When an Icelandic Horse Chooses You First
It wasn’t just the waterfalls and volcanic lakes that made Iceland unforgettable — it was the horse that nudged me first.
I booked a full-day tour combining Icelandic horseback riding and the Golden Circle, all through the GetYourGuide app. With early hotel pickup in Reykjavik and drop-off around dinnertime, it was a no-hassle way to cover multiple highlights. I packed light — a jumper, a snack box, and an expandable backpack that fit everything I’d need for the long day out.
Day 1 — Horseback riding at Laxnes
Icelandic horses are smaller than you’d expect, but they carry themselves with surprising dignity. At Laxnes Horse Farm, each horse had its own personality profile, and the staff carefully paired riders based on both size and experience. I had no riding background, but they assured me it wouldn’t be a problem.
That’s when Nugget picked me.
A sturdy little guy with glossy brown fur and a tendency to wander off-trail just to steal snacks from your pocket. Our ride started with a short briefing and a gentle intro trail. Despite the small frame, the horses are strong — mine carried me comfortably through hills and shallow rivers with more confidence than I had.
There’s a moment on the trail where you stop worrying about looking like a tourist and just enjoy the rhythm. The open valley, the quiet crunch of hooves, and that odd feeling of trust — it stays with you.
Day 2 — The Golden Circle loop
After the ride, I waited at the farm for the next tour group. The afternoon was spent exploring the classic Golden Circle route: Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal area near Haukadalur, and Þingvellir National Park.
The waterfall was dramatic — spray rising up from the gorge, and a little souvenir shop near the path selling sheep-themed everything. But it was the lake at Þingvellir that surprised me most. Quiet, still, and wide open — it made me want to just sit down and stay.
One thing to note: the volcanic rocks at the viewpoints are loose, and some paths don’t have railings. It’s easy to slip if you’re not paying attention. Grip shoes help, and so does packing light. That’s where the expandable backpack came in handy again — easy to tuck away layers or snacks without the bulk.
By the end of the day, I wasn’t just tired — I was quietly content. There’s something about traveling solo that sharpens your senses. And sometimes, all it takes to anchor you in a place is a horse named Nugget nudging your elbow.
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