Short Riding Tour with Eye-Catching Photos at Waterfall

A waterfall ride with a small-group feel

A waterfall ride makes a short Iceland stop count. At Hestasport, you mount an Icelandic horse and follow a route toward Reykjafoss, with the mountains of Skagafjörður opening around you. I like the close-up photo opportunity between the horse’s ears and the friendly, careful approach described by guests, including a gentle introduction for first-time or nervous riders. The main drawback is time: the advertised ride lasts about 30 minutes, although one detailed account says the whole visit took closer to an hour.

I also like the small maximum group of eight people, which should make instructions easier to hear and the pace less hurried. The waterfall and Brandgil canyon give the outing a clear goal rather than making it a simple ride around the farm. Still, the $90.12 price is not a bargain for such a short scheduled activity, so it makes the most sense if you value the horses, the setting, and the ease of a guided visit.

Key points to know before you book

• Reykjafoss is the destination: You ride toward a waterfall where water drops in steps into Brandgil canyon.
• The views begin at the saddle: Skagafjörður’s mountain panorama is part of the appeal, not just background scenery at the end.
• Photos are built into the experience: The route lets you take pictures from between your horse’s ears near the canyon edge.
• Small groups matter: A maximum of eight participants allows for a more personal introduction and clearer guidance.
• First-timers are welcome: Guides explain the basics, and one family found the ride suitable for a six-year-old.
• Allow more than the listed 30 minutes: One account describes the full visit as about an hour, so avoid scheduling a tight connection afterward.

Setting out from Hestasport in Varmahlíð

The meeting point is Hestasport Reception, Cottages and Riding Tours, at Vegamót in Varmahlíð, Iceland. Although the experience information identifies Akureyri as the location, the actual starting point is in Varmahlíð. Check your route carefully before booking, and use the exact reception address when planning your day.

The visit begins with check-in and a basic riding introduction. That small step matters, especially if you have only ridden a few times or feel unsure around horses. The guide named in one account was Ellen, who explained the basics clearly and made sure the group understood what to do before heading out.

Hestasport’s horses are Icelandic horses, a breed known to many visitors for its size and sturdy appearance. Here, the important point is not a technical lesson in horse breeding. It is that the horses are a central part of the outing, not simply transport to a viewpoint. The care taken during check-in and the emphasis on friendly help can make the difference between a relaxing ride and a tense one.

The maximum group size is eight. That is small enough to keep the introduction manageable, while still large enough that you may not have a private ride. If you are hoping for a completely personal pace or a private guide, confirm that before booking. The available information does not promise a private outing.

Riding toward Reykjafoss

The route heads toward Reykjafoss, giving you time to look beyond the trail immediately in front of the horse. The mountain views of Skagafjörður are one of the strongest reasons to choose this ride. Iceland often rewards you with broad scenery even on a short activity, and this outing puts you at a slower, more useful viewing speed than a quick roadside stop.

You are not simply being taken to a waterfall and dropped off for a few minutes. The approach by horse is the point. You get a changing view of the area, the movement of the animal beneath you, and the chance to pay attention to the countryside rather than rushing from one photo stop to the next.

The pace appears suitable for a mix of abilities. One person with limited riding experience described the horses as easy to handle and the guides as helpful. The same account says the group was allowed to trot in a safe area. That is a useful detail, but you should not assume trotting is guaranteed on every departure. It can depend on the group, the guide, the horses, and ground conditions.

If you are nervous, say so early. A particularly useful detail from the feedback is that a very anxious rider became enthusiastic by the end. That suggests the staff are used to helping cautious participants settle in, though no horse ride can remove every concern. You still need to follow the guide’s instructions and be comfortable with the basic demands of sitting on and directing a horse.

Reykjafoss and the Brandgil canyon view

Reykjafoss is the main stop, and the sight has more shape than a single vertical drop. Water rushes down in steps into Brandgil canyon, creating a more layered scene for photographs. The combination of moving water, dark canyon space, horses, and distant mountains gives you several ways to frame the stop.

The most distinctive photo idea is to shoot between the ears of your horse. That view places the animal in the foreground and the waterfall or canyon beyond it. It is a simple composition, but it records the actual nature of the outing better than a standard picture of you standing beside a sign.

The wording about reaching the edge of the steep canyon deserves attention. This is a scenic riding route near a sharp natural feature, not a casual walk on flat ground. The guide leads the group safely, but you should keep your focus on instructions and avoid treating the photo stop like a free-for-all. Hold your phone securely and take pictures only when the guide says it is suitable.

The waterfall stop is likely brief, especially if the scheduled ride is truly 30 minutes. You may get time for several photographs rather than a long, quiet period at the water. If your priority is extensive waterfall photography, a longer walking visit would suit you better. If your priority is a memorable horse-centered picture in a dramatic setting, this stop does the job efficiently.

How long does this short ride really take?

The listed duration is approximately 30 minutes. That makes the experience attractive for a packed Iceland day, a quick stop in the area, or a family that does not want to commit to a half-day riding program.

At the same time, one detailed account says the full activity lasted about an hour. That may include check-in, fitting or preparation, the riding introduction, mounting, and time after the ride. Since the supplied details do not explain the difference, plan conservatively. Treat 30 minutes as the approximate riding duration, not a guarantee that you will be finished exactly half an hour after arrival.

