Viking Horse Riding and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik

The best part of this day is the switch from saddle to sightseeing bus. You get a real ride on the small, sturdy Icelandic horse, then visit four of Iceland’s biggest natural and historic sights without arranging separate transport. I especially like the farm’s family-run feel and the chance for beginners to ride through streams, hills, and open countryside.

The tradeoff is time. This is a nine-hour day with a two-hour ride and fairly brisk Golden Circle stops, so Thingvellir may feel short if you want long walks or quiet time. The afternoon bus can also feel less personal than the horse farm portion.

Key points to know before you book

• The Icelandic horse is the star: Small, calm, and famous for its extra gait, these horses suit first-time riders as well as experienced ones.
• Laxnes gives you a proper countryside ride: The route can include hills, streams, uneven ground, and chances to trot or try the tölt when conditions and ability allow.
• The Golden Circle comes after the horses: You visit Thingvellir, Geysir, Strokkur, and Gullfoss in one afternoon.
• Pickup may involve two vehicles: The horse farm’s minibus may collect you first, followed by the Gray Line coach at the farm.
• Pack for cold and wet weather: Riding gear is provided, and extra layers may be available, but warm clothing remains essential.
• This is good value for a full day: At $213.97 per person, the price covers transport, a guided ride, equipment, park fees, and a guide, but not meals.

Why the Icelandic horse makes this day different

Many Iceland sightseeing tours give you grand views from a bus window. This one lets you feel the ground under you first. At Laxnes Horse Farm, just outside Reykjavik, you meet the Icelandic horse, a breed brought to Iceland during the Viking Age and kept remarkably unchanged since the ninth century.

These horses are small, but do not mistake small for delicate. They are sturdy, sure-footed, and accustomed to Iceland’s rough ground. Their gentle temperament makes the ride approachable if you have never been on a horse before. Experienced riders also get more than a slow trail walk. Several rides have included stream crossings, hills, stretches of open ground, and chances to trot or use the tölt.

The tölt is the breed’s famous extra gait. It is a smooth four-beat movement unique to a few horse breeds, and it is part of what makes an Icelandic horse ride feel unlike a standard trail outing. You should not assume you will spend the whole ride at speed. The pace depends on the group, weather, horses, and riding ability. Still, the farm can give stronger riders a little more room to use their skills.

The ride lasts about two hours. That is long enough to feel like a genuine outing rather than a quick photo opportunity, but short enough for most first-time riders to manage. One practical point: the farm may not have a mounting block. Staff can help, but anyone with stiff hips or limited mobility should keep this in mind.

Laxnes Horse Farm: the strongest part of the day

The farm portion has the warmest, most personal feel. Staff help match riders with horses and provide the necessary riding gear. Extra layers have been offered on cold days, and coffee and pastries may be available after the ride. Treat those comforts as useful bonuses, not guaranteed meals.

The scenery around Laxnes is quiet and open, with the countryside providing a sharp contrast to Reykjavik. You are not simply sitting on a horse for a short loop. The route can move over uneven ground and through natural features, which gives the ride its character.

If you are new to riding, tell the staff clearly. The horses are described as steady and gentle, and beginners have been supported carefully, including children who needed extra confidence. The minimum age is eight. Most people can take part, but horse riding still requires enough balance and flexibility to mount, sit securely, and follow instructions.

Experienced riders should also set realistic expectations. This is a mixed-ability excursion, not a private riding lesson or a fast trail ride. You may have time to trot or try the tölt, but the group’s pace comes first. That is the right setup for a family or mixed group, though a serious rider seeking long stretches of cantering may want a dedicated riding tour instead.

The handoff from horse farm to Golden Circle coach

The transportation arrangement deserves attention. The horse farm may pick you up in its own minibus, then Gray Line collects you from Laxnes for the afternoon Golden Circle route. After the sightseeing, you return to Reykjavik by coach.

This transfer works well when the timing runs as planned, but it is not the same as staying with one small group all day. You should confirm your pickup details carefully, especially if you are collecting from a cruise port or a designated meeting point. Pickup and drop-off are available around Reykjavik, but exact arrangements depend on the location.

The coach is air-conditioned and has WiFi. A professional English-speaking guide leads the sightseeing portion. One guide named Roman has been praised for mixing facts about Iceland with personal stories, which is the sort of narration that can make a long drive pass quickly. Guide assignments can change, so do not book solely for a particular person.

The tour has a maximum of 50 people. That is a fairly large coach group, and it explains the contrast between the intimate farm visit and the more structured afternoon. The bus gives you a comfortable way to cover ground, but the stops follow a schedule.

Thingvellir: history and the meeting of tectonic plates

Thingvellir National Park is the first major Golden Circle stop and lasts about 45 minutes. It carries both political and geological importance.

This is where Iceland’s parliament began more than 1,000 years ago. Icelandic leaders gathered here in an open-air assembly, making the site central to the country’s early democracy. You also see the rift valley formed as the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates gradually pull apart.

The setting combines cliffs, broad fields, and views toward Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake. Even with limited time, you can get a sense of why this place matters. The drawback is that 45 minutes does not allow for a long walk through the park. If Thingvellir is your main reason for visiting Iceland, a dedicated day or self-drive route would let you explore it more slowly.

