Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

The star here is the Icelandic horse, a small, sturdy breed known for its calm nature and unusual tolt gait. From Reykjavik, you are soon riding through open countryside, with lava fields, streams, and snow-topped mountains replacing city streets.

I like the easy pickup and the fact that the farm supplies helmets, boots, gloves, and waterproof coveralls or winter snowsuits. I also like the careful horse matching, which lets a first-time rider share the trail with a more confident rider without turning the outing into a formal riding lesson.

The main consideration is weather. This is an outdoor ride in Iceland, and cold, wind, rain, mud, and snow can shape the experience. The horses usually follow a line at a steady pace, so choose this tour for a scenic trail ride, not for an extended riding lesson or fast gallop.

Key points to know before booking

• A short trip from Reykjavik: The stable is about 15 minutes from the city by vehicle, making this a practical half-day outing.
• Good for first-time riders: Children from age seven and adults with little riding experience can take part.
• Warm riding gear is supplied: Expect helmets, boots, gloves, rain clothing, and winter snowsuits when needed.
• Horses are matched to your ability: Staff ask about your riding background before assigning a horse.
• The ride includes real Icelandic scenery: Look for river crossings, lava fields, mountain views, and open countryside.
• The group is limited to 15 people: That keeps the outing fairly small, though the exact feel depends on the day’s bookings.

Leaving Reykjavik for Laxnes Horse Farm

This outing begins with hotel or guesthouse pickup in Reykjavik. Pickup starts about one hour before the riding departure and can take up to 20 minutes as the vehicle collects people around the city.

That early collection window matters. The drive to the farm is only about 15 minutes, but your total pickup period can be longer if you are not the first stop. Many central Reykjavik hotels sit in areas where tour vehicles cannot stop. In that case, the operator sends you instructions for a nearby pickup point.

If you arrive by cruise ship, pickup is available at the main port terminal. The transfer service is one of the tour’s strongest practical features. You do not need to arrange a rental car, find a rural stable, or worry about getting back to town after riding.

Laxnes is a family-run farm, and one account places the family connection to the property as far back as 1968. That long-running farm setting gives the outing a more local feel than a quick horse ride built only for visitors. The stable is part of a working countryside setting, not just a city attraction with a few horses placed beside it.

Getting fitted with boots, helmets, and weather gear

At the farm, staff collect basic information about your riding background. Be honest here. Tell them if you have never ridden, if you are an occasional rider, or if you are comfortable at a trot. The point is to match you with a horse that suits your experience and confidence.

The farm supplies the basic equipment: helmet, riding boots, gloves, and rain clothing. In winter, you may receive a snowsuit or insulated coverall. Several riders found the outer layer especially useful because it can be cold and muddy on the trail, even when the weather looks manageable in Reykjavik.

Wear warm layers beneath the supplied gear. Bring practical socks, and consider hand and foot warmers in winter. One useful detail from the outing is the presence of waterproof overalls, which help protect ordinary travel clothes from rain, spray, and mud. You can focus on the ride instead of keeping your best trousers clean.

The boots and gear also make this a good option for people who did not pack riding equipment. You do not need to arrive with a riding helmet or special clothing. Still, use sensible judgment with footwear and layers. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and warm clothing remains your responsibility beneath the borrowed outerwear.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

The horses are central to the experience, and this is where the outing differs from a generic pony ride. Icelandic horses are compact, sure-footed animals with a reputation for being calm and people-friendly. Their smaller size can make mounting less intimidating, especially for children and first-time riders.

The farm uses different horses for different riders. A complete beginner may be paired with a steady horse that knows the route well, while an experienced amateur might receive an animal with more energy. Some riders have been offered the chance to ride more spirited horses, but that depends on the group and the staff’s judgment.

The horses often travel in a line, following one another along the trail. That arrangement helps new riders settle in. It also means the ride is guided rather than an open session where you choose your own speed and direction.

You may get a chance to trot or experience the famous tolt gait. The tolt is a smooth, four-beat movement associated with Icelandic horses, and it can feel different from a standard trot. Do not assume you will spend the whole ride at speed, though. Conditions, rider ability, and the group’s pace determine what the guides offer.

The staff help riders mount and dismount if needed. The horses are relatively short, but there is no built-in step, so people with limited mobility may need a boost. Anyone with bad knees or a bad back should think carefully before booking. Riding places pressure on the hips, knees, and lower back, and this is not a passive sightseeing trip.

Riding through lava fields, streams, and open country

Once everyone is mounted, the group heads into the countryside around the farm. The exact route can vary with weather and ground conditions, but the setting can include open fields, lava formations, streams, mountain views, and river crossings.

The scenery is the reason to choose this outing instead of riding in an enclosed arena. You are close to the ground, moving at the same pace as the horses, with Iceland’s broad views around you. Snow on the mountains, dark volcanic rock, and clear streams create a distinctly Icelandic setting.

River and creek crossings add a small sense of adventure without turning the trip into an extreme activity. The horses are used to the route, and the guides help the group move through these sections. Still, expect wet or muddy conditions. Waterproof clothing is not just a nice extra in this setting.

The ride is described as peaceful and steady by design. Some people may find that ideal, especially if they want time to look around and enjoy the horses. Stronger riders may find the pace restrained. One rider thought the outing ran a little long, while another wished for more chances to let the horses run.

