Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

Meet Iceland’s four-legged stars. This family-run Laxnes Horse Farm outing takes you from central Reykjavik to open countryside in about 15 minutes, where you ride gentle Icelandic horses across fields, streams, and lava country. You do not need riding experience, and the farm matches each rider with a suitable horse.

I especially like the easy pickup service and the warm gear provided at the farm. The ride also offers something beyond a standard city activity: time outdoors with Icelandic horses, including a chance to feel their famous tölt gait. The main drawback is weather. Cold, wind, mud, and rain can shape the experience, and the ride may feel slow if you hoped for a fast canter or a formal riding lesson.

Key points to know before booking

• A short drive leads to real countryside: Laxnes Horse Farm is about 15 minutes from Reykjavik, making this a practical half-day escape.
• Beginners are welcome: Horses are selected to fit your riding background, and children from age 7 can take part with an adult.
• Warm riding equipment is supplied: Expect a helmet, boots, gloves, and waterproof coveralls, with snowsuits used in winter.
• The scenery is the star: Routes can include mountain views, lava fields, streams, and river crossings.
• The Icelandic horse feels different: Some rides include the smooth tölt, a special gait unique to the breed.
• Small groups keep things manageable: The maximum group size is 15 people, and guides ride along to help.

Why this farm visit feels different from a city attraction

Reykjavik is compact, but Iceland’s countryside begins quickly. After pickup, you leave the streets behind and reach Laxnes Horse Farm in roughly 15 minutes. That short transfer matters. You can fit this ride into a busy Reykjavik schedule without giving up most of the day to transport.

Laxnes is a family-run farm with roots going back to 1968. That detail gives the outing a more personal feel than a large, highly commercial riding center. The welcome, horse selection, and preparation all happen at the farm, where staff help you get ready before you head out.

The horses are a major part of the appeal. Icelandic horses are smaller than many riding horses, with calm temperaments and a sturdy build. Their height can make mounting easier, especially for children and first-time riders. If you need help getting on, staff can give you a boost.

I like that the horse is chosen for your ability rather than simply assigned at random. An adult amateur may receive a horse with more experience, while an absolute beginner can be paired with a calm animal that knows the route. One rider specifically enjoyed riding a horse named Joker, while an eight-year-old was paired with a gentle white horse.

That matching process is useful, but do not mistake it for a private riding lesson. The basic instructions are brief, and the horses generally follow one another along the trail. You will learn how to handle your horse and follow directions, but the focus is on a relaxed countryside ride, not on detailed training.

Pickup from Reykjavik and the short trip to the farm

Pickup begins about one hour before the scheduled departure. The vehicle may spend up to 20 minutes collecting people, so do not wait until the exact activity time to come outside. Have your phone nearby and be ready at the stated pickup point.

Some central Reykjavik hotels sit in streets where tour vehicles cannot stop. If your accommodation is in one of these no-pickup zones, the operator will provide another meeting location and instructions. This is a normal Reykjavik transport issue, not a sign that anything has gone wrong.

Cruise ship passengers can be collected at the main port terminal. That makes the outing workable for a short port stay, though you should still allow plenty of time around the activity because pickup and return times can vary.

The ride from the city to the farm is only about 15 minutes. That gives you a quick change of scene, from urban streets to fields and mountain views. It is one of the strongest reasons to choose this activity over a more distant horse-riding excursion.

Getting dressed for Icelandic weather

At the farm, you receive the basic equipment needed for the ride. This includes a helmet, boots, gloves, and rain clothing. In winter, snowsuits are used instead of lighter rain gear.

The coveralls are not just a nice extra. Several riders found them important for staying warm and dry, particularly in cold or muddy conditions. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and you may be riding through wet ground or light snow even when Reykjavik does not look especially wintry.

Wear warm layers beneath the supplied clothing. Pay special attention to your hands and feet. One cold-weather rider wished they had brought hand and foot warmers, which is sensible advice for winter departures. You should also dress for standing around before and after the ride, when you may feel the cold more than while moving.

The supplied gear reduces what you need to pack. You do not need to bring a riding helmet or special outerwear. Still, you should arrive prepared with warm base layers and clothing that you do not mind getting muddy.

Meeting your Icelandic horse

Before setting out, staff ask about your previous riding experience. This includes the difference between an experienced rider, an occasional rider, and someone who has never been on a horse.

The horses are known for being gentle and steady. Beginners, including children, have managed the ride successfully, and guides help people on and off when needed. The horses also know the route, which lets first-time riders concentrate on balance, steering, and enjoying the scenery.

That calm setup makes the outing suitable for families. The minimum age is 7, and children must be accompanied by an adult. An eight-year-old with no previous riding experience was able to take part, which gives you a useful sense of the level expected.

The experience is still physical. Mounting, sitting in the saddle, and riding across uneven ground can be tiring. If you have a bad back or bad knees, consider this carefully. One rider found the ride longer than expected, even though they still enjoyed it.

Riding through streams, lava fields, and mountain country

The route leads through the countryside near Reykjavik, with broad views and quiet farm surroundings. Depending on conditions and the route used that day, you may cross a stream or river, ride near lava fields, and pass beneath snow-covered mountains.

