1+ hour Private Horse riding tour from Reykjavík/Mosfellsbær

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and famously smooth to ride, thanks in part to their unusual tölt gait. This private outing near Mt. Úlfarsfell gives you more than a basic trail ride: you help prepare the horse, learn how to ride in the Icelandic style, and spend time in open countryside with a guide focused on your ability. I especially like the private format and the chance to try the tölt, two details that make this feel more personal than a large stable excursion.

I also like that beginners are welcome, while experienced riders may get a livelier outing with faster gaits and varied ground. The main consideration is the short riding window, usually 1 to 1.5 hours, and the strict physical rules: you must mount and dismount without assistance and weigh less than 110 kilograms.

Key points at a glance

• Private riding near Reykjavík: Only your group and guide take part, so the pace can be adjusted to your experience.
• A real Icelandic horse lesson: You learn basic riding skills, horse handling, and the smooth tölt gait.
• Mt. Úlfarsfell countryside: Expect views across the surrounding countryside, with routes that can include fields, trails, and nearby natural scenery.
• Good for first-time riders: Guides begin with the basics and match horses to each rider.
• Useful family detail: The minimum age is 12, making this a possible choice for families with older children.
• Simple finish: Light refreshments are included after the ride, and the activity returns to the stable.

Meeting Icelandic horses in Mosfellsbær

The tour begins at Icelandic Riding, at Akrar 2 in Mosfellsbær, just outside Reykjavík. You meet your guide at the stable, discuss your riding background, and get matched with a horse suited to your confidence and ability.

That matching process matters. A first-time rider needs a calm horse that responds clearly, while an experienced rider may be ready for more speed or a horse with a livelier feel. The private setup gives the guide room to make that judgment instead of placing everyone into one fixed group.

The early stable time is part of the experience, not just a delay before the ride. You prepare the horse and learn how to make contact through voice and handling. One guide has had riders groom their horses first, a simple step that helps you feel less like a passenger and more like an active participant.

The horses are described as friendly, well trained, and responsive. That does not mean you can switch off your attention. You still need to listen closely, follow instructions, and stay in control of your mount. The stable can cancel the ride without a refund if a rider cannot follow directions, cannot ride safely, or makes the guide feel uneasy about continuing.

Learning the Icelandic way to ride

The lesson begins at ground level, with help mounting and dismounting and an introduction to basic riding technique. You learn how to use your hands, legs, voice, and body position. For a first-time rider, this early instruction should make the rest of the outing feel manageable rather than rushed.

The guides tailor the pace to the group. First-time riders may spend much of the ride at a calm pace while building confidence. Riders with more experience may get the chance to work through different gaits, including the tölt and, when suitable, faster riding.

The tölt is one of the main reasons to choose an Icelandic horse. It is a smooth four-beat gait that can feel remarkably steady compared with a regular trot. You should not assume every rider will spend a long time at the tölt, since the guide must match the gait to your ability, the horse, and the conditions. Still, learning this distinct Icelandic style gives the ride a stronger sense of place.

Experienced riders may find the tour more rewarding than a standard beginner trail outing. The horses are sure-footed, and the route can offer varied ground, hills, streams, and opportunities for faster movement when the guide considers it safe. The experience is not designed only for advanced riders, though. The private structure works in both directions, allowing the guide to keep things gentle for a novice or offer more challenge to a capable rider.

Riding toward Mt. Úlfarsfell

Once the horses are ready, you leave the stable and head into the countryside around Mt. Úlfarsfell. The exact route and pace can change with weather, riding ability, and trail conditions. Expect about one to one and a half hours in the saddle, with the full visit taking around two hours from arrival to departure.

The setting is a major part of the appeal. Instead of spending the whole ride inside an enclosed arena, you get open views around Mosfellsbær and the slopes of Mt. Úlfarsfell. Some routes use a field and a horse trail running near the road. You may also see a lake and other nearby scenery, depending on the chosen route.

This is a good way to add an outdoor activity to a Reykjavík stay without committing to a full-day excursion. You get out into the countryside quickly, but you do not lose half a day to transport or a long list of stops. The tradeoff is that this is a compact local ride, not a remote wilderness expedition.

Weather can change the character of the outing. A clear day may bring broad views and comfortable riding, while wind, cold, or light rain can make the same route feel much tougher. The tour requires suitable weather, and poor conditions may lead to a new date or a full refund. Even with a weather cancellation option, you should dress for Iceland’s wind and changing conditions.

A private pace for beginners and families

The minimum age is 12, and the private format makes this a sensible choice for a family or small group with mixed experience. A parent and child do not need to keep up with a large party of advanced riders. A guide can slow down, explain the basics again, or adjust the ride for someone who is nervous.

The experience has worked well for first-time riders because the horses are described as gentle and easy to handle, and the instruction starts with basic skills. A 12-year-old can take part, but the age rule is firm. Younger children cannot join this particular activity.

You need a moderate level of fitness. Most importantly, you must be able to mount and dismount the horse on your own, without a mounting stool. The weight limit is under 110 kilograms. These are not minor booking notes. If you cannot meet either requirement, this is not the right ride for you, and the operator may cancel your participation without a refund.

