Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

Iceland’s famous horses are the real stars here. At Laxnes Horse Farm, you ride through countryside just outside Reykjavik, crossing streams and passing lava fields with snow-covered mountains in view. The horses are short, calm, and well trained, which makes this a friendly first ride for beginners.

I like the easy pickup and short drive from central Reykjavik, and I like that the farm supplies helmets, boots, gloves, and warm coveralls or rain gear. The family-run setting also gives the outing a personal feel, with coffee, hot chocolate, and pastries waiting after the ride.

The main drawback is that this is a guided trail ride, not a riding lesson. The horses generally follow one another, and opportunities to run are limited. Cold, wind, mud, and a firm saddle can also make the three-hour outing tiring for anyone with knee or back problems.

Key points to know before booking

• The farm is only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik, making this one of the easiest ways to reach the countryside without renting a car.
• Icelandic horses are matched to your ability, from first-time riders to experienced amateurs.
• Warm riding gear is supplied, including helmets, boots, rain clothes, and winter snowsuits.
• The ride includes real countryside, with mountain views, streams, lava fields, and possible river crossings.
• Children from age seven can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
• The experience is capped at 15 people, so it feels more manageable than a large coach excursion.

A short drive from Reykjavik to a family horse farm

The tour begins with pickup at your Reykjavik hotel or guesthouse, though many central hotels sit in a no-pickup zone. If yours does, the operator sends you to a nearby meeting point. Pickup begins about an hour before the riding time and can take up to 20 minutes as the van collects the group.

That early pickup window matters. The farm itself is close, only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik, but the full experience lasts roughly three and a half hours because the schedule includes transport, fitting gear, choosing horses, riding, and warming up afterward.

Cruise ship passengers can be collected at the main port terminal. If you are planning this around a ship departure, allow extra time and confirm the pickup details carefully. One particularly useful feature is the return transfer to your hotel or guesthouse, which saves you from arranging a taxi after riding in wet or muddy clothes.

The drive gives you a quick change of scene. Reykjavik disappears, and the setting becomes open countryside with mountains and fields. You do not need to spend a full day away from the city to get this taste of rural Iceland.

Getting fitted for boots, helmets, and Icelandic weather

At the farm, you receive the basic riding equipment before meeting your horse. Helmets and boots are provided, along with rain clothing. In winter, the farm supplies snowsuits or warm coveralls, which can make a major difference on a cold Icelandic day.

Several riders found the coveralls especially helpful over ordinary travel clothes. You can still wear warm layers underneath, and you should. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and a ride that feels comfortable at the stable may feel much colder once you are moving across open ground.

Bring warm socks and gloves if you have them. Hand and foot warmers are a sensible extra in winter, since cold was the one repeated practical complaint. The supplied gear protects you from rain and mud, but it cannot always keep fingers and toes warm for the entire ride.

Do not dress as if you are only going for a short walk. You will sit in the saddle for a good portion of the outing, and the weather can be damp even when the sky looks clear. Comfortable trousers and layers under the supplied gear are the safest choice.

Meeting a horse matched to your experience

Before the ride, the staff ask how much riding you have done. That information is used to match you with a suitable horse. This is one of the strongest parts of the experience for a mixed group.

A complete beginner may be paired with a calm horse that knows the route and responds well to simple instructions. An adult who rides occasionally can receive a horse with a little more energy. Riders with more experience can ask about livelier horses, though the standard outing remains controlled and suitable for a broad range of abilities.

The Icelandic horse is smaller than many people expect. That makes mounting less intimidating, and staff can help you get on if needed. The horses are described as gentle, docile, and easy to handle, with clear individual personalities.

Families should find this setup reassuring. An eight-year-old with no prior riding experience has been able to manage the ride, and children from age seven are allowed to take part with an adult. Still, this is a real outdoor ride, not a short pony circuit. Your child should be comfortable sitting on a horse for an extended period and following basic directions.

What the riding itself feels like

The instructions at the start are brief, then the group heads out along the trail. This is useful if you want a simple introduction without a long classroom session, but it is important to know what you are booking. You are not signing up for a formal riding lesson.

The horses generally follow a line, which helps beginners settle in. Guides ride with the group and assist with mounting, dismounting, and handling the horses. You may have a chance to trot or experience the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt, a smooth four-beat gait unique to the breed, depending on the group and conditions.

The standard pace is relaxed. That suits first-time riders and families, but experienced riders hoping for a fast ride may find it restrained. One rider specifically wished for more chances to run the horses. The operator’s priority is keeping the group together and the ride safe, so speed is not the central attraction.

Instead, the pleasure comes from the steady rhythm of the horses and the open setting. You can pay attention to the animal beneath you, the changing weather, and the ground under the hooves. The horses are said to be eager to return to their pastures after the ride, a small reminder that this is a working farm rather than a staged show.

Lava fields, streams, and mountain views

The route takes you into the countryside around Laxnes. Depending on weather and trail conditions, you may cross a stream or shallow river, pass lava fields, and ride beneath mountain views. These details give the excursion a stronger sense of place than an enclosed riding arena.

