southern Iceland: Black beach riding tour

The best part of this ride is the contrast: you’re on a sturdy Icelandic horse, moving over ancient volcanic sand beside the Atlantic. The view opens toward the Westman Islands on one side and Eyjafjallajökull on the other, with the sound of waves and a cold sea breeze along for the ride.

I like two things in particular: you get a chance to feel the Icelandic horse’s smooth tölt, and a small group makes it easier for guides to help riders with different experience levels. Guides Jette and Helena have led rides, and the horses have been described as calm and safe.

One point to weigh: this is not a ride for someone who has never ridden before. The tour requires basic riding experience, and you must be able to get on and off the horse on your own. The beach can also feel cold and exposed, so dress for the weather, not just the calendar.

• The setting: A southern Iceland black-sand beach, with views toward the Westman Islands and Eyjafjallajökull.
• The riding: A two-hour outing on Icelandic horses, with the chance to experience their smooth tölt.
• The group: A small-group format, with the stated group limit varying between five participants and six riders.
• The requirements: Riders must be at least 10 and no heavier than 110 kg (240 lb). Basic riding experience is necessary.
• The practical catch: The farm is about 1.5 hours from Reykjavík, and transport there is not included.
• The gear: Riding equipment, helmets and rainwear are provided, but you should bring warm layers and suitable boots.

Riding the black sand near Grímsstaðir

This is a two-hour horseback ride in South Iceland, on a stretch of coast where the dark volcanic sand, open sea and distant landmarks do most of the talking. You ride with a guide rather than setting out alone, and the horses carry you along the shoreline while the waves roll in nearby.

The black beach is the main attraction, but the wider view gives the ride its sense of place. The Westman Islands lie to one side, while Eyjafjallajökull is visible on the other. This is a good way to experience the coast at a slower pace than you would from a car or roadside viewpoint.

The tour takes place near Grímsstaðir, between Hella and Hvolsvöllur. It is about 1.5 hours from Reykjavík, so it makes more sense if you are already exploring the South Coast or are happy to build a substantial drive into your day. The ride itself lasts two hours, but allow extra time for reaching the farm and getting ready.

Getting comfortable with an Icelandic horse

Icelandic horses are known for their gentle nature and distinctive smooth gaits. The tour introduces you to the breed before you set off, and the guide helps you feel at ease on the ride. You may get to experience the tölt, a smooth gait that is one of the breed’s best-known traits.

That does not mean the ride is suitable for someone who has never sat on a horse. Basic riding experience is required. The tour description also says it suits both beginner and experienced riders, which is best understood as welcoming to riders who are still building confidence, not as a first-ever lesson.

Guides have included Jette and Helena. In one ride, Helena led a group with notably different riding levels; in another, Jette guided a sunset outing. The guide on your date may be someone else, but the small-group setup helps keep instruction personal.

The horses have been described as sweet and safe, an important point if you are a little rusty. Still, be honest about your comfort and ability. You are responsible for deciding if you can take part, including getting on and off the horse without assistance.

What the two-hour ride feels like

Expect a guided ride along the coast, not a long trek through several kinds of terrain. The core experience is the time on horseback: moving over volcanic sand, watching the sea and taking in the open views. The description does not promise a set route or specific stops, so think of this as a beach ride rather than a sightseeing circuit with scheduled photo breaks.

The shoreline can look different with changing light and weather. A late-October ride has coincided with sunset, which can add a striking glow to the dark sand and water. But sunset timing depends on the date and the start time, so treat it as a possible bonus, not a guaranteed feature.

The coastal setting also means the weather is part of the experience. A cool breeze can make the ride feel colder than the temperature suggests, and wind or rain may affect your comfort. Rainwear is included, but you will be glad to have warm layers under it.

Small group, with one detail to confirm

The experience is sold as a small-group tour. One description gives a limit of five participants, while another states a maximum of six riders. That is a small inconsistency worth checking when you book, especially if you are choosing the tour because you want the very smallest possible group.