Service animals are allowed, and the stable is near public transportation. Bus number 15 from downtown Reykjavík is described as the best way to reach the site. Confirm your route and timing before setting out, since the activity begins at the stable rather than at a central Reykjavík meeting point.

What the $144.82 price gives you

At $144.82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to sit on a horse in Iceland. The value comes from the private guide, the personalized horse matching, the stable preparation, and the chance to learn the tölt rather than simply follow a line at a fixed pace.

The price makes more sense if you are a beginner who wants patient instruction or an experienced rider who wants a private outing rather than a one-size-fits-all trail ride. It is less compelling if you only want a very short photo opportunity or if you are mainly seeking a long ride through remote scenery.

You also get light refreshments after riding. That is a small touch, but it gives the visit a proper finish. The total time at the stable is around two hours, while actual riding lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. Keep that distinction in mind when comparing prices with longer rides elsewhere.

Group discounts are available, which can improve the value for a family or small party. Since only your group participates, you are paying for a private experience rather than joining an open departure with strangers. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so do not assume your preferred time is secured until the booking is confirmed.

Guides who make the difference

Several guides are named in the information for this tour, including Jonina, Linnea, and Lily. Jonina and Linnea have led family rides, while Lily is described as especially helpful with first-time riders. Another guide, who is also the owner, selects horses based on each rider’s experience and temperament.

That personal knowledge of the horses is important. The best part of a stable ride is often not the view but the relationship between horse and rider. Starting with grooming, voice commands, and simple handling can make the animal feel less intimidating and help you understand how the horse responds.

Some guides also take photographs during the ride. This lets you focus on riding instead of trying to operate a phone from the saddle. Photography is a welcome extra, but you should treat it as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. Safety and instruction come first, especially when the route includes hills, streams, or faster gaits.

The guides also share information about the horse’s role in Icelandic culture and history. That context gives the outing more meaning. You are not simply riding an unfamiliar breed in a scenic area. You are learning about an animal closely tied to Icelandic travel, farming, and local identity.

Clothing, shoes, and getting there

Wear comfortable riding shoes if you have them. Walking shoes or good sneakers are also recommended. You do not need to bring used riding equipment from home, and Icelandic law forbids bringing used horse or equestrian gear into the country. That rule helps protect Iceland’s horses from outside disease.

Dress for practical comfort rather than appearance. The supplied information specifically recommends suitable shoes, while the changing Icelandic weather calls for layers and protection from wind and cold. Avoid clothing that restricts your legs or makes mounting difficult.

The stable is in Mosfellsbær, at Akrar 2. Bus number 15 from central Reykjavík is the recommended public transport option. One ride included a taxi arranged through the owner, but taxi coordination may require clear contact between the stable and driver, and the stable can be difficult to locate on some map services. If you use a taxi, confirm the address and pickup plan directly before leaving.

Cancellation and weather rules

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted, and the cutoff follows local Icelandic time.

Weather is a special factor here. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. This policy protects you from being sent out in unsafe weather, but it also means you should avoid booking this as the one activity that must happen on a tightly fixed day.

The activity is offered in English. It is also a private experience, so only your own group takes part. That combination makes it easier to ask questions, request explanations, and tell the guide if you need a slower pace.

Who should book this ride?

I would choose this tour if you want an introduction to Icelandic horses that feels personal and hands-on. It suits first-time riders, families with children aged 12 or older, couples, and experienced riders who want to try the tölt or ride at a more suitable pace.

It is also a strong choice if you have only a short stay in Reykjavík. Mosfellsbær is close enough for a half-day plan, yet the views and horse trails give you a clear break from city sightseeing.

I would think twice if you want a long expedition, a remote highland ride, or a guaranteed gallop. The tour lasts around two hours in total, and riding time varies by ability. It also requires you to mount and dismount independently and stay below the 110-kilogram weight limit.

Should you book Icelandic Riding?

Book it if the idea of grooming an Icelandic horse, learning the tölt, and riding beneath Mt. Úlfarsfell sounds better than joining a large, fixed-pace trail ride. The private format is the main selling point, especially for beginners and mixed-ability groups.

Skip it if you need a full-day riding adventure or cannot meet the physical requirements. For everyone else, this is a focused, well-paced way to meet Icelandic horses and get into the countryside near Reykjavík without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Icelandic Riding, Akrar 2, 271 Mosfellsbær, Iceland. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full visit takes around two hours from arrival to departure. Riding time is usually about one to one and a half hours.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group and the 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.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. Beginners are welcome, and the guide can teach mounting, dismounting, basic riding, and different gaits. Riders with experience can receive a pace suited to their ability.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable riding shoes are recommended. Walking shoes or good sneakers are also suitable. Used horse or equestrian equipment cannot be brought into Iceland by law.

How can I reach the stable from Reykjavík?

Bus number 15 from downtown Reykjavík is described as the best public transport option. The activity is also near public transportation.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted or refunded.