Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

Icelandic horses are the star here, and you get far more than a quick photo stop. At Laxnes Horse Farm, you ride through open countryside, across small streams, and beneath mountain views on calm horses that know the trail well. The famous Icelandic tölt, a smooth four-beat gait, may also be offered when conditions and ability allow.

I like the easy 15-minute drive from Reykjavik and the fact that helmets, boots, gloves, and waterproof coveralls are supplied. I also like the careful horse matching: beginners can ride gentle horses, while more experienced riders may have a chance to trot or try the tölt.

The main drawback is that this is a guided trail ride, not a riding lesson or a free gallop. The horses generally follow one another, and the exposed Icelandic weather can make the outing very cold, especially in winter. Dress warmly even when the forecast looks harmless.

Key points to know before you book

• A real countryside ride: You leave Reykjavik quickly and ride near mountains, lava fields, streams, and open farmland.
• Good for beginners: The minimum age is 7, and horses are matched to your experience.
• Warm gear is provided: Expect helmets, boots, rainwear, and winter snowsuits when needed.
• Small group size: The maximum is 15 people, giving guides room to help with mounting and riding.
• A gentle finish: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a pastry may be served after the ride.
• Pickup needs attention: Collection begins up to an hour before departure, and central Reykjavik hotels may require a nearby meeting point.

From Reykjavik streets to Laxnes Farm in 15 minutes

This outing works well when you want a taste of Icelandic countryside without committing to a full-day excursion. Pickup is offered from hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik, and cruise passengers can be collected at the main port terminal.

The transfer itself is short, roughly 15 minutes to the riding center. That matters in Iceland, where many outdoor activities require a long drive before the main event even starts. Here, most of your half-day remains available for the ride, a meal, or another Reykjavik activity.

Pickup begins about one hour before the stated departure time and can take up to 20 minutes while the driver collects everyone. Do not wait until the last moment to step outside. Many hotels in central Reykjavik sit in a no-pickup zone, so you may be sent to a nearby bus stop or another approved meeting place.

That extra pickup time is a small nuisance, but it is normal for Reykjavik tours. Confirm the exact location before setting out, especially if you are staying in the city center or leaving on a cruise ship later that day.

Getting fitted with warm gear and a suitable horse

At the farm, you receive the basic equipment needed for the ride. That includes a helmet, riding boots, rain clothing, and, in winter, a warm snowsuit or coverall. Gloves and other protective layers have also been supplied on rides, making this a useful choice if you did not pack equestrian gear.

The clothing is practical rather than stylish. Waterproof outerwear can feel bulky, but it keeps mud and rain off your own clothes. That is a fair trade in Iceland, where a dry afternoon can quickly turn wet and windy.

Before you ride, staff ask how much experience you have. This is one of the best features of the outing. A total beginner may be placed on a quiet, experienced horse, while an adult amateur rider may receive a horse with a little more energy. Children are also matched with gentle mounts when appropriate.

The horses are Icelandic horses, which are smaller than many riding breeds but sturdy and sure-footed. Their size can make mounting easier, though you may still need a boost from the staff. The horses are described as calm and well cared for, with enough personality to make each ride feel individual.

You should tell the staff plainly if you are nervous, inexperienced, or dealing with a physical limitation. One important caution is that mounting, sitting in the saddle, and a ride over uneven ground can be hard on bad knees or a bad back.

The ride through streams, lava fields, and mountain views

Once everyone is paired with a horse, the group heads out on a guided trail. The exact route depends on weather and conditions, but the setting includes countryside, lava fields, streams, and mountain views. Some rides cross a creek or small river, which gives the outing a distinctly Icelandic feel without requiring a full wilderness expedition.

The pace is generally calm. Horses usually follow in a line, and the guides ride with the group to help with steering, speed, and confidence. That makes this suitable for people who have never ridden before, including children from age 7.

I would set your expectations correctly: this is not the place to practice advanced dressage or gallop across open ground. The short riding instructions are designed to get you safely onto the trail, not to provide a formal lesson. If you want a serious riding clinic, this will feel too simple.

For most people, that simplicity is the point. You can look around instead of concentrating on complicated commands. The setting does the work: dark volcanic ground, open fields, water crossings, and snow-topped mountains can make even a gentle walk feel memorable.

More experienced riders may get opportunities to trot or try the tölt, depending on the group and the horse. The tölt is a distinctive Icelandic gait with a smooth four-beat rhythm. It is one of the special reasons to ride this breed, but it should not be treated as guaranteed. The group’s mixed ability and the conditions guide the pace.

One small frustration is that some riders want more freedom to run the horses. That usually is not part of this experience. Keeping the group together is safer, especially when children and first-time riders are included.

Why the Icelandic horse is worth meeting

The horses are not simply transportation for a scenic outing. Icelandic horses have a strong place in the country’s history and rural life, and riding one gives you a direct connection to that tradition.

You will notice their compact build, thick coats, and steady manner. The horses are also known for the tölt, which can feel remarkably smooth when a suitable horse offers it. Even at a walk, the ride can feel different from riding a taller horse in a conventional riding arena.

The farm itself has been operating for many years and is family run. That gives the visit a more personal character than a large, highly commercial stable. Staff help people on and off the horses, explain the basic controls, and keep an eye on the group during the ride.

