Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

Icelandic horses are the stars here, and you get close to them before riding through countryside, streams, and lava fields outside Reykjavik. The short drive makes this an easy way to meet one of Iceland’s most distinctive animals without giving up a full day.

I like the careful horse matching, which works well when an experienced rider and a first-timer book together. I also like the warm clothing supplied at the farm, plus the coffee, hot chocolate, and pastry served afterward. The main thing to consider is that this is a calm guided trail ride, not a riding lesson or a fast gallop.

Key points to know before booking

• A short trip from Reykjavik: The farm is about 15 minutes from the city, though pickup begins up to an hour before departure while the van collects passengers.
• Good for beginners: Children from age seven can ride, and horses are matched to each rider’s experience.
• Weather gear is included: Helmets, boots, gloves, rain clothes, and winter snowsuits are provided as needed.
• Real Icelandic scenery: Expect countryside, mountain views, lava fields, streams, and occasional river or creek crossings.
• A small group setting: The maximum group size is 15 people, allowing guides to help with mounting and riding.
• A gentle riding style: Horses follow a trail line, with some opportunities for trotting or the Icelandic tolt, but this is not a speed-focused outing.

Why this horse ride works so well from Reykjavik

At $152.37 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Iceland. Still, the price covers hotel or guesthouse pickup, transport, riding equipment, the horse ride, guides, and return transfer. You also avoid renting a car for a half-day trip into the countryside.

The strongest value comes from the ease of the outing. You do not need to pack riding boots or waterproof clothing, and you do not need much riding experience. If you have only a few days in Iceland, this gives you a taste of open country and local farm life without taking time away from Reykjavik.

Laxnes Horse Farm is described as a family-run operation dating back to 1968. That matters because the visit feels tied to a working horse farm rather than a city attraction built only for short visits. The horses are part of the setting, not simply props for a photo.

The activity has a 4.8 rating from 785 reviews, with 96 percent of customers recommending it. Those numbers suggest very consistent satisfaction, especially around the horses, staff, scenery, and transport. I would still read the practical details carefully if you have back or knee trouble, since mounting and sitting in the saddle for the full ride may be tiring.

Pickup from Reykjavik takes planning

Pickup is offered from hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik, and cruise ship passengers can be collected at the main port terminal. The important detail is that pickup starts one hour before the ride and can take up to 20 minutes as the vehicle gathers everyone.

That early pickup window is not wasted tour time. It is simply the collection process, so keep your schedule loose in the morning. The drive to the farm itself is only about 15 minutes from Reykjavik, making the actual transfer pleasantly short.

Many central Reykjavik hotels sit in no-pickup zones. In that case, the operator sends you a nearby meeting point and instructions. Check your messages before departure, especially if you are staying in the center or arriving from a cruise ship.

The return transfer goes back to your hotel or guesthouse. One useful feature is the operator’s flexibility with port drop-offs, which can help if you are connecting to a ship. Confirm the exact plan in advance if your departure time is tight.

Getting ready at the family farm

At the stable, you receive basic riding gear before meeting your horse. Helmets and boots are supplied, along with rain clothes. During winter, snowsuits are available, and gloves or extra warm layers may also be provided.

This equipment is more than a nice extra. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and a wet saddle or cold wind can spoil an otherwise lovely ride. You should still wear warm base layers and bring hand and foot warmers in cold weather. One rider found the supplied coverall especially useful over ordinary clothes, while another wished for more warmth around the hands and feet.

The staff asks about your riding background and pairs you with a suitable horse. That system works for mixed groups. An adult amateur can ride alongside a partner who has never been on a horse, while a child can be given a small, gentle mount. The horses are short by horse-riding standards, but staff can help you get on if needed.

Expect basic instructions before leaving the stable. This is enough for most first-timers because the horses are trained for trail riding and generally follow the horse ahead. If you want a formal lesson covering detailed riding technique, this will not be the right choice.

Riding Icelandic horses through open country

The ride takes you into the countryside beyond Reykjavik, where the views open toward mountains and broad fields. Depending on the season and conditions, you may cross a creek or river and pass lava fields and streams.

The setting gives the ride its real appeal. From the saddle, you are low enough to notice the horses’ movement and the texture of the ground, but high enough to see the mountain backdrop. Sunrise rides can be especially striking, and winter outings may bring snow-covered peaks and crisp air.

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and known for their unusual gaits. The special one to notice is the tolt, a smooth four-beat gait that can feel very different from an ordinary walk or trot. The guides may offer opportunities to trot or tolt when conditions and rider ability allow, but the outing remains controlled and suitable for beginners.

Do not book this expecting a long open gallop. The horses usually follow one another along the trail, and the pace is designed to keep a mixed group together. That makes the ride reassuring for a first-time rider, though an experienced rider looking for speed may find it restrained.

River crossings add a memorable touch, but they are not guaranteed in every condition. The route depends on weather, ground conditions, and the group. The same is true of the views, since clouds, rain, snow, or low light can change the character of the ride.

Why beginners and families tend to do well

The minimum age is seven, and children must ride with an adult. The horses are described as gentle and calm, making the activity a good fit for families who want something more active than a sightseeing bus but less demanding than a full-day outdoor excursion.

An eight-year-old with no previous riding experience has managed the ride successfully, and beginners of different ages have taken part. Staff help people on and off the horses when needed, which is useful because there is no standard step for mounting.

