Viking Horse Riding and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik

The best part of this day is the split personality: first you ride a small, sturdy Icelandic horse through countryside outside Reykjavik, then you switch to a coach for Iceland’s classic geothermal and waterfall sights. It gives you two very different ways to see the country in one outing.

I like the family-run feel of Laxnes Horse Farm, where the horses are calm, well cared for, and suitable for first-time riders. I also like the practical pairing of Thingvellir, Geysir, Strokkur, and Gullfoss in one afternoon, especially if you have limited time in Iceland.

The trade-off is time. Thingvellir gets about 45 minutes, and the Golden Circle portion is an express-style coach tour rather than a slow, small-group exploration. The horse ride is the star, while the sightseeing stops give you a strong first look rather than a leisurely visit.

Key points to know before booking

• Ride an Icelandic horse at Laxnes: The breed is descended from Viking Age horses and is known for its gentle nature, sure footing, and distinctive tölt gait.
• The ride suits beginners and experienced riders: No previous riding experience is required, and riding gear is supplied.
• The day combines two separate operations: A farm minibus may handle the horse-farm transfer, followed by a Gray Line coach for the Golden Circle.
• Expect a long but efficient day: The tour lasts about nine hours and begins at 9:30 a.m.
• Gullfoss is the visual high point: You have about an hour to see the two-tier waterfall, take photos, and walk the marked paths.
• Food is not included: Stops are made at shops or local restaurants, so plan to buy lunch and snacks along the way.

Why the Icelandic horse ride is the real centerpiece

Iceland’s horse is not simply a smaller version of a standard riding horse. It is a compact, strong breed that has remained largely unchanged since horses arrived with settlers during the Viking Age. Its fifth gait, the tölt, can give the ride a distinctive smoothness, though exactly how much you experience depends on the group, the horses, and your riding ability.

At Laxnes Horse Farm, the ride takes you through the countryside just outside Reykjavik. You can expect hills, open ground, streams, and broad views rather than a ring or a short beach-style ride. Some outings cover more than six miles, although the distance may not feel demanding because the pace includes walking and scenic pauses.

The horses are the reason this experience earns such strong praise. They are described as friendly, fluffy, calm, and steady, even in cold or snowy conditions. That matters if you are nervous. A first ride can feel intimidating, but a quiet horse and patient staff make it easier to relax once you are moving.

The farm also accommodates a mix of abilities. Beginners can ride at a controlled pace, while experienced riders may get chances to trot or use more of their skills when conditions allow. Do not assume that every group will canter or tölt, though. The pace is managed for safety and for the least experienced person in the group.

A few practical details are worth knowing. There is no mounting block, so getting onto a smaller horse may still require flexibility. Staff help riders who need assistance, but you will want to mention any concern before mounting. The minimum age is eight.

Dress for exposure. The farm provides necessary riding equipment, and extra layers may be available, but Icelandic weather can feel cold even when the forecast looks mild. Warm clothing, gloves, sturdy shoes, and a fully charged phone are sensible choices. You may want your phone often for photos, but keep it secure while riding.

After the ride, the farm may offer coffee and pastries, a welcome touch in chilly weather. These small comforts help explain why the farm portion feels more personal than a standard coach stop.

The transfer from farm to Golden Circle coach

The day does not operate as one continuous vehicle journey. The horse farm may collect you in its own minibus, and a second vehicle from Gray Line Iceland then takes you onward to the Golden Circle. This change is not a problem, but you should understand it before setting out.

Pickup is offered from Reykjavik-area hotels, guesthouses, cruise ports, and designated meeting points. The stated start time is 9:30 a.m. Because the horse farm and coach company handle different parts of the day, confirm the exact pickup instructions when you book. One useful point from the operating arrangements is that the farm pickup may need to be arranged by message.

The coach portion includes air conditioning and WiFi. Group size can reach 50 people, so this is not a tiny van tour. The larger coach makes the day easier on the legs after riding, but it also means more people moving through each stop and less freedom to adjust the schedule.

The English-speaking guide adds context during the drive. Roman, one guide singled out for making the day lively, mixed Icelandic history and daily life with information about the sights. That sort of commentary helps fill the long stretches between stops, especially when the weather limits the view.

Thingvellir: where politics and geology meet

Thingvellir National Park is the first major stop on the Golden Circle portion. You get about 45 minutes here, which is enough for a walk and photographs but not enough for an extended hike.

The site matters for two reasons. Iceland’s parliament began meeting here more than 1,000 years ago, making Thingvellir one of the country’s key political places. It is also a geological meeting point, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are gradually pulling apart.

That combination gives the stop unusual depth. You are not just looking at cliffs and open fields. You are standing in a place tied to the development of Icelandic government while seeing the effects of forces that continue to shape the ground beneath you.

Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake, adds to the setting. Steep rock walls, broad fields, and the lake create a strong sense of scale. Still, the short stop is the main limitation. If Thingvellir is your top interest, you may prefer a tour devoted to the park or a self-drive visit with more time for walking.

The route may feel busy at popular viewpoints, especially during peak sightseeing hours. Keep track of the departure time. With a fixed schedule and several stops ahead, the coach cannot wait indefinitely.

Geysir and Strokkur: geothermal power on a timetable

The Geysir geothermal area gives you about 45 minutes, followed by a separate 30-minute stop at Strokkur. In practice, these geothermal features are close together and form the most active part of the Golden Circle.

Geysir gave the English language its word for geyser, but the original Geysir is not the reliable performer it once was. The area still has boiling mud pits, steam vents, and hot ground, but Strokkur is the attraction you are most likely to see erupt.