For this combined tour, the short stop is a fair compromise. You see the key setting, hear the story, and keep enough time for the waterfall and geothermal area.

Geysir and Strokkur: steam, mud, and a regular eruption

The Geysir geothermal area receives about 45 minutes, followed by a 30-minute stop at Strokkur. The names can be confusing, since Geysir is the name that gave all geysers their English name, while Strokkur is the geyser that erupts regularly today.

Expect boiling mud pots, steam vents, and pools colored by minerals. Strokkur provides the reliable action, sending hot water upward at regular intervals. You may wait only a short time before seeing an eruption, though the exact timing cannot be guaranteed.

The ground here can be wet and slippery, so follow marked paths and bring a waterproof outer layer. You will have time for photos, but not endless lingering. That is useful if you want to see several major sights in one day, less so if geothermal activity is your main interest.

The stop also gives you a chance to buy food or snacks. Meals are not included, but the schedule includes opportunities to purchase something at local restaurants or shops. Bring water and a small snack if you prefer not to rely on the available stops.

Gullfoss: the visual high point of the afternoon

Gullfoss, or Golden Falls, gets about an hour. For many people, this is the afternoon’s biggest payoff. The Hvítá River drops over two tiers into a deep gorge, producing a roar that you can feel as much as hear.

Paths provide several viewing angles, including a route closer to the lower part of the falls. Spray can reach the walkways, and weather may change quickly, so a good raincoat matters. A camera or phone is useful, but protect it from moisture and keep a firm grip in windy conditions.

On sunny days, the spray can create rainbows above the gorge. Even without them, the scale of the falls is impressive. The hour gives you enough time to walk, take pictures, and absorb the view without turning the stop into a rushed photo break.

Gullfoss is also where the value of the coach becomes clear. Reaching the falls, geothermal area, and Thingvellir independently takes more planning, especially if you are visiting during a short Reykjavik stay. You give up flexibility, but you gain a full route in one day.

What the $213.97 price really covers

At $213.97 per person, this is not a budget outing. It is also more than a simple Golden Circle coach tour, because the price includes a guided two-hour horseback ride and riding equipment.

Included services are:

• Reykjavik-area pickup and drop-off, including cruise ports and designated meeting points
• A professional English-speaking guide
• The guided horse ride
• Necessary riding gear
• National park fees
• Air-conditioned transport
• WiFi on board

Food and drinks are not included. You should budget extra for a meal or snacks during the day.

I see the price as reasonable if you want both experiences and have only one free day. Booking a horse ride and a Golden Circle tour separately could cost more and create awkward timing. The value is weaker if you care mainly about one part. A dedicated horse ride gives you more attention in the saddle, while a smaller Golden Circle group may offer longer or more relaxed stops.

The tour is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 57 days. That suggests you should reserve early if your Iceland dates are fixed, especially during busy periods.

Who should book this combined tour

I would choose this for a first visit to Iceland when you want variety. It suits families with children aged eight and older, couples, mixed groups where one person rides often and another is a beginner, and anyone trying to fit the Golden Circle into a short stay.

It is also a good choice if you prefer having equipment supplied and transport arranged. You do not need previous horse-riding experience, and the farm staff can help nervous riders settle in.

I would think twice if you dislike full-day schedules, large coaches, or fixed stop lengths. The day begins around 9:30 a.m. and lasts roughly nine hours. You will spend substantial time moving between sights, and the Golden Circle section is designed to show you the main places rather than give you a slow, private visit.

Dress for Iceland, not for a mild city day. Wear warm layers and waterproof clothing. The farm can supply riding gear, but you still need comfortable clothes underneath and footwear suited to outdoor conditions. A fully charged phone is useful for photos, though cold weather can drain batteries quickly.

Cancellation and weather details to keep in mind

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 experience depends on suitable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy matters in Iceland, where weather can affect riding safety and road conditions.

Should you book the Viking Horse Riding and Golden Circle Tour?

Book it if the Icelandic horse is your priority but you also want to see the country’s classic sights in one organized day. The horse ride is the more personal and memorable half, while Thingvellir, Geysir, Strokkur, and Gullfoss give you a strong first look at Iceland’s history and natural forces.

Skip it if you want a slow Golden Circle visit, a small private group, or advanced riding for most of the day. For everyone else, this is a practical way to combine a distinctly Icelandic activity with the country’s most famous sightseeing route. The best plan is to reserve early, dress warmly, and treat the Golden Circle stops as a well-paced introduction rather than a deep exploration.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the full experience last?

The tour lasts approximately nine hours.

Is horse-riding experience required?

No. Previous experience is not required, and the ride is suitable for beginners and experienced riders.

What is the minimum age for horseback riding?

The minimum age is eight years old.

How long is the horse ride?

The guided ride at Laxnes Horse Farm lasts about two hours.

Which Golden Circle sights are included?

The route includes Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, Strokkur, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Are meals included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but stops are made where you can buy meals and snacks.

Is pickup available from Reykjavik hotels and cruise ports?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered from Reykjavik-area hotels, guesthouses, cruise ports, and designated meeting points.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.