Soft hoofbeats start your Reykjavík escape. This Icelandic horseback riding tour keeps things simple: you get pickup from Reykjavik, then you ride Icelandic horses outside the city on a countryside trail with river crossings and big mountain views.

I love how you’re matched to a horse after a quick chat about your riding comfort, not forced into a one-size-fits-all situation. You also get the warm, practical outfit that makes winter riding actually doable, plus a cozy stop after the ride for hot cocoa/coffee and pastry to get your circulation back. The only real drawback is that cold weather can bite even with provided gear, so plan to dress for wind and wet.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Reykjavik pickup within walking distance for many areas, with clear instructions if your hotel is outside the pickup zone
• Small group size (max 15) for a more personal, safer-feeling ride
• Full riding gear included, including helmets and rainwear (snowsuits in winter)
• Horse matching by ability, so beginners aren’t stuck with the “wrong” mount
• Scenic trail riding outside the city, often with water crossings
• Warm drinks and pastry after, so you don’t end the tour shivering

From Your Hotel to the Stables: Pickup That Actually Works

This tour starts with pickup at your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík. The transfer is quick—about 15 minutes—which matters because you’ll spend more of your day on the horses instead of stuck in traffic or waiting around.

Pickup is scheduled to start 1 hour before departure, and it can take up to 20 minutes to collect everyone. Many central hotels fall inside a no-pickup zone, so the operator may contact you with an updated meeting spot. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, pickup is at the main port terminal.

For timing, I’d treat this like a “show up early” activity. Even if your room-to-stables drive is short, that collection window can move depending on where you’re staying and how fast each group boards the van.

What You Wear and Why It’s Included: Helmets, Boots, and Winter Armor

Once you arrive at the riding destination, you’re fitted with basic gear right away. You’ll get a helmet and boots, plus rain clothes— and in wintertime, snowsuits. One big reason this is valuable is that it removes one of the most annoying Iceland trip problems: showing up with the wrong footwear or no way to stay warm and dry.

In practical terms, gear also makes the experience easier for first-timers. You don’t need to bring your own helmet. You don’t need to wrestle with tight rain pants over your clothes. You also don’t need to worry about getting your regular gear muddy, since you’re riding in protective outerwear.

In winter, I’d still plan for extra warmth. Even though the tour supplies heavy coveralls/snowsuits, the air can feel sharp on the way out and back, especially with wind. A tip I strongly agree with: pack hand and foot warmers if you run cold.

Getting Matched to Your Horse: A Quick Check That Changes Everything

Before you mount, the staff gathers information about your riding background. Then you’re matched with a horse that fits your experience level. That single detail can make or break a beginner-friendly ride, because it’s not just about skill—it’s about confidence.

This is the sort of matching that’s easy to take for granted until you’re sitting on the horse. If your mount is calm and trained for trail work, you can focus on one job: staying balanced and listening. If your mount is too much for your comfort level, even beautiful scenery can feel stressful.

You’ll also get quick instructions and then get out on the trail. A key point: this tour isn’t a long formal riding lesson. It’s more like safety basics first, then guided trail riding.

If you’re an experienced rider, you may be able to ask for a more spirited horse. If you’re brand new, your best move is to be honest about your comfort so the staff can pair you with the right temperament.

The 3.5-Hour Experience: Trailer Ride, Trail Time, and River Crossings

The total tour time is about 3 hours 30 minutes. The schedule feels compact, which is great if you want an Iceland activity without losing half a day to logistics.

Once you’re kitted out, you ride from the farm into the countryside outside Reykjavík. Expect a trail-style route rather than a ring arena lesson. You’ll follow a line with the horses, which helps the group stay together and keeps the ride moving at an appropriate pace.

One thing I really like about this style: it lets you experience Iceland at horse speed. The ride goes through open areas with water features, and you may experience crossings. In past rides, people have described crossing rivers and creeks, which adds a little excitement without turning the experience into something technical.

If you’re curious about Icelandic horse gaits, this is where you might hear the word tolt. Riders have described opportunities to experience tölt along the way, plus moments where trotting may come up depending on your group and your horse.

