Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

Iceland’s best short ride starts near the city. This Icelandic horseback riding tour takes you from Reykjavik to Laxnes Horse Farm in about 15 minutes, where calm horses, mountain views, lava fields, and river crossings make a fine half-day outing. I especially like the easy pickup service and the care taken to match each rider with a suitable horse. The main drawback is weather: cold, wind, mud, and rain can make the ride feel demanding, especially in winter.

You do not need riding experience, and children from age seven can join with an adult. I also like that the price includes helmets, boots, gloves, and weather gear, so you need not pack riding equipment. Just remember, this is a guided trail ride, not a riding lesson or a fast-paced horse trek.

Key points to know before you book

• Laxnes Horse Farm is only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik, making this an easy countryside escape when you do not have time for a full-day excursion.
• The Icelandic horses are matched to your experience, with gentle horses available for beginners and more spirited options sometimes available on request.
• You ride through open countryside with river crossings, lava fields, and mountain views, rather than circling an arena.
• Riding gear is supplied, including a helmet, boots, gloves, rain clothes, and warm snowsuits in winter.
• The tour lasts about three and a half hours, including hotel pickup and return, with a maximum group size of 15.
• The ride finishes with hot cocoa, coffee, tea, and pastry on many departures, a welcome touch after time outdoors.

A quick ride from Reykjavik to Laxnes Horse Farm

The short drive is one of the strongest points of this outing. Pickup begins about an hour before the stated departure time and can take up to 20 minutes while the vehicle collects people around Reykjavik. The farm itself is only about 15 minutes from the city, so you spend little of your day sitting in a vehicle.

Many central Reykjavik hotels sit in a no-pickup zone. If yours does, the operator sends you instructions for a nearby pickup point. That can mean walking to a bus stop or another approved location, so read the pickup message carefully rather than waiting outside your hotel.

Cruise ship passengers can be collected at the main port terminal. The pickup service is especially useful if you are fitting this ride between other plans, or if you do not want to rent a car for one short visit to the countryside.

The farm is family-run and has been operating since 1968. That long connection to the area gives the visit a personal feel. You are not simply being loaded onto a horse and sent around a fenced track. Staff help with clothing, equipment, horse selection, and mounting, then accompany the group on the trail.

Getting ready with the right horse and clothing

At the farm, you receive the basic riding equipment before going outside. This includes a helmet, boots, gloves, and waterproof or warm outer clothing. Rainwear is supplied in wet conditions, while winter departures use snowsuits or similar full-body protection.

That equipment matters more than it may sound. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and a sunny forecast does not promise a warm ride. Several riders found the provided coveralls useful for keeping clothes dry and warm. One practical lesson is clear: bring warm layers, and consider hand and foot warmers in winter. The supplied suit helps, but cold fingers and toes can still become a problem.

You are asked about your riding background before a horse is chosen. This is important for a mixed group. A first-time rider may be placed on a quiet, experienced horse, while a more confident adult may receive a horse with a little more energy. One rider called Joker a dream to ride, while an eight-year-old was matched with a small white horse described as especially gentle.

The Icelandic horses are smaller than many horses you may have ridden elsewhere. That makes mounting less intimidating for children and shorter adults, though there may not be a mounting step. Staff can give you a boost if needed. The horses are used to trail work and generally know the routine, which helps beginners settle in.

The first instructions are fairly brief. You learn the basic controls, how to sit, and how to follow the group. That works well for a relaxed trail ride, but it may feel too quick if you are hoping for a full lesson in horse handling.

Riding through lava fields, streams, and open countryside

Once mounted, you leave the farm and follow a marked route into the countryside. The exact views depend on weather and season, but the setting can include lava fields, streams, open ground, and snow-topped mountains. Some rides cross a creek or river, adding a small sense of adventure without turning the outing into a rough expedition.

The setting is the real reason to choose this experience. You are close enough to Reykjavik for easy access, yet the city soon feels far away. The quiet countryside, low Icelandic horses, and broad mountain views provide a strong introduction to rural Iceland without requiring a full day on the road.

The ride is usually calm and steady. Horses follow one another in a line, and the guides help riders who need support getting on or off. Beginners can enjoy the views without having to manage a completely independent horse. At the same time, experienced riders should set expectations correctly. This is not the place to gallop across open ground.

Some departures offer a little trotting or the chance to feel the Icelandic horse’s famous tolt gait. The tolt is a smooth four-beat movement that can feel remarkably comfortable. How much of it you experience depends on the group, the horses, and the guide’s judgment. One useful point from the ride descriptions is that more spirited horses may be available on request, but the standard outing favors control and safety.

That cautious approach suits a family activity. An eight-year-old with no previous experience was able to manage the ride, and the minimum age is seven. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and an adult should be ready to help a child follow instructions and stay comfortable in changing weather.

What the horses and guides add to the experience

The horses are a major part of the appeal. They are described as gentle, calm, attractive, and full of individual character. You get time around them at the farm, not just during the mounted portion, and staff take care in pairing horses with riders.

