Viking Horse Riding and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik

Recommended by 91% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Reykjavik, Iceland

9 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

For a day filled with horses and hot springs, look no further than this tour from Reykjavik. After a horseback ride on a unique Icelandic horse, take an express tour of some key Golden Circle sights: Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir hot spring area, UNESCO-listed Thingvellir, and the village of Hveragerdi. The ride is suitable for all levels of experience, and takes in the rugged countryside on the capital’s outskirts.

Save time and money with a combination tour
Ride on an Icelandic horse, a breed unchanged since the 9th century and known for its docile nature
Explore Thingvellir, site of the oldest parliament in the world
Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavik area hotels and guesthouses including hotels

What's Included

Pickup and drop-off from cruise ports, hotels and designated meeting points in the Reykjavik area
Professional English speaking guide
National Park fees
Air-conditioned vehicle
Guided horse riding tour
Necessary gear for riding
WiFi on board

Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Pick-up from all hotels, bus stops and other meeting points is 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the tour. You must contact the local operator after booking to confirm your pick-up location or meeting point.

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.9:00 am

Itinerary

After pickup from your Reykjavik hotel or other designated pickup point, head to a ranch on the city outskirts to meet your trusty steed. A breed that dates back to Viking days, the Icelandic horse is known for being gentle and steady-footed—a perfect ride for both first-timers and pros alike. Mount your horse and head out for your horseback ride around the quiet countryside that skirts Reykjavik.

When your ride ends, return to your coach for the journey to Gullfoss and the Geysir hot water springs. On the way, enjoy a stop at UNESCO-listed Thingvellir, a national park that’s home to the so-called ‘rift valley’—where the continental tectonic plates meet—and the ancient site of the Icelandic parliament.

After a stroll around Thingvellir, continue to the waterfall of Gullfoss. Set in a canyon on the Hvítá River, the falls are said to be the most impressive in Iceland, with cascading flumes of water flanked by magnificent scenery. Pose for photos, and then resume your tour with a visit to the nearby hot springs of Geysir and Strokkur.

Your day trip then ends with a hotel drop-off back in Reykjavik.

Hótel Eldhestar

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Thingvellir National Park

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Site de Geysir

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Gullfoss Falls

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Strokkur

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Golden Circle Route

Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Infant seats available
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Most travelers can participate

Minimum age for horse riding is 7 years
No previous horse-riding experience is required
Necessary gear will be provided for the horse riding
Meals are not included, but stops will be made at local restaurants or shops where meals and snacks can be purchased.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Stephanie_E

Loved the horses! The owner and staff great folks. The afternoon bus tour took us to some beautiful and interesting places. Our guide very knowledgeable.

Reviews

4.6

based on 157 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Great horse experience, Great way to see Iceland countryside

Rayna_J, Oct 2025

Great way to see the countryside. Beautiful, calm horses. I underestimated the physical demands, however. For someone to average physical fitness without back injury, this is a great activity. However, for myself had a car accident back injury, I did not take that into account. The hosts were very kind and very understanding. Keep in mind that you will be bouncing up and down a bit on the back of the horse when it trots, so if you have back problems or other physical issues, definitely consider that. I was also very exhausted from traveling so if you do this activity, make sure you are well rested before hand. But if you like riding horses and have some degree of physical fitness, this is a great activity! They also had gear such as helmets, and waterproof pants because it rains a lot. Everyone is required to wear a helmet. There was no danger of getting thrown from the horse, however, things can happen and it’s best to be safe. You might want to wear a beanie hat to keep your head warm underneath the helmet. I wore a hat with a big snowball on the top, which would not fit under the helmet. I brought plenty of warm clothes so I wasn’t cold, but it’s something to think about also definitely wear a scarf! These horses are very well trained and very calm and they know what to do even if you are not an experienced rider. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet, you’ll be riding through some water! Laxnes farm picked me up from my accommodations, even though I was a little bit off the route. They can pick up guests from most of the hotels and hostels in Reykjavic. They were very responsive by phone.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Dear Customer, Thank you for your detailed and thoughtful review! We’re glad you enjoyed the beautiful horses and the calm experience at Laxnes Farm. Your advice on physical readiness and clothing is very helpful for future riders. It’s great to hear the team was kind and accommodating with your pickup and needs. Wishing you a speedy recovery and happy riding! Best regards, Gray Line Team