The family setting also means you may see many horses at the farm beyond the animals assigned to your group. The main value is not a formal farm tour, though. It is the chance to spend time close to the horses before and after riding.

Cold-weather planning for a comfortable ride

Icelandic weather deserves serious attention. A ride can be enjoyable in snow or light rain, but cold hands and feet can distract you from the scenery. One rider was glad to have a supplied jumpsuit over regular clothing, while another wished for hand and foot warmers.

Wear warm layers under the provided outerwear. Choose wool or synthetic fabric rather than cotton, and bring warm socks if you are visiting outside summer. Waterproof trousers are useful if you prefer your own clothing, though riding gear is supplied.

Do not assume that a mild temperature in Reykjavik means mild conditions on the trail. Open country can feel colder, and you may sit still for long stretches while the group moves at a walking pace. Winter rides can be beautiful, with snow and crisp mountain views, but they demand better preparation.

The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That policy protects both riders and horses, and it is worth remembering when arranging this near the end of a short visit.

The warm drink stop after the ride

After returning to the stable, you may be offered coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a pastry. This is a simple touch, but it matters after sitting outside in Icelandic weather.

It also gives you time to settle down before the return drive. You can warm your hands, talk with the staff, and spend a little more time around the horses instead of rushing straight back into Reykjavik.

The refreshment stop should not be treated as a full meal. Have something to eat beforehand if you are booking this around breakfast or lunch. The main purpose is warmth and comfort after the trail.

What the $152.37 price includes

At $152.37 per person, this is not a bargain-bin activity, but the price covers several useful pieces. You receive return transportation from Reykjavik, riding equipment, horse matching, a guided trail ride, and post-ride refreshments.

The short transfer is especially valuable. Booking transport separately would add cost and planning, and driving yourself would leave the question of parking and local directions. Pickup also helps if you are not comfortable driving in winter conditions.

The value is strongest for beginners, families, and anyone who wants a straightforward half-day experience. You do not need to bring a helmet, boots, or waterproof riding suit. You also do not need to arrange a horse independently or judge which mount suits your ability.

Experienced riders may find the price less attractive if they want long stretches of trotting, independent riding, or technical instruction. The ride is built for a mixed group, so the pace must work for children and first-timers as well as confident riders.

With an advertised group maximum of 15, the outing is not private, but it is still small enough for staff to provide individual help. That balance keeps the cost below a private ride while avoiding the feel of a huge coach excursion.

Who should book this Icelandic horse ride

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A first horseback ride in Iceland
• A family activity for children age 7 and older
• A short trip from Reykjavik into open countryside
• A gentle ride with calm horses
• A chance to see streams, lava fields, and mountain views
• A guided experience with equipment and transportation included

It also suits casual riders who have not been in the saddle for years. The horse matching and steady group pace reduce the pressure, and the guides can help with mounting and dismounting.

You may want another activity if you need a private lesson, fast riding, long periods of trotting, or a challenging mountain route. This is a scenic trail ride with a strong beginner focus.

The tour also may not suit you if you have serious back or knee problems. The farm does not promise that the ride will be accessible for every physical condition, and sitting in a saddle over uneven ground can be demanding.

Practical booking advice for your Reykjavik schedule

Allow the full three and a half hours, plus a little flexibility around pickup. The stated duration is approximate, and collection begins well before departure.

Do not place this immediately before an important flight or ship departure without a generous buffer. Pickup delays, changing weather, and a longer return process can affect the schedule.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is 7. Most people can take part, but you should be honest about your riding experience and physical condition when booking.

The operator can refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated. If the activity is canceled for that reason, there is no refund. Normal cancellation is more forgiving: cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Should you book Laxnes Horse Farm?

Book it if you want an easy, well-supported way to meet Icelandic horses and ride outside Reykjavik. The combination of gentle horses, supplied warm gear, helpful staff, short transportation, and memorable countryside makes it a strong choice for beginners and families.

Skip it if you are seeking a demanding riding adventure or a proper riding lesson. The horses follow a group route, and the pace may feel restrained for confident riders.

For most first-time visitors, I would book this early, especially in winter or during a short Reykjavik stay. It offers a close look at one of Iceland’s most distinctive animals without requiring a full day on the road.

FAQ

Where does the Icelandic horseback riding tour take place?

The activity takes place at Laxnes Horse Farm, about a 15-minute drive from Reykjavik, with riding through the countryside outside the city.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included?

Yes. Pickup and return transportation are offered from hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik. Cruise ship passengers can be picked up at the main port terminal.

When does pickup begin?

Pickup begins one hour before the stated departure time and can take up to 20 minutes while passengers are collected.

What if my central Reykjavik hotel is in a no-pickup zone?

The operator will contact you with an alternative meeting location and instructions, often a nearby approved pickup point.

What equipment is provided?

Helmets, boots, rain clothing, and winter snowsuits are provided as needed. Gloves and coveralls may also be supplied for cold or wet conditions.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. Beginners are welcome, and the staff match each rider with a horse suited to their experience.

What is the minimum age?

Children must be at least 7 years old and accompanied by an adult.

How many people can join the activity?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Is the Icelandic tölt guaranteed?

No. The tölt may be offered depending on the horse, the rider’s ability, the group, and current conditions.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.