This distinction matters when you are building a driving route. Give yourself extra time for finding the reception, getting organized, and returning equipment. You do not want to turn a pleasant horse ride into a race to your next stop.

The short format is a strength for some people and a weakness for others. It suits you if you want to try Icelandic horseback riding without giving up most of a day. It is less suitable if you already ride regularly and want a long route, varied terrain, or extended time in the saddle.

What $90.12 buys you

At $90.12 per person, this is a premium price for a short activity. You are paying for more than a glimpse of Reykjafoss. The cost includes the guided horse experience, an introduction to riding, the use of a horse, access to the route toward the waterfall, and the support of a small organized operation.

The value improves if you are new to Icelandic horses. A self-guided viewpoint may cost less, but it cannot give you the same combination of animal, movement, guide support, and personal photographs. The price also becomes easier to justify if you have limited time and want one focused activity rather than a longer tour.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to see the waterfall. In that case, you are paying for a riding experience you may not care about. You also need to remember that the price does not guarantee perfect weather or a long stop at the canyon.

I would judge the cost by asking one direct question: do you want the ride itself, or only the view? If the answer is the ride, the price can be fair for a small-group, guided activity. If the answer is the waterfall, look for a simpler sightseeing option.

A good choice for families and cautious beginners

The experience appears to suit a broad range of participants. The information says most people can take part, and one family reported that a six-year-old was thrilled by the horses and the setting. That is encouraging for families, though parents should still consider each child’s comfort around animals and ability to follow instructions.

The activity also suits occasional riders. One person who had ridden only a few times found the horses and guides manageable. That is exactly the kind of visitor who may get the most from this format: enough instruction to feel prepared, a short duration that does not become tiring, and a clear scenic goal.

It may also work well for a nervous adult. Staff are described as friendly and accommodating, and the guidance appears to focus on helping people understand the basics. I would tell the guide if you are anxious, inexperienced, or hoping to trot. Clear communication helps the staff match expectations to the group.

This is not the best match for someone seeking a long, athletic ride. The short duration limits how much ground you cover, and the available details do not promise advanced riding, long trots, or a private route. Experienced riders may find it more like a scenic introduction than a serious riding session.

The staff and the feel of the visit

The strongest praise centers on the people. Check-in is described as smooth, the staff as friendly, and the guides as helpful. Ellen is specifically named as a guide who explained the basics and created a safe opportunity for trotting.

That personal care matters in a horse activity. You need clear directions before you mount, calm handling when the group starts moving, and someone who notices when a rider is nervous. The positive accounts suggest Hestasport understands that many participants are not regular riders.

The grounds are also described as clean, and the horses as beautiful. That may sound like a minor point, but the condition of the reception area and animals affects how comfortable you feel from the start. A tidy base and well-presented horses create confidence before the ride begins.

A winter visit can feel especially personal. One account describes being the only participants in January, with Amrei providing company and guidance. That does not mean every winter departure will be private, but it shows that the group can sometimes be very small outside busier periods.

Weather, cancellations, and practical planning

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful in Iceland, where conditions can change quickly and a canyon-side ride should not proceed in unsafe weather.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off uses local Icelandic time, so check the clock carefully if you are changing plans from another time zone.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the ticket is mobile. The activity is offered in English. The available information does not give a detailed clothing list, age rule, weight limit, shoe policy, or transport service, so you should ask Hestasport directly if any of those points affect your plans.

Because the meeting point is at Hestasport Reception in Varmahlíð, do not assume pickup from Akureyri is included. No transfer service is specified. Plan to reach the reception yourself and allow time for check-in before the scheduled start.

Is the waterfall photo worth the ride?

For many people, yes, especially if the photograph is part of the memory rather than the only goal. A picture taken over the ears of an Icelandic horse has a sense of place that a standard waterfall snapshot lacks. You remember the animal, the movement, the mountain view, and the canyon all at once.

The ride also gives you a different relationship with Reykjafoss. You approach it gradually, rather than arriving by car and immediately looking for the best angle. That slower arrival is valuable even when the total activity is short.

Still, keep your expectations measured. This is not a full-day expedition, and the scheduled duration is brief. The waterfall stop may be compact, and the best photographs depend on weather, light, the group’s pace, and your ability to use your phone safely near the canyon.

Should you book the Reykjafoss riding tour?

Book it if you want a short, guided introduction to Icelandic horses with strong scenery and a memorable waterfall photo. It is a sensible pick for families, cautious beginners, occasional riders, and anyone with only a small window in the day.

Think twice if you want a long ride, guaranteed trotting, a private guide, or a low-cost way to see Reykjafoss. The $90.12 price is easiest to defend when the horse experience is your main reason for going.

I would also plan for about an hour at Hestasport, despite the advertised 30-minute duration, and confirm the route from your base to Varmahlíð. With those details in mind, this is a focused and friendly way to add horses, mountain views, and a waterfall to an Iceland itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the ride start?

It starts 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 riding tour?

The advertised duration is approximately 30 minutes. One detailed account describes the full visit, including the surrounding process, as about one hour.

What waterfall does the ride visit?

The route goes toward Reykjafoss, where water rushes down in steps into the Brandgil canyon.

How large can the group be?

The activity has a maximum of eight participants.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The activity is offered in English.

Can children take part?

The information says most people can participate, and one account describes a six-year-old enjoying the experience. No specific minimum age is provided.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.