Gray Line Viking Ride, Golden Circle

Viking Horse Riding and Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik runs through Gray Line Iceland. Rated 4.5 across 160 reviews. Runs 9 hours. From $265.

Overview

This Gray Line Iceland tour pairs two very different halves of a day: a guided horse ride at the Hótel Eldhestar farm in the morning, then an afternoon circuit of the Golden Circle's big three, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss. The whole day runs about 9 hours from Reykjavik, and pickup is included from cruise ports, hotels and designated meeting points in the Reykjavik area, with the BSÍ Bus Terminal on Vatnsmýrarvegur 10 as the central hub. The tour departs at 09:00 and finishes back where it started.

The structure is worth understanding before booking. Travellers are taken to the horse farm first for a roughly two-hour riding session with gear provided, then a bus collects the group and moves on to Thingvellir for 45 minutes, the Geysir area for 45 minutes, Strokkur for 30 minutes and Gullfoss for an hour. National park fees are covered, an English-speaking guide rides along on the bus, and the vehicle has air conditioning and WiFi.

Who suits it? Complete beginners are explicitly welcome, no riding experience is needed, and reviewers back that up, with several first-time riders describing a calm, well-managed ride. Children need to be at least 7 years old. It also works for confident riders, since the farm lets experienced riders pick up the pace. It is not a fit for wheelchair users or, per the listing, travellers with back problems or pregnant travellers. Expect a large operation rather than an intimate outing, with up to 50 travellers on the tour.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup in ReykjavikPickup and drop-off from cruise ports, hotels and designated meeting points in the Reykjavik area, with the tour departing at 09:00 from the BSÍ Bus Terminal hub.
2. Hótel Eldhestar horse rideA guided horse riding tour of about 2 hours at the farm, with the necessary riding gear included.
3. Thingvellir National ParkA 45-minute stop at the national park, admission ticket included.
4. Geysir hot spring areaA 45-minute stop at the Geysir site, admission ticket included.
5. Strokkur30 minutes at the geyser, admission ticket included.
6. Gullfoss FallsAn hour at the waterfall, admission free.
7. Return to ReykjavikThe day ends back at the meeting point, with meal stops along the way at local restaurants or shops where food can be purchased.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in reviews and in the listing itself.

• Dress warmly. The farm lends an extra layer or overalls if needed, and warm clothes and ordinary sneakers were described as fine for the bus portion of the day.
• Bring food money. Meals and drinks are not included. The listing says stops are made at local restaurants and shops where food and snacks can be bought, so carrying something to tide you over between stops is sensible.
• Riding fitness. The listing says no experience is needed and most travellers can participate, but it is not recommended for people with back problems or pregnant travellers. Reviewers described the ride as suitable for both novices and experienced riders.
• Group size. This is a big tour, capped at 50 travellers. Reviewers describe a well-organised operation, so expect a busy, structured day rather than a quiet trail ride.
• Mixed riding levels. Reviewers repeatedly said the farm accommodates both beginners and experienced riders, with faster gaits offered to those who want them. Horses are described as calm, gentle and well cared for.
• Two-part transfers. The day runs in two connected parts: the farm handles the riding side and a separate bus handles the Golden Circle circuit. One reviewer mentioned messaging ahead to arrange the farm pickup, so it is worth checking the listing for pickup details after booking.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, is not recommended for travellers with back problems or pregnant travellers, and requires a minimum age of 7 for the riding. Food, drinks and gratuities are excluded. The listing also states the experience requires good weather, and if it is cancelled for that reason a different date or a full refund is offered.

Picking A Ride