Black Sand Beach by Horseback | Riding Adventure near Vik

Explore the beautiful black sand beaches of Iceland’s South Coast with this incredible hour-long horseback riding tour. This excursion is perfect for beginners and experts alike and provides a wonderful perspective on this country’s unique natural features.

The tour begins in Iceland’s southernmost town, Vík, which is located just a few hours out of Reykjavík, along the Ring Road encircling the island. You will meet your guides at the stables. They will provide you with all the riding equipment you need and tell you a little about the route and safety procedures.

Following that, you will meet yoRead moreur steed. Icelandic horses are renowned across the world for their performance in equestrian sports, but what will likely be most striking to you is their diminutive size, their curious eyes and their gentle, friendly nature.

After being paired with your perfect match, you’ll spend a moment getting used to the sensation of riding, before setting out along the black sand beach of Víkurfjara, a sister site to the more famous Reynisfjara beach.

This stretch of coast was once voted one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world, and it is little wonder as to why. The volcanic, black sands stretch for miles; great waves shatter against them with the full force of the Atlantic ocean, and the geological features of the area are spectacular.

The most renowned of these features are the Reynisdrangar sea-stacks. These two great pillars rise from the ocean and are said to have once been trolls petrified in the sunrise as they tried to drag a ship to shore. Adjacent to them is the beautiful Reynisfjall mountain.

If you are taking your ride in May, June or September, then you are very likely to see puffins amongst the hundreds of seabirds swooping overhead.

This tour will be tailored en route as much as possible for those of different ability levels. Beginners are welcome to take a slow, serene ride; those who want to feel what it’s like to pace a little quicker will have their opportunity; expert riders will have a chance to race across the sands. Everyone will also be able to experience the 'tölt,' a gentle gait unique to the Icelandic horse.

Throughout the tour, your guides will be able to tell you all about the nature and evolution of your steed, the surrounding landscapes, and perhaps some of the local folklore. They will also be happy to answer any questions you have throughout the tour.

After fifty minutes to an hour, you will return to the stables, and bid farewell to your horse and guides, ready to continue your adventures around Iceland’s South Coast.

Don’t hesitate to book this exciting horseback riding opportunity on the black sand beaches of Iceland. Check availability by choosing a date.