A fast ride beats a long tour here. I really like the friendly, organized guides and the chance to get close to Icelandic horses while you chase waterfall views. The main thing to consider is that you’re dealing with Iceland weather and the canyon setting means the pace and photo stops depend on conditions.

This is a compact experience out of Hestasport in Varmahlíð near Akureyri, built around one star stop: Reykjafoss. You’ll head out toward the waterfall on horseback, taking in the Skagafjörður mountain panorama and the water dropping down into the canyon area of Brandgil. Even in a short window, it feels like you get the real “I’m in Iceland” moment—minus the fatigue of a full-day tour.

You should also plan around timing. The riding portion is listed at about 30 minutes, and the full outing often feels closer to an hour when you include check-in and the photos. If you want your day packed tight, that’s a plus.

Key highlights at a glance

• One focused stop at Reykjafoss with dramatic waterfall-and-canyon scenery
• Small group size (max 8) so you’re not lost in a crowd
• Icelandic horses with plenty of photo moments while you’re still safe and supervised
• Skagafjörður views that look good even when the ride is short
• English-speaking guides who teach you the basics and keep the ride smooth

A short Akureyri horseback ride built for Reykjafoss photos

If you’re visiting around Akureyri and you want horses without carving out half a day, this kind of tour is a smart move. It’s designed to be quick, visual, and beginner-friendly. You get out into the scenery, you reach the waterfall area, and you come back—simple.

What makes it appealing is that the ride has a clear payoff. Reykjafoss isn’t just something you glance at from a bus window; you ride toward it and you stop where you can take photos with the horse nearby. The canyon of Brandgil adds a second layer of drama, since you’re watching the water rush down the steps into the canyon below.

I also like that this tour leans into real interactions, not a scripted show. You’ll be around horses up close, and you’ll get the chance to take photos between the ears of your furry companion. That’s the kind of detail that turns a “sightseeing activity” into something you’ll actually remember later.

Meet at Hestasport and get matched to an Icelandic horse

Your day starts at Hestasport Reception – Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót, 560 Varmahlíð, Iceland. The meeting point is straightforward, and the experience ends back at the same location.

Once you’re there, the vibe matters. In the feedback I saw, guests repeatedly mention how welcoming and helpful the staff are—especially with first-time riders and families. That matters on horseback tours, because your comfort starts before you ever move.

Group size is capped at 8 travelers, which is a big deal. With fewer people, guides can actually explain the basics and adjust when someone needs a bit more guidance. It’s also easier to manage horses and keep things orderly when you’re going for photos.

On timing, remember this isn’t a long trek. You’re looking at a short riding window, so you’ll want to show up ready to go—boots on, jacket zipped, phone charged.

Reykjafoss stop: canyon Brandgil and the Skagafjörður mountain panorama

This tour really centers on the ride toward Reykjafoss and the views you pass along the way. As you go, you’ll take in the mountain panorama of Skagafjörður, which helps the experience feel bigger than just one waterfall photo. Even if the weather changes, the ridges and valleys still give you that Iceland “layers of terrain” feeling.

Then the main moment: you arrive at the Reykjafoss area and see the water rushing down the stepped formation into the canyon and toward Brandgil. The canyon adds depth to your photos, because the waterfall isn’t just a vertical line—it’s part of a bigger drop into the rugged terrain.

One more useful detail: your guides bring the horses to a place where you can take pictures and still safely get you to the edge of a steep canyon area. That’s not something you want to wing on your own, and it’s one reason guided horseback tours feel worthwhile even when they’re short.

In at least some sessions, guides also keep an eye out for opportunities to let riders trot in a safe area. Don’t expect stunts, but if you’re comfortable and conditions are right, you may get a taste of a faster gait—without leaving you overwhelmed.

The ride in 30 minutes: how the short format still delivers

The listing sets expectations at about 30 minutes of riding time. In real life, the total outing often feels closer to an hour once you account for check-in, getting mounted, and the photo stop.

That short format is ideal for a few travel situations:

• You have a busy Akureyri day and still want horses
• You don’t want to spend most of your energy hiking
• You’re traveling with kids who might not last through a long tour

The reviews also point to this being a strong choice for people who are time-pressed but still want something authentic. The key is that the activity is structured: you ride, you reach Reykjafoss, you take your photos, you’re done. No wandering for hours hoping you’ll find a good viewpoint.

