Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

A short horseback ride outside Reykjavik is one of the best ways to meet Iceland up close, with Icelandic horses as the main character. I like how this tour keeps your day simple: you get picked up, you get fitted, and you spend your time riding through real countryside instead of waiting around.

Two things I especially like: the farm matches you with a horse based on your comfort level, so beginners usually feel at ease, and the gear is included, from helmet to cold-weather overalls. The one drawback to think about is that this is primarily a scenic trail ride, not a technique-focused riding lesson, so manage your expectations if you want lots of coaching.

Key things to know before you go

• Hotel pickup is offered, and you’ll be collected up to 20 minutes after pickup starts
• You drive only about 15 minutes to the riding destination outside the city
• Warm riding gear comes with the tour, including helmets and rain or winter coveralls
• Horses are chosen for your experience, and even first-timers can join
• Small group size, capped at 15 travelers
• You warm up after the ride with hot drinks and something sweet

Icelandic horses in the seat: why this ride feels special

If you’ve only seen Icelandic horses in photos, you’ll notice the difference fast. They’re built compact, they move with a distinct rhythm, and they tend to feel calm under riders who are still figuring out their balance. That matters on this tour because you are not just “on a horse,” you’re out on a trail where you need confidence, not stress.

A big part of the magic is the way these horses handle the conditions. One review calls out the tolt gait as an experience in itself, and that fits the general reputation of Icelandic horses for smooth, controlled movement. You may also get chances to trot, depending on group size and your chosen level. The point is, the ride can feel more like gliding through the terrain than wrestling with your mount.

Also, you get matched to your horse. You’ll share your riding comfort first, and then the staff selects the animal that fits. That’s a huge practical win. If you’re a complete beginner, you want a steady partner. If you’ve ridden before, you still want something responsive enough to enjoy the ride, without turning it into hard work.

Reykjavik pickup and the 15-minute drive that sets your tone

The smooth start begins with pickup. You are collected from your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik, then driven around 15 minutes to the stables. The timing is not instant, though. Pickup starts 1 hour before departure, and it can take up to 20 minutes to pick up everyone.

That timing detail matters because Reykjavik hotels and guesthouses are sometimes in areas where pickup is restricted. If your lodging sits in a no-pickup zone, the operator will contact you with an updated meeting spot and instructions. So don’t assume your lobby address is the final answer.

If you’re on a cruise, pickup is at the main port terminal. Again, the takeaway is simple: confirm your pickup instructions and plan to be ready when the pickup window begins. In winter, shaving 10 minutes off your stress level can make the whole day better.

One more practical note: the tour is designed to be short enough that it fits nicely into a half-day plan. Reviews also mention it works well when people are coordinating with cruise schedules and changing details, which tells me the team understands real-world timing problems.

Getting fitted: helmets, boots, and cold-weather overalls

This tour is one of the easier ones to pack for, because most of what you need is provided. You’ll get basic gear like a helmet, boots, and rain clothes. In wintertime, that becomes snowsuits or heavy coveralls.

In other words, you’re not trying to layer a thin coat over wet clothes while standing outside in wind. You’re fitted at the farm, and then you ride.

That gear setup is not a minor detail in Iceland. Once you’re on a horse outdoors, you feel the wind. Reviews mention being very cold at times, and they suggest bringing warm additions like hand or foot warmers. Even if you’re issued warm coveralls, it’s still smart to dress for the weather you’ll actually experience that day.

Also look at comfort at the mounting point. One review notes there is no step to get onto the horse, and staff can help if needed. That’s useful if you have mobility limits. The main thing is to be honest with yourself about comfort and balance.

Your 3.5-hour ride plan: what happens from pickup to hot cocoa

The total time is about 3 hours 30 minutes. The pacing is straightforward, and it’s built for an efficient day outside the city.

Here’s how it typically flows:

1) Pickup and short transfer

You’re picked up in Reykjavik during a window that starts 1 hour before the tour’s departure time. Collection can take up to 20 minutes. Then you head to the farm, with the drive described as about 15 minutes.

Why it’s good: you get out of city traffic quickly, and you don’t lose half your day to driving.

2) Stable prep and matching

At the farm, you’ll be outfitted and learn the basics. The staff will ask how much you’ve ridden before, then choose a horse that fits. Helmets, boots, and the right cold-weather clothing are part of this stage.

Why it matters: matching reduces that uncomfortable moment when you’re wondering if you got the right horse for your skill.

3) The scenic trail ride

Then you ride. You can expect a countryside hack outside Reykjavik, including features like river crossings. Several reviews mention river crossings, and one mentions a route that includes streams and even lava fields, depending on conditions.

You should know what kind of ride it is. The instruction is brief early on, then you’re out on a trail ride. If you want step-by-step lesson-style coaching throughout, this is not set up like that. But if you want the joy of being on an Icelandic horse and seeing the terrain up close, it’s exactly the format you want.

4) Return to Reykjavik and warm-up finish

After the ride, you get taken back to your hotel or guesthouse. And at the farm, there’s a warm treat waiting for you. Reviews mention hot cocoa, coffee, tea, and pastries or cake in a warm tea room.

That finish does more than fill your stomach. It helps your body recover after cold air and time outdoors. It also gives you a few minutes to talk with staff about what you saw, which adds meaning to the experience.

Riding basics: how it feels when you’re following the herd

Even if you’ve never ridden before, the ride is designed to be manageable. Beginners are welcome, and multiple reviews highlight kids riding comfortably, including an 8-year-old who had never ridden before.

