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Black Beach Horse Riding in Vík

About 1 hourGroup: Small groupEasyMeet on locationAge 10+All year
5.0(7 reviews)
Riders trotting along the surf at VíkRiders on the black beach with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks behindRiders in the dunes among yellow flowersRider's view between the horse's ears on the black beach at Vík
Icelandic horse among lupins with Vík church behind

Black beach horse riding in Vík is an easy one-hour ride on Icelandic horses. You ride from the stables to Víkurfjara black sand beach, along the shore under Reynisfjall cliffs, and back through the sand dunes.

Stables in VíkVíkurfjara black sand beachReynisfjall cliffsSand dunes
  • About an hour in the saddle on a calm Icelandic horse
  • Ride on Víkurfjara, the black sand beach in front of Vík
  • Views of Reynisfjall cliffs and the sea stacks off the coast
  • Beginners welcome, with a helmet and a guide included
  • Small groups of up to 10 riders

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Two Icelandic horses at the stablesStables in VíkMeet at the stables at Smiðjuvegur 6, next to the Orkan petrol station.
Two Icelandic horses at the stablesIcelandic horse among lupins with Vík church behindThe black sand coast at Vík from the air

The stables are at Smiðjuvegur 6, next to the Orkan petrol station, on the edge of the village. Be there, dressed and ready to ride, 15 minutes before your start time.

Read our Vík í Mýrdal guide →
2Riders crossing the grass above the beachSign-in and helmet fittingShort safety briefing and your horse is matched to you.
Riders crossing the grass above the beachIcelandic horse running

Arrive about 15 minutes early to sign in, have your helmet fitted and hear the safety briefing. Your guide matches each rider to a suitable horse. The weight limit is 100 kg (220 lb) fully clothed.

Arrive · 15 minutes before the startWeight limit · 100 kg (220 lb) fully clothed
3Riders trotting along the surf at VíkVíkurfjara black sand beachRide along the black sand shore in front of the village.
Riders trotting along the surf at VíkRiders on the black beach with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks behindLine of riders on the black beach below the cliffs

The beach in front of Vík is made of black volcanic sand. You ride along the shore, mostly at a walk and easy for beginners, with Reynisfjall cliffs above you and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks out in the sea. Beach access depends on weather and tide.

Pace · mostly walking, easy for beginnersNote · beach access depends on weather and tide
4Riders in the dunes among yellow flowersSand dunesLoop back through the grassy dunes above the beach.
Riders in the dunes among yellow flowersIcelandic horses running through a green valley

The route turns back through the grassy sand dunes behind the beach, with views of the village and the church on the hill. Keep loose items in zipped pockets.

Tip · keep loose items in zipped pockets
5Icelandic horse among lupins with Vík church behindBack at the stablesSay goodbye to your horse and return your helmet.
Icelandic horse among lupins with Vík church behindTwo Icelandic horses at the stables

You say goodbye to your horse and return your helmet at the stables. The whole ride takes about an hour.

About the black beach horse riding Vík

This is a short, relaxed ride right in Vík, the small village on the South Coast. You meet at the stables on the edge of the village, get a helmet and a short briefing, and then ride down to Víkurfjara, the black sand beach in front of the village. The route loops along the shore with Reynisfjall cliffs above you, then comes back through the sand dunes to the stables.

The Icelandic horse is small, sure-footed and calm, and it has its own extra gait, the tölt, which is smooth to sit. No riding experience is needed, but you should be able to get on the horse from the ground, keep your balance, hold the reins and follow your guide's instructions in English. The ride is not recommended for people with hip, knee or back problems.

Vík is one of the windiest and wettest places in Iceland, so dress for rain and wind at any time of year. Access to the beach depends on the weather and the tide, and in bad weather the ride may be moved or rescheduled. It fits well into a South Coast day, between Reynisfjara, Dyrhólaey and the drive east.

Included

  • Experienced guide
  • Icelandic horse
  • Helmet

Not included

  • Transport to Vík
  • Food and drinks

What to bring

  • Warm, waterproof clothing
  • Hiking boots or trainers
  • Gloves
  • A thin hat that fits under the helmet

Good to know

  • The ride takes about 1 hour
  • Rides start at set times through the day, from 9:00 to 18:30; pick yours in the booking calendar
  • Be at the stables, dressed and ready to ride, 15 minutes before your start time
  • Minimum age is 10
  • Maximum rider weight is 100 kg (220 lb) fully clothed, and you may be asked to step on a scale
  • Beginners are welcome, but you must be able to mount from the ground and follow instructions in English
  • Not recommended for people with hip, knee or back problems
  • Meet at Smiðjuvegur 6, 870 Vík: drive into the Orkan petrol station opposite Hotel Kría and turn right
  • Avoid bulky hats and flapping coats, which can startle the horses
  • Beach access depends on the weather and the tide; severe weather can mean a change of plan

Questions people ask

Do I need riding experience?

No. Beginners are welcome. You should be able to get on the horse from the ground, keep your balance and follow your guide.

What is the minimum age?

10 years.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, 100 kg (220 lb) fully clothed, for safety and for the horses' welfare.

What happens in bad weather?

Beach access depends on the weather and the tide. If conditions are too rough, the ride may be changed or rescheduled.

Is there pick-up from Reykjavík?

No. You meet at the stables in Vík, about a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavík.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 7 reviews
5 stars7
4 stars0
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1 star0
Recommend this horse riding tour

We really like this experience on the black sand beach. The weather was not the best in February but we still had a fantastic time and the horses did so well!

Emily · April 2026
Magical experience

Riding along Iceland’s black sand beaches was magical! The horses were calm and well-trained, and the scenery was breathtaking. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable—perfect for both beginners and experienced riders.

Charles · August 2025
Magnificent

Magnificent tour and my husband was able to take amazing photos of me on the black each with the cliffs in the background. Am waiting for the photos to arrive so I can hang them up. Can't wait!
Would recommend this tour to anyone.

Marina S. · December 2024
Very nice team and great experience

This was an incredible experience! We accidentally arrived on the wrong day, but they graciously accommodated us. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, the horses were clearly well-loved and well-cared for, and we even got to try the unique Icelandic trot. Highly recommend this amazing team!

Hilda · December 2024
Fantastic tour!

The Black Beach Horse Riding Tour in Vík was absolutely fantastic! Riding along the stunning black sand beach with the majestic cliffs in the background was a truly unique experience. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, ensuring that both beginners and experienced riders felt comfortable. The Icelandic horses were gentle and easy to ride. It was a great way to connect with nature and see the beautiful landscapes of Iceland from a different perspective. I highly recommend this tour for families and anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure!

Daniel R. · October 2024
Great day

We truly had a great experience on this horse riding tour in Vik. The black beach is amazing and the views over Reynisdrangar were spectacular. The horse riding guide was also very friendly and very knowledgeable of the Icelandic horse. We had a really great day.

Sophia · April 2023
From15,000 ISKPer person

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