Varmahlid Viking Horse Tour: Is It Worth It? A Review

So, you’re considering a horse riding tour up in Varmahlid, Iceland? It is almost a land of fire and ice and maybe you want something really special from that vacation? Well, I took the plunge on the Viking Horse Riding Tour and wanted to share my experiences, both the good and perhaps the areas that could be a little better. Hopefully this can give you that clearer image, right? Is it all mead and heroic sagas, or a somewhat muddy trek with views? I can definitely get into that!

Meeting the Icelandic Horse: Small Size, Big Heart

First up, very arguably the stars of the show: the horses! These aren’t your average steeds, that. They’re Icelandic horses, known for their smaller stature and, you know, their unique fifth gait, called the “tölt”. I was a bit surprised by their size, that is, a bit smaller than I was expecting, but, really, what they lack in height, they make up for in heart, it’s almost remarkable. The horses were really well-groomed and seemed quite content, which put my mind at ease. Before we even set off, the guides introduced us to our assigned horses, that is, telling us a little something of their personalities. Mine was a gentle mare named Freyja, a real sweetheart, I have to say.

The guides definitely paired people and horses really thoughtfully. Being a relatively inexperienced rider, Freyja was perfect for me; she was quite responsive but, you know, forgiving of my occasional clumsy cues. More experienced riders were matched with horses that seemed to enjoy a more spirited ride. This attention to detail definitely started the tour off on a good foot, just the right thing. You could just tell that these guides really, genuinely cared about their animals and the people who get to ride them.

The Scenery: A Taste of Iceland’s Beauty

Now, onto the views, that is, since you’re in Iceland for the landscapes, right? The tour winds through the Skagafjordur region, that’s rather close to Varmahlid, and gives you peeks at that lovely, sweeping Icelandic landscape. Rolling green hills, you know, dotted with sheep, that sort of thing, plus the occasional glimpse of distant mountains – a somewhat stunning backdrop for the ride, wouldn’t you say? The landscape has a certain rawness that really resonates.

The tour path, in some respects, it took us alongside rivers and through fields, yet never really ventured into, you know, any seriously rugged or dramatic territory. In some respects it would’ve been awesome to, in some way, have the adventure go through terrain that maybe would present that greater challenge but, honestly, the gentle pace allowed us to, almost, soak it all in without feeling rushed or stressed, the lack of any hard terrain, seemingly. This might be really good, certainly if you’re a total beginner or have really young kids riding, by the way.

The Viking Theme: Authentic or Just a Gimmick?

So, the name has “Viking” right in it; what about that theme, anyway? Well, to be frank, it’s probably a bit more subtle than maybe I initially anticipated. You’re not going to find reenactors in full battle regalia (possibly for the best!), but they sprinkled that little touch throughout the tour. The guides did share bits of local history and some Norse mythology, the area having deep roots, I feel I should add. And the horses? The Icelandic breed is that direct descendant from horses brought over by the Vikings, for example!

The level of “Viking-ness” tends to be very light, and it shouldn’t really be your focus on whether you are booking or not. If you have, let’s just say, expectations of dressing up as a warrior while galloping with sword in hand, you might be a little disappointed. That said, those cultural nuggets added a tiny extra layer to that overall experience, making you, in a way, think of what this countryside might have felt like a thousand years before, alright.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Approachable

The guides could be called enthusiastic. They appeared happy to share their knowledge of the horses, the land, and, of course, the Viking history of that place. They’re clearly adept at managing a group with varying levels of riding experience, yet, making sure that everyone felt, sort of, safe and included, pretty much, while riding through.

What made a positive effect to the ride was, you know, how approachable they were. They patiently answered all questions, even those posed from nervous first-timers. Their passion for Iceland and these magnificent horses was just so apparent, really adding that bit of extra charm, that extra spark to this whole experience. It’s very good to encounter that type of leadership and positivity, pretty much.

The Practicalities: What to Expect

Alright, what to expect to do logistically? It’s typical of the tour, they will often give you the right riding gear: a helmet, and, just in case the weather is not that great, waterproof overalls. Definitely use both! Even on what could be called the nicer days, the Icelandic weather can still be that bit unpredictable, which you kind of get used to being in Iceland. Wear layers, and just have sturdy boots! A small backpack for any water or your camera is pretty practical.

The tours can vary a little in length, although mine was two hours. This appeared the great, kind of, middle ground – you can go have that good feel of riding without you being tired and sore afterwards. Do listen to your guide when they talk about the pace and what that involves during your riding and instructions; following that can just help keep you, and Freyja or whatever horse you happen to have, feel secure all trip. There were breaks built-in for some of that photo opportunities. This can give the animals a chance to chill out a bit.

Value for Money: Is It Worth the Price Tag?

Okay, so, to that crucial bit: price. Horse riding in Iceland will rarely, maybe even never, qualify as “cheap,” this could be said about any of Iceland trip adventures, frankly. The Varmahlid Viking Horse Riding Tour is somewhere in the middle, it seems. Comparing its rate with similar types of riding experiences, what you’re getting here might well be deemed pretty worth it, really.

You get that skilled guiding, they match horse and rider depending on experience level and the well-being of that animal which I mentioned, and, too, of course you’ll have the memories from that very beautiful scenery. It would be beneficial if the tour included snacks and a drinks, maybe adding just that bit of extra value, in some respects. However, overall I’d argue what I was given with that Viking Horse Riding Tour seems a fair return, a somewhat cherished experience, you might just find.

Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend It?

I had, largely, a positively great time on that Viking Horse Riding Tour up at Varmahlid. Those experienced and beginner riders will be sure to get something out of this experience – some might love learning all about Icelandic horses while the stunning landscape has a serene feel. The “Viking” stuff might be a little light for hardcore history buffs. What’s there more than makes it for an excellent option when you are just hoping for adding a dab of horsey charm, if you would be so kind!