Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

When we looked into what makes a tour genuinely worth your time and money in Iceland, this horseback riding experience kept appearing in conversation after conversation. We love that it combines authentic interaction with Iceland’s most beloved animals—the sturdy, uniquely gaited Icelandic horse—with seamless logistics that actually work. We also appreciate the family-run character of Laxnes Horse Farm, which has been operating since 1968 and brings real warmth to the experience rather than corporate efficiency.

The main consideration worth mentioning upfront: this is a trail ride for enjoyment, not a riding lesson. If you’re hoping for instruction on how to improve your horsemanship, you’ll want to look elsewhere. This tour suits anyone from complete beginners (children as young as seven, according to the age policy) to experienced riders who simply want to enjoy a peaceful ride through Icelandic countryside.

What You’re Actually Getting for Your Money

At $152.37 per person for a 3.5-hour experience that includes hotel pickup, all equipment, and the ride itself, this sits in that sweet spot where you’re paying for genuine value without feeling gouged. The price reflects what you’d expect for a small-group activity in Iceland’s tourism ecosystem—not cheap, but reasonable for what’s included.

What makes the value proposition work here is the thoughtfulness baked into every detail. You’re not paying just for horse time; you’re paying for a family that clearly cares about doing this right. One traveler noted that the owner personally picked them up and shared the farm’s history during the drive. Another mentioned being treated to hot cocoa and pastries after the ride. These touches don’t cost much, but they transform the experience from transactional to memorable.

The pickup service deserves its own mention because it genuinely saves you hassle. Rather than figuring out how to get to a farm outside the city, someone comes to your hotel or guesthouse. The company does note that pickups start an hour before departure and can take up to 20 minutes to collect all passengers—worth knowing if you’re timing connections tightly. If you’re staying in Reykjavik’s city center (which has pickup restrictions), they’ll contact you with an alternative meeting point.

The Itinerary: How Your 3.5 Hours Unfold

The experience begins with your pickup at your accommodation, followed by a brief 15-minute drive to the farm. During this short journey, you’ll transition from the urban bustle of Reykjavik into the open landscape that defines Iceland’s countryside. The farm itself sits against a backdrop of snow-topped mountains, and from the moment you arrive, the setting feels genuinely special.

Once at the stables, you’ll be outfitted with all necessary gear. This includes a helmet, waterproof coveralls (or snowsuits in winter), boots, and gloves. One traveler appreciated this detail specifically: “We were given a jumpsuit and helmet. Very glad to have had the jumpsuit over my clothes so I was warm enough.” This isn’t a small thing when you’re riding in Iceland’s often unpredictable weather. The coveralls keep you dry and warm without requiring you to pack specialized riding clothes.

The farm staff then matches you with a horse based on your riding experience. This is where the personal attention becomes obvious. Rather than random assignment, they consider your skill level and pair you accordingly. One family reported: “I was given a perfect horse to suit my ability (adult amateur rider) and my partner’s ability (absolute beginner).” Another traveler with an 8-year-old noted: “My 8yr old who has never ridden a horse before was able to manage the ride.” The horses themselves are described consistently across reviews as gentle, well-cared-for, and surprisingly docile despite their spirited personalities.

The actual ride takes you across the countryside, typically including river crossings and views of lava fields. The Icelandic horse’s unique gait—the tölt—creates an unusually smooth ride that many travelers find remarkable. As one reviewer explained: “The tolt gait is an amazing experience and the lava fields and streams allow you to imagine what it may have been like to be a Viking or Early settler.” You’re not galloping across windswept plains (though the farm can arrange more spirited riding if you request it); instead, you’re experiencing a peaceful, contemplative journey through landscape that feels genuinely remote despite being minutes from the capital.

After the ride, you return to the farm for warmth and refreshment. Hot chocolate, coffee, and pastries wait for you in a warm tea room. This might sound like a small detail, but after being outside in Icelandic weather, it’s genuinely appreciated. One traveler wrote: “Then back to the stables for coffee and cake in the very warm tea room. The family genuinely love their ponies and work together to create such a unique experience.”

The Horses: Why Icelandic Breeds Matter

If you’ve never ridden an Icelandic horse, this experience introduces you to something genuinely unique. These aren’t the tall, sleek horses you might picture from European riding traditions. Icelandic horses are stockier, shorter (which actually makes mounting easier), and possess a calm temperament that comes from centuries of selective breeding on an island with limited predators.

The farm keeps beautiful animals, and reviews consistently mention how well-cared-for the horses appear. Multiple travelers noted the animals’ gentle nature alongside their visible good health. One reviewer specifically mentioned: “The horses are beautiful and so docile. The staff made everyone feel so comfortable.” Another observed that “the horses were eager to get back to their pastures,” suggesting they’re working animals rather than overworked tour horses.

The tölt gait deserves special mention because it genuinely changes the riding experience. This four-beat gait creates a smoother motion than the trotting you’d experience on many horses, making longer rides more comfortable. If you’ve had previous riding experience that left you sore, the tölt’s smoothness might surprise you. It’s one of those small things that, once explained, makes the Icelandic horse’s reputation well-deserved.

The Guides and Staff: Where the Experience Becomes Personal

What consistently stands out across nearly every review is the quality of the people running this operation. They’re not distant professionals going through motions; they’re a family business where the owner himself picks people up and the staff remembers individual guests’ needs.

One traveler described the setup perfectly: “A family run business with a sweet gentleman outfitting our group, a funny tour guide setting us up with horses to match our levels, and tour guides who helped everyone on and off if needed.” Another mentioned: “The owner picked me up in Reykjavik and shared a little about his family owned farm that started in 1968.” This personal touch—the owner driving you, the staff’s genuine friendliness—creates an experience that feels like visiting friends rather than consuming a service.