The lava fields help you understand Iceland’s volcanic character at ground level. From horseback, the rough dark rock and open space feel different from the usual road-stop viewpoint. Streams and creek crossings add a little adventure without turning the outing into an extreme activity.

In winter, snow can change the mood completely. A ride beneath snow-topped mountains can feel quiet and almost storybook-like, but cold weather also makes the experience more demanding. Snowfall does not always stop the ride, yet the farm makes the final call when conditions are poor.

Sunrise rides may be available depending on the departure time. One early outing offered beautiful morning light, which can be a fine choice if you want to fit the tour into a busy day. Since pickup begins well before the riding time, check the exact schedule before booking an early departure.

The farm atmosphere after the ride

When you return, the outing does not end at the stable door. You can warm up indoors with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and pastries. This is more than a pleasant extra in Icelandic weather. It gives you time to thaw out, talk with the staff, and enjoy the farm before the drive back to Reykjavik.

The setting is family run, and that comes through in the way the day is organized. The farm has operated since 1968, and the staff handle the practical details directly, from fitting clothing to choosing horses and helping riders on and off.

The horses are a big part of the appeal even before you mount. You can spend time near them at the farm, see their different sizes and personalities, and notice how calm they are around the group. If you have come to Iceland specifically to meet Icelandic horses, this provides more contact than simply spotting them from a tour bus.

The animals also appear well cared for, which matters on any riding excursion. Their calm behavior, clean surroundings, and willingness to work with beginners all help create confidence. That does not remove the physical demands of riding, but it makes the experience feel considerate rather than rushed.

Is $152.37 a fair price?

At $152.37 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Reykjavik. The value depends on what you count as part of the price.

You receive hotel or guesthouse pickup and return, transport to a farm outside the city, riding equipment, a guided countryside ride, and refreshments afterward. You also avoid renting a car or arranging separate transport to a stable. For a first-time rider who wants a simple half-day plan, those inclusions make the price easier to justify.

The cost is less compelling if you already have access to a vehicle, own riding gear, and want only a brief horse encounter. It is also not the best match for an experienced rider seeking advanced instruction or a fast trail ride. In that case, you are paying for convenience and scenery more than technical riding.

The small maximum of 15 people helps. A group this size gives the staff a better chance to match horses properly and help anyone who feels unsure. The exact group may be smaller, but you should not count on a private ride.

The strong overall rating and 96 percent recommendation fit the experience’s main strengths: gentle horses, helpful staff, good scenery, and simple transport. I would view the price as reasonable for a visitor who wants an Icelandic horse experience without spending a full day on the road.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This tour suits you best if you want to:

• Try Icelandic horseback riding as a beginner
• Spend a few hours outside Reykjavik without planning a car trip
• Ride through open countryside instead of staying in an indoor arena
• Include a child aged seven or older in a family activity
• Experience the Icelandic horse’s smooth gait at an easy pace
• Add a calm outdoor activity to a city-focused itinerary

It is also a good choice for mixed-ability groups. A confident rider and a first-time rider can take part together because horses are matched to individual experience.

You may want a different activity if you need a formal lesson, have severe knee or back trouble, or expect long stretches of fast riding. The saddle time is substantial, and one person found the ride longer than expected. The horses are calm, but the activity is still physically active.

Booking, cancellation, and weather details

The experience is offered in English, and confirmation arrives when you book. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted, and the payment is not refunded.

Weather deserves attention. The tour requires suitable conditions, and the operator can cancel if the weather is poor. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since Icelandic conditions can change quickly, keep some flexibility in your schedule if this ride is important to you.

The operator can refuse service to anyone who is intoxicated or appears intoxicated. If the tour is canceled for that reason, there is no refund. Children must be with an adult, and the minimum age is seven.

Should you book the Laxnes horse ride?

Book it if you want a convenient, beginner-friendly introduction to Icelandic horses with real countryside scenery and a warm drink at the end. The combination of short transport, supplied gear, gentle horses, and a family farm makes it easy to fit into a Reykjavik stay.

Think twice if your main goal is speed, advanced riding, or a structured lesson. You will follow a guided trail at a controlled pace, and cold weather can test your comfort.

For most first-time riders, families, and casual horse lovers, I think this is a worthwhile use of half a day. Choose warm layers, leave room in your schedule for the pickup window, and treat the ride as a scenic meeting with Iceland’s favorite horses rather than a high-speed riding workout.

FAQ

How long does the Icelandic horseback riding tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes, including pickup, transport, riding, and the return to Reykjavik.

How far is the horse farm from Reykjavik?

The riding destination is about a 15-minute drive from Reykjavik, although pickup can take longer because the vehicle collects passengers at several locations.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels or guesthouses in Reykjavik. Hotels in central no-pickup zones may receive instructions for a nearby meeting point. Cruise ship passengers can be picked up at the main port terminal.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners are welcome, and the staff ask about your riding background before matching you with a horse. The horses generally follow a guided line, so this is a trail ride rather than a formal riding lesson.

What is the minimum age?

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

What riding equipment is provided?

The farm provides basic gear such as helmets, boots, and rain clothing. In winter, snowsuits or warm coveralls are supplied.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

What happens if the weather is too poor for the ride?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose 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 start time.