Odin Tours
Odin Tours
5
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About
Unique horse riding experience! Odin tours puts safety first by providing you with riding wear and riding instructions in our teaching paddock until you feel safe and secure on your horse. We have over 20 years of experience in guided horse tours. Odin Tours horses range from beginners to exhibition or competition ability. Our groups are small and personal. The riding tours are tailored to fulfill all your wishes and dreams of riding the unique Icelandic horse in indescribably beautiful scenery, testing both the horse and human limits.
Breiddalsvik, Iceland
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
110 reviews
Excellent
106
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
nancyVa
Virginia68 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
Odin Review – Stressful for motto of “NO STRESS”
The positive:
Maria Cares about her horses and her riders,
the horses are well cared for, have a sweet disposition and are willing,
Maria is very honest with the time she gives you riding – waiting till you leave the paddock to start the clock and did not include breaks.
Provides all riding clothing/boots.jackets so you car/luggage does not smell like horse and there are no exchanges of international horse diseases
Beautiful area to ride, Maria is knowledgeable about the area and farm
Maria knows training and riding Icelandic horses and riders
Safety conscious
Assigns horses based on experience/comfort level with riding
Made sure we were comfortable in paddock before going on ride.
My son was comfortable by the end of our ride – positive first riding experience
Mental Health stop for filling water bottle and a bite of chocolate
Beautiful countryside
The negative:
I sent an email to enquire, didn’t hear back after several days so I called from the USA about 10 days before our trip to book – after she suggested 11am, I requested 10 am since I had 5 hours of driving afterward – with no stops – and I planned to make stops. We agreed to a 3 hours ride to see waterfall. She said she took credit cards – something I wanted to check before exchanging currency prior to trip.
Maria did not take my name – just noted two riders.
I got an email back the next day to my original inquiry and I replied that I had called the previous day and reconfirmed the date and time in the reply email.
My son and I arrived 10 minutes before 10, I mentioned we were a few minutes early and she said you sure are – Your scheduled at 11 – party of 4. …I said no 10 am party of 2. .She seemed to have no recollection of our booking. We proceeded to spend the next hour plus in her kitchen listening to her philosophy “no stress”– as a captive audience. My stress level was building while my precious vacation time in Iceland was being wasted. (We were driving the ring road in 4 days). We were probably there for 1hour20 minutes.
While she is knowledgeable on Icelandic horses, she does not seem to appreciate other horse breeds which enjoy different athletic activity such as jumping, eventing, and dressage much like her dog Mori enjoys chasing sheep while other dogs are very calm. (Very opinionated)
We did not end up leaving the paddock area until about 12:05pm. I said we need to cut down our ride to two hours because we just don’t have time to ride 3 hours after starting so late. We talked about riding for 2 and driving to see waterfall afterward.
Maria Likes to smoke – a lot – even while riding and leading us. The oh so clear Icelandic Air smelled like smoke to those of us behind the cigarette.
The clothes we wore (long underwear) smelled like body odor from many previous wearers – I’d rather have my own clothes smell like horse for the rest of our trip . Clothes are not laundered.
When we got back - it was probably close to 3 pm–I said we don’t have time to see the waterfall, we need to hit the road to get to Akureyri – and she wanted to paid in cash. I gave her all the cash I had and paid the rest in credit card. (I asked about this upfront so I would know how much money to change we would not run out during our trip!) We were there well over 5 hours for a “2 hour ride”. While Maria was very generous with horse time, it was not helpful for our time constraints. We were on the horses for more than 2 hours between the paddock and the ride
While the ride itself was beautiful and enjoyable I found myself resentful of my time wasted in her kitchen after I had called and sent an email and had explained that I had a time constraint. Not only did I miss the local waterfall, but I missed seeing the largest waterfall in Europe due to our very late start. I was forced to cut out activities planned during our drive.
In summary, If you plan to go with Odin, call the day before to confirm. You’ll get a good ride, a reasonable value, and it’s fine if you have lots of time . If I personally had a do over, I would try riding with a different stable located in a different part of Iceland. I value my scheduled vacation time because I get so little of it and I really don’t like cigarette smoke or smelly clothes.
The positive:
Maria Cares about her horses and her riders,
the horses are well cared for, have a sweet disposition and are willing,
Maria is very honest with the time she gives you riding – waiting till you leave the paddock to start the clock and did not include breaks.
Provides all riding clothing/boots.jackets so you car/luggage does not smell like horse and there are no exchanges of international horse diseases
Beautiful area to ride, Maria is knowledgeable about the area and farm
Maria knows training and riding Icelandic horses and riders
Safety conscious
Assigns horses based on experience/comfort level with riding
Made sure we were comfortable in paddock before going on ride.
