Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

Iceland’s horses are smaller than you expect. This 3.5 hour experience takes you from Reykjavík to Laxnes Horse Farm for a real Icelandic horseback ride outside the city, with gear fitted on site and horses matched to your comfort level. You’ll finish back where you started, which matters when weather is moody.

What I like most is the pickup and drop-off convenience. They handle the short drive (about 15 minutes), manage collecting riders in the no-pickup zones, and keep the whole thing moving, so you are not wasting your limited Iceland time figuring out transport. Second, I really enjoy how they set you up for success, matching horses after a quick check of your riding background, and sending beginners out on steady, docile mounts with a guide nearby.

The main drawback is the cold, especially in winter. You get warm overalls and rain gear, but you still need to show up prepared, and if you have knee or back issues, a saddle session on a trail ride might not feel great.

Key points before you go

• Hotel or guesthouse pickup in Reykjavík (and cruise port pickup) keeps this low-stress
• Gear is provided, including helmets and warm coveralls, plus rain protection for the ride
• Horses are matched to your level, so first-timers can participate
• A real trail ride, not a riding lesson, with brief instructions and then on-road guidance
• River crossings and scenic countryside outside the city make it feel like a mini escape
• Warm-up stop after riding with hot drinks and pastries helps you thaw out fast

Reykjavík pickup that actually works (even with no-pickup zones)

This tour is built around one goal: get you from central Reykjavík to the stables without turning your day into a logistics project.

Pickup starts about 1 hour before departure. They also allow up to 20 minutes to collect everyone, which is normal for a small group and multiple hotel stops. The catch is that many hotels in the Reykjavík center area fall into a no-pickup zone. If yours is in that category, you should expect a message with an updated meeting spot and directions. If you are on a cruise, pickup happens at the main port terminal.

Why this matters: the ride itself is only about 3.5 hours total, so every minute counts. If you have ever lost time hunting for a meeting point in Iceland wind, you will understand why I value this kind of planning.

Gear fitting and horse matching: where first-timers feel safe

When you arrive at Laxnes Horse Farm, you jump straight into the practical part: getting kitted up. You will be provided with core riding gear like helmets and appropriate footwear, plus weather protection. In winter, that means snowsuits. In reviews, people also mention coveralls and gloves, so you should plan to leave your daywear behind and wear what you would not mind getting damp or muddy.

Then comes the part that makes or breaks a beginner experience: horse matching. They ask how much you have ridden before and choose a horse that fits your comfort level. You are not handed a mystery mount and told to figure it out.

Two details I find especially reassuring from rider feedback:

• The Icelandic horses are short, so getting on is easier than you might fear. Staff can give a boost if needed.
• Guidance is hands-on when you mount and dismount, and then you ride with a calm plan and a guide.

One note on expectations: this is not styled as an extended riding lesson. The setup is quick, and once you are on, it becomes a trail ride with help when you need it.

The ride outside Reykjavík: river crossings, gentle pace, and the tolt gait

Once you are mounted, you move into the good part: riding through the countryside. The farm is only about a short drive from Reykjavík, but the ride zone feels like a different world. Reviews describe everything from river crossings to lava fields and streams, with views framed by snow-topped mountains when conditions are right.

Pace matters on horseback, and this is one reason the tour works for mixed groups. Many riders describe the trail ride as smooth and chilled. For active riders, there are opportunities to do more than walk. People mention moments where trotting and the tolt gait show up during the ride.

The tolt is a signature Icelandic movement, and it is often the detail riders talk about afterward. It tends to feel controlled and comfortable compared with a more Western-style trot, and for first-timers it can be the difference between learning the basics and actually enjoying the ride.

What to expect day to day:

• The ride length is described as a good stretch of time on horseback, not a quick parade loop.
• Horses generally follow a line, so you are not managing spacing like you would on a fully independent ride.
• Even if you are a total beginner, the horses are typically described as docile and well taken care of.

If you are hoping for a lot of rein cues and technique coaching, this may feel more like an outing than a class. If you want time in the saddle with Icelandic horses and scenery, it hits the mark.

The farm stop: warming up with hot drinks and pastries

The ride does not end when you dismount. You get brought back to the stables area, where there is a warm break.

Riders repeatedly mention a cozy tea room and hot drinks like hot cocoa and coffee, plus pastries or cake. This matters in Iceland because even when you dress well, your hands can still get cold. Having a built-in warm-up also helps you enjoy the moment instead of rushing to your next stop in chilly numbness.

