1+ hour Private Horse riding tour from Reykjavík/Mosfellsbær

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and famous for the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that feels different from an ordinary walk or trot. This private ride near Mt. Úlfarsfell gives you time to learn that Icelandic style, rather than being folded into a large, fixed-pace group. You’ll ride with only your party and a guide, with the countryside around Mosfellsbær opening out around you.

I like the careful horse matching and the chance to groom your mount before saddling up. I also like the private format, which lets guides such as Lily, Jonina, and Linnea adjust the pace for beginners or let experienced riders try faster gaits. The main drawback is practical: you must mount and dismount without a mounting stool, weigh under 110 kilograms, and cope with Iceland’s changeable weather.

Quick take: what makes this ride worth your time

• Private horse matching: Your guide asks about your riding background and pairs you with a horse suited to your comfort and skill.
• The Icelandic tolt: You may learn this smooth, distinctive gait, a highlight for both first-time riders and experienced horse people.
• Mt. Úlfarsfell views: The ride follows local fields and horse trails with views toward the mountain and surrounding countryside.
• Real instruction, not just a photo stop: You practice mounting, dismounting, basic aids, and riding gaits before heading out.
• Flexible pace: Riding time usually lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your ability.
• Small-group privacy: Only you, your companions, and the guide take part, with light refreshments after the ride.

Meeting Iceland’s horses in Mosfellsbær

The stable is at Akrar 2 in Mosfellsbær, just outside Reykjavík. This setting gives you a rural ride without committing most of a day to a distant farm. You meet your guide at the stable, discuss your riding experience, and get introduced to the horse selected for you.

That introduction matters. The guide does not simply point you toward the nearest saddle. You may help groom the horse first, a useful way to settle your nerves and begin reading the animal’s mood. The horses are described as friendly, responsive, and well trained, and the care given to matching horse and rider is one of the strongest parts of this experience.

The guides also explain the Icelandic way of riding. For a first-time rider, that means learning how to sit, steer, stop, and respond to simple instructions. If you already ride, you can ask for more room to work on your position, speed, or the tolt.

The private setup makes this opening especially useful. A nervous beginner does not have to keep up with a stranger who has years of experience. An experienced rider is less likely to spend the whole outing at a slow walk while a beginner gains confidence.

From first instructions to the open trail

Before setting off, you learn how to mount and dismount and how to handle the basic riding gaits. The guide tailors this session to your needs, so the amount of instruction can vary. Plan on a total visit of about two hours, including preparation, riding, and time at the stable.

The actual ride usually takes around one to one and a half hours. That is a helpful distinction when planning your day. You are not paying for two full hours in the saddle, but you are getting a properly paced introduction rather than being rushed from the car to the trail.

The route begins around the fields and local horse trails near the stable. One account describes riding parallel to the road, while other outings include views toward a lake, streams, and open ground around Mt. Úlfarsfell. The exact route and speed can change with weather, riding ability, and the guide’s judgment.

You might spend much of the ride at a walk if you are new to horses. That is not a weakness in the experience. The private guide can focus on your balance and confidence before asking for more. Riders with prior experience may have a chance to trot, try the tolt, and, when appropriate, ride at faster speeds across suitable ground.

Why the Icelandic tolt is the star

The tolt is a special reason to choose an Icelandic horse ride instead of a generic trail outing. It is a smooth gait with little bounce, and several riders describe it as a memorable part of the experience. You may feel the difference quickly, although the guide decides when you are ready.

For a beginner, do not expect to master it instantly. Your first goal is a safe seat and clear communication with the horse. Once you are comfortable, the guide may introduce the gait in a controlled way.

Experienced riders have more to look forward to. The horses are sure-footed across changing ground, and some outings have included tolt, trotting, and even galloping uphill or through streams. Those faster moments are not guaranteed, since the guide must consider weather, terrain, horse behavior, and your ability, but the private format gives a capable rider more flexibility than a standard group ride.

I would choose this outing for the chance to learn how Icelandic horses move, not just to sit on a horse while someone leads it. The instruction and horse care give the ride more substance.

The views around Mt. Úlfarsfell

Mt. Úlfarsfell provides the visual setting, but the appeal is the changing countryside around it. You can expect open views, horse trails, fields, and the mountain itself. On a clear day, the scenery makes the ride feel far removed from Reykjavík, even though you are close enough to return to the city afterward.

Weather will shape your impression. An outing can be bright and calm, or windy and chilly, even in a season that looks mild on the forecast. One winter ride was described as beautiful but cold and windy. Dress for exposure rather than trusting a sunny start.

The route is not presented as a major mountain trek. It is a local riding experience with scenic views and varied ground. That makes it a good fit if you want time outdoors with Icelandic horses but do not want a full-day expedition.

The guide may also take photographs during the ride. That lets you concentrate on your posture and the horse instead of trying to manage a phone from the saddle. Photos are not the main reason to book, but they are useful for an activity where your hands are busy and the scenery changes quickly.

A strong choice for beginners, with real limits

First-time riders are well served here. The guide starts with the basics and can adjust the pace, which helped a 12-year-old and several adults feel at ease within minutes. The horses are described as gentle and responsive, a valuable combination when you are still learning how much pressure to use with your hands and legs.

You still need a moderate level of physical fitness. You must be able to mount and dismount independently, without using a mounting stool. That requirement is easy to overlook, so consider it carefully before booking.