Mother/Daughter Trip

Liz_B, Sep 2025

It was a lovely day! Will do it again if I ever get back to Iceland! The scenery was beautiful, and the horses were well carried for

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Dear Customer, Thank you for sharing your lovely experience! We’re so glad you enjoyed the beautiful scenery and felt the horses were well cared for. We’d be happy to welcome you back anytime you return to Iceland for another unforgettable day! Best regards, Gray Line Team

Giddy up! Water everywhere….

Rebecca_P, Sep 2025

The horse farm is a family run establishment. Very friendly and competent staff greeted us. The horse ride was a fun experience w beautiful backdrops. A horse for everyone’s riding background was available. You road on a trail w a guide for about one hour. The Golden Circle was a decent tour to see some of the landmarks. However, it was difficult to understand our tour guide and the guide did not take the group to see attractions at each stop. We were left at each stop and given a time to meet at bus. Some may like that style, but I would have preferred the guide coming with us and giving us more information about the attractions we were visiting. Bus was very comfortable. It was a long day starting from 9am and back to hotel at 7:30p.

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Dear Customer, Thank you for sharing such detailed feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the horse farm visit, the friendly staff, and the comfortable ride through beautiful scenery. We’re also happy the Golden Circle landmarks impressed you, though we regret the guiding style wasn’t what you expected. Your comments will help us improve future experiences. Best regards, Gray Line Team

Beautiful ride, horses and family farm!

Kurt_E, Aug 2025

Horseback riding was wonderful with this great family-owned farm. Hosts were so gracious and had beautiful Icelandic horses and an unforgettable ride up to the hills. Highly recommend!!

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Dear Customer, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted you enjoyed the horseback riding experience and our Icelandic horses. It’s wonderful to hear the ride and the scenery were unforgettable for you. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! Best Regards, Gray Line Team

Just a dream

Javier_T, Aug 2025

The horse ride in the nature was just a dream. The organisers and guides were more than friendly and kind always ready to help everyone. I would recommend it to everyone

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Dear Customer, Thank you for your wonderful feedback! Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience! We’re thrilled to hear that the horse ride felt like a dream and that our organisers and guides made it special for you. Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to us, and we’ll be sure to share this with the team. Best Regards, Gray Line Team

Great Horses and Scenery, Bad Gray Line Logistics

James_C, Jul 2025

The horseback riding was great. The people at the farm could not have been nicer, the horses are beautiful as is the scenery. The reason for only three stars is that Grey Lines forgot to tell the horse farm to pick me up (and the other party on the tour was forgotten as well). This delayed everything and we were rushed through the Golden Circle Sightseeing. All of the sites on the Golden Circle tour are gorgeous. Too bad we felt rushed.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Dear Customer, Thank you for sharing your experience. We're happy to hear you enjoyed the horseback riding and stunning scenery. We’re sorry to hear about the pickup issue and the rushed schedule. It’s certainly not the experience we aim to provide. Your feedback helps highlight where improvements are needed. Best, Gray Line Team

The tour was great. I...

Lauren_S, May 2025

The tour was great. I wish we could have stayed longer at Thingvellir. Gullfoss waterfall was unbelievable!!

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Dear Customer, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re delighted you had a great experience and hope you’ll join us again in the future. We will take note of your suggestion. Best, Gray Line Team

Horse Riding

Hayley_G, Feb 2025

The horse riding was awesome. Our visit to the farm was amazing and the ride we went on was well managed and great fun.

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Dear Customer, Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! We truly appreciate your support and are thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. Your feedback means the world to us, and we look forward to serving you again in the future! best regards, Gray Line Team

Split them up but if going to see horses go to this farm!

