From Reykjavik: Full-Day Horse Riding & Golden Circle Tour

The best part of this day is the contrast: you spend the morning in the saddle on an Icelandic horse, then spend the afternoon at Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. It gives you a feel for rural Iceland before delivering the country’s most famous sights.

I like the friendly horse-farm staff and the supplied rain gear, hats, gloves, and helmets. I also like the practical combination of transport, lunch, guiding, and phone charging on the bus. The main drawback is time. The Golden Circle stops can feel short, and the transfer between the riding center and the afternoon bus may involve a long wait.

Key points at a glance

• A gentle start for first-time riders: The Icelandic horse is known for its calm nature and distinctive smooth gait.
• Two very different Iceland experiences: Ride through countryside in the morning, then see geothermal sights and a huge waterfall.
• The Golden Circle is tightly timed: You get about 45 minutes at Þingvellir, 75 minutes at Geysir, and one hour at Gullfoss.
• Weather protection is part of the practical appeal: Rainwear, gloves, hats, and helmets are available at the horse farm.
• A light lunch is included: Expect soup and bread after the ride, according to the food provided on this outing.
• Pickup takes planning: Reykjavík pickup begins up to an hour before departure and may use a nearby bus stop rather than your hotel entrance.

Why the horse ride changes the day

Most Golden Circle tours begin with a bus and end with a bus. This one starts more quietly, with hoofbeats, open fields, and the sturdy Icelandic horse beneath you. That makes the morning feel less like sightseeing by checklist and more like a short outing into the countryside.

The Icelandic horse is small, sure-footed, and famous for its extra gait, the tölt. You may notice a smooth, almost gliding rhythm as the horse moves along. The ride is designed for beginners as well as experienced riders, and children from age seven can take part.

I would still treat the ride as an active experience, not a passive photo stop. One past rider found it easy enough for beginners but felt that some prior riding experience would have helped. If you have never ridden before, tell the staff at the start and follow their instructions closely.

The staff receive some of the strongest praise attached to this outing. They help nervous first-time riders settle in, and the horses are described as well cared for. That matters in Iceland’s changeable weather, where a pleasant ride can turn cold and wet in minutes.

Laxnes or Eldhestar: check the horse-farm details

There is a small naming inconsistency in the supplied tour information. The main description names Eldhestar, while the detailed schedule identifies Laxnes Horse Farm as the riding stop. Check the current confirmation carefully so you know which farm is operating your departure.

The ride itself is listed at about two hours, including the introduction, mounted time, and scenic stops. One account noted only a single stop for photographs, so do not expect frequent dismounts or a long series of posed pictures. The point is to ride, not to stop every few minutes.

The setting outside Reykjavík gives you a useful first look at Iceland’s working countryside. You see open ground, farms, and mountain scenery rather than city streets. The pace is usually gentle enough for mixed ability levels, which helps explain why the activity works for families and beginners.

The age rule is clear: children must be at least seven. There is also a weight limit of 275 pounds, or 125 kilograms. Those limits are practical riding requirements, so check them before paying.

What to wear for two outdoor activities

Iceland rewards sensible clothing more than stylish clothing. Wear warm layers and shoes that can handle mud and wet ground. The farm provides helmets, and past participants found rainwear, gloves, and hats available to borrow.

You should still bring your own base layers, waterproof trousers if you have them, and a waterproof jacket. The ride takes place outdoors, and the Golden Circle stops are also exposed. A rainy morning does not automatically spoil the day, but poor clothing can.

The tour runs through different seasons, and the daylight and temperature may change sharply. In wet or windy conditions, the provided gear can make the difference between enjoying the horses and simply waiting for the ride to finish.

Lunch and the changeover to the Golden Circle

After riding, you get a light lunch before continuing. The food described for this experience is soup and bread. It is useful fuel, but do not expect a full restaurant meal. If you need a large breakfast or have strict dietary needs, plan ahead within the information provided by the operator.

The transition between the two activities is the least polished part of the schedule. One account recorded a wait of about an hour and a half at the farm before the Golden Circle pickup. That pause may give you time to warm up and eat, but it can also make the nine-hour day feel longer.

This is worth considering if you want a tightly managed tour with no idle time. The horse ride and Golden Circle are valuable pairings, but they may not connect minute by minute. Bring a phone charger, a book, or something small to pass the time.

Þingvellir: the first major stop

The bus reaches Þingvellir National Park after the horse-riding portion and the transfer. You get roughly 45 minutes here, enough for a walk and photographs but not enough to cover every trail.

Þingvellir matters for two reasons. It is a dramatic geological area where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, and it was the site of Iceland’s early parliament. This is the place to connect Iceland’s geology with its political past.

The phrase walk between continents is a useful shorthand, but do not expect a long expedition through a wilderness area during this tour. The stop is brief. Stay close to the guide’s instructions and watch the time, especially if you want to use the facilities.

I like this stop because it gives the rest of the day context. Geysir shows Iceland’s heat below the ground, Gullfoss shows the force of water, and Þingvellir shows how people used this difficult terrain as a meeting place. The three stops work best as a set.

Geysir and Strokkur: heat beneath the ground

The Geysir area gives you about 75 minutes, the longest sightseeing stop of the day. That extra time helps because you can walk around the geothermal field, watch steam rise, and wait for Strokkur to erupt.

