A horse ride can be the perfect Iceland reset. This private ride from Reykjavík/Mosfellsbær gets you out on Icelandic horses with a guide who matches the mount to your comfort level. I also like the quiet, scenic pace—including tolt work and picture stops—without turning it into a crowd scene, but there is one catch: it’s not suitable if you’re over 110kg or can’t mount and dismount confidently.

You’ll spend about 2 hours total from meet-up to finish, with around 1 to 1.5 hours actually riding. The setting around Mt. Úlfarsfell is big-sky and open, so even a short ride feels like a real break from the city. If weather is rough, the operator may reschedule, and they can cancel if a rider is unsafe or not following instructions.

Key highlights to care about

• Private guiding in English, with only your group at the stable and on the trail
• Icelandic horse specifics: tolt riding and smooth gaits suited to many riders
• Mt. Úlfarsfell views with plenty of chances to slow down and look around
• Tailored instruction, from mounting basics to pacing for experienced riders
• Grooming first, so you build a quick bond before you ride
• Light refreshments included after the ride, to top you off

Where this ride fits in your Reykjavík plan

This isn’t a long Iceland adventure day. It’s a focused, high-reward outing: meet at the stable area in Mosfellsbær (Akrar 2, 271 Mosfellsbær), ride for about an hour to an hour and a half, then you’re back where you started about 2 hours after you arrive.

That makes it a smart pick for a day when you want nature without committing to a full tour bus day. It also works well near the start or end of your trip, because Reykjavík is easy to anchor logistics around—and you’re not driving deep into the countryside.

For timing, plan for the entire session, not just the saddle time. If you’re the type who likes a buffer before dinner, this tour gives you that. And if you’re trying to fit Iceland into a tight schedule, the private format means you’re not waiting on other people to show up.

One more practical point: there’s a minimum age of 12, and riders need to be able to mount and dismount without stepping in the stirrup area incorrectly. If you’re bringing teens, this ride can still be a great match, but only if they’re comfortable with the physical basics.

Getting to Akrar 2: simple ways to arrive

The meeting point is at Icelandic Riding, Akrar 2, 271 Mosfellsbær. The operator says it’s near public transportation, and the best public option is bus no. 15 from downtown Reykjavík.

If you’re staying in Reykjavík proper, bus no. 15 is usually the kind of detail that saves your day. No stress, no last-minute taxi scramble. Still, because winter in Iceland can be windy and daylight can be short, I’d treat the ride like a timed activity: show up early so you have time to breathe, find the right spot, and settle before the horses.

Also note the reality of Iceland tourism: some farms aren’t perfectly labeled on every map app. One review mentioned needing extra connection between a taxi driver and the owner when getting to and from the property. If you’re arriving by car or taxi, it’s worth being ready with the meeting address and any confirmation details you receive.

At the stable: the part that makes Icelandic horses feel easy

The first stop is the stable, and this is where the tour earns its high satisfaction. You’re met by a guide and then you start with prep and training for riding—tailored for your experience level.

Here’s what I’d pay attention to: this isn’t just a hand-off to the saddle. Guides prepare you and the horses, then help you with the fundamentals such as:

• mounting and dismounting
• how to manage basic riding gaits
• what to do with your body and voice commands

One review described the guide as also the owner of the Icelandic horses, and she matched each rider to a horse that felt right for comfort. That matters because Icelandic horses can be incredibly smooth, but the best experience comes when you’re paired with the right temperament and training level.

Several reviews also mention grooming before the ride. That sounds simple, but it changes the whole feel of riding. You’re not just sitting on an animal—you’re learning a quick connection through calm handling. If you’ve ever wondered why Icelandic horses often get described as friendly and responsive, this is one reason.

The main ride: Mt. Úlfarsfell and the scenic rhythm

Once you’re ready, you head out and explore the area around Mt. Úlfarsfell. Total riding time varies a little based on skill, but you can expect about 1 to 1.5 hours in the saddle, with the overall tour around 2 hours.

The terrain around there is exactly what makes horse riding feel special in Iceland. You get long views over countryside, and the ride isn’t just about going from point A to point B. It’s about moving through a place that feels wide and open, with the kind of natural backdrop you can’t recreate on a city day.

In reviews, people mention riding along trails and nearby fields, including segments where the trail runs roughly parallel to roads. That can be a good thing. It often means the ride stays scenic without turning into a technical slog.

If you’re curious what the ride feels like in practice:

• You can expect guided pacing, with a chance to trot depending on rider comfort.
• Many rides include tolt, which is a distinctive four-beat gait often described as smooth.
• Some riders even got to push faster segments like galloping on suitable stretches when conditions and experience allowed.

If you’re new to horses, the guide should slow things down and focus on basics until you feel solid. If you’re experienced, you’ll likely appreciate that the guide can adjust speeds and riding tasks instead of treating everyone the same.

Icelandic riding technique: tolt, commands, and confidence

A big part of this experience is learning how Icelandic horse riding works in real life, not just in theory. You’ll likely talk about how the horse responds to voice and how proper riding technique keeps both of you comfortable.

One review highlighted that you can bond quickly by learning to get the horse listening to your voice. That sounds almost too “storybook” until you see how calm and responsive trained Icelandic horses can be. The guides emphasize connection and correct body position, which is what makes the ride feel confident instead of random.