Rebecca_L, Nov 2024

Horse riding was fabulous- 6 stars if I could! Lovely people, great ride off-roading, crossing streams, up and down hills- bring a fully charged phone for the pictures! But second half bus tour was not as great- wish I’d gone in smaller group- stops were short and drive in overheated bus with screaming baby was low point of my trip. Would recommend small bus or solo trip to see golden circle.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Dear Rebecca, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We are thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time on the horse-riding adventure—6 stars is truly an incredible compliment! It sounds like you had a fantastic experience, and we’re glad you enjoyed the off-roading, stream crossings, and scenic hills. We hope you captured some great moments with your fully charged phone! We also appreciate your feedback regarding the second half of your tour. We're sorry to hear that the bus portion of the trip didn’t meet your expectations. We understand how important it is to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, and we apologize for the discomfort caused by the short stops and the bus environment. We agree that smaller groups can often make for a more relaxed and enjoyable tour experience, and we’ll take your suggestion into consideration for future tours. Thank you for recommending the small bus or solo trip for the Golden Circle. We’re always striving to improve and will look into options to provide a more tailored experience for our guests. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for another adventure in the future, with a more comfortable journey. If you ever have any specific preferences for your next trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Sincerely, Gray Line Team

Horse farm was AMAZING

Madison_C, Nov 2024

The horse ride was the highlight of the tour! This lived up to all of my expectations. It was cold but they give you an extra layer and it was totally worth it, just dress warm. They were all so nice and gave us coffee and pastries after the ride. We were then picked up by the tour bus and went to Thingvellir. This was very cool to see and we were able to get food and go to the bathroom. The geysir was cool to see and all the hot springs. The waterfall path was closed due to weather but still so cool to see. Great way to see a lot of Iceland and I thought there was plently of time at each stop with lots of food and bathroom options.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Taking the time to leave such a great review about our Viking Horse Riding and Golden Circle Tour, has really made our day Madison! We always aim to delight our customers with our customer service and our attention to detail. It’s great to hear we delivered on our promise to WOW you with our services. We’re looking forward to making your day once more when you next visit in Iceland. Best regards, Gray Line Team

Horses ride is a must do- golden circle tour was good but there are other more enjoyable ways to see it

Lauren_L, Oct 2024

We loved this tour! Caution, you do have to message to book your pick (the farm picks you up) then the bus line will pick you up from the horse farm for the express golden circle tour. The horse farm was AMAZING one of my favorite experience in Iceland. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. The ponies are happy and healthy. The views are indescribable. Dress warm for the ride (they do have gear if your arnt dress appropriately) but the golden circle tour is more of a bus ride here see the site bus ride there see the site. Warm clothes and sneakers will do just fine for that part of the experience. It was a nice relaxing experience after being in the cold on horses for several hours. The bus was full so it was a little annoying getting off at destination and trying to get pictures without people in your pictures when your driving around with 65 other people.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Dear Lauren, Wow! 🤩 Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words and for awarding us a five-star rating! We’re thrilled to hear about your fantastic experience with us. Your glowing feedback truly brightens our day. We’re honored to have had the opportunity to serve you. It’s customers like you who make our work so rewarding. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another wonderful experience. If there’s anything else we can do to make your visits even more special, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Once again, thank you for your support and for being a part of our community! Warmest regards, Gray Line Team

Do this early in your trip.

gina_p, Sep 2024

This was a good tour. Horse back riding was excellent. Tour of golden circle was what you would expect. Had time to see everything and take pictures. I would recommend this.

Response from Host, Sep 2024

Dear Gina, thank you for recommending us in your review! We’re glad we made your experience with us a great one and will be happy to help you again soon. Best regards, Gray Line Team

Iceland in a day

Lucia_H, Aug 2024

Riding the Icelandic horses was a stellar experience. The bus trip around the Golden Circle was also wonderful. Our guide was knowledgeable and lovely.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

We always enjoy hearing what our customers have to say, Lucia! We’re glad we could be of service and appreciate the kind words! Please see us again if there is anything else you need! Warm regards, Gray Line Team

Breath taking!

Abbie_C, Jul 2024

I loved the horseback riding and the horses were beautiful! We were able to trot if we wanted and the scenery was amazing. The waterfall later on the tour was amazing!