My son was comfortable by the end of our ride – positive first riding experience
Mental Health stop for filling water bottle and a bite of chocolate
Beautiful countryside
The negative:
I sent an email to enquire, didn’t hear back after several days so I called from the USA about 10 days before our trip to book – after she suggested 11am, I requested 10 am since I had 5 hours of driving afterward – with no stops – and I planned to make stops. We agreed to a 3 hours ride to see waterfall. She said she took credit cards – something I wanted to check before exchanging currency prior to trip.
Maria did not take my name – just noted two riders.
I got an email back the next day to my original inquiry and I replied that I had called the previous day and reconfirmed the date and time in the reply email.
My son and I arrived 10 minutes before 10, I mentioned we were a few minutes early and she said you sure are – Your scheduled at 11 – party of 4. …I said no 10 am party of 2. .She seemed to have no recollection of our booking. We proceeded to spend the next hour plus in her kitchen listening to her philosophy “no stress”– as a captive audience. My stress level was building while my precious vacation time in Iceland was being wasted. (We were driving the ring road in 4 days). We were probably there for 1hour20 minutes.
While she is knowledgeable on Icelandic horses, she does not seem to appreciate other horse breeds which enjoy different athletic activity such as jumping, eventing, and dressage much like her dog Mori enjoys chasing sheep while other dogs are very calm. (Very opinionated)
We did not end up leaving the paddock area until about 12:05pm. I said we need to cut down our ride to two hours because we just don’t have time to ride 3 hours after starting so late. We talked about riding for 2 and driving to see waterfall afterward.
Maria Likes to smoke – a lot – even while riding and leading us. The oh so clear Icelandic Air smelled like smoke to those of us behind the cigarette.
The clothes we wore (long underwear) smelled like body odor from many previous wearers – I’d rather have my own clothes smell like horse for the rest of our trip . Clothes are not laundered.
When we got back - it was probably close to 3 pm–I said we don’t have time to see the waterfall, we need to hit the road to get to Akureyri – and she wanted to paid in cash. I gave her all the cash I had and paid the rest in credit card. (I asked about this upfront so I would know how much money to change we would not run out during our trip!) We were there well over 5 hours for a “2 hour ride”. While Maria was very generous with horse time, it was not helpful for our time constraints. We were on the horses for more than 2 hours between the paddock and the ride
While the ride itself was beautiful and enjoyable I found myself resentful of my time wasted in her kitchen after I had called and sent an email and had explained that I had a time constraint. Not only did I miss the local waterfall, but I missed seeing the largest waterfall in Europe due to our very late start. I was forced to cut out activities planned during our drive.
In summary, If you plan to go with Odin, call the day before to confirm. You’ll get a good ride, a reasonable value, and it’s fine if you have lots of time . If I personally had a do over, I would try riding with a different stable located in a different part of Iceland. I value my scheduled vacation time because I get so little of it and I really don’t like cigarette smoke or smelly clothes.
Written August 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TylerTheTraveler84
San Francisco, CA61 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
After booking this on a whim, I didn't know what to expect. Within minutes of pulling up to Maria's farm, I knew I was in for a fantastic adventure. Maria makes it clear that your experience should be 100% stress free. After suiting me up with provided clothing, I looked like an Icelandic cowboy ready to explore the wonderful countryside on horseback. I've been riding in the past, but she was very careful to ensure I felt completely comfortable with my gear, horse, and the basic commands. My friend was an absolute beginner, yet he was quite comfortable by the time we completed her introduction.
She let us choose our preferred route which brought us through a national park and then explored her own private mountain! An amazing day with an amazing team. Thank you, Maria!
She let us choose our preferred route which brought us through a national park and then explored her own private mountain! An amazing day with an amazing team. Thank you, Maria!
Written July 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kpter
Kennebunkport, ME328 contributions
Aug 2011 • Couples
My husband and I recently went on a 1 1/2 ride with Maria of Odin Tours. My husband has little horse experience while i own a horse. Maria did a wonderful job before we hit the trails explaining the basics of how to ride and also how to sit to the tolt. We had time in her paddock practicing beforehand (and not part of our 1 1/2 ride). Even though I ride English style, there are differences with Icelandic horses. My husband had a wonderful time and i did too. We went by fields, crossed some creeks, had some chocolate and nuts for a snack, went up into the hills and woods. And we weren't sore at all afterwards. it was a good introductory experience for him and I enjoyed myself too. Would recommend Maria's Odin Tours for her personal hands-on style and the scenery and the well-behaved horses
Written September 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eyjólfur E
Akureyri, Iceland7 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
We went there 3 brothers from Iceland hunting last summer, a overnight stay and food. The house was ok. But Maria is really rude, always telling people to calm down and with other manipulative behavior. She also has too much love for money, everything was exspensive and you almost couldn´t sneeze without having to pay for it.