The minimum age is 12. Children below that age are not eligible based on the supplied conditions. The maximum weight is under 110 kilograms, and the operator can cancel the ride without a refund if a rider cannot safely follow instructions or if the guide feels the outing is unsafe.

That policy may sound strict, but horseback riding has real safety limits. You should be honest about your riding background and physical ability when booking. A private tour does not mean the guide can ignore the needs of the horse or the terrain.

Experienced riders can also enjoy this outing, though expectations matter. You may get a livelier ride with a tolt or faster work, but this is still a two-hour stable visit, not a full training session or a multi-day riding trip.

What the $144.82 price gets you

At about $144.82 per person, this is not Iceland’s cheapest short activity. I think the price makes the most sense for people who value private attention, horse selection, and a tailored pace.

You are paying for roughly two hours from arrival to departure, with 1 to 1.5 hours of riding, a private guide, instruction, the horse, and light refreshments afterward. The private group format is important. If two or more people book together, you are not sharing the guide’s attention with unrelated riders.

The value is strongest for mixed-ability groups. A parent and a 12-year-old, for example, can ride together while receiving different levels of help. A confident rider and a beginner can also share the outing without forcing both people into the same pace.

If your main goal is a long ride across wild Icelandic terrain, the duration may feel short for the cost. If your goal is to meet Icelandic horses, learn the tolt, and enjoy a private countryside outing near Reykjavík, the price is easier to justify.

Group discounts may be available, so check the final rate for your party. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability, and the activity is often reserved well in advance, with an average booking lead time of about 70 days.

Getting there from Reykjavík

The meeting point is Icelandic Riding, Akrar 2, 271 Mosfellsbær. The activity ends back there, so you need to plan your own return unless a separate transfer has been arranged.

Bus number 15 from downtown Reykjavík is given as the best public transport option. Check the current route and timing before you leave, since the useful connection can affect how early you need to start.

Do not assume hotel pickup is included in the $144.82 price. Some riders have arranged a taxi through the owner, including a hotel transfer, but this appears to require extra coordination. The stable can reportedly be difficult to find on Google Maps, and communication between the stable and taxi driver may be needed.

That makes a little advance planning worthwhile. Save the stable address, confirm your meeting time, and allow room for the journey from central Reykjavík. Arriving late could cut into your riding time.

What to wear and what not to bring

Wear comfortable riding shoes or good walking shoes with secure footing. You do not need to bring your own riding gear, and you should not pack used equestrian equipment from home. Icelandic law forbids bringing used horse or riding equipment into the country.

That rule includes gear that cannot be washed. If you have riding boots, helmets, or other equipment from a previous stable visit, leave them at home unless you have confirmed they meet Iceland’s import requirements. Bringing clean, ordinary outdoor clothing is the simpler choice.

Dress in layers and plan for wind and cold, even if the day begins pleasantly. The activity takes place outdoors, and weather can change quickly. The ride may be canceled in poor conditions, in which case you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Service animals are allowed, and the stable is near public transportation. The activity is private, but it is not described as wheelchair accessible, and the independent mounting requirement makes physical access an important consideration.

Private guidance and the human touch

The strongest part of the experience is the guide’s attention. The owner is closely involved with the horses, knows their individual personalities, and matches them to riders. Guides named Jonina, Linnea, and Lily have also led rides, and each is described as attentive and reassuring.

That personal approach shows up in small details. The guide may ask about your experience before choosing a horse, explain how to make the horse respond to your voice, and take photos at useful moments. You are not left to guess how to communicate with the animal.

The guides have also offered suggestions for other things to see in Iceland. That is a pleasant extra, though I would book this for the horses and riding rather than for destination planning.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 54 reviews, with 98 percent recommending it. Those numbers support the idea that the service is consistently strong, but your result still depends on weather, your fitness, and how comfortable you are with horses.

Cancellation and weather planning

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.

Weather is the main variable. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can move to another date or receive a full refund. Since the ride is outside, keep some flexibility in your Reykjavík schedule if possible.

I would avoid placing this activity immediately before an important flight. The tour itself lasts about two hours, but transport to Mosfellsbær and weather-related changes can add uncertainty.

Should you book the Mt. Úlfarsfell ride?

Book it if you want a personal introduction to Icelandic horses, prefer a private guide, or have a group with different riding abilities. It is especially good for first-time riders who want patient instruction and for experienced riders curious about the tolt.

Think twice if you want a long wilderness ride, cannot mount and dismount unaided, weigh 110 kilograms or more, or dislike cold and wind. The duration is modest, and the price reflects private attention rather than hours in the saddle.

For most eligible riders, this is a well-focused Reykjavík-area activity. You get close to the horses, learn something distinctive about Icelandic riding, and spend time outside with Mt. Úlfarsfell in view. Confirm the transport details, pack clean outdoor clothing, and be honest about your experience. If those points fit, this is a worthwhile way to add Iceland’s horse culture to your trip.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The full visit takes about two hours from arrival to departure. Riding time is usually around one to one and a half hours, depending on your riding level.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Icelandic Riding, Akrar 2, 271 Mosfellsbær, Iceland. The activity finishes back at the same meeting point.

Is this a private activity?

Yes. Only your group and the tour guide take part in the activity.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Riders must weigh less than 110 kilograms.

Can beginners join?

Yes. The guide adjusts the instruction and pace to your ability, including basic riding skills, mounting, dismounting, and the riding gaits.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.