Reykjavik: Viking Horse Riding & Golden Circle Day Trip

Summary

Ride Icelandic horses then see Gullfoss Geysir & Thingvellir in one day

You’ll ride an Icelandic horse through wild lava fields near Reykjavik with a local guide, then explore Thingvellir’s ancient rift valley, watch Strokkur geyser erupt up close, and stand by Gullfoss waterfall’s thundering edge—all with pickup included. Expect laughter, windburned cheeks, and memories that stick around longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly chickened out when I first saw my horse at Eldhestar—he looked so calm, but I hadn’t ridden since I was twelve. Our guide, Sigrún, just grinned and handed me a helmet. “He’s called Loki,” she said. “He likes to snack on moss.” The air smelled sharp and earthy, almost metallic from the nearby hot springs. Once we got moving through the lava fields outside Reykjavik, Loki’s gait was so smooth I forgot to be nervous. My gloves picked up this faint smell of leather mixed with wet grass. We passed a group of locals waving from their porch—one guy gave us a thumbs up and shouted something in Icelandic that made Sigrún laugh.

After the ride (my legs were wobbly but happy), we loaded into the van for the Golden Circle part of the day trip. Thingvellir was next—a place that feels both wide open and strangely intimate, like you could hear your own thoughts echoing off those black cliffs. Our guide pointed out where the tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart—I tried to picture it happening under my feet. The wind there has this way of making you squint even when it isn’t raining.

Lunch was just at a roadside café near Geysir—nothing fancy, but I swear that lamb soup tasted like it could revive anyone. Strokkur erupted while I was halfway through my bread roll; everyone jumped except Sigrún who just shrugged (“It does that every few minutes”). Gullfoss came last: water roaring so loud you feel it in your chest, spray sticking to your face and camera lens. There was a rainbow caught in the mist for about two seconds—blink and you’d miss it. On the drive back to Reykjavik I realized my jeans still smelled faintly of horse and sulfur. Not sure why that felt comforting.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horse riding and Golden Circle tour

• Ride Icelandic horses at Eldhestar farm
• Visit Thingvellir National Park
• Explore Geysir geothermal area
• See Strokkur geyser erupt
• Visit Gullfoss waterfall

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Golden Circle tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from hotels, cruise ports or designated meeting points in Reykjavik.

Do I need previous horse riding experience?

No previous experience is needed—the Icelandic horses are beginner-friendly and all gear is provided.

What main sights are visited on this day trip from Reykjavik?

The tour includes Eldhestar horse farm near Reykjavik, Thingvellir, Geysir geothermal area (including Strokkur), and Gullfoss waterfall.

Are meals included during the tour?

No meals are included but there are stops at local cafés or shops where you can buy food or snacks.

How long do we spend horseback riding?

The guided horse riding portion takes place in the morning at Eldhestar; exact duration may vary but usually lasts about 1–2 hours.

Is this Golden Circle tour suitable for kids?

The minimum age for horse riding is 7 years old; specialized infant seats are available for transport only.

What should I wear or bring?

Dress warmly in layers; all necessary riding gear is provided but waterproofs are smart for Gullfoss’ spray.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off anywhere in Reykjavik (hotels or cruise ports), all entry fees along the Golden Circle route, a guided horseback ride at Eldhestar with helmet and gear provided, WiFi on board your vehicle, plus time to buy lunch or snacks at local stops before returning to town in the evening.