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South Coast & Black Beach Horse Riding Tour

11 hoursGroup: Small groupEasySmall-group tour with pick-up in ReykjavíkAge 10+All year
5.0(15 reviews)

A full day out of Reykjavík that combines the classic South Coast waterfalls with a south coast horse riding tour on the black sand near Vík. You walk behind Seljalandsfoss, stand below Skógafoss, then get on an Icelandic horse for a guided ride along the beach.

SeljalandsfossSkógafossVík villageVíkurfjara black beach horse riding
  • Two of Iceland's best-known waterfalls in one day
  • A guided ride on a small, sure-footed Icelandic horse
  • Riding gear provided: helmet, rain gear and waterproof gloves
  • Lunch break in Vík before the ride
  • Small-group coach from Reykjavík, no need to drive yourself

Your day, stop by stop

Click a stop for photos and practical tips.
1Pick-up in ReykjavíkPick-up from your chosen pick-up point in Reykjavík in the morning, then straight to Vík.
2Riders trotting along the surf at VíkVíkurfjara black beach horse ridingA guided ride on an Icelandic horse along the black sand.
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

You meet your horse and guide near Vík and ride out along or near the black sand coastline on a calm, guided route suited to first-time riders, mostly at a walk. Helmet, rain gear and waterproof gloves are provided. Wear warm clothes underneath.

Gear provided · helmet, rain gear, waterproof glovesPace · guided walk, suitable for beginners
3Vík villageVík villageA lunch stop in Iceland's southernmost village, after the ride.
Vík villageVík villageVík village

Vík í Mýrdal is the southernmost village in Iceland, with about 750 residents, and the natural stopping point on the South Coast. It sits under the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, which covers the Katla volcano, and has a black sand beach with sea stacks, a hilltop church, a supermarket and a filling station. It is a good place for a meal or a break before the next stretch of road. A small coastal village below the Katla volcano, with cafés and shops for a lunch break.

Lunch · not included, pay at a local café
Read our Vík í Mýrdal guide →
4Skógafoss waterfallSkógafossA wide, powerful waterfall you can walk right up to.
Skógafoss waterfallSkógafossSkógafoss

Skógafoss falls in one broad curtain about 60 metres high and 25 metres wide, right beside the village of Skógar. On sunny days the spray usually throws a rainbow, sometimes a double one, across the pool at its base. A staircase of 527 steps leads to a viewpoint at the top, where you can see the river before it drops.

Walking · flat path to the base, steps to the top viewpointFacilities · toilets and a café nearby
Read our Skógafoss guide →
5Seljalandsfoss waterfallSeljalandsfossA waterfall you can walk behind on a path around the back.
Seljalandsfoss waterfallSeljalandsfossSeljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss drops 60 metres from what was once the edge of the coastline, before sea levels fell after the last ice age. The Seljalandsá river is fed by meltwater from Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that erupted in 2010 and grounded flights across Europe. It is one of the few waterfalls in Iceland with a path behind the falling water, so expect to get wet and bring a waterproof jacket.

Walking · short path, can be slipperyTip · wear a rain jacket if you go behind the falls
Read our Seljalandsfoss guide →
6Back to ReykjavíkDrop-off at your pick-up point in Reykjavík in the evening.

About the south coast horse riding tour

This day pairs two South Coast staples, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, with time in the saddle near Vík. You can walk behind the curtain of Seljalandsfoss (bring a rain jacket, you will get wet) and stand at the foot of the wide, powerful Skógafoss before continuing to Vík for a lunch stop.

The riding itself takes place near Vík, on or close to the black sand beach at Víkurfjara. Icelandic horses are small, calm and used to riders of all levels, and a guide leads the group at a walking or light trotting pace. The riding gear (helmet, rain gear, waterproof gloves) is provided, so you do not need to bring your own kit.

It is a long day on the coach with several stops, so it suits people happy to spend time travelling as well as sightseeing. Weather on the South Coast changes quickly: expect wind and rain to be part of the experience at any time of year, and dress in warm layers under the rain gear.

Make it your own

Optional extras, at extra cost
  • Hiking boot rental
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers rental
  • Ice grips for your shoes, to buy (October to April)

Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík (small-group tour)
  • Guided visits to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
  • Guided horse riding near Vík
  • Helmet, rain gear and waterproof gloves for riding

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Personal riding equipment

What to bring

  • Warm layers
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Camera

Good to know

  • About 11 hours in total, starting at 8:00 or 9:00 with pick-up in Reykjavík
  • Riding gear is provided; wear warm clothes underneath
  • Weather on the South Coast can change quickly at any time of year
  • See start times and details in the booking calendar
  • Minimum age is 10; children 10-12 and teens 13-17 have their own prices
  • Small-group tour
  • Runs all year

Questions people ask

Do I need riding experience?

No. The ride is guided at a gentle pace on calm Icelandic horses and suits first-time riders.

Is lunch included?

No. You stop in Vík after the ride, with cafés where you can buy lunch.

What should I wear for the ride?

Helmet, rain gear and waterproof gloves are provided. Wear warm layers and closed shoes underneath.

How long is the tour?

About 11 hours door to door, including the waterfalls, lunch stop and the ride.

What is the minimum age?

10 years.

Reviews

Reviews from travellers who took this tour. A local reads every review before it is shown.
5.0Based on 15 reviews
5 stars15
4 stars0
3 stars0
2 stars0
1 star0
La Mejor Experiencia de Islandia

En un solo día vimos cascadas impresionantes, condujimos por paisajes volcánicos y terminamos cabalgando en la playa negra. ¡Una experiencia que recordaré toda la vida! Muy recomendable.

Valentina T.
Amazing Day Trip from Reykjavík

It’s a long day, but absolutely worth it. Comfortable bus ride in a minibus, great commentary from the guide, amazing stops along the way. The horse riding at the end was the highlight. Loved every minute.

Sarah P.
Great photos!

As a photographer this was perfect — waterfalls with rainbows, cliffs and coastline, and then the chance to capture Icelandic horses on a black sand beach. The guides made sure we had plenty of time for photos without feeling rushed.

Marco R.
Unforgettable South Coast journey

From Reykjavik to the waterfalls, to the tiny villages along the way, to finally riding across the black beach — every part of this day was unforgettable. Our guide was funny, helpful, and knew all the good stops. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to see the South Coast with something extra special.

Emily W.
Great experience even for beginners

I had never ridden a horse before, but the Icelandic horses were so calm that it felt easy. Riding along the black sand beach with waves crashing was surreal. Adding in the waterfalls earlier in the day made this feel like a true once-in-a-lifetime tour.

Jonas N.
Exceeded our expectations

I expected a nice day tour, but this went above and beyond. Seljalandsfoss was magical, the drive along the South Coast was stunning, and the horse riding gave such a unique perspective of Iceland’s landscape. Everything was perfectly organized and safe.

Claire R.
From19,990 ISKPer person

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