Black Beach Family Horseback Riding in Vík

This family horseback riding tour rides out onto Vík's black sand beach on gentle Icelandic horses. It's a short, easy ride built for families, with children led on reins and helmets provided.

• A gentle 30-minute ride built for families with young children
• Children ride on lead reins for extra safety
• Icelandic horses, small, calm and sure-footed
• Helmets included, guides walk alongside nervous riders
• Small groups, up to 12 riders

Your day, stop by stop

1Stables in VíkMeet at the stables, reached through the Orkan petrol station opposite Hotel Kría.

Meet at the stables at Smiðjuvegur 6, reached through the Orkan petrol station, on the edge of the village.

Read our Vík í Mýrdal guide →

2Helmet fitting and safety talkGet helmeted and matched with a suitable horse.

Guides fit each rider, including children, with a helmet and give a short safety briefing before setting off, then match each rider to a suitable horse. Arrive a little before the start time.

Arrive · a little before the start time

3Víkurfjara black sand beachA gentle, walking-pace ride along the black sand beach.

You ride out onto the black sand beach in front of Vík at a slow, steady walking pace, with children on lead reins the whole way. The ride lasts about 30 minutes, in groups of up to 12. Beach access depends on weather and tide.

Pace · walking speed throughoutGroup size · up to 12 riders

About the family horseback riding Vík

This is the family version of Vík's beach riding tours: a shorter, slower ride designed for young children and first-time riders rather than an hour-long trip at faster paces. You meet at the stables just outside Vík, get fitted with a helmet, and ride out onto Víkurfjara, the black sand beach in front of the village.

The pace stays at a walk throughout, and children ride on lead reins with a guide close by, so nervous younger riders get extra support the whole way. Icelandic horses are smaller than most riding horses and known for being calm and easy to handle, which makes them a good match for a family ride like this.

Vík sits on the South Coast and is one of the windiest, wettest spots in Iceland, so bring warm, waterproof layers whatever the season. Beach access can depend on the weather and tide, so the exact route on the day is up to your guide.

Questions people ask