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Hello Abbie, you made our day with this review! ☺️We strive to deliver great experiences consistently so please give us a call whenever you need. We’ll be here, ready to assist you! Best regards, Gray Line Team

Family businesses trump overcrowded tourist excursions

Lydia_K, Mar 2024

The owner of the horse farm was so warm and inviting. It’s family businesses like his that make experiences like this so special.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We always enjoy hearing what our customers have to say, Lydia! We’re glad we could be of service and appreciate the kind words! Please see us again if there is anything else you need! Warm regards, GrayLine Team

Horseback riding treat!

Kathleen_M, Mar 2024

Such fun riding the small personable horses through the amazing countryside, crossing streams, and even taking a rest break. Staff and farm was wonderful. They even allowed advanced riders the opportunity to use their skills.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Kathleen, your review means a lot to us. We always strive to give our best to help our clients and I’m glad that we exceeded your expectations. We hope to see you again soon! Best regards, GrayLine Team

Great Experience

Kimberly_A, Mar 2024

Laxnes Horse Farm was amazing, very nice family, well operated ride. A second bus picked up at the farm to continue on the golden circle tour, which was also well run. Great scenery, and informative.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thanks, Kimberly. We’re thrilled that you were satisfied with our services. Your feedback is appreciated, and we hope to be of help again soon! Warm regards, GrayLine Team

Amazing day trip

Mary_A, Feb 2024

Picked up by the horse riding farm minibus, very pleasant man who also spoke about the horses and history behind it. Amazing riding experience for my daughter, the team at the horse farm were brilliant. Coffee on hand if you were not riding. Bus for Golden Circle tour on time, comfy and WiFi available. Guide was excellent, kept us entertained with fun facts as well as history. The geysers and gullfoss waterfall were outstanding.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hello Mary, Just wanted to let you know how much your review means to us for a further great collaboration. We do all we can to provide our customers with the best products in our store; it always makes our day when a customer appreciates it. Thanks again, and we hope to make your next visit just as positive. Have an amazing day! Best regards, Gray Line Team

Amazing day out, horse riding was our favourite thing we did!

Laura_U, Dec 2023

Amazing trips! Firstly the horses were super friendly and fluffy! Calm natured and relatively well behaved considering we got to ride on their first snow day!! Our group was only 6 of us and a mix of experienced riders plus partners🤣 my OH had never ridden before and now would love a lesson on my mare because of how much fun he had! He did everything we all did including cantering and tolt and as a beginner felt well looked after and comfortable! The scenery was stunning and we rode for over 6miles (didn’t feel that far at all!) the overalls were amazing and the horses were incredible! Be aware there’s no mounting block but the guys at the yard were really helpful for the inflexible like myself who couldn’t get up on the horses that are smaller than my own🫣 We were then picked up by Grayline and had a wonderful afternoon exploring the national park, Geysir and Gulfoss waterfall! The guide on the bus was knowledge and interesting in telling us about not only the places we were going to but also Icelandic life and experiences.

10/10

Elizabeth_B, Oct 2023

The horse back riding tour was AMAZING! Guides were super knowledgeable and the views were incredible. Roman, the tour guide on the bus, was super fun to listen to. He offered so much information about Iceland and threw in some personal stories. He made the experience so fun for us.

Gentle horses

Myra_G, Aug 2023

This is worth the trip! My family really enjoyed this tour. The viking horse tour is the highlight of our tour to Iceland. The horses were so gentle. The staff were wonderful and our pick up from the port terminal was on time. The views was amazing. Highly recommend to do this tour. They even let my som borrow a jacket because he wasn’t wearing one and it was a little chilly. Excellent!

Imagination fulfilled

suan_s, Aug 2023

Of course the horseback ride. The farm was professional and well managed. Horses were well broken and not “soured”. The bus trip took my sister and me to beautiful and interesting places. Would love to go on this tour again

Golden Circle Full Day Tour

Stephanie_E, Aug 2023

Loved the horses! The owner and staff great folks. The afternoon bus tour took us to some beautiful and interesting places. Our guide very knowledgeable.

