Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

Icelandic horses make Reykjavik feel remote. With hotel pickup and included suits, helmets, and boots, you skip the hassle and get out to the stables fast. My favorite part is seeing Icelandic horses up close, and the main drawback to plan for is the cold, plus this is a guided trail ride, not a true riding lesson.

I like that the operation keeps things simple and small, with a maximum of 15 people. You match to the right horse based on how much you have ridden, which makes a big difference when you are nervous or brand new.

One more thing to know: you will ride with a group and your horse follows a line. That setup works well for most people, but if you want constant one-on-one coaching, you may find it too much like “go ride” and not enough like “practice skills.”

Key Highlights That Matter

• Pickup from central Reykjavik, with a short drive to the farm
• Warm gear provided: helmets, boots, and rain clothes or winter snowsuits
• Horse matching based on your riding experience
• A calm guided trail ride with chances for Icelandic tolt and trotting (when appropriate)
• River crossings and scenic countryside outside Reykjavik
• Hot cocoa, coffee, and pastry after the ride in a cozy tea room

Getting From Reykjavik to the Stables Without Losing Your Day

This tour is designed for people who want a real Iceland activity without a long bus saga. You get picked up at your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik, then drive about 15 minutes to the riding destination. Pickup begins around 1 hour before departure, and it can take up to 20 minutes to collect everyone.

That short transfer is a huge value point. You spend your energy on riding and scenery, not on commuting across the island. Also, many hotels in the center are in a no-pickup zone, so you might be asked to meet at an alternate spot. The good news is the operator contacts you with instructions if your hotel can’t be picked up.

If you are on a cruise ship, expect pickup at the main port terminal. I like that the tour is built around real visitor timing, not some vague “meet us somewhere” plan.

One practical tip: if you tend to run cold, bring layers you can actually move in. You’ll be suited up for the weather, but you will still spend time getting fitted and waiting a bit before riding.

Gear That Turns Winter Nerves Into Warm Confidence

The gear situation is one of the smartest parts of this tour. You are provided with a helmet, boots, and rain gear. In winter, you get snowsuits, which help you stay comfortable through cold wind and wet ground.

What that means for you is fewer decisions. You do not need to pack bulky riding clothes or hunt for rain pants the size of a small canoe. Reviews also describe getting extra help with getting on and off, including the fact that there is no step to mount the horse. If you need a boost, the staff can help.

Also, the horses are handled as well as the gear. Reviews repeatedly mention horses being docile and calm, with supportive guides who help you feel steady before you move out. That is exactly what you want when you are a beginner, because your focus should be on staying relaxed and looking around.

If you have bad knees or a sensitive back, keep that in mind. One review specifically flags that the riding may not be ideal for certain bodies. The tour can still be beginner-friendly, but the physical reality of mounting, sitting, and riding in cold conditions is something to respect.

How They Match You to the Right Icelandic Horse

The operator gathers basic info about how much you have been riding. Then they match you with a horse that fits your experience level. That matters more than you might think, because even gentle horses have personalities, and your comfort level should match the horse’s temperament.

This is also where Icelandic horses shine. They are known for being stout, sure-footed, and often easier to manage for people with no prior riding experience. In practice, riders describe a smooth ride, horses that follow a line, and staff that calmly guide you through the first steps.

In a couple of accounts, riders note that more spirited horses might be available on request. I would treat that as a “maybe” and not an assumption. Your best move is to tell the staff what you want and what you do not want, then trust their match.

Do not expect a skills clinic. Instructions are given at the start, and then you go out on a trail ride. If you are hoping for lots of technique coaching, you may feel slightly underfed. If you want to ride, see the countryside, and feel the Icelandic horse in motion, this format is a good fit.

The Ride Outside Reykjavik: Tolt, River Crossings, and Real Countryside Time

Once you mount up, the tour becomes about time in the saddle and seeing what is around the farm. You ride through the countryside outside Reykjavik, and the group pace is designed for mixed experience levels.

A standout theme in feedback is the scenic part. People talk about beautiful vistas, snow-topped mountains in the background (when conditions allow), and a peaceful ride that feels like you escaped the city. Reviews also mention lava fields and streams, plus river crossings. Even if you do not catch every element on your departure, you should expect varied terrain and views that feel very Iceland.

Icelandic horses add a unique motion to your ride. Several riders specifically mention the tolt gait, described as amazing and smooth. You may also get chances for trotting depending on the horse and your comfort level, but the main experience is a guided, steady trail ride.