The original Geysir gave its name to geysers around the world, but Strokkur is the active feature most people watch today. Eruptions are a central part of the visit, though exact timing is not guaranteed. Keep to the marked paths and follow the guide’s instructions around hot ground.

This stop also gives you the best chance to slow down. You can take photographs, walk through the geothermal area, and use the available free time without feeling quite as rushed as at Þingvellir.

The bus ride is part of the experience. The route passes through Icelandic countryside and gives you changing views of farms, open ground, and mountain areas. The tour includes Wi-Fi and a USB charger at each seat on the Golden Circle bus, though one account found that the Wi-Fi did not work. Treat the charger as the more dependable feature.

Gullfoss: the day’s big visual finish

Gullfoss is a powerful glacial waterfall dropping in two main stages into a deep gorge. You get about one hour here, with time for photographs, a walk, and the nearby facilities and shopping area.

The waterfall is impressive in every season, but it is also wet and windy. Spray can reach the paths, so keep your waterproof layer handy. The route from the bus to the viewing areas may feel easy in good weather and much less so when rain blows across the site.

The one-hour stop is enough for the main views, but it is not generous. If you want to eat at the café, take photographs, and walk all the available paths, watch the clock. One person had to leave food unfinished to make the bus on time. That is a small problem, but it shows how firmly the schedule is managed.

I like finishing here because Gullfoss has scale. After the close, quiet contact of the horse ride and the steaming pools at Geysir, the broad roar of the waterfall gives the day a strong final image.

The bus ride back to Reykjavík

The return journey takes about two hours. The route includes views of fertile farmland and the rugged Hellisheiði mountain heath before returning to Reykjavík.

This is a long day outdoors, so the ride back can be welcome. You have already been in the saddle, walked around three major sites, and dealt with Icelandic weather. Comfortable seats and USB charging are useful at this stage.

Pickup and drop-off are offered at many Reykjavík locations, including central bus stops, hotels, the domestic airport, and the cruise harbor area. City traffic rules mean the bus may not stop directly outside your hotel. You may need to walk to a designated stop, and pickup can begin as much as an hour before the selected departure time.

Double-check the exact meeting point. A previous pickup mix-up caused one person to miss the start and reschedule. That problem was resolved, but a few minutes of advance planning can prevent a bad beginning.

Price, timing, and what the $258 covers

At $258 per person, this is not a cheap day trip. The value depends on how much you want to combine. You are paying for the horse ride, English-speaking guiding, bus transport, lunch, and the three major Golden Circle stops in one nine-hour outing.

If you booked a separate horse ride and a separate Golden Circle tour, the total cost could be similar or higher, while requiring you to organize the connection yourself. This package removes much of that planning. The tradeoff is that you give up flexibility at each stop.

The tour works best for a short Reykjavík stay when you want a wide sample of Iceland in one day. It is less suitable if you prefer long walks, quiet time at each attraction, or a relaxed lunch. The Golden Circle portion is efficient rather than leisurely.

The average score attached to this experience is 3.7 out of 5 from 81 ratings. That middle-ground result fits the practical picture: the horse ride is often the strongest part, while timing, pickup confusion, and the short Golden Circle stops can affect the overall day.

Who should book this combination

I would choose this tour if you want an Icelandic horse experience but also need to see the country’s three headline sights. It suits families with children seven and older, first-time riders, couples, and anyone with only a few days in Reykjavík.

It is also a good choice for people who do not want to rent a car. The bus handles the driving, the guide explains the major stops, and the return is arranged to Reykjavík.

I would hesitate if you are an experienced rider looking for a long or technical trail ride. The ride is accessible to mixed ability levels, so it is unlikely to feel like an advanced equestrian outing.

I would also hesitate if you dislike fixed schedules. Forty-five minutes at Þingvellir and one hour at Gullfoss can pass quickly, especially in bad weather or when facilities are busy. The tour gives you the main sights, not unlimited time to explore them.

Practical verdict

Book this tour if the horse ride is a priority and you want the Golden Circle added without arranging a second day. The friendly farm staff, gentle horses, loaned weather gear, soup lunch, and strong scenery make the morning especially appealing.

Choose a different plan if you want a slow Golden Circle day or a substantial riding expedition. The best way to approach this outing is as a broad sampler: ride an Icelandic horse, see the country’s most famous waterfall and geothermal field, learn why Þingvellir matters, and accept that every stop runs on a clock.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts about nine hours, including pickup, the horse ride, lunch, Golden Circle sightseeing, and the return to Reykjavík.

What age can children join?

Children must be at least seven years old to take part.

Is the horse ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is designed for all riding levels, including beginners. Some prior riding experience may still make the activity more comfortable.

Which horse farm does the tour visit?

The detailed schedule identifies Laxnes Horse Farm, while the main description names Eldhestar. Check your current booking details to confirm the operating farm.

What sights are included in the Golden Circle?

The tour visits Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir hot spring area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A light lunch is included after the horse ride. The food described for the experience includes soup and bread.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from many Reykjavík hotels and designated bus stops. It may not be directly outside your hotel, and pickup can begin up to one hour before the selected departure time.