Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

Iceland’s small, sturdy horses are part of the country’s daily scenery, but a ride gives you a closer look than you’ll get from the roadside. At Laxnes Horse Farm, you leave Reykjavik for open countryside, meet a horse chosen for your ability and follow a guided route with views of hills, streams and, on some rides, river crossings.

I like two things in particular: beginners can join without bringing riding gear, and the farm is close enough to Reykjavik to fit into a half-day. The horses are praised for their calm temperaments, while staff help riders mount and feel settled.

The main catch is Icelandic weather. The farm supplies coveralls or rain gear, but cold hands and feet can still make a long ride uncomfortable, so dress warmly underneath. This is a guided countryside ride, not a riding lesson, and the steady, following-the-leader format may feel tame if you want a fast, technical ride.

What makes this ride worth considering

• A quick escape from Reykjavik: The farm is about a 15-minute drive from the city, though shared pickups add time.
• Horses matched to your ability: Staff ask about your experience before assigning a horse, including for first-time riders.
• Gear is provided: Helmets, boots and weather protection are available, with snowsuits in winter.
• A real countryside route: Rides can include streams or river crossings, with mountain views and open terrain.
• A small group: The maximum is 15 participants, allowing staff to help riders individually.
• A warm finish: Riders may return to the farm for coffee, tea or hot chocolate, sometimes with pastry.

Leaving Reykjavik for a nearby horse farm

Pickup makes this outing simpler than arranging your own transport. The drive from Reykjavik to the farm takes about 15 minutes, but pickup collection begins roughly an hour before departure and can take up to 20 minutes as the vehicle gathers participants. That means the advertised three-and-a-half hours includes more than saddle time.

Pickup is offered at hotels and guesthouses where vehicle access is allowed. Some central Reykjavik accommodation sits in a no-pickup zone, so you may be directed to a nearby meeting place instead. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, pickup is arranged at the main port terminal.

The short drive is useful if your time in the city is limited. You get out into the countryside without spending half the day on a transfer, and the ride can work as a half-day activity rather than a full-day expedition. Still, allow for the pickup window when planning meals, museum visits or other bookings around it.

Getting fitted with gear and meeting your horse

At the farm, staff provide basic riding equipment, including a helmet, boots and outerwear suited to the conditions. In winter, snowsuits are used; rain gear and coveralls have also been provided on other rides. This is practical help, not a reason to arrive in light clothing. Wear warm layers, and bring gloves or hand and foot warmers if you tend to get cold.

Before setting out, staff ask about your riding experience and choose a horse to suit. That makes this a reasonable choice for a mixed group, where one person may ride regularly and another has never sat on a horse. Even children who are new to riding have managed the route, with staff helping people mount and dismount when needed.

I like that the horses are described as calm and familiar with the job. That can lower the nerves for a first ride, especially if you’re unsure how to steer or what to expect. But remember, this is not a lesson with extended instruction. The horses know the route and generally follow the group, so you’ll spend more time riding than learning riding technique.

The Icelandic horse is compact, and that can make mounting less daunting than it might be on a taller horse. Still, riding requires balance and a degree of physical comfort. One rider noted that a sore back or knees could make the outing a poor fit, so consider your own mobility before booking.

Following the route through Icelandic countryside

Once the group is ready, guides lead the horses out into the countryside. The ride is often described as peaceful and fairly long, with open views and a pace that works for beginners. Some routes cross a stream or river, adding a memorable change of footing without turning the ride into an advanced challenge.

The setting is a major part of the appeal. You leave the city behind quickly and ride through terrain with hills, lava fields or mountain views depending on the route and conditions. In winter, snow can change the look of the countryside; in other seasons, the ride may feel greener and softer. The exact scenery is weather-dependent, and Iceland is not known for taking requests from the forecast.

Some riders have had a chance to try the Icelandic horse’s tölt, a distinctive smooth gait, or a brief trot. Don’t treat that as guaranteed. The pace depends on the group, conditions and the guide’s judgment, and the standard outing is a guided trail ride rather than a chance to gallop off on your own.

The group cap of 15 helps keep the ride manageable. It also means you’re riding with people who may have different levels of confidence, so a steady group pace is part of the deal. If you’re an experienced rider hoping for a spirited outing, ask about the pace before booking. A more energetic horse may be available on request, but that does not promise a fast ride.

A family-run farm, not a riding arena

Laxnes Horse Farm is described as a family-run operation, with the farm dating to 1968. That gives the experience a sense of continuity: you’re visiting a working horse farm, not simply stepping into a city attraction built around a short photo stop.

The horses are a central part of the outing, not just transport. You have time to see them up close before and after riding, and the staff’s horse matching helps make the ride less intimidating for new riders. If you’re visiting Iceland partly to understand the country’s relationship with its horses, that personal contact adds value beyond the views.

The welcome is practical and warm. Staff help with equipment and mounting, and the farm’s indoor room offers a place to warm up after riding. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate, sometimes accompanied by pastry, can be a welcome end to a cold outing. Those details matter more than they might sound when you’ve spent time outside in winter weather.

Who will enjoy the ride most

This outing suits first-time riders, families with children aged seven or older, and visitors who want to meet Icelandic horses without traveling far from Reykjavik. Children must be accompanied by an adult. It can also work well for couples or small groups with mixed riding experience, since horses are assigned based on ability.

You’ll likely value it most if you want a relaxed ride, scenery and a close encounter with the horses. It is less suited to anyone looking for a formal lesson, a long wilderness trek or a guaranteed fast ride. The horses generally know the route, and the group follows a guide.

Think carefully if you have a bad back or knees, or if sitting in the saddle for an extended ride sounds uncomfortable. Most people can participate, but the operator can refuse service to anyone who is intoxicated or shows signs of intoxication. In that situation, the tour is canceled without a refund.

What the price includes, and how to judge the value

The listed price is $152.37 per person. That’s a meaningful expense for a half-day activity, but the price covers more than the ride itself: Reykjavik pickup and return, riding equipment, a horse selected for your experience and staff support on the route. For visitors without a car, the transport is especially useful.

The farm’s proximity keeps the outing compact, while still giving you a change of scene from the city. If you’re specifically hoping to ride an Icelandic horse, that combination can make the cost worthwhile. If you mainly want a scenic drive or a quick photo with a horse, it may be harder to justify.

Book well ahead if this is a priority. The experience is booked, on average, 43 days in advance, which suggests that waiting until the last minute can be risky during busy travel periods. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour is offered in English.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The experience requires suitable weather; if poor weather leads to cancellation, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book this Icelandic horse ride?

Book it if you want a friendly first ride, a close look at Icelandic horses and an easy trip out of Reykjavik. The horse matching, included gear and short drive make the outing accessible, while the countryside route gives you more than a stable visit.

Before you commit, be honest about your comfort on a horse and your tolerance for cold. Dress for the conditions, allow extra time around pickup and don’t expect a riding lesson or a guaranteed gallop. If those limits suit you, this is a practical way to meet Iceland’s famous horses without giving up a full day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes. Pickup collection begins about an hour before departure and may take up to 20 minutes.

How far is the horse farm from Reykjavik?

The drive from Reykjavik to the riding destination takes about 15 minutes.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from many hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik. Some central locations are in a no-pickup zone, in which case you’ll receive instructions for a different meeting place.

Can cruise ship passengers join?

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

What riding gear is provided?

The farm provides basic gear such as helmets, boots and rain clothing. Snowsuits are used in winter.

Do I need horseback riding experience?

No. Beginners are welcome, and staff ask about your experience so they can match you with a suitable horse.

What is the minimum age?

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

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 15 participants.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins.