Icelandic Horseback Riding Tour Including Pick Up from Reykjavik

Icelandic horses in Reykjavik’s backyard sounds unreal. This half-day ride is interesting because it feels close to the city, yet you’re only about 15 minutes from the stables once pickup starts. You’ll get matched to a horse based on your experience, then return to your hotel or guesthouse after time in the open air.

I love the practical setup here. All the core riding gear is included, from helmets to rain clothes (and snowsuits in winter), so you’re not hunting for the right layers or footwear at the last minute.

One thing to consider: this is a trail ride, not a lesson focused on advanced riding skills. If you want lots of time for technique coaching, you might find the format more casual than you expected.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Hotel pickup in Reykjavik with a short drive to the farm location
• Gear provided including helmet, boots/rain boots, and winter snowsuits
• Horse matching by experience level, including options that work for beginners
• Icelandic horse features you might feel under you, including smooth gaits and tolt mentions
• A calmer group size capped at 15 travelers
• Warm drinks and pastries after the ride to take the chill off

Icelandic Horseback Riding From Reykjavik: what you’re really buying

This tour from Reykjavik is essentially a short trip to a working Icelandic horse farm, with the whole experience built around doing two things well: keeping the day easy, and getting you safely onto a horse that fits.

At $152.37 per person for about 3 hours and 30 minutes, you’re paying for more than time in the saddle. You’re paying for pickup and drop-off, on-site equipment, staff help with getting ready, and a guided ride that works for beginners. In other words, you’re not just renting a horse. You’re buying a guided, all-inclusive afternoon that starts and ends with your hotel.

The most repeated theme from the experience is simple: friendly, helpful staff plus genuinely gentle horses. Add countryside views, occasional river crossings, and warm drinks after, and you get a day that’s both memorable and low-stress.

Pickup in Reykjavik: plan for the collection window

Pickup starts about an hour before departure. Collection can take up to 20 minutes because they’re gathering passengers from multiple addresses.

Two practical notes matter a lot in Reykjavik. First, many hotels in the city center sit in a No-Pickup zone. If yours is in that category, you’ll receive updated pickup location instructions. Second, if you’re arriving by cruise ship, you’ll be picked up at the main port terminal.

This matters because it affects how you time your morning. If you like being early everywhere, great. If you prefer a tight schedule, give yourself slack. A short wait in Reykjavik is normal for this kind of shared pickup.

Also: bring your confirmation details. You’ll get confirmation at booking, and you’ll use a mobile ticket for check-in.

Getting suited up: helmets, boots, rain gear, and winter snowsuits

Once you arrive at the stables, you’ll be fitted with the core gear right on site. That includes a helmet and protective clothing to keep you warm and dry, plus boots or rain boots depending on conditions.

In winter, riders should expect snowsuits. That’s a big deal in Iceland because cold has a way of stealing the joy from outdoor activities. Even if you show up with decent layers, having the right riding gear means you start the ride more comfortable and you don’t burn time on last-minute shopping.

Staff will also ask about how much you’ve been riding so they can pick the right horse for you. This is one of the most valuable parts of the day, because the horse choice often determines how relaxed you feel from the moment you mount.

Matching you with the right Icelandic horse

Icelandic horses are known for being people-friendly, and this farm leans into that. In practice, you’ll get a horse matched to your experience level, and the staff will help you get started smoothly.

Some riders specifically mention that the ride can feel manageable even for total beginners, including children. One review highlights an 8-year-old who had never ridden before, which lines up with the tour promise that beginners are welcome.

There’s also a “no surprises” feel during the ride prep. Instead of throwing you into a free-for-all, the staff give quick instruction and then put you on a horse that knows its job. A few reviews describe the ride as smooth and guided, with horses often following a line rather than running wild.

One more practical detail: Icelandic horses are short, and reviews note there may be no big step to mount. If you need a hand, staff can help, so don’t be shy about asking.

The ride itself: countryside time, river crossings, and smooth gaits

The heart of your afternoon is the trail ride outside Reykjavik. You’ll move through the countryside near the farm, with views of mountains and streams described by riders, plus occasional water crossings.

Several reviews mention river crossings, and one describes the ride crossing a river under snow-topped mountains. Even if your weather differs, expect that you’ll spend real time outdoors, not just around the stable.

What you might notice under you is the typical Icelandic feel. Riders mention the tolt gait in particular. In plain terms, that’s one reason people love Icelandic horses: you may get a smoother, steadier ride compared to some other horse types.

This is also where you should set expectations. This is not a riding lesson where you practice new skills for hours. Reviews describe the instructions being brief early on, then the day becomes a guided ride through the area. That’s great if your goal is scenery plus animal time, and less great if your goal is technical coaching.

If you’re traveling with mixed experience levels, the horse matching helps. Some couples mention one person being a beginner while another rides more confidently, and both still felt looked after.

After the saddle: warm drinks, coffee, and pastries

When you finish the ride, you’re not sent back cold and hungry into Reykjavik traffic. You’ll stop back at the farm where you can warm up with hot drinks. Reviews mention hot cocoa, coffee, tea, and pastries.

That post-ride break is more than a nice touch. It helps you feel human again after outdoor cold and wind. It also turns the end of the tour into something social and relaxed, especially for families and first-timers.

If you’re wondering whether you’ll feel rushed: the general vibe is the opposite. You get geared up, ride in the countryside, then return to a warm tea room or similar space to refuel.

How much time do you really get?

The tour runs about 3 hours 30 minutes total.

Your day will include:

• Hotel or guesthouse pickup and return
• A short transfer to the riding location, described as about 15 minutes
• Gear fitting and short instructions
• The guided ride itself
• Warming drinks and a sweet snack

Because pickup collection can take up to 20 minutes and the farm prep needs time, it’s smart to treat the schedule as flexible. You’re not sprinting between stops. It’s a single activity with good flow from start to finish.

Price and value: why this one costs what it does

At $152.37 per person, the cost is in line with a guided, all-in experience near Reykjavik. The value comes from the combined package:

• Pickup and drop-off inside Reykjavik (or an alternate spot if your address is in a no-pickup zone)
• Included riding gear, which matters more in winter than most people expect
• Staff matching you with a horse based on riding experience
• Guided trail time that takes you into the countryside without you arranging transport, tickets, and equipment separately
• Hot drinks and pastries after the ride

If you were to try to do this independently, you’d likely spend time and money on getting the right gear and figuring out horse suitability and staffing. Here, you pay for that coordination, plus the safety-focused matching and support.

It’s also booked fairly far ahead on average, about 43 days in advance. That’s a sign demand is steady, especially in popular seasons. If you’re traveling in a busy window, don’t wait until the last week.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong match if you want:

• A beginner-friendly introduction to Icelandic horses
• A guided countryside ride without planning headaches
• Included winter gear, especially if you hate the thought of buying or renting cold-weather riding clothes
• A short day that still feels special

It’s also good for families. Reviews repeatedly mention kids doing well, with staff assistance and gentle horses.

Who might want to rethink it:

• If you want a long, intense riding school with lots of skill drills, this is not that kind of session.
• If someone has mobility or back and knee concerns, do take the time to evaluate. Reviews note that if you have bad knees or bad back, you might find the setup not ideal.

Tips to make your ride more comfortable

You’ll get gear provided, but Iceland cold is tricky. Pack these smart habits:

• Dress for wind and moisture. Even with snowsuits or rain gear, your comfort depends on staying dry.
• Wear warm layers under what they provide if the weather is cold enough. Staff gear helps, but you’re still outside.
• Plan to be at your pickup point on time. Collection can stretch up to 20 minutes.
• If you’re a beginner, tell staff the truth about your experience. The horse matching depends on it, and it’s the main reason first-timers feel at ease.

Should you book Laxnes Horse Farm from Reykjavik?

I think you should book this if you want a straightforward, guided way to ride Icelandic horses near Reykjavik, without renting equipment or worrying about which horse is right for you. The combination of horse matching, included gear, and a short trip out from the city makes the whole day feel doable, even for first-timers.

I’d skip it if your main goal is advanced riding instruction or you expect a lesson-style format. This is built for trail time, scenery, and getting close to horses that are set up for guests to succeed.

If you can handle cold weather and you want a memorable Iceland animal experience with minimal friction, this one is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour from Reykjavik?

The tour lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Does the tour include pickup from Reykjavik hotels?

Yes. You’re picked up at your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavik, and then returned after the ride.

When does pickup start?

Pickups start 1 hour before departure. It can take up to 20 minutes to collect all passengers.

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

Some hotels in the Reykjavik center area are in a No-Pickup zone. If that applies to you, the operator contacts you with an updated pickup location and instructions.

Are there different pickup details for cruise ship passengers?

Yes. Cruise ship passengers are picked up at the main port terminal.

What gear is provided for the ride?

The tour provides basic riding gear such as helmets, boots, and rain clothes. In winter, snowsuits are provided.

What is the minimum age?

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

Is this tour only for experienced riders?

No. Beginners are welcome. Staff gather information about your riding experience so the operator can match you with the proper horse.

Is this experience weather dependent, and what about cancellation?

It requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.