A brisk 30-minute ride carries you to the brink of Brandgil for striking photos beside Reykjafoss. Ideal for beginners, this short Icelandic-horse tour pairs steady steeds with big northern views.
A brisk 30-minute ride carries you to the brink of Brandgil for striking photos beside Reykjafoss. Ideal for beginners, this short Icelandic-horse tour pairs steady steeds with big northern views.
Cold air lifts off the canyon as you climb into the saddle—an Icelandic horse beneath you broad and sure, its breath visible in the chill. In thirty minutes you move from a small farm track to the lip of Brandgil, where Reykjafoss pours in stepped sheets into the gorge. It’s an intimate ride: close enough to hear the water, far enough to feel the mountains press around you.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hestasport - Riding Tours · Akureyri, Northeastern Region
Cold air lifts off the canyon as you climb into the saddle—an Icelandic horse beneath you broad and sure, its breath visible in the chill. In thirty minutes you move from a small farm track to the lip of Brandgil, where Reykjafoss pours in stepped sheets into the gorge. It’s an intimate ride: close enough to hear the water, far enough to feel the mountains press around you.
This stretch of Skagafjörður carries the weight of rural Iceland: turf farms, volcanic ridges shaped by ancient eruptions, and paths used by horses for generations. The Icelandic horse—a breed isolated for a thousand years—offers a steady tölt that absorbs rough ground, whether frozen in winter or soft and grassy in summer. Hestasport, the common meeting point for short rides, keeps the route compact and photo-friendly, ending at a safe viewpoint on the canyon edge.
Expect geology of layered basalt and glacially carved valleys; expect quiet human-scale farms rather than crowds. The ride suits beginners: helmets and thermal overalls or rain gear are provided, and guides stage photo stops so you can get a framed shot of horse and waterfall.
Practical notes: dress in windproof layers, wear sturdy boots with a defined heel for the stirrups, and plan around daylight—northern Iceland’s light shifts dramatically with the seasons. Riders with serious back, heart, or pregnancy concerns should avoid this activity. For most travelers it’s a compact, memorable way to experience Icelandic horses, raw northern landscapes, and a waterfall moment without a long trek.
No—this short tour is designed for beginners and all fitness levels; guides handle mounting, basic instruction and control.
Yes—riding helmets are provided and required for all participants.
Bookings ask for height and weight; operators typically accept most riders but check when booking if very tall or heavy to ensure a safe saddle fit.
The operator may cancel for safety in severe wind or storms—cancellation at least 24 hours prior usually yields a full refund per policy.
Hestasport - Riding Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Cold air lifts off the canyon as you climb into the saddle—an Icelandic horse beneath you broad and sure, its breath visible in the chill. In thirty minutes you move from a small farm track to the lip of Brandgil, where Reykjafoss pours in stepped sheets into the gorge. It’s an intimate ride: close enough to hear the water, far enough to feel the mountains press around you.
Cold air lifts off the canyon as you climb into the saddle—an Icelandic horse beneath you broad and sure, its breath visible in the chill. In thirty minutes you move from a small farm track to the lip of Brandgil, where Reykjafoss pours in stepped sheets into the gorge. It’s an intimate ride: close enough to hear the water, far enough to feel the mountains press around you.
This stretch of Skagafjörður carries the weight of rural Iceland: turf farms, volcanic ridges shaped by ancient eruptions, and paths used by horses for generations. The Icelandic horse—a breed isolated for a thousand years—offers a steady tölt that absorbs rough ground, whether frozen in winter or soft and grassy in summer. Hestasport, the common meeting point for short rides, keeps the route compact and photo-friendly, ending at a safe viewpoint on the canyon edge.
Expect geology of layered basalt and glacially carved valleys; expect quiet human-scale farms rather than crowds. The ride suits beginners: helmets and thermal overalls or rain gear are provided, and guides stage photo stops so you can get a framed shot of horse and waterfall.
Practical notes: dress in windproof layers, wear sturdy boots with a defined heel for the stirrups, and plan around daylight—northern Iceland’s light shifts dramatically with the seasons. Riders with serious back, heart, or pregnancy concerns should avoid this activity. For most travelers it’s a compact, memorable way to experience Icelandic horses, raw northern landscapes, and a waterfall moment without a long trek.