, this part changes things. Horseback slows you down in the best way. You notice the sound of the land, the texture of the ground, and how the horse handles its footing.

The river segment and the small lake crossing: where your focus shifts

Halfway through, the ride becomes more about control and attention. Following a river on horseback means you’re moving alongside flowing water and along natural paths. It’s scenic, yes, but it also gives your guide a clear, manageable route through the terrain.

Then comes the small lake crossing. This is the moment many people remember later, not because it’s extreme, but because it’s a real “okay, we’re doing this” scene. The horse’s pace and your posture matter, and the guide’s confidence helps you stay calm. If you’re prone to tensing up when something feels new, plan to lean into the instructions and breathe.

This segment is also one reason the tour specifies a basic physical shape. You’re riding actively for two hours, and crossings can make your legs and core work harder than a flat, simple path would.

Volcanic rocks, mossy ground, and the black sand plain

After the river and lake, you’ll crisscross between volcanic rocks and moss. This section is where Iceland’s geology becomes part of the ride. The ground may look rugged, but your horse is used to moving through it, and the guide will keep the group together.

Then you reach a bigger plain of black sand. Crossing it is a classic Iceland moment, because the ground color is so intense it makes the sky look sharper and the contrasts more dramatic. You don’t spend ages here, so it doesn’t feel like a long detour. It’s more like a highlight stop—one that fits the two-hour timeline without dragging.

If you care about value, this is a smart way to do it: you get the major visual hits—birch forest, lava-adjacent terrain, and black sand—without paying for a full-day adventure.

Birch forest on both ends: a calm ride through a different kind of nature

You finish back through a natural birch forest after crossing the black sand. You’ll also ride through birch forest earlier on the route, so this isn’t a one-off “pretty patch.”

Birch trees change the whole feel of the ride. Compared to volcanic rocks, the forest gives you shade, a softer visual rhythm, and a calmer ground feel. It’s also a helpful transition if your body is getting sore. The pace typically feels manageable here, and it’s a good moment to let your muscles loosen as you return toward the ranch.

Price and value: $141 for two hours with horses, gear, and an experienced guide

At $141 per person for a two-hour ride, the pricing feels tied to what you actually get: an experienced guide, helmet, and riding equipment included. You’re also getting a small group experience (max 7), which usually means more attention per rider.

What’s not included is also important. There’s no hotel pickup/drop-off, and there’s no food or drinks. So the real cost to you is a bit broader than the ticket price. If you’re coming from a hotel or cruise port, you’ll need a plan to reach the ranch—this matters more than the dollars, because it affects whether you’ll feel rushed.

Still, if you factor in horses, gear, and guide time, the value is solid. This isn’t just a short walk with a horse. It’s an actual Iceland route that covers multiple terrain types in a compact time window.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This tour is designed for both beginners and advanced riders, as long as you have a basic physical shape. That balance shows up in the overall format: two hours, guided riding, and a route with variation but not an all-day grind.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if:

• You’re curious about Icelandic horses and want tölt practice
• You want multiple terrains without spending all day traveling
• You prefer a small group where the guide can keep an eye on everyone

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with animal allergies. The animal part is a hard stop, not something to “tough out.”

Practical tips so you’re comfortable from mount to finish

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes, because you’ll be in motion and dealing with Iceland’s weather. Layers are your friend, since the tour can move from river area to rocky ground where wind may feel different.

Arrive at least 10 minutes early. That buffer helps you get set up, ask questions, and start on time without stress.

Also, remember that horseback can make you sore even when it’s fun. One rider noted being a bit sore the next morning, which is very normal after two hours of riding. If you’re planning a busy day afterward, consider scheduling something light.

And if conditions are nasty—cold, windy, raining—one ride included foul-weather clothing provided by the ranch, so it’s smart to be ready to ask what’s available if the sky turns.

Should you book this North Iceland horseback riding tour?

Book it if you want a real, guided ride that hits multiple Iceland terrains in a short time, and you care about Icelandic horses plus tölt. The small group size and included gear make it feel low-stress, and the river plus lake crossing adds enough “wow” to justify the price.

Skip it if you know horseback riding will be hard on your body, or if you’re dealing with a back issue or animal allergy. Also, if you don’t have an easy way to get to the ranch on your own, build transportation time into your plan—no pickup is included.

If you line everything up, this is the kind of tour that leaves you thinking about how the ground changed under the horse, not just how long you rode.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $141 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the 2-hour horseback riding tour, an experienced guide, a helmet, and riding equipment.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the live tour guide speaks English.

What group size should I expect?

The group is small, limited to 7 participants.

What should I bring and wear?

Wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes, and dress for the weather.

Who shouldn’t do this tour?

It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with animal allergies.