Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

Iceland’s famous horses are the real stars here. From Laxnes Horse Farm, you ride through open countryside, across streams, and beneath snow-topped mountains on compact, calm horses bred for Iceland’s rough terrain. The farm is only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik, so you get a taste of rural Iceland without giving up most of your day.

I like the easy city pickup and the way the staff match each rider with a suitable horse. I also like the practical gear: helmets, boots, gloves, and warm coveralls or rain clothes are supplied, which matters greatly in Iceland. The main drawback is that this is a guided trail ride, not a riding lesson, and the pace may feel too gentle if you want long stretches of speed.

Key points

• Short transfer from Reykjavik: The farm is about 15 minutes from the city, with hotel, guesthouse, and cruise-port pickup available.
• Icelandic horses up close: You ride gentle, sure-footed horses known for their distinctive gait, including the famous tolt.
• Good for first-time riders: Children age 7 and older can participate, and horses are matched to riding ability.
• Weather gear is included: Helmets, boots, gloves, rain clothes, and winter snowsuits help you handle mud, wind, rain, or snow.
• Country scenery without a full-day commitment: Expect streams, lava fields, mountain views, and quiet farm roads during a ride lasting about three and a half hours overall.
• Warm finish: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and pastry may be served after the ride, a welcome touch after time outdoors.

From Reykjavik to Laxnes Farm in 15 minutes

The tour begins with pickup at your Reykjavik hotel or guesthouse, although many central hotels sit in a no-pickup zone. If yours does, the operator sends you to a nearby meeting point, often a designated bus stop. Cruise passengers can be collected at the main port terminal.

Pickup begins about an hour before the scheduled departure and can take up to 20 minutes while the driver collects everyone. That early window is useful to know when planning breakfast, a museum visit, or a cruise departure. Do not treat the stated riding time as the full time away from your hotel.

The short drive is one of the tour’s strongest practical points. You do not need to spend half a day in a coach to reach the stable. Soon after leaving Reykjavik, the city gives way to open ground, mountain views, and the rural setting around the farm.

Laxnes is a family-run operation that began in 1968. That background helps explain the personal feel of the visit. The owner may handle the pickup, explain the farm’s story, and welcome you into the stable before the ride. The setting feels like a working horse farm rather than a large attraction built only for day visitors.

Getting dressed for Icelandic weather

At the farm, you receive the equipment needed for the ride. This generally includes a riding helmet, boots, gloves, and waterproof outer clothing. In winter, snowsuits are provided. The coveralls are especially useful because Icelandic trails can be wet or muddy, and weather can change quickly.

You should still dress warmly underneath. Wear layers, bring warm socks, and pay special attention to your hands and feet. The riding itself may be relaxed, but you are outdoors for a substantial period, often in wind or cold. Hand and foot warmers are sensible in winter.

The supplied gear also makes this tour easier to fit into an Iceland holiday. You do not need to pack riding boots, a helmet, or special clothing in your suitcase. If you already have sturdy riding boots with a small heel, you may prefer them, but the farm supplies practical footwear.

The fitting process is not just about clothing. Staff ask how much riding you have done so they can choose a suitable horse. That matters when one person in your party rides often and another has never sat on a horse. The goal is to give each person a mount that feels manageable, calm, and appropriate.

Meeting the horses before the trail

The horses are a major part of the visit, not simply transport for a scenic ride. Icelandic horses are small compared with many riding horses, which makes mounting less intimidating for children and first-time riders. If you need help getting on, the staff can give you a boost.

You can expect the horses to have distinct personalities. Some are especially quiet and steady, while others may have more spirit. The staff use your experience to make the match, and riders with more ability can ask about a livelier horse, subject to availability and the guides’ judgment.

The farm’s horses are repeatedly described as gentle and well cared for, which is important for a beginner-friendly outing. You still need to follow the guide’s instructions and treat the animals properly. This is a working farm, not a petting zoo, though you do get close to the horses while being fitted and prepared.

The riding equipment includes English-style tack, according to the experience details provided by the farm. If you have ridden before, that should feel familiar. If you are new to horses, the early instruction is brief and practical, so listen closely before the group leaves the yard.

Riding through streams, lava fields, and mountain views

Once mounted, you head into the countryside outside Reykjavik. The route can include streams or creek crossings, open fields, lava ground, and views toward snow-covered mountains. These details give the ride a distinctly Icelandic character. You are not simply circling an arena or following a short path beside the stable.

The horses usually travel in a line, which helps beginners stay comfortable. The animals know the route and respond to the guide’s pace. This arrangement lets a first-time rider enjoy the scenery without needing to control every step, though it also means you should not book this expecting a private riding lesson.

The pace is generally calm and steady. Some rides include chances to trot or experience the tolt, the smooth four-beat gait for which Icelandic horses are famous. The exact amount of faster riding depends on the group, weather, trail conditions, and the guides’ judgment. If you want a lot of trotting or an athletic ride, ask about that before booking.

The tolt is one of the special reasons to ride an Icelandic horse. It can feel unusually smooth compared with a standard trot, though not every rider will spend much time at that gait. The ride is built around a safe group outing, so the guides place comfort and control ahead of speed.

Crossing a stream can be a small but memorable moment. In winter or wet weather, it also means mud and cold, which is why the waterproof coveralls and boots matter. You should expect a real outdoor ride, not a polished indoor activity.

What the guides do, and what they do not do

The guides help you mount, adjust equipment, settle into the saddle, and follow the group. They also remain attentive during the ride, particularly when a rider needs help or a horse requires extra space. The farm staff are known for a friendly, patient approach, which helps families and first-time riders relax.

