Fantastic 1 Hour Horseback Ride on a Black Sand Beach with Transfer from Vik

Explore Iceland’s South Coast’s beautiful black sand beaches with this fun 50-60 minute horseback riding tour. This excursion is perfect for beginners and those who don’t ride very often. All abilities are welcome to come and join our friendly Icelandic horses for this relaxing excursion in the wild Icelandic landscape. Tours in the summer offer the chance to spot puffins and other seabirds, while the winter weather highlights the landscape’s rugged beauty. The tours are mostly at walking speed, but for those who are capable, there is the chance to try some tölt, the special gait of the Icelandic horse. Please note we have a weight limit of 110kg / 242lb, and riders must be aged 10+. We ask you to be dressed and ready to ride at the stable 15 minutes before your departure time.

The stables are located in Iceland’s southernmost town, Vík, which is just a few hours drive from Reykjavík. After meeting your guides at the stables, you are provided with equipment and a short demonstration of riding instructions and safety information.  

Following that, you will be matched to a new four-legged friend. Icelandic horses are a bit smaller than other breeds, so they are less intimidating for beginners or nervous riders. Despite their smaller stature, they are strong, friendly, and curious - the perfect companion for an Icelandic adventure. 

The tour begins heading out from the stable towards 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 world’s most beautiful non-tropical beaches, and it is little wonder why. The guides pause the tour and use your phone or camera to take some photos for you to remember your special experience. 

Getting underway again, the tour group will make a large loop on the beach to see the cliffs of Reynisfjall, where in summer, you may be lucky enough to spot some puffins and other seabirds. When we turn to head back to the stable, we can head up into the dunes for a different route back. The paths here are ideal for trying out the ‘tolt,’ a unique jogging gait that the Icelandic horse is famous for. The guides are happy to answer your questions and explain more about the special characteristics of the horses and the landscape here that has shaped them. 

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.

Tours depart year-round, times according to available daylight. Check availability in the booking calendar by selecting a date, and make your reservation!