A practical way to think about it: you’re buying a concentrated “horse + Iceland scenery + waterfall stop” package. If you want a long ride that ends at a remote trail system, this may feel too short. But if you want a high-impact moment without the time cost, it’s built for that.

Guides, safety, and making your photos actually work

A good horseback guide can make the difference between a fun ride and a stressful one. In the feedback, guides are repeatedly praised for being knowledgeable with the basics and for keeping things calm. One guide’s name came up clearly: Ellen, who explained fundamentals and helped riders feel confident, including letting the group trot in a safe area.

You’ll also see other staff names mentioned, like Amrei, especially in quieter periods. That supports what you’d want to hear: you’re not tossed onto a horse and told good luck.

For photos, the tour is set up to help you get shots, not just watch scenery. The horse is positioned for picture-taking between the ears, and you get time to capture the waterfall view while the animal is close enough to make the photo personal.

If you want photos that look good, do two simple things:

• Use a wide lens or step back slightly so you fit both the horse and the waterfall scene
• Keep your phone or camera ready before you’re at the stop, because you don’t want to fumble while you’re mounted

Also, dress like you’re stepping into wind and wet air. Even if it’s a short ride, you’ll be outside long enough for weather to matter. Iceland can change quickly, and guides will adjust the plan if conditions aren’t right.

Price and value: why this $90.12 ride makes sense

At $90.12 per person for a short guided horseback ride, you might wonder if it’s “worth it.” Here’s the value logic that makes it click for many people:

1. You’re paying for guidance and safety, not just transportation. Horses need handling, and a canyon setting demands control.
2. You’re buying a specific payoff: a waterfall stop at Reykjafoss and the canyon views tied to Brandgil. That’s harder to DIY without planning and local expertise.
3. The group is small (max 8), so the guide-to-rider attention is better than big-bus-style tours.
4. It’s timed for convenience. If you only have a half-day window, the short format can be more economical than a longer excursion you’d cut short anyway.

Could you find a cheaper horse experience? Maybe. But if you want the combination of small-group handling, a guided waterfall stop, and photo-friendly moments, this price falls into a reasonable “guided Iceland experience” bracket.

Who should book this Reykjafoss tour (and who might want something else)

This tour is a strong fit if you:

• Want Icelandic horses and you’re short on time
• Like scenery that’s dramatic but manageable—waterfall, canyon, mountain views
• Prefer a small group experience
• Are okay with a ride that’s focused on one main stop

It also reads as family-friendly in practice. One review notes a 6-year-old being thrilled, which suggests guides do a good job making the experience work for young riders or families—though the tour says most travelers can participate.

Who might reconsider? If you’re hoping for a long, multi-hour trek where you explore deeper countryside for hours, this is more of a quick highlight ride than an all-day adventure. And if you’re extremely sensitive to wind or cold, remember you’ll be outdoors for the ride and the stop, even if it’s brief.

Weather and refunds: how to plan without losing your day

This activity is described as weather-dependent, which is exactly what you want to hear from a horse tour. If poor weather cancels it, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That keeps the plan flexible.

You’ll also get confirmation at the time of booking, and you’ll likely appreciate the quick turnaround nature of the experience. If you’re trying to fit it into an already full Akureyri itinerary, having weather contingency reduces stress.

In short: watch the forecast, dress for change, and don’t treat this like a “must happen at all costs” event. The tour is built to work best when conditions are decent for riding and viewing.

Should you book this short Reykjafoss horseback tour?

I’d book it if your travel style is: short time, high payoff, and you want the horses and the waterfall in one smooth package. The biggest reasons are practical—small group size, friendly staff, and a direct focus on Reykjafoss with canyon Brandgil views that make the photos feel real.

You might skip it if you want a long horseback journey or you’re looking for an experience with lots of stops and extended exploration. This is a focused ride, and that’s the whole point.

If your goal is a memorable Iceland moment that fits into a busy schedule, this Akureyri-area horseback ride to Reykjafoss is a solid pick.

FAQ

Where does the horseback tour start?

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

What is the main destination?

The ride is centered on Reykjafoss, with scenery along the way and waterfall views during the stop.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 30 minutes.

What language are the guides in?

The tour is offered in English.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 8 travelers.

Is the tour suitable for most people?

Most travelers can participate.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you want, tell me your travel dates (and whether you’re traveling with kids or first-time riders). I can suggest the best way to slot this near Akureyri so the weather risk hurts less.