What it feels like day-to-day:

• You listen, you mount, and the staff gets you moving.
• Your horse follows the group line, which reduces chaos.
• You look around a lot, because the ride is long enough to actually enjoy the scenery.

In winter, the ride can be magical, but it can also be cold and wet. Build your plan around that. Warm gear helps a lot, but gloves, warm layers underneath, and the ability to tolerate wind are your real comfort factors.

Family-Run Farm Vibes and That Post-Ride Warm-Up

This is a family-run operation. One review mentions the farm starting in 1968, and that long-term commitment shows in how the experience is handled. You get outfitted at spotless stables, then you head out and come back to warm drinks afterward.

The tea room payoff is real. Riders describe hot cocoa, coffee, and pastry to warm up after you ride. That small detail matters because it turns your tour from “cold hour outside” into a full experience with an end that feels cozy instead of rushed.

It also gives you time to chat, compare photos, and decompress. If your group has mixed riders, this is where you can hear who got the calm horse, who got a more lively one, and how long the ride felt compared to expectations.

Price and Value: Is $152.37 Worth It?

At $152.37 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes, this is not a bargain-basement activity. But it is also not a “special-occasion only” splurge once you look at what is included.

Here is the value logic that makes sense:

• Pickup from your Reykjavik hotel or guesthouse saves you time and stress.
• Gear is included, including helmets, boots, and rain clothing (or snowsuits in winter).
• Horse matching reduces the risk of sending beginners onto the wrong animal.
• You ride through real countryside and come back for warm drinks and pastry.

Where people feel the price more: the duration is about half a day, and you are paying for guided time, animals, and included gear. If you want a short, standalone photo stop, this may feel too long. If you want a genuine “I rode Icelandic horses” memory, it is a fair trade.

My quick rule of thumb: if Icelandic horses are near the top of your must-dos, this price feels reasonable because you get more than just a trail ride. You get the whole flow, from pickup to warm-up, without you managing logistics yourself.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This is a great match if you want a beginner-friendly Icelandic experience that feels close to Reykjavik. It works well for:

• First-time riders who need calm horses and helpful staff
• Families with kids aged 7 and up (children must ride with an adult)
• People who want a guided trail ride rather than a technical lesson
• Anyone who wants pickup, gear, and a warm finish

It may not be ideal if:

• You strongly prefer one-on-one riding instruction
• You struggle with mounting and sitting, since there is no step to get on the horse and you may rely on a staff boost
• You cannot handle cold conditions, especially in winter departures

The tour also has a maximum of 15 travelers, which helps keep the vibe manageable and personal.

The Practical Stuff You Should Know Before You Go

A few details that help you enjoy this more:

• Confirmation is received at booking, so you should not be left guessing.
• The tour is offered in English.
• Mobile tickets are supported.
• Most travelers can participate, but you should be honest about your comfort level.
• The operator reserves the right to refuse service if someone appears intoxicated, with no refund if the tour is canceled because of that.

Weather matters here. The experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That is not just “fine print.” Iceland can change quickly, and this kind of ride depends on safe trail and ground conditions.

Should You Book Laxnes Horse Farm From Reykjavik?

I would book this if you want a high-payoff Icelandic activity with low logistics friction. The combo of short Reykjavik pickup, included winter-ready gear, horse matching, and a calm guided ride makes it a smart choice, even if you have never ridden before.

I would think twice only if you hate cold weather, need lots of detailed riding coaching, or have concerns about mounting and riding with limited access equipment. If that sounds like you, you might still enjoy Icelandic horses, but you may want a different format.

If you fall in the “I want to ride and see real countryside” group, this is a strong yes. You get warm cocoa at the end, and you will likely feel like you really experienced Iceland, not just toured it.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The duration is about 3 hours 30 minutes.

Do they pick me up in Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik. Pickup starts about 1 hour before departure and collecting passengers can take up to 20 minutes. If your hotel is in a no-pickup zone, you will get an updated meeting location.

How far do you travel to the riding destination?

After pickup, the drive to the riding destination is about 15 minutes.

Is riding gear included?

Yes. Basic gear such as helmets and boots is included, along with rain clothes. In wintertime, snowsuits are provided.

Do beginners need previous riding experience?

Beginners are welcome. The operator gathers your riding experience level and matches you with a horse that fits.

What is the minimum age for children?

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

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Will I get horse help getting on the horse?

There is no step to get in the horse, so you may rely on staff assistance if needed.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on local time.