Strokkur erupts at regular intervals, shooting a column of hot water into the air. That regularity makes it easier to plan your viewing than at a dormant or unpredictable geothermal site. You may find yourself watching the blue bubble form before the burst, so keep your camera ready and stay behind the marked safety lines.

The site can be wet, windy, and strongly scented with sulfur. Good shoes and a rain jacket help. Do not step beyond barriers or touch the pools. Iceland’s geothermal areas are beautiful but not harmless.

The time allocation is reasonable for a first visit. You can watch several eruptions, walk among the vents, and take photos. It is not enough for a long meal and a relaxed wander, so use the facilities and food stops with the overall schedule in mind.

Gullfoss: the waterfall that earns the hour

Gullfoss, or Golden Falls, gets about an hour. That is the longest sightseeing stop and a sensible choice. The Hvítá River drops through two main tiers into a deep gorge, producing a roar that is hard to appreciate from photographs alone.

Several paths and viewpoints let you see the falls from different angles. On a sunny day, spray can create rainbows above the water. On a wet or windy day, the spray may reach the path, so bring a waterproof jacket and protect your phone or camera.

The upper viewpoints give you a broad view of the river and gorge. Lower paths bring you closer to the spray and the sound. Conditions can affect how much of the route you want to walk, and some surfaces may feel slippery, so sturdy footwear is more useful than fashionable footwear here.

Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most powerful and popular waterfalls, which means the viewing areas may be crowded. Even so, the scale of the falls makes the stop feel worthwhile. An hour lets you walk, pause, photograph the water, and return to the coach without a frantic sprint.

If you have seen waterfalls elsewhere, Gullfoss still offers something different: a wide river plunging through a stark Icelandic gorge, with the weather constantly changing the mood. It is likely to be your strongest sightseeing memory after the horses.

What the $213.97 price gives you

At $213.97 per person, this is not a cheap day trip. The value depends on how much you want to combine. You are paying for a guided horse ride, riding equipment, transport from Reykjavik, a professional English-speaking guide, national park fees, a coach with WiFi, and four major Golden Circle sights.

Booked separately, horseback riding and a Golden Circle tour can take two days or require more planning. This package lets you handle both in one day, which is useful if your Iceland visit is short or you are staying in Reykjavik without a rental car.

The price is easier to justify if the horse ride is a main goal. The farm experience has more character than the coach sightseeing, and the horse portion includes staff support, equipment, and a real ride through the countryside rather than a quick photo stop.

The value is less clear if you want a slow, detailed Golden Circle visit. A larger group and fixed schedule limit your time at Thingvellir, and food is extra. You should budget for lunch, drinks, and snacks at the stops or local shops.

This tour is also a practical option for families with mixed interests. A child aged eight or older can ride, beginners do not need prior experience, and the Golden Circle sights suit people who would rather not spend the entire day on horseback.

The day’s main strengths and limits

The strongest part is the human side of the farm. Staff help nervous riders, lend extra clothing when needed, and take care with the horses. The horses themselves are often calm enough for beginners while still offering an enjoyable ride for people with more experience.

The scenery during the ride also differs from what you see from the coach. You are close to the ground, crossing streams and moving over hills instead of viewing Iceland through a bus window. That change in pace gives the day its character.

The Golden Circle section is well organized and covers the essential sights. You can see a national park, geothermal activity, a famous erupting geyser, and a major waterfall without navigating Icelandic roads yourself.

The main weaknesses are the compressed schedule and the possible vehicle change. If you dislike group tours, a coach that can hold up to 50 people may feel impersonal. If you want serious riding instruction or a long, fast ride, the group’s ability level will shape what is possible.

Weather is another real factor. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. Even when the tour runs, wind, rain, snow, or spray can make the riding and walking portions more demanding.

Who should book the Viking Horse Riding and Golden Circle Tour?

I would choose this tour if you have one full day in Reykjavik and want an active experience plus the country’s best-known nearby sights. It suits first-time riders, families with children aged eight and up, couples, and experienced riders who enjoy a scenic group outing rather than technical riding.

It is especially useful early in an Iceland visit, since it gives you a broad sense of the country: horses, volcanic geology, old parliamentary ground, hot springs, and glacial river water. You can then decide which side of Iceland deserves more time later.

I would think twice if Thingvellir is your chief reason for going. Forty-five minutes will feel short if you want to hike, study the historic site, or spend time by the lake. I would also compare other options if you want a small vehicle, a flexible schedule, or a tour built mainly around the Golden Circle.

The cancellation terms are straightforward. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded, while weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the idea of riding Icelandic horses excites you. The farm portion brings the most personal contact, the most memorable scenery, and the warmest staff interaction. The Golden Circle then fills out the day with major sights that are difficult to miss on a first Iceland visit.

Skip it if you want a quiet, highly flexible day or if you already plan a separate horse ride and Golden Circle tour. For most people with limited time, though, the combination is sensible. You get a genuine countryside ride in the morning and Iceland’s signature waterfall and geothermal sights in the afternoon, all without renting a car.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts about nine hours, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending with drop-off back at the meeting point or designated Reykjavik-area location.

Is pickup available from Reykjavik hotels?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered from hotels, guesthouses, cruise ports, and designated meeting points in the Reykjavik area.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The ride is suitable for beginners and experienced riders, and no previous experience is required.

What is the minimum age for horseback riding?

The minimum age is eight years old.

Is riding equipment provided?

Yes. Necessary gear for the riding portion is included.

What sights are included on the Golden Circle portion?

The tour visits Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, Strokkur, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but the tour stops at local restaurants or shops where you can buy meals and snacks.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel yourself, you must do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.