Instruction at the start is short. You learn the basic controls, how to sit, and how to stay with the group. The horses do much of the work, following the route and the horse ahead. That is ideal if your goal is to enjoy Icelandic scenery from horseback with little previous experience.

It is less suitable if you want a structured course on balance, rein use, jumping, or independent riding. One of the clearest points to understand before booking is this: the tour gives you a guided trail ride, not a formal lesson.

The small maximum group size of 15 helps keep the outing manageable. A smaller group may allow more individual help, while a full group can mean a slower pace and less flexibility. Either way, the experience is designed for mixed ability rather than advanced riders alone.

The three-and-a-half-hour time commitment

The advertised duration is about three hours and 30 minutes, including transport and the farm visit. Pickup starts roughly one hour before departure, and collecting other passengers can take up to 20 minutes. The drive from Reykjavik is short, but the total outing still occupies a meaningful part of your day.

That timing works well on a city break. You can ride in the morning and still have time for Reykjavik later, or fit the activity into an afternoon between other plans. Leave extra space around it if you have a flight, cruise departure, or fixed reservation. Weather, pickup timing, and outfitting can all add a little uncertainty.

The trail itself is long enough to feel worthwhile, rather than a quick photo opportunity. One rider found the ride slightly too long, particularly for someone with knee or back problems. If you have joint or back concerns, think carefully about the saddle time before booking.

For most people, the steady route makes the duration feel reasonable. You get time to settle in, enjoy the setting, and experience the horses beyond the first few minutes. Children can manage it, but an adult should consider the child’s patience, comfort, and previous experience.

A warm drink after the ride

After returning to the farm, you may be offered coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and pastry in a warm room. This is a modest detail, but in Iceland it can make a real difference. Coming in from wind, rain, or snow with a hot drink gives the outing a pleasant finish.

The farm setting also gives you a chance to look around and spend a little more time near the horses. The visit does not end the instant you dismount. That slower finish adds to the sense that you have visited a family farm rather than simply boarded a bus for a ride.

Do not count on a large meal. The food and drinks are a warming treat, not a replacement for lunch. If you book a morning departure, eat beforehand or plan a meal afterward.

Is the $152 price good value?

At about $152.37 per person, this is not a cheap way to fill an hour in Reykjavik. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: return transport from the city, riding equipment, a guided countryside route, a horse matched to your ability, and a ride lasting around three and a half hours from pickup to return.

You are also paying for the convenience of not arranging a rental car or finding a distant stable on your own. The 15-minute transfer is a strong value point. A separate taxi to a horse farm, plus equipment rental and the ride itself, could quickly narrow the price difference.

The experience is best value if Icelandic horses are high on your list. It gives you direct contact with the animals, time in the countryside, and a distinctly local activity. If you are mainly looking for dramatic speed, advanced riding, or the lowest-cost outdoor excursion, another activity may suit you better.

The high customer rating of 4.8 from 785 ratings, with 96 percent recommending the experience, fits the tour’s strengths: friendly staff, gentle horses, smooth pickup, and attractive scenery. Still, the price does not remove the need to dress for the weather or accept a controlled group pace.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction to Icelandic horses
• Families with children age 7 or older
• Couples looking for a rural activity close to Reykjavik
• Casual riders who enjoy scenery more than speed
• Experienced riders who want to try the Icelandic horse and its tolt
• Cruise passengers who need organized pickup and return

You should think twice if you have serious knee or back problems, dislike cold outdoor conditions, or want a lesson built around improving your riding technique. The horses are cooperative, but you still spend a long period in the saddle.

The ride also suits mixed groups. An experienced rider and an absolute beginner can take part together because the horses are matched individually and the route follows a group pace. Children have managed the ride well, but every child must be accompanied by an adult.

Practical booking advice

The experience is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. The maximum group size is 15 people. Children must have an adult with them, and the minimum age is 7.

Pickup may be from your hotel, guesthouse, a nearby meeting point, or the main cruise terminal. Read the pickup message carefully, especially if you are staying in central Reykjavik. If your hotel is in a no-pickup area, the revised location is important.

The operator can refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated. If the tour is canceled for that reason, there is no refund. This is a safety rule, and it is best to arrive clear-headed and ready to ride.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The tour requires suitable weather, so if the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Laxnes horse ride?

Book it if you want a friendly, practical introduction to Icelandic horses with very little travel time from Reykjavik. The short transfer, included winter gear, patient staff, gentle horses, and countryside route make this a strong choice for families and beginners.

Go in expecting a guided trail ride, not a riding school or fast trek. Dress warmly, allow extra time for pickup, and be ready for mud, wind, streams, and a calm group pace. If that sounds like the Iceland you came to experience, the Laxnes ride is worth the cost.

FAQ

How long does the Icelandic horseback riding tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including pickup, travel, preparation, riding, and the return journey to Reykjavik.

How far is the horse farm from Reykjavik?

The riding destination is about 15 minutes from Reykjavik by vehicle.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered from hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik. Many central hotels are in a no-pickup zone, so you may be given a nearby meeting point instead.

Can cruise ship passengers join the tour?

Yes. Cruise passengers can be picked up at the main port terminal.

What equipment is provided?

The farm provides basic riding gear, including helmets, boots, and rain clothes. Snowsuits are provided in winter, and gloves are also available according to the supplied experience details.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners are welcome, and the staff ask about your riding background so they can match you with a suitable horse.

What is the minimum age?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.