The family-run setting also shapes the mood. The owner may handle pickup and share background about the farm, while other staff prepare the horses and lead the ride. The tone is friendly and informal, with guides helping people on and off and checking that beginners are comfortable.

You can expect practical assistance more than a long formal lecture. If you want detailed instruction about Icelandic horse breeding, riding technique, or the farm’s past, ask questions while you are there. The setting offers a good opening for conversation, but the focus remains on getting everyone safely onto the trail.

The Icelandic horse itself is worth the trip for many people. This breed is known for its compact size and smooth gait, and riding one gives you a direct way to experience a distinctive part of Icelandic culture. You also see the horses in their home setting, rather than only in a tourist display.

The three-and-a-half-hour timing and group size

The advertised duration is about three hours and 30 minutes, including transportation. The riding portion takes up a substantial part of the visit, but the exact amount of time in the saddle can vary with weather, group pace, and the needs of the riders.

The maximum group size is 15. That is large enough to create a group ride, but small enough for guides to keep an eye on individuals. A smaller group can make the outing feel more personal, though you should not count on having a private ride.

Pickup begins around an hour before departure and may take up to 20 minutes. Allow extra time at the end as well, especially if you have a restaurant booking or a connecting activity. The return to your Reykjavik hotel or guesthouse is included, which makes the schedule easier than arranging a taxi to a farm outside town.

A sunrise ride may be available at certain departure times. That can produce beautiful light and a quiet start to the day, but early departures will make warm clothing even more important. The farm has also operated rides in snowfall and less-than-perfect conditions when the weather allowed it.

Hot drinks, pastry, and the small comforts afterward

After the ride, many departures include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and pastry in a warm room. This is more than a pleasant extra in Iceland. After sitting outdoors in wind or damp weather, a hot drink gives you time to warm your hands and talk about the ride before returning to the city.

The welcome also adds to the farm’s family feel. The stables are described as clean, and the horses appear well cared for. That matters to anyone who wants an animal activity handled with respect rather than as a quick photo opportunity.

The warm drinks do not erase the need to dress properly. If you arrive in light sneakers and a thin jacket during winter, you may still be cold. Boots and outer layers are supplied, but wear warm base layers and clothes you do not mind getting muddy.

Is $152.37 a fair price?

At $152.37 per person, this is not a cheap quick ride. It is fair value if you want transportation from Reykjavik, a substantial countryside outing, riding equipment, a guided trail experience, and return transport bundled together.

The price makes more sense for first-time riders and short-stay visitors. You do not need to rent a car, find the farm, buy riding gear, or arrange a separate taxi home. Families also avoid the cost and hassle of organizing an independent riding visit.

Experienced riders may judge the value differently. If you want long periods of trotting, galloping, or technical riding, this gentle group ride may feel limited. One rider found the outing a little long, while another wished for more opportunity to let the horses run. That is useful guidance: choose this for scenery, horses, and a relaxed introduction, not speed.

The high rating of 4.8 from 785 ratings and the 96 percent recommendation rate fit the experience’s strongest points: friendly staff, smooth transport, well-matched horses, beautiful countryside, and equipment that removes much of the usual preparation.

Who should book this horseback ride?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, families with children aged seven and older, casual riders, and anyone who wants a short countryside break from Reykjavik. It also suits people who are curious about Icelandic horses but do not have time for a full-day riding trip.

It is a good choice for mixed-ability groups. A confident adult and a complete beginner can ride together, since horses are matched to ability and the route is guided. The calm pace also helps children who may be excited but unsure around large animals.

You should think twice if you have bad knees or a bad back. Mounting, sitting in the saddle, and riding over uneven ground can be uncomfortable. You should also avoid booking if you want a formal riding lesson or a fast ride across open country.

The operator can refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated, with no refund if the tour is canceled for that reason. Most people can participate, but you should be honest about your experience and physical limits when the staff ask questions.

Booking, weather, and cancellation advice

This experience often sells about 43 days ahead, so book early if your Iceland schedule is tight. You receive confirmation when you book, and the mobile ticket is convenient for a phone-based itinerary.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off uses local Icelandic time.

The ride requires suitable weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is helpful, but you should still leave some flexibility in your schedule if this ride is important to you.

Should you book the Laxnes horseback ride?

Book it if you want an easy, friendly introduction to Icelandic horses with mountain views, river crossings, and pickup from Reykjavik. The short drive, supplied gear, gentle horses, and warm drinks make it especially practical for families and beginners.

Skip it if your ideal ride means speed, advanced instruction, or a private route. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to trade a few city hours for quiet countryside, unusual horses, and a taste of rural Iceland without committing to a full-day tour.

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic horseback riding tour?

The full experience lasts about three hours and 30 minutes, including pickup from Reykjavik, the ride, and return transportation.

Does the tour include pickup from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels and 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.

What riding equipment is provided?

The farm provides helmets, boots, gloves, and weather protection. Rain clothes are available, and snowsuits are used in winter. You should still wear warm layers.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. Beginners are welcome, and horses are matched to each rider’s experience. The ride is guided, but it is a trail ride rather than a formal riding lesson.

What is the minimum age for the tour?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If bad weather cancels the ride, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.