Written May 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex D
1 contribution
Sep 2016 • Couples
It's our honeymoon and we (especially my wife) wants to ride Icelandic horses. We had sent Maria an email from home and she was quick to respond and told the law of the land was "no stress". We didn't have phone service in Iceland and had a rough idea of where they were located. We drop into the most amazing valley and realize while driving by that this is where they are located. We pull in to the yard and knock on the door. Before long Maria and Mangi have us at their kitchen table with a cup of coffee. Felt like we were with family. The next day Maria outfits us in the gear, spends some time helping us become comfortable on our mounts and makes sure we are ready to take on the amazing land we were about to ride. This isn't a trail ride where your horse walks down the same old beaten path. You ride these horses and Maria is amazing teaching you to handle your mount. The horses are incredible. Maria and Mangi love these animals and you can tell they love them back. The ride was nothing short of amazing. Crossing streams, negotiating rough terrain, culminating in a magnificent waterfall. The price was less then other places we looked and I can't help but feel like we received so much more than we would have elsewhere. We left having made new friends in a foreign land. It was the highlight of an amazing trip and if you want to ride horses in Iceland this is the place.
Written September 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrsUtrecht
Netherlands59 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
I phoned Odin Tours to organise a riding tour for my daughter and her friend. As we did not have a car, they came to pick them up. No problem. All riding gear and even clothes were provided. Everything was well explained. The horses were very easy to ride. My daughter and her friend found the tour amazing. Wonderful trip through the countryside. Highly recommended. Worth a detour from the 1. The town also has a nice stonemuseum and a lovely Kaffehusid.
Written July 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam W
Pittsburgh, PA2 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
My wife were booked for a tour through our tour agency. It was completely mishandeled by the tour agency and neither Maria or Magni were notified of our planned ride. We surprised Maria and Magni when we showed up at 8:00 am as directed by our tour agency. Maria and Magni quickly dropped everything and made my wife and I breakfast. They both gave us an experience we will never forget. We did a four hour ride after a full instruction period. Maria was was very through and made sure everyone was comfortable and fully capable of controlling their horse. This was an experience that a beginner or a seasoned rider would enjoy. Bottom line is that they are both delightful people who take pride in the experience they provide. There may be operations out there that provide a good service but I can't imagine that there are others that have the same personal felling that you get with Maria. This will be the highlight of tour trip.
Written August 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria K
Odense, Denmark1 contribution
Jul 2015 • Friends
If you are just a bit into horse riding, beautifull nature, kind and sweet people who will welcome you with enthusiasm and open arms you HAVE to go see Odin Tours. I don't believe that you will find a place like this any other place in Iceland. It is almost impossible to describe how amazing this day was for us, you have to experience it for your self, and I realy recommend that you do!
Written July 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva M
Washington DC, DC19 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
My friends and I stumbled upon Maria's home during an incredibly powerful snow storm and all we could think of was that G-d was with. Maria was an angel to us and in a way saved us and possibly our lives. Her kindness and welcoming presence was just what we needed when our car got stuck in the middle of a snowstorm on a closed road. While we were there, we got to see some of her beautiful horses and I can't wait to return during the summer to them. Maria was an angel on our path and we will forever be grateful!!!!
Written February 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
83coco
Amsterdam, The Netherlands2 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
My father and I were riding around Iceland when we got stuck in a snow storm.
After knocking on the door Maria opened it and told us to come in.
She gave us a warm welcome and helped us in many ways, it was unbelievable.
While we were strangers and (stupid) tourist this didn't give here an resistance of helping us and sharing her stories.
It was so nice meeting here and Breidalvik.We hope to see her again in summer time :)
Thank you so much!
After knocking on the door Maria opened it and told us to come in.
She gave us a warm welcome and helped us in many ways, it was unbelievable.
While we were strangers and (stupid) tourist this didn't give here an resistance of helping us and sharing her stories.
It was so nice meeting here and Breidalvik.We hope to see her again in summer time :)
Thank you so much!
Written February 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much does this cost per person for roughly 2 hours please...I can’t find any prices anywhere. We are on a tight budget. Thank you
Written May 12, 2018
Was kostet ungefähr eine 1-2 stündige Tour?
Written September 7, 2017
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