Golden Circle & Horse Riding Combo

Two Iconic Experiences in One Day

If choosing between the Golden Circle and horse riding feels impossible, this combo tour from Laxnes Horse Farm solves the problem entirely. You get a genuine Icelandic horse riding experience in the morning followed by a full Golden Circle tour in the afternoon, making it one of the best value day trips available from Reykjavik.

The day starts with pickup from your Reykjavik accommodation and a short drive to Laxnes Farm in the Mosfellsdalur valley, where the family has been breeding Icelandic horses for generations. The setting alone is worth the visit — green pastures flanked by mountains with horses grazing in every direction.

The Horse Riding Experience

After a quick safety briefing and helmet fitting, you are matched with a horse suited to your experience level. The ride takes you through lava fields and along river trails for roughly 90 minutes. The highlight for most riders is experiencing the tolt, a buttery smooth gait unique to the Icelandic breed that has been preserved through a thousand years of isolation on the island.

No previous riding experience is required. Icelandic horses stand smaller than most breeds — typically around 13 to 14 hands — and are famously sure-footed and gentle. Even nervous first-timers tend to relax within minutes. The guides are patient, attentive, and genuinely passionate about their animals.

The Golden Circle Loop

After the ride, you continue to the three Golden Circle landmarks. Thingvellir National Park sits at the junction of two tectonic plates and holds deep historical significance as the site of the world's oldest parliament. Strokkur geyser erupts reliably every few minutes, sending a column of water skyward. Gullfoss waterfall thunders into a canyon with raw power that photographs cannot fully convey.

Each stop allows ample time for walking, photos, and soaking in the landscapes. The guide provides context on geology, history, and Icelandic culture throughout the drive, and lunch can be purchased at the Geysir visitor center.

Why This Combo Works

Separately, a Golden Circle tour and a horse riding excursion would cost more and consume two days. This package fits both into a single, well-paced day without feeling rushed. The morning ride adds a tactile, emotional dimension that pure sightseeing cannot match — there is something about seeing Iceland from horseback that connects you to the landscape differently. For travelers with limited time in Iceland, this combination delivers an outstanding breadth of experience at a competitive price point.