These three Akureyri-area experiences offer very different ways to spend a few hours: horseback riding, kayaking, or dog sledding. Each one fits a different pace, season, and activity style, so the best choice depends on how active and structured you want the outing to be.
TourPickGuide may earn a commission when you book through an affiliate link in this guide, at no extra cost to you.
For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and Iceland tours and experiences.
Compare the 3 Tour Options
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Scenic horseback ride | Travelers who want a shorter riding experience with a guide and all-weather gear provided. | ★ 5.0/5 | 53 reviews | Approx. 1 hr 30 min | Includes an English-speaking guide. | View on Viator |
 Open-top kayak trip | Travelers who want a guided river outing with equipment included and a relaxed pace. | ★ 5.0/5 | 27 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | All equipment and safety gear are included. | View on Viator |
 Dog sledding outing | Travelers who want a winter-themed experience with a sled ride and time with the dogs afterward. | ★ 5.0/5 | 25 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | Dog sledding equipment and a sledge are included. | View on Viator |
Explore Each Tour in Detail
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Compare this if you want a land-based outing with a clear riding focus.
The Viking Horse Riding Experience in North Iceland
Best for: Travelers who want a shorter riding experience with a guide and all-weather gear provided.
This experience is built around a guided ride through North Iceland on sturdy horses, with the route following the Svartá River, a hillside track, and the Reykjafoss waterfall area. It is the shortest of the three options and is presented as an all-seasons outing, so it suits travelers who want an outdoor activity without a full-day commitment. The tour notes ask guests to share previous riding experience when booking so the horses can be matched appropriately. Equipment and weather protection are included, along with time for coffee or tea around the ride.
Horseback riding near Akureyri
- Includes an English-speaking guide.
- Thermal overalls or rain gear and a riding helmet are provided.
- Coffee or tea is included before and after the tour.
Compare this if you want an active river trip with a relaxed finish.
Guided Sit on Top Kayak Tour near Akureyri
Best for: Travelers who want a guided river outing with equipment included and a relaxed pace.
This guided open-top kayak trip follows the Svartá River in a calm, recreational format. It is the longest of the three options and is described as suitable for a range of skill levels, which makes it a practical choice for travelers who want a manageable outdoor activity rather than an advanced paddling experience. The tour is weather dependent, and the kayak design means you should expect to get a little wet. The booking notes also list what to bring, so it works best for travelers who are comfortable preparing for a water-based outing.
Guided kayak tour near Akureyri
- All equipment and safety gear are included.
- An air-conditioned vehicle is included.
- Entry to hot tubs and a small swimming pool after the trip is included.
Compare this if you want a winter activity with animal interaction built in.
Dog Sledding Tour near Akureyri
Best for: Travelers who want a winter-themed experience with a sled ride and time with the dogs afterward.
This experience centers on dog sledding with huskies near Akureyri and is described with snowy winter scenery in mind. It lasts about as long as the kayak tour, but the format is very different: instead of a river paddle or a horse ride, you are pulled on a sled and then spend time with the dogs afterward. The itinerary note places the outing in the hills and forest close to the ocean and fjord, which gives the tour a different feel from the other two. It is a good fit for travelers who want a memorable cold-weather activity with a social finish.
Dog sledding near Akureyri
- Dog sledding equipment and a sledge are included.
- Cuddling time with the dogs is included.
- Pickup is listed as included on the option page.
Choosing an Akureyri itinerary style
If you want the simplest landscape-focused outing, the horseback ride is the most direct fit. If you prefer a hands-on activity with gear included, choose the kayak tour; if you want a snowy seasonal experience with time around the dogs, choose the sledding option.
River, hillside, and waterfall ride
A guided horseback route with mountain views and an emphasis on the surrounding landscape.
Gentle river paddle
A guided kayak outing on the Svartá River with mountain views and a water-focused format.
Sledding and dog-time experience
A sled-based outing near Akureyri with a strong winter feel and time to meet the huskies.
Travel planning tip
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Booking notes
- Check the activity format and season fit before booking, since these tours differ a lot in how they are experienced.
- Review the included and excluded items carefully so you know what is already provided and what you may need to bring.
- If you are booking the riding tour, share any previous riding experience so the horses can be matched appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these Akureyri tours is the shortest?
The horseback riding tour is the shortest of the three options listed.
Which tour includes gear in the listed inclusions?
All three list equipment of some kind in the inclusions, but the specific items differ by activity. The kayak tour includes all equipment and safety gear, and the dog sledding tour includes sledding equipment and a sledge.
Which option is the most weather-dependent?
The kayak tour is specifically described as weather dependent. The horseback ride is presented as an all-seasons experience, while the sledding tour is framed around winter conditions.