You should be honest about your experience when you arrive. The horse matching is one of the most important safety features, and an experienced rider may be offered a different horse from a complete beginner. Some horses are more spirited, but the normal setup favors steady animals for a mixed group.

Most people can participate, but riding still involves climbing onto a horse and sitting in the saddle for a substantial portion of the three-and-a-half-hour outing. If you have bad knees, a bad back, or trouble mounting, think carefully before booking. The staff can assist, but assistance does not remove the physical demands of riding.

The horses are part of the experience

One of the best parts of the visit is the chance to spend time around the horses at the farm. The animals are described as beautiful, docile, and full of individual character. That makes the experience worthwhile even before the trail begins.

You will not simply arrive, mount, and disappear into the countryside. The preparation gives you a chance to see the stable, receive your gear, and watch the staff choose horses for the group. The family-run setting adds a personal touch, with the owner sometimes handling the pickup and sharing background about the farm.

The care shown toward the horses is another reason this outing appeals to people who are uneasy about commercial riding operations. The horses are repeatedly described as well cared for and calm. Of course, animal behavior can vary, and no ride is entirely predictable, but the general setup is reassuring.

If you already ride, ask what pace is suitable for the day. Some riders have enjoyed a little trotting or tolt, while others have experienced a fully relaxed walking ride. The guides balance the wishes of stronger riders with the needs of beginners.

Warming up with coffee and pastry

After the ride, you return to the stable for a warm drink and a small bite. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and pastry have been served in the warm tea room, which is particularly welcome after a cold or wet outing.

This final stop gives you time to remove the outer gear, warm your hands, and enjoy the farm atmosphere before the drive back to Reykjavik. It also keeps the experience from feeling like a simple transport-and-trail package.

The post-ride refreshments are modest, not a full meal. Eat beforehand if you need something substantial, especially if you are booking an early ride. The warm room and hot drink are best viewed as a thoughtful finish rather than lunch.

Timing, group size, and the feel of the ride

The full activity lasts about three hours and 30 minutes, including transfers and preparation. Since pickup begins an hour before departure, allow a good part of the morning or afternoon for the outing.

The group limit is 15 people. That is large enough to create a social ride but small enough for guides to keep an eye on the line. The exact feel can vary. A nearly private group will feel relaxed, while a full group may move at a steadier, more uniform pace.

The ride itself is described as long enough to feel substantial rather than a quick circuit. That is a benefit if you want real time in the saddle, but it may feel too long if you are unused to riding. Wear comfortable trousers under the provided gear, and avoid bringing anything loose that could get wet or muddy.

The activity is offered in English. Confirmation arrives when you book, and most people can take part. The operator can refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated, with no refund if the tour is canceled for that reason.

Weather can change the whole outing

This is an outdoor activity, so weather matters. Rain, wind, snow, and cold may be part of the Icelandic experience, but poor conditions can lead to cancellation. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Do not judge the day only by the forecast temperature. Wind and dampness can make the ride feel much colder, especially on your hands and feet. The farm supplies outer clothing, but you should bring warm layers and prepare for changing conditions.

Clear weather rewards you with mountain views, streams, and wide countryside. Snow can make the ride feel especially memorable, while rain may reduce visibility and make the route muddier. The horses and guides are used to Icelandic conditions, but your comfort depends heavily on what you wear.

Cancellation and booking advice

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted and are not refunded.

The activity is booked an average of 43 days in advance, which is a useful signal for planning. If riding Icelandic horses is high on your list, reserve early, especially for a short Reykjavik stay or a cruise schedule.

Check your pickup location after booking. If your hotel is in a no-pickup zone, you will be directed to a nearby meeting point. Cruise passengers should give clear port and timing details so the transfer fits their schedule.

Is this Laxnes horse ride worth booking?

I would book this tour if you want a friendly introduction to Icelandic horses, prefer a countryside outing close to Reykjavik, or need an activity that works for mixed riding abilities. The gentle horses, careful matching, included clothing, family-run farm, and warm drink afterward give it more substance than a basic city transfer to a short riding loop.

I would hesitate if you want a riding lesson, a fast ride, or a guaranteed chance to gallop. I would also think twice if sitting in a saddle is difficult for your knees or back.

For most first-time riders, families with children age seven and up, and casual riders who want scenery rather than speed, this is a strong choice. Book ahead, dress warmly, and treat the changing weather as part of the deal. You will get a close look at Iceland’s famous horses and a manageable taste of the country beyond Reykjavik.

FAQ

How long does the Icelandic horseback riding tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes, including pickup, preparation, riding, and the return trip to Reykjavik.

How far is the horse farm from Reykjavik?

The riding destination is about 15 minutes from Reykjavik by vehicle. Pickup itself begins up to one hour before departure because the operator collects passengers from different locations.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels and guesthouses in Reykjavik, and cruise ship passengers can be picked up at the main port terminal.

What happens if my hotel is in a no-pickup zone?

The operator will contact you with an updated pickup location and instructions. Many hotels in central Reykjavik are located in no-pickup zones.

What riding equipment is provided?

The farm provides basic gear including helmets, boots, and rain clothes. Snowsuits are supplied during winter, and gloves may also be available.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. Beginners are welcome, and the staff asks about your experience before matching you with a suitable horse. The horses generally follow a trail line, so this is not a formal riding lesson.

What is the minimum age for children?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

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