That contrast is useful. You should book this as a guided country ride, not as a private lesson or a high-speed horseback adventure. If you want to practice technique, jumps, or sustained cantering, this probably is not the right choice. If you want to sit on an Icelandic horse and see the countryside without needing advanced skills, it fits much better.

What the three-and-a-half-hour schedule really includes

The advertised duration is about three hours and 30 minutes, but that time includes transportation, fitting gear, horse assignment, mounting, the ride, and the return transfer. The riding itself takes up a substantial part of the outing, though the exact length can depend on the group and conditions.

The schedule generally works like this:

• Pickup from your Reykjavik hotel, guesthouse, nearby meeting point, or cruise port.
• A short drive to Laxnes Horse Farm.
• Fitting with helmets, boots, gloves, and weather clothing.
• Questions about your experience and assignment of a suitable horse.
• A guided trail ride through the countryside.
• Return to the farm for warm drinks and a light refreshment.
• Transport back to Reykjavik.

The stop indoors after riding is a welcome touch in cold weather. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and pastry have been served after rides, giving you time to warm up before the drive back. It also lets you spend a few minutes around the farm rather than rushing from saddle to vehicle.

A sunrise departure may be available depending on the booking time and season. That can provide beautiful early light, but it also means colder conditions and less daylight in winter. Check the departure time carefully before choosing it.

How much value do you get for $152.37?

At $152.37 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Reykjavik. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: return transportation, stable staff, horse assignment, riding equipment, a guided outing, and post-ride refreshments.

You are also paying for convenience. A self-drive visit would require finding the farm, arranging transport, allowing time for the return trip, and dealing with rural driving conditions. Pickup removes those chores and makes the activity easier to fit into a short Reykjavik stay.

The strongest value is for people who would otherwise need to buy or rent outdoor gear. Helmets, boots, rain clothing, and winter coveralls are supplied, which can save space in your luggage and protect your regular clothes.

The value is weaker if you are an experienced rider seeking a long private ride or technical instruction. The horses generally follow a guided route, and the outing is built for a mixed group with beginners. You are paying for a safe, scenic introduction to Icelandic horses, not a private equestrian session.

With a 4.8 rating from 785 ratings and recommendation from 96 percent of participants, the experience has a strong overall record. The most consistent strengths are the friendly staff, gentle horses, countryside views, simple transport, and suitable equipment. The main complaints are practical rather than serious: cold weather, a pace that may feel slow to experienced riders, and occasional frustration when there is little chance to run the horses.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

This is a good fit for families, couples, first-time riders, and people who want a countryside activity close to Reykjavik. The minimum age is seven, and children must be accompanied by an adult. An eight-year-old beginner has been able to manage the ride, but every child is different. Your child should be comfortable following instructions and sitting on a horse for an extended period.

It also works well for a mixed-ability group. An experienced amateur and a complete beginner can take part together because the farm chooses horses to suit each person. That is more useful than a tour designed only for confident riders.

You should think twice if you have serious knee or back problems, dislike cold weather, or want a fast ride. Most people can take part, but horseback riding is still a physical activity. You need to mount, balance, hold the reins, and stay comfortable in changing outdoor conditions.

Avoid arriving intoxicated. The operator can refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated, and a cancellation for that reason does not qualify for a refund.

Booking, pickup, and weather advice

Book ahead if this ride matters to your schedule. It is booked an average of 43 days in advance, which suggests that popular dates can fill well before a Reykjavik visit.

Confirm your pickup details after booking. If your accommodation is inside a no-pickup area, you will receive a nearby meeting point. Plan to be ready up to an hour before the riding departure, since collection begins early and may take up to 20 minutes.

The activity requires suitable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Your own cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

For your part, dress in layers and bring warm socks. In winter, add gloves or hand warmers even if gloves are supplied. Cold hands and feet can turn a pleasant ride into an uncomfortable one, while the supplied coveralls protect your main clothing from wet conditions.

Should you book the Laxnes ride?

Book it if you want a gentle, scenic introduction to Icelandic horses with simple transport from Reykjavik. The family-run farm setting, calm horses, warm riding gear, and close countryside access give the experience a personal feel without demanding previous riding ability.

Skip it if you want advanced riding instruction, long stretches of fast movement, or complete control over your horse’s route. For everyone else, especially families and first-time riders, this is a practical way to add real countryside time to a Reykjavik stay. Just plan for cold weather, accept the steady group pace, and let the Icelandic horses do what they do best.

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic horseback riding tour?

The full experience lasts about three hours and 30 minutes, including pickup, transportation, equipment fitting, the ride, and the return trip to Reykjavik.

How far is Laxnes Horse Farm from Reykjavik?

The farm is about a 15-minute drive from Reykjavik, although hotel pickup can take longer because the vehicle collects several people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik. Some central hotels are in no-pickup areas, so you may be given a nearby meeting point instead.

Can cruise ship passengers join the tour?

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

What riding equipment is supplied?

The farm supplies helmets, boots, gloves, and rain clothing. In winter, snowsuits or warm coveralls may be provided.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners are welcome, and staff ask about your riding experience 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 happens if the weather is too poor for riding?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can select another date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.