Also, this is where the family-run vibe shows. Reviews describe friendly staff, a welcome atmosphere, and owners who share background. One rider even noted learning that the family operation goes back to 1968, which adds context. You are not just buying a ride, you are visiting a working farm.

How long it feels, and what that means for your day plan

The tour is listed at about 3 hours 30 minutes. That includes the pickup window and the full round trip, so it is a real half-day feel, but not an all-day commitment.

This timing is practical for several kinds of itineraries:

• If you are doing Reykjavík as a base and want one countryside activity without a long bus day
• If you have limited mobility on tight schedules and prefer a short transfer
• If you want an iconic Icelandic animal experience early in your trip, before you commit to longer drives

One thing to consider: you will be in cold weather waiting for pickup and for the ride itself. If your day already has outdoor plans, try not to pack back-to-back hard weather activities. This tour is best as the main outdoors moment, not one of five.

Pricing and value: why $152.37 can feel fair

At $152.37 per person, you are paying for more than “time on a horse.”

Here is what that price usually covers in this specific experience:

• Round-trip service within Reykjavík area via pickup and drop-off
• Included riding gear, including helmet and cold-weather protection (snowsuits in winter)
• Horse matching so you are not guessing your mount
• A guided trail ride through countryside with scenic stops
• A warm finish with hot drinks and pastries

So the question is not only cost. It is effort saved. In Reykjavík, time and stress are expensive. This tour takes care of transport, gear, and safety setup. When you compare it to self-guided options, you also get the advantage of horses that are used to riders and a staff trained to help different levels.

Could it be overpriced? If you hate the idea of horseback riding, sure, the money will feel like a waste. If you want a guided Icelandic horse encounter with minimal friction, the value story is strong.

Winter rider reality check: what to pack and how to stay comfortable

Iceland in winter can be honest with you. One rider advised warming up better with hand and foot warmers, because conditions can be very cold even with provided gear.

My practical take:

• Wear layers under the provided coveralls so you can control warmth.
• Keep dry socks and warm gloves top of mind, since dampness makes cold feel worse.
• If you tend to get cold easily, add hand and foot warmers. This is not a luxury, it is comfort insurance.

Also remember that the tour is weather dependent in the sense that it requires good conditions. If the weather is poor, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you are worried about rain, wind, or snow, you are in the right place. The operator equips you for winter riding.

Who this tour suits, and who should rethink it

This experience is built for beginners, and reviews back that up again and again. If you can sit on a horse comfortably and you want a scenic, guided ride with Icelandic horses, you will likely have a great time.

It is also a solid pick for families, with rules in place for kids:

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum age is 7 years

However, a few situations may make it less ideal:

• If you have bad knees or a bad back, a mounted trail ride might not feel right, even with staff help.
• If you want a serious riding lesson with lots of individual instruction, this is not the format. Think trail ride with guidance, not an academy-style course.
• If you are expecting a short photo loop, be aware that riders describe a meaningful chunk of riding time.

Should you book this Icelandic horse ride from Reykjavík?

Book it if you want the iconic Icelandic horse experience with minimal planning. The short transfer, the included gear, the way horses are matched to your level, and the cozy hot drink stop afterward make this feel like a well-built afternoon option.

Skip it if horseback riding is not your thing, or if you know you are sensitive to saddle time. Also consider skipping if you need a full teaching lesson, because the tour runs as a guided trail ride with brief instructions, then go time.

If your goal is simple and real, to meet Icelandic horses up close and ride through the countryside without turning your day into a puzzle, I think this one earns its high recommendation rate.

FAQ

What is included in pickup from Reykjavík?

Pickup is offered from your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík. Pickup starts about 1 hour before departure and can take up to 20 minutes to collect all passengers. Many hotels in the Reykjavik center area are in a no-pickup zone, so you may be contacted with an updated location and instructions. Cruise ship passengers are picked up at the main port terminal.

How long is the experience?

The duration is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What riding gear do I get?

You receive basic gear such as helmets and boots. You also get rain clothes for wet weather, and in wintertime you get snowsuits. Additional items are provided at the farm in line with warm riding gear.

Can beginners ride?

Yes. Beginners are welcome, and the operator gathers information about your riding experience to match you with a suitable horse.

What is the minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age is 7 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.