Are you going to be riding for the whole 3.5 hours? Not necessarily. But you will get a “good chunk” of time on horseback, long enough to feel like you actually did something—not just a quick photo stop and done.

After the Ride: Warming Up with Cocoa, Coffee, and Pastry

Here’s the part that makes the whole tour feel complete: you come back to the stables and warm up right away. People have described hot cocoa and coffee, plus pastry (cake and pastries depending on the day).

It’s not just a snack. It’s a practical recovery moment after riding in cold, wet weather. You’ll likely spend time outside during the ride, and once you’re back, that hot drink helps you feel human again.

The tea room setup also gives you a moment to decompress. You can check photos, talk about what your horse did (Icelandic horses have plenty of personality), and get ready for the drive back.

Price and Value: What $152.37 Buys You in Iceland

At $152.37 per person, this isn’t a “cheap activity.” But the price makes more sense when you add up what’s included.

You’re getting:

• Round-trip pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík
• All core riding gear, including helmet and winter protection
• Horse selection matched to your ability
• Guided trail riding for roughly half a day
• Warm drinks and pastry afterward

For me, the value comes from reducing your effort and uncertainty. In Iceland, cold weather can cause expensive plan changes. Here, you’re handed gear that works, and the staff handles the hard parts: pairing you with the right horse, managing the group, and guiding the route.

If you only want a quick taste of Icelandic horses, you might find cheaper options. But if your goal is to get time in the saddle without hassle, the included gear + pickup make this price feel fair.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Think Twice)

This tour is built for beginners. You’ll get help, you’ll be matched to a horse that suits you, and you don’t need to bring gear or know Icelandic riding rules.

It also fits kids who are old enough to ride comfortably with an adult. The minimum age is 7, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

One practical consideration: if you have issues like bad knees or a bad back, horseback riding may not be ideal. This tour does involve mounting and riding through the countryside, so think about how your body handles bumps and time seated.

There’s also a safety policy that’s worth knowing: the operator can refuse service to anyone showing signs of intoxication, and if a cancellation happens because of that, no refund is offered. It’s a good sign of how seriously they treat safety and comfort for everyone.

How to Prepare: Small Things That Make a Big Difference

I’d plan your clothing like you’re going outside in Iceland, even if it looks mild at noon. You’ll get a snowsuit or rainwear, but your layers matter for warmth—especially if you run cold in wind.

Practical checklist:

• Wear warm base layers under the provided outer gear
• Bring gloves you can tolerate in cold (and accept that you might still want backups)
• Consider hand and foot warmers for winter rides
• Wear footwear that works well if they adjust fit or if you’re asked to wear specific boot types
• If you’re sensitive to cold, don’t rely on just the gear—add warmth

If you’re worried about mounting: riders have described that there’s no step to get onto the horse, and the horses are shorter, with a boost if needed. Still, if you have mobility limits, it’s smart to be upfront with the staff so they can help you safely.

Should You Book Laxnes Horse Farm?

I’d book this tour if you want a real horseback experience without turning it into a logistics puzzle. The pickup from Reykjavík is convenient, the group size stays small, and the horse matching approach makes it much more beginner-friendly than generic rides.

Skip it or think hard first if you know horseback riding triggers pain or you’re likely to feel miserable in cold weather despite winter gear. Also, if you want a technical riding lesson where you’re constantly corrected, this is more “trail ride with guidance” than a classroom.

If your ideal Iceland day is short, scenic, and hands-on—time with Icelandic horses plus a warm drink after—this fits the bill.

FAQ

Where does pickup happen for this Icelandic horseback riding tour?

Pickup is offered from your hotel or guesthouse in Reykjavík. Many central hotels are in a no-pickup zone, so if that applies to your place, you’ll be contacted with an updated location and instructions. Cruise ship passengers are picked up at the main port terminal.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What riding gear is provided?

You receive basic riding gear, including a helmet and boots, plus rain clothes. In wintertime, you’ll be given snowsuits.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No. Beginners are welcome, and the staff gathers information about your riding experience so you can be matched with a suitable horse.

Is this a trail ride or a long lesson?

You’ll get brief instructions and then go on a guided trail ride.

What is the minimum age for children?

The minimum age is 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and cancellations less than 24 hours before the start time aren’t refunded.