These details make the ride feel distinctly Icelandic. You are not simply circling a fenced paddock. You are moving through the same kind of rugged country that has shaped Icelandic farming and travel for centuries.

River crossings are a favorite part of the route. They add a small sense of adventure without requiring advanced riding skills. The horses are accustomed to the terrain, and guides stay with the group to help.

The scenery can be especially striking in winter. Snow, clear air, and dark volcanic ground create strong views, but winter also brings the coldest conditions. A sunrise ride has been praised for its light and atmosphere, while heavy snowfall has not necessarily stopped the outing from going ahead. The operator does require suitable weather and may cancel if conditions are poor.

The ride is generally peaceful rather than thrilling. You might be offered a chance to trot or experience the tölt, but the horses usually follow in line. If you want speed, jumping, or a long period of independent riding, this may feel too restrained. For a first ride or a scenic introduction to Icelandic horses, that steady pace is a benefit.

Feeling the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt

The tölt is one of the special pleasures of riding an Icelandic horse. It is a four-beat gait that can feel unusually smooth because the horse keeps a more stable motion than during a typical trot.

Not every rider will spend much time at the tölt, and the exact pace depends on the group, horse, and conditions. Still, some outings provide opportunities to try it, along with a little trotting. If you are an experienced rider, tell the staff what you would like and what you can safely manage.

For a first-time rider, simply staying balanced at a walk is enough. You do not need to arrive with a goal of mastering the tölt. The ride remains enjoyable even when the pace is slow, particularly when the setting includes mountains, streams, and open countryside.

What happens after the ride

After returning to the farm, you can warm up indoors with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a pastry or cake. This small finish adds real value in cold weather. It gives you time to thaw out, talk about the horses, and enjoy the farm atmosphere before returning to Reykjavik.

The horses are then cared for and returned to their pastures. The animals appear to be a central part of the farm’s work, not a prop brought out for a quick photo. You can spend time around them before or after riding, which helps make the activity feel personal.

The return transfer takes you back to your Reykjavik hotel or guesthouse, or to the agreed meeting point if your accommodation is in a no-pickup zone. The total experience lasts about three and a half hours, including transportation and preparation.

Is the $152.37 price good value?

At $152.37 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Iceland. The price makes more sense when you consider what is included: hotel pickup and return, transport to a nearby farm, riding equipment, horse matching, guides, the ride itself, and hot drinks with a snack afterward.

You also avoid the cost and hassle of arranging transport outside Reykjavik. For a family or a short-stay visitor, that convenience can make the price worthwhile. A similar activity farther from the city could take much longer once driving time is included.

The value is strongest if you want a complete, easy-to-arrange experience and have a genuine interest in Icelandic horses. It is weaker if you already have extensive riding experience and want advanced instruction, long stretches of fast riding, or a private guide.

The maximum group size is 15. That is small enough to keep the ride organized, though it does not guarantee a private or quiet outing. Group size, weather, and the range of riding abilities can affect the pace.

Because the activity is often booked around 43 days ahead, you should reserve early if your Iceland trip has fixed dates. That is particularly sensible for families, cruise passengers, and anyone visiting during a busy season.

Who should book this horseback ride?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction
• Families with children age 7 and older
• Experienced riders curious about Icelandic horses
• Couples looking for a countryside activity close to Reykjavik
• Cruise passengers who can fit a three-and-a-half-hour outing into their port schedule
• Anyone who wants an outdoor activity without renting a car

You should think twice if you dislike cold weather, feel uncomfortable on uneven ground, or want a formal riding lesson. The ride can also feel too long if sitting in a saddle is hard for you.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and most people can participate. The operator can refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated, and a cancellation for that reason does not qualify for a refund.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Laxnes Horse Farm ride?

Book it if you want an accessible taste of Icelandic countryside, friendly horses, and simple logistics from Reykjavik. The strongest parts are the short transfer, careful horse matching, warm equipment, gentle animals, and scenery that includes streams, lava fields, and mountain views.

Go in with the right expectations. This is a guided trail ride, not an advanced lesson or a galloping expedition. Dress warmly, accept the group pace, and enjoy the setting. For many people, the chance to ride an Icelandic horse and finish with hot chocolate at a family farm will be worth the price.

FAQ

Where does the Icelandic horseback riding tour take place?

The activity takes place at Laxnes Horse Farm in the countryside outside Reykjavik. The farm is about a 15-minute drive from the city.

Does the tour include pickup from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup and return are offered from Reykjavik hotels and guesthouses, although some central properties are in no-pickup zones. In that case, the operator will provide another meeting location.

How early does pickup begin?

Pickup starts about one hour before the scheduled departure. Collecting all passengers can take up to 20 minutes.

Can cruise ship passengers join the tour?

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

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. Beginners are welcome, and the staff ask about your experience before matching you with a suitable horse.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What riding gear is provided?

The farm supplies helmets, boots, gloves, and rain clothing. Snowsuits are provided during winter.

How many people can join the activity?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can select another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time.