Fun with horses, park and waterfall

Pui_Y, Aug 2023

For this tour, the horses are clearly the most memorable experience. First-time riding a horse is totally scary, but when they are walking it's actually relaxing and I totally enjoyed myself. When they are running it became scary again, but also thrilling when I didn't get thrown off a horse. One thing I notice is that the horses, including the one I rode, Klettur, like to be in front, and they will walk right through whatever opening they can find, brushing against other horses. It is thanks to #laxneshorsefarm that this is possible. After the thrill of riding horses, the afternoon part of the trip was much more relaxing checking out the sites in the Gold Circle. Gullfoss is such a big waterfall and the water mists are awesome, Thingvellir National Park in Selfoss has such amazing view and great rock formations. The Great Geysir is a sight to behold, as many eyes are fixed on when it might go off shooting water as much as 40 feet high. And to boot, the water has sulfur in it and are as milky blue as the Blue Lagoon.

Lanes horse rides

David_C, Jul 2023

The most wonderful horse ride we have ever experienced! The horses are magnificent and well cared for! It is a must do if you are in Reykjavik! Loved it!

Horseback riding with granddaughter

Karen_L, Jul 2023

Best place to horseback ride. They went above and beyond to make sure that my granddaughter rode with us. She was scared of riding alone and they took the time with her to get her comfortable on the horse. I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone at farm. This was my second time visiting the farm and I will return again next visit. Thank you to EVERYONE.

Icelandic Horses, a little bit of paradise

Patricia_G, Jul 2023

The stable was excellent and provided us with very nice horses. The horses were well trained with very agreeable personalities. Ride in the countryside was a memorable experience with excellent views and the personnel provided us with a safe environment. The waterfall and the national park were added bonuses. The only improvement that could be made is to let people know when to expect lunch and when to expect pick ups and transfers. This trip has you wait a very long time for lunch, about 6 hours , if you are diabetic bring plenty of glucose tablets.

Good experience with some minor setbacks

Ekaterina_V, Jun 2023

Overall, it was a good tour. We enjoyed riding the horses, however, the group is so big, I think there were around 30 people or so, that it becomes unmanageable at times. A few times my horse was squeezed between other 2 horses on a narrow path. Also, the guides don't give you any information at all about the horses, the farm, or the area, I would have appreciated a more informative tour than just a simple ride. The area is very beautiful, and the horses are super cute. They do have a mind of their own, they are not trained to follow your commands, but due to their size, they feel safe to ride even when they move fast. They gave us complimentary tea and pastries at the farm after the ride which was a very nice gesture. The rest of the tour after the ride was hit and miss. Our tour guide was good, gave us plenty of interesting information about the history, terrain, animals, etc. Some of the stops felt really rushed, I would have enjoyed extra 10 minutes here and there, that would have prolonged the tour 30 minutes or so but would have provided a more meaningful experience. The best part is the waterfall which I believe is the last stop, we had enough time on this particular stop to walk all the way to the waterfall, take pictures, buy souvenirs, etc and it is truly beautiful. I recommend bringing snacks and water with you as the time is limited and you would want to spend it enjoying the actual sites rather than standing in line to get food.

Magical Experience

Candice_W, Nov 2022

The horses were amazing and what great scenery! All the staff were great! Bus drivers got us where we needed to go and great informative information throughout the day. Highly recommend.

Great Horseback Riding..skip the rest

Michelle_M, Oct 2022

I would 1000% recommend the horseback riding portion of this tour. It was great! It’s at Laxness Farm and the adults had as much fun as the eight year olds! BUT the rest of the tour would be a NO for me. The bus stops and picks people up along the way at other places and it really cuts into your time. The stops are too fast for the most part except when we got stuck at the falls AN ENTIRE HIUR PAST DEPARTURE. We had to wait on a tour group coming in from snowmobiling the glacier and they were late because they had to dig out their snowmobiles the first hour of their tour. We did have a building where we could grab a snack and wait but most of us had other plans that were dependent on getting back as advertised. Greyline did provide transportation to the harbor so we could make our tour that night but it was awful not being able to go back to the hotel and freshen up before a late night, especially with kids. Also, the tour bus was packed on the way back and very hot and stuffy. I think it was a bit unprofessional to tell everyone when they went to board to leave that it would be at least an hour delay. It caused stress you don’t need on vacation. Hindsight, I’d just rent a car and drive myself to have the time at the stops I want and not be stranded.