Either way, this is not described as a large trail ride. Small numbers can make a practical difference: the guide can keep an eye on riders with varying skill levels and offer help as needed. It also makes the pace less likely to feel like a crowd moving across the beach.

The tour is guided in English, and guides are also described as speaking Scandinavian languages and German. If language is important for your group, confirm which guide and language will be available on your chosen date.

Price, value and what you receive

At $194 per person, this is a considered purchase, not a cheap add-on. The price covers a two-hour guided ride, riding equipment, safety helmets and rainwear. It also pays for the chance to ride a distinctly Icelandic breed in a setting that would be hard to reproduce elsewhere.

The value depends on what you want from a horse ride. If the appeal is simply spending time in the saddle, you may find the cost high for a two-hour outing. If you want to ride an Icelandic horse on a black-sand beach, with views of the islands and volcano, the setting and breed make this more distinctive than a routine paddock ride.

Transportation is not included, so add the cost and time of reaching the farm to your calculation. The drive from Reykjavík is about 1.5 hours, and the directions involve turning onto Oddavegur at the sign for Oddi, then continuing from asphalt onto a gravel road. At the end, turn right; Grímsstaðir farm is on the right. If you are unfamiliar with rural Iceland roads, check your route ahead of time and leave room for the final gravel stretch.

Dress for wind, sand and saddle time

Warm clothing is more than a comfort extra here. The tour specifically recommends layers: long underwear, warm socks, a wool or fleece sweater, a scarf or buff, unused gloves and a windproof jacket. Bring riding breeches or leggings, plus good waterproof or water-resistant riding or hiking boots.

Sunglasses and sunscreen are also recommended. Even when the air feels cold, sun and reflected light can still be tiring on an exposed beach. Rainwear is supplied, but it is not a substitute for warm layers beneath it.

Avoid arriving in ordinary trainers or thin clothing. The experience involves sitting outdoors for two hours, and you will want footwear and clothes that can handle damp, chilly conditions. The farm supplies riding equipment and helmets, so you do not need to bring those yourself.

Who should book this beach ride

This tour suits riders who already have basic experience and want a memorable setting rather than a technical riding challenge. It can work for people with different levels of confidence, provided they can manage the horse and mount and dismount independently. The minimum age is 10.

It is also a good match if Icelandic horses are high on your list. The ride gives you time with the breed and a chance to feel the tölt, while the coastal setting keeps the focus on the country’s volcanic shore and open sea.

It is less suitable if you are a complete beginner, have difficulty getting on or off a horse without help, or dislike cold and wind. The weight limit is 110 kg, or 240 lb. Check both the age and weight requirements before booking, and be candid with yourself about your riding ability.

Should you book it?

Book this ride if you have basic riding experience, can get yourself on and off the horse, and want to pair a distinctive Icelandic breed with a striking South Coast setting. The calm horses, personal guidance and opportunity to feel the tölt are strong reasons to choose it.

Skip it if you are looking for a first lesson, need transport from Reykjavík included, or want a warm-weather outing. The beach is exposed, the farm is a long drive from the capital, and the $194 price is easiest to justify if riding on black sand is a highlight of your Iceland plans.

FAQ

How long is the black beach riding tour?

The ride lasts two hours. Check availability for the start times on your chosen date.

Where does the ride take place?

It operates near Grímsstaðir in South Iceland, between Hella and Hvolsvöllur. The farm is about 1.5 hours from Reykjavík.

Is transportation to the farm included?

No. Transportation to the farm is not included.

How old do riders need to be?

Riders must be at least 10 years old. Children under 10 cannot take part.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 110 kg, or 240 lb.

Do I need riding experience?

Yes. Basic riding experience is necessary. You must also be able to get on and off the horse on your own.

What is included in the price?

Riding equipment, safety helmets and rainwear are included. The tour also includes trained guides.

What should I wear?

Bring warm layers, long underwear, warm socks, a wool or fleece sweater, scarf or buff, gloves, a windproof jacket, riding breeches or leggings, and waterproof or water-resistant riding or hiking boots. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also recommended.