The guides are knowledgeable about both the horses and the landscape. They handle safety without being overbearing, and they’re patient with nervous riders. One beginner rider noted: “I was a total beginner but the instructor was super helpful and I got given a really experienced horse. Going through the landscape was so dreamy, crisp and breathtaking.”

What to Expect: Practical Considerations

Group Size and Intimacy: The tour operates with a maximum of 15 travelers per departure. In practice, several reviews mention smaller groups—one traveler noted they were “really really lucky with our trip just us and another couple.” Smaller groups aren’t guaranteed, but the cap ensures the experience doesn’t feel crowded.

Physical Demands: While the tour welcomes beginners, one reviewer offered honest feedback: “If you have bad knees or a bad back, this may not be for you.” Sitting on a horse for roughly two hours of riding requires a baseline of physical comfort. The tölt gait helps, but it’s still horseback riding. The minimum age is seven, and the farm requires children to be accompanied by an adult.

Weather Considerations: Iceland’s weather is notoriously changeable. The tour operates in winter, which means snow, cold, and shorter daylight hours. One traveler appreciated the preparation: “Despite less than ideal weather, had a great time.” Another noted: “My only tip is to wrap up warm for the winter!” The provided snowsuits help significantly, but dressing in layers underneath is smart. The company will cancel and reschedule if weather becomes genuinely unsafe, offering either a different date or full refund.

Timing and Logistics: Pickups begin an hour before the scheduled departure, which means you might be collected 20 minutes before your actual start time. Plan accordingly if you have other activities scheduled. The entire experience—pickup, ride, and return—takes approximately 3.5 hours, making it feasible to combine with other Reykjavik-area activities.

Value Comparison and When to Book

At $152 per person, you’re looking at a mid-range tour price for Iceland. This isn’t the cheapest activity available, nor is it premium pricing. You’re paying for a well-run operation with genuine expertise and personal attention. The inclusion of pickup, all equipment, and the ride itself justifies the cost when compared to self-driving to a farm and renting gear separately.

The tour books on average 43 days in advance, suggesting you should plan ahead but don’t need to book months out. The 96% recommendation rate among travelers speaks clearly about satisfaction levels. With 784 reviews and a 4.8 average rating, this isn’t a niche experience with limited feedback—it’s a consistently praised activity with substantial traveler validation.

Cancellation and Booking Flexibility

The generous cancellation policy—free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—removes much of the risk from booking. If plans change or weather looks genuinely problematic, you can cancel for a full refund. The company handles weather cancellations gracefully, offering rescheduling or refunds rather than forcing you to ride in unsafe conditions.

FAQ: Questions Travelers Actually Ask

Q: Do I need prior riding experience?
A: No. The farm specifically welcomes beginners and matches horses to your skill level. Multiple families brought children and first-time riders who had excellent experiences. One 8-year-old with no prior experience managed the ride smoothly.

Q: What happens if I’m an experienced rider?
A: The guides assess your experience level and can arrange more spirited riding if you request it. You’ll still be matched to an appropriate horse, but they can accommodate riders who want a more active experience.

Q: Will I be warm enough in winter?
A: The provided snowsuits and layering help significantly. However, multiple travelers recommend bringing hand and foot warmers for extra comfort. The post-ride hot chocolate and warm tea room help you recover afterward. Some found the experience cold but worthwhile.

Q: How long is the actual riding time?
A: The entire experience is 3.5 hours including pickup and return. The actual riding portion is roughly two hours, with the remainder spent on transportation, gear fitting, and refreshments.

Q: What if I’m picked up at a cruise ship?
A: The farm picks up cruise passengers at the main port terminal. One traveler even had their pickup location changed due to cruise ship scheduling changes, and the farm accommodated the adjustment smoothly.

Q: Are the horses well-treated?
A: Yes. Reviews consistently mention the farm’s obvious care for the animals. One traveler observed that “the horses were eager to get back to their pastures,” suggesting they’re healthy, working animals rather than overworked tour horses.

Q: What’s included in the price?
A: Hotel pickup, all riding gear (helmet, coveralls, boots, gloves), the horse, the guided ride, and post-ride refreshments (hot chocolate, coffee, pastries). You’re not paying additional fees during the experience.

Q: What if the farm is in a no-pickup zone?
A: The company contacts you in advance with an alternative meeting location and provides clear instructions. This typically applies to hotels in Reykjavik’s center, where you’ll meet at a nearby bus stop or designated location.

Q: Can I request a specific type of horse?
A: The farm matches horses based on your experience level. If you want a more spirited horse as an experienced rider, you can request this, but standard practice is letting the guides make the match.

Q: Is there a refund if weather cancels the tour?
A: Yes. If poor weather forces cancellation, you receive either a full refund or the option to reschedule for a different date.

The Bottom Line

This tour represents genuine value for travelers wanting an authentic Icelandic experience without the typical tour-bus logistics. The combination of a family-run operation that clearly cares about quality, well-trained horses that make the experience accessible to anyone from age seven onward, stunning countryside scenery, and thoughtful touches like included gear and post-ride refreshments creates something worth the $152 investment. You’re not getting a luxury experience or intensive instruction; you’re getting a peaceful, memorable ride through Icelandic landscape with people who actually know what they’re doing. It suits families, first-time riders, experienced equestrians wanting a casual outing, and anyone seeking a genuinely local experience rather than a corporate tour. The 96% recommendation rate among nearly 800 travelers suggests this is one of those activities that consistently delivers on its promise.