Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

The most memorable part of this outing is not simply sitting on a horse. It is riding an Icelandic horse through open countryside, with streams, lava fields, mountain views, and the chance to feel the breed’s distinctive tolt gait. The farm is only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik, yet the setting feels far removed from the city.

I like the careful horse matching and the fact that beginners are genuinely welcome. I also like the practical setup: pickup, helmets, boots, gloves, and weather gear are included, followed by hot cocoa, coffee, tea, and pastry at the farm. The main drawback is weather. It can be very cold, and the ride follows a calm trail line rather than offering a full riding lesson or much fast riding.

Key points to know before booking

• Short transfer from Reykjavik: The farm is about 15 minutes from the city, making this an easy half-day countryside outing.
• Icelandic horses and the tolt: You may experience the breed’s smooth four-beat gait, along with ordinary walking and, when conditions allow, some trotting.
• Beginners are welcome: Horses are matched to ability, and children age 7 and older can participate with an adult.
• Weather gear is provided: Expect helmets, boots, gloves, rainwear, and winter snowsuits or coveralls, but dress warmly underneath.
• Family-run farm atmosphere: Laxnes Horse Farm has operated since 1968 and offers a warm drink and pastry after the ride.
• Small group size: The maximum is 15 people, with guides accompanying the ride.

Why this Icelandic horse ride is special

Icelandic horses are shorter than many riding horses, but they are not simply small ponies. They are sturdy, sure-footed animals bred for Iceland’s rough ground and changeable weather. The breed is also known for the tolt, a smooth gait that can feel remarkably steady from the saddle.

You are not guaranteed a long stretch of tolt or a fast ride. This is a guided trail outing, and the horses generally follow one another along the route. Still, the setting gives the ride its appeal. You may cross a stream, pass lava fields, look toward snow-topped mountains, and see the Icelandic countryside from a low and gentle vantage point.

I like that the experience connects you with one of Iceland’s most important animals without requiring a full day on the road. You get a taste of rural Iceland, some time outdoors, and contact with horses that are central to the country’s culture and farming traditions.

The farm has been in the same family since 1968. That detail matters because the welcome feels tied to a working family property rather than a large city attraction. The owner may handle the pickup, and the staff includes people who help with equipment, horses, and mounting. The tone is personal and practical.

Leaving Reykjavik for the farm

Pickup is offered from hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik, though many central properties sit in a no-pickup zone. If yours does, the operator will give you another meeting place and instructions. Cruise ship passengers can be collected at the main port terminal, which is useful if you are visiting Iceland on a short sailing.

Pay attention to the pickup window. Collection begins about one hour before the stated departure and can take up to 20 minutes while the vehicle gathers everyone. The actual drive to the farm is only about 15 minutes, but the full pickup process makes the start of the outing longer than a simple point-to-point transfer.

That early pickup is not wasted time, but you should plan around it. If you have a museum booking, airport transfer, or another fixed activity the same day, allow plenty of space. The total tour time is about three and a half hours, including transport and preparation.

The drive itself takes you from Reykjavik toward the countryside outside the city. The views become more open, and you begin to see why this ride works well for visitors who want an easy break from urban sightseeing without renting a car.

Getting fitted with helmets, boots, and coveralls

At the farm, you receive the basic riding equipment. Helmets and boots are provided, along with gloves and rain clothing when needed. In winter, the farm supplies snowsuits or warm coveralls. This is one of the tour’s strongest practical points, since bringing proper riding gear to Iceland can be awkward and expensive.

The equipment is designed for real Icelandic conditions, including mud, rain, wind, and cold. Several people found the coveralls especially useful because they could wear them over ordinary sightseeing clothes. You should still wear warm layers underneath, and hand and foot warmers are worth considering in winter.

Do not arrive dressed as if you are only taking a short city walk. Your upper body may be comfortable while your fingers and toes grow cold. Waterproof shoes are less important because boots are supplied, but warm socks and a solid base layer will improve the ride.

After you are outfitted, the staff asks about your riding background. Be honest. You do not need to impress anyone, and the goal is to find a horse that suits your comfort and ability. An adult amateur and a complete beginner in the same group can be placed on different horses and still ride together.

Meeting a horse matched to your ability

The horses are widely described as gentle, calm, and easy for new riders to handle. That does not mean every horse has the same personality. The staff can provide more spirited horses when appropriate, but beginners are generally given experienced animals that know the route and understand the pace of the group.

This matching process is important for families and mixed-ability groups. An experienced rider can enjoy a suitable horse, while a first-time rider can focus on balance, steering, and enjoying the scenery instead of managing an unpredictable animal.

Mounting is made easier by the horses’ shorter height, and staff can help you get on and off if needed. Still, horseback riding puts pressure on the hips, knees, and back. If you have bad knees or a bad back, think carefully before booking. One person found the ride a little too long, even while enjoying the experience.

The initial riding instructions are brief. This is not a formal lesson with extensive arena practice. You learn the essentials, get settled, and then head out on the trail. That works well if you want a relaxed ride, but it may disappoint you if your main goal is technical instruction.

Riding through streams, lava fields, and mountain views

The route takes you through countryside outside Reykjavik. The scenery can include lava fields, streams, open ground, and mountain views. Some rides include crossing a river or creek, an uncomplicated detail that adds character to the outing without turning it into an adventure challenge.

In winter, snow can make the setting especially striking. A sunrise departure may offer beautiful early light, though cold weather becomes an even bigger factor. In other conditions, rain or wind can be part of the experience. The farm supplies weather gear, but no clothing can make Icelandic weather feel warm all day.

The horses generally travel in a line. That makes the ride manageable for beginners, since the animals know the route and tend to follow the group. It also means you should set your expectations correctly. This is a scenic trail ride, not a private riding lesson and not a galloping excursion.