Here’s what that means for your expectations once you’re mounted:

• You get enough initial instruction to feel safe and oriented.
• You ride as a group, following a set line through the terrain.
• The horses generally know what they’re doing, which lowers stress for new riders.

That last point is key. You’re not supposed to be steering a wild animal. You’re riding a practiced partner that follows the route.

Depending on your level, you might get moments of faster movement like trotting, and you may also experience the Icelandic tolt gait. One review specifically praises the tolt as an amazing experience, so if that’s on your bucket list, this tour is one of the more direct ways to check it off without booking something more intense.

Safety-wise, the operator also reserves the right to refuse service to anyone intoxicated. That’s not a “fine print” thing to ignore. It’s part of how they keep the group safe in a setting where cold, animals, and uneven ground all exist at the same time.

Views outside Reykjavik: why the ride beats a photo stop

People come to Iceland for scenery, but this is one of the rare tours where the scenery moves at the speed of your horse.

The ride is close enough to Reykjavik that it works as a quick trip, but far enough out to feel like you’ve stepped into the real environment outside the city. Reviews mention breathtaking views, mountains with snow, rivers and crossings, and a peaceful setting. One reviewer even frames it like you can imagine older settlement life because of lava fields and streams.

Could you see all of this from a bus? Sure. But from the back of a horse, it’s more personal. You feel the terrain. You notice the wind. You watch how the horses handle ground, water, and weather.

And because you’re at a farm with equipment provided, you can focus on experiencing rather than figuring out what to wear, where to park, and what to do when it’s cold and wet.

Price and value: what $152.37 buys you in real terms

At $152.37 per person for about 3.5 hours, this isn’t the cheapest activity in Iceland. But it’s also not “just a ride.”

You’re paying for a few value-packed elements that would cost money and time on your own:

• Reykjavik pickup and drop-off, including handling no-pickup zones with instructions
• Gear provided, including helmet and cold-weather rain clothing or snowsuits in winter
• Horse matching, so the staff actively manages rider comfort
• A small group, capped at 15

The short transfer time is also part of the value. You’re only driving about 15 minutes to get to the horses, which makes your time feel efficient.

If you want horseback riding but don’t want to plan it like a project, this is a solid option. The biggest thing to check is whether the style fits what you want, meaning scenic ride versus heavy lesson time.

Who should book this tour, and who might not

This one is a strong match if:

• You’re curious about Icelandic horses and want to ride them, not just look at them
• You’re a beginner, or you have mixed skill levels in your group
• You want a small group experience with supportive staff
• You want pickup from Reykjavik so you do not have to coordinate transport

It’s also a good choice for families. The minimum age is 7, children must ride with an adult, and reviews show that kids can handle the ride when the horse selection and guidance are right.

It might not be the best fit if:

• You expected an in-depth riding lesson throughout the route
• You dislike cold weather activities, even with gear provided
• You have concerns about mounting, especially since there is no step, and you may need help getting on

If you’re somewhere in the middle, you can still book, but be honest with yourself about what you want out of the experience. The joy here is the ride and the connection with Icelandic horses.

Season reality: plan for cold, and plan for weather

Iceland weather can shift fast, and this tour explicitly requires good weather. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s the big picture. The day-to-day reality is cold wind and wet conditions. Even though you’ll get rain clothes and winter gear, you’ll want to dress with extra warmth in mind. One review recommends hand and foot warmers, which is practical advice. Bring layers you can wear comfortably under the provided coveralls.

Also keep your schedule flexible. Because it runs outdoors, the best mindset is to treat this as a weather-dependent adventure, not a guaranteed must-do at a specific hour no matter what.

After the ride: warm drinks and a calm reset

The end of the ride is as important as the start. Reviews describe warming up inside with hot cocoa, coffee, tea, and sweets like pastry or cake. That matters because after time outdoors in the cold, you want a quick way to bring your body back to normal.

It’s also a chance to slow down. You’ll often have a few minutes to ask questions and soak in what you just rode through, which makes the experience feel complete instead of rushed.

Should you book Laxnes Horse Farm from Reykjavik?

I’d book this if you want a beginner-friendly, scenic Icelandic horseback riding experience with pickup, included cold-weather gear, and a route that actually lets you enjoy the countryside. It’s especially good if you’re staying in Reykjavik and you want an easy way to get out and ride without complicated planning.

Skip it only if what you really want is an ongoing riding lesson or you know you won’t handle outdoor cold even with provided coveralls and boots.

If you’re deciding today, here’s my quick checklist:

• You’re comfortable with a trail ride format (not a technique class)
• You can dress for cold and wet
• You’re okay with outdoor scheduling that depends on good weather

Do that, and you’ll likely come away smiling, warmed up, and with Icelandic horses that feel different from anything you’ve tried before.

FAQ

How long is the Icelandic horseback riding tour from Reykjavik?

The tour is about 3 hours 30 minutes.

Do you offer pickup from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is offered from your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik, and you then drive about 15 minutes to the riding destination.

When does pickup start, and how long does it take?

Pickup starts 1 hour before departure and can take up to 20 minutes to collect all passengers.

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

Many hotels in the Reykjavik center area are in a no-pickup zone. The operator will contact you with an updated pickup location and instructions.

Is riding gear included?

Yes. You’ll be provided with basic gear such as helmets, boots, and rain clothes (snowsuits in wintertime).

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Beginners are welcome. Information about your riding experience is gathered so the operator can match you with a suitable horse.

What is the minimum age for the tour?

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

How many people are in a group?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If you cancel yourself, cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and late cancellations are not refunded.