The smoothness many people report comes from a combination of:

• Icelandic horse training
• guide control and instruction
• matching the horse to your level

So if you’ve ridden other breeds elsewhere, you’ll probably notice this is different. You won’t spend all your energy holding on. You’ll spend more energy paying attention to what the horse is doing—like when to shift your weight or how to let your legs and hands communicate clearly.

And if you want photos, plan for it. Several reviews mention the guide taking pictures during the ride so you’re not constantly stopping to fumble with a phone.

Guides, horse matching, and who they suit best

This is a private tour, and that changes everything about comfort. It’s only you and your group plus the guide. No waiting behind a line. No feeling rushed.

The guide quality shows up in the details that riders cared about most:

• matching you to a horse you can handle
• tailoring pace for first-timers vs experienced riders
• teaching mounting and dismounting so it feels normal
• keeping the ride smooth and safe

Guide names that came up include Jonina, Linnea, Lily, and Snjoprinsessa. You may not ride with the same person, but it’s a good sign that the guides include professional, horse-owning experts who clearly know how to teach.

Who this suits best:

• First-time riders who want a structured start and a guide-led pace
• Riders with some experience who want to ride Icelandic-specific gaits like tolt
• Families with a teen who can handle the physical demands (minimum age 12)

Who should rethink it:

• Anyone near the weight limit should double-check fit, because there’s an explicit limit of 110kg
• Anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable mounting/dismounting confidently
• People who want a long, adrenaline-only ride. This tour is scenic and instructional first, speed second

Price and value: why this private ride can be a bargain

The price is listed at $144.82 per person. On its face, that can sound like a lot until you compare it to what you get: a private guide, Icelandic horse training time with you, and a riding session focused on your skill level.

For me, the value comes from four things:

1. Private time: the guide isn’t splitting attention across a bigger group.
2. Icelandic horse education: you’re not just riding; you’re learning how the horse responds.
3. Smooth, guided riding: the tolt experience and responsive horses are a big part of why people rate this so highly.
4. Included light refreshments after the ride: small detail, but it turns the activity into a complete experience.

Also, booking demand seems strong. The activity is often booked about 70 days in advance on average, which hints that dates can fill up, especially in peak season. If Iceland is on your schedule, I’d secure your slot earlier rather than later.

What to wear (and what to leave at home)

This tour is outdoors, and Iceland can change fast. The info I’d take seriously:

• Wear comfortable riding shoes or good sneakers.
• Bring clothing that works for chilly, windy conditions.
• Service animals are allowed.

There are also Iceland-specific rules around equipment. The operator notes it’s forbidden by law to bring used horse or equestrian equipment into Iceland. That’s one of those details that can ruin a trip if you pack without thinking. If you have your own tack, leave it at home.

Finally, don’t ignore the physical rule: the tour says riders must be fit to mount and dismount the horse without stepping in the stirrup area incorrectly. If that’s a worry, choose footwear with good grip and avoid anything bulky that could slow you down.

Weather reality: when the best day still has flexibility

This is described as requiring good weather. Iceland doesn’t promise smooth skies, and the operator says that if the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s good news if you like structure. It also means you should pick a day you can flex. If you’re traveling with non-changeable plans later that evening, consider building in time.

Also, guides may cancel without refund if they feel it’s unsafe to take a guest for a riding tour or if a rider isn’t following instructions. That’s not a scare tactic—it’s safety. If you want a calm experience, listen closely and treat the briefing like part of the adventure, not a formality.

A quick checklist before you go

To help you get the most out of the ride, I’d prep like this:

• Confirm you meet minimum age 12 and under 110kg
• Wear grippy shoes you can walk in comfortably
• Plan to arrive early enough to handle cold-weather jitters
• Bring layers for wind and chill, since you’ll be outside at the stable and on the trail
• Keep your phone handy if you want to capture views, but let the guide take photos too

And mentally, come ready to learn. Even experienced riders can enjoy the Icelandic method because it’s its own style. The guide should tailor the pace, whether you want a gentle first-to-tolt progression or a faster ride with sure-footed horses over varied ground.

Should you book this private Icelandic horse ride?

Book it if you want a short, meaningful Iceland activity that pairs Icelandic horses, real riding technique, and classic country views around Mt. Úlfarsfell—without a big tour group feel. It’s especially worth it if you’re a first-time rider or you want a guide who can match the horse and pace to you.

Skip it if you’re looking for a long-distance, all-day ride with no instruction. Also skip if you’re near the 110kg limit or you know you’ll struggle with mounting and dismounting.

If your goal is a smooth, well-taught horse experience with memorable scenery and a guide who actually knows the horses well, this one is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the riding tour from Mosfellsbær?

The total experience is about 2 hours, including preparation at the stable. The time actually spent riding is usually around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your level.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group and the guide participate.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Where do I meet the guide?

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

What is the minimum age to ride?

The minimum age is 12 years.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. It’s not suitable for those weighting over 110kg.

What should I wear for the ride?

Comfortable riding shoes are recommended, or walking shoes and good sneakers.

Does the tour require good weather?

Yes, it requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.