There may be chances to trot or feel the tolt, depending on the group, the terrain, and the guide’s judgment. You should not assume that you will run the horses. At least one rider would have liked more opportunity to do so, while others valued the peaceful pace. The slower rhythm is a plus if you want quiet scenery, family time, or a first ride in Iceland.

The Icelandic horse’s smooth tolt

The tolt is one of the most interesting reasons to choose this activity over an ordinary trail ride. It is a special gait of the Icelandic horse, known for its smooth feel and limited bounce. You may experience it during the ride, though the exact amount depends on conditions and your group’s ability.

For a confident rider, the tolt can be the highlight. You feel the horse move with speed while remaining unusually steady. For a beginner, simply sitting comfortably and steering along the trail may be enough. The guides keep the ride suitable for the group rather than turning the outing into a demonstration for the most experienced rider.

This is also a good setting for noticing the horses’ personalities. They are not presented as props. You spend time around them before and after the ride, and their different temperaments become part of the experience. Some are quiet and patient, while others may have more energy for riders who want it.

The horses appear well cared for, and the farm’s approach is attentive. Staff help with saddling, mounting, and returning the horses. That human connection adds value, especially if you have always wanted to ride an Icelandic horse but have little experience with horses.

Warm drinks and a friendly farm welcome

After the ride, you return to the stable area and warm up indoors. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and pastry are provided. In cold or wet weather, this simple finish matters. It gives you time to thaw out, talk with the staff, and enjoy the farm before returning to the city.

The family-run character is part of the charm. The owner may share information about the farm, its history, and the family’s work with the horses. Staff are available to help people on and off the horses, answer questions, and make nervous riders feel at ease.

I would not book this solely for the refreshments, but they make the experience feel complete. The outing is not just transport, a horse, and a quick ride. You have a chance to spend time at the farm and see how the horses are handled.

Is $152.37 a fair price?

At $152.37 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The price makes more sense when you count the included pickup and return to Reykjavik, the roughly three-hour-30-minute total outing, riding equipment, horse matching, guides, and refreshments afterward.

You are also paying for convenience. Without a car, reaching a countryside farm can be difficult, and arranging boots, helmets, and cold-weather riding gear would take extra effort. The short transfer lets you fit the activity into a Reykjavik stay without using a full day.

The value is strongest for first-time riders, families, and anyone who wants a low-stress way to meet Icelandic horses. Experienced riders seeking a long, fast ride may find the price less compelling because the route is controlled and group-based.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is small enough for staff to help with equipment and horse matching, though it is not a private ride. If you want personal coaching throughout, ask before booking, because the basic format is a guided trail ride rather than a riding course.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction
• Families with children age 7 and older
• Mixed groups with different riding abilities
• Visitors without a rental car
• Horse lovers who want to meet Icelandic horses
• Anyone looking for countryside scenery close to Reykjavik
• Cruise passengers who need a pickup option that can work around port access

You should think twice if you want sustained trotting, galloping, or a private riding lesson. You should also consider your knees and back, since mounting and several hours around horses can be physically demanding.

The experience is also weather-dependent. Iceland can deliver rain, snow, wind, and sharp cold even when the forecast looks manageable. A poor-weather cancellation brings either another date or a full refund, but you should keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Practical details that make the day easier

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided at booking. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is 7.

Pickup times begin about an hour before departure, so do not schedule a tight appointment immediately before or after the ride. If your hotel is in a central no-pickup zone, wait for the operator to provide the alternate meeting point rather than assuming the vehicle will stop at your door.

Wear warm, layered clothing that you do not mind covering with supplied outerwear. The farm provides the major riding items, but personal warm socks and extra hand protection can make a noticeable difference. Winter riders should be especially careful about keeping hands and feet warm.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted. The operator also reserves the right to refuse service to anyone showing signs of intoxication, without a refund, for safety reasons.

Should you book the Laxnes Horse Farm ride?

Book it if you want an easy, well-supported introduction to Icelandic horses, especially if you are a beginner or traveling with a child. The short drive, supplied gear, gentle horses, scenery, warm drinks, and family-run setting add up to a useful half-day experience from Reykjavik.

I would not choose it as my main activity if I wanted a serious riding lesson or a fast, open ride. For that, you would need to look for a tour designed around advanced riding. But for a scenic countryside outing with a strong chance of feeling comfortable around the horses, this is a solid choice.

With a 4.8 rating from 785 reviews and recommendation from 96 percent of people who booked it, the experience has a strong record. The most important thing is to book it for what it is: a friendly, scenic trail ride with Icelandic horses, not a technical equestrian class. Dress warmly, allow extra time for pickup, and you will be set up to enjoy one of Iceland’s most distinctive animal experiences.

FAQ

Where does the Icelandic horseback riding tour take place?

The tour begins with pickup in Reykjavik and continues to Laxnes Horse Farm, located about 15 minutes from the city.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included?

Yes. Pickup and return are offered from hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik. Hotels in some central no-pickup zones will receive an alternate meeting location and instructions.

Can cruise ship passengers join the tour?

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

How early does pickup begin?

Pickup starts about one hour before departure and may take up to 20 minutes while the vehicle collects all passengers.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes, including transport, preparation, riding, and the return trip.

Are beginners allowed to ride?

Yes. Beginners are welcome, and the staff gathers information about your riding 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 equipment is provided?

The farm provides basic gear including helmets, boots, gloves, and rain clothing. Snowsuits or warm coveralls are supplied in winter.

Will I get to ride fast or learn advanced skills?

This is a guided trail ride where horses generally follow a line. You may have opportunities to trot or experience the tolt, but the tour is not presented as a formal riding lesson or fast-riding excursion.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted or refunded.