That walk from the city to a horse tack-up is magic. A private ride to Lake Hafravatn lets you swap crowds for calm views and hands-on Icelandic horse time. I especially love the true privacy (just your group and a guide) and how the training is tailored for your level. One thing to consider: there’s a 105 kg weight limit, and horse/dog/grass allergies aren’t a great fit.

This tour also runs on a simple, friendly rhythm: meet at the farm, get ready together, ride out for roughly 2–2.5 hours, then return in about 3 hours total. If you want a beginner-friendly day that still feels like a real adventure (not a slow photo stop), this is a strong choice.

Key highlights you will feel from the start

• Private group riding so your pace and comfort actually matter
• Beginner-friendly coaching with help for mounting, dismounting, and basic gaits
• Icelandic horse specialties like tölt, plus the chance to try different gaits
• Lake Hafravatn scenery with nearby mountains and fields on the route
• Well-cared-for horses you can tell are treated like family (and often affectionate)
• Guides who tailor the ride and may even swap horses mid-ride to fit you better

Why Lake Hafravatn on horseback beats another Reykjavik day

Reykjavik can be fun, but it is also easy to feel like you are just driving from one highlight to the next. This is different. You start at a stable, learn how to ride the Icelandic way, and then you move through open scenery where the day slows down.

The biggest payoff is the mix of personal attention and real riding time. You are not rushing between stops or waiting for a big group to catch up. The private format is especially valuable if you’re a first-timer. You’ll get help with basic technique, plus practical guidance that builds confidence fast.

You also get that uniquely Icelandic horse experience. Icelandic horses are known for smooth gaits, and you may get the chance to try tölt, which is often taught as a smoother, more comfortable alternative to a trot. Even if you’re not chasing speed, learning the feel of an Icelandic gait is a memorable part of the day.

Getting to Akrar 1 (and why Mosfellsbær is easier than it looks)

Your meeting point is Akrar 1, 271 Mosfellsbær, Iceland, and the activity ends back there. Total time on the ground is about 3 hours, with around 2–2.5 hours of actual riding.

If you’re staying in Reykjavik, the easiest route is public bus: take bus no 15 from Reykjavik to the farm area. That matters because horse tours can be a logistical headache if you don’t rent a car. Here, you have a straightforward public option.

A practical note: plan to arrive a bit early. You’re not just showing up to ride. You’ll be preparing the horse, getting fitted for the ride, and going over instructions before you head out. That takes a little time, and it’s part of what makes the experience feel real.

At the stable: prep time, horse matching, and first steps in the saddle

The day begins at the stable. One guide meets you there and gets you ready for the ride. For a lot of riders, this is where the anxiety disappears. You’re with the horses right away, and the guide’s job is to make sure you’re comfortable and in control.

Expect a prep routine that typically includes:

• meeting the horses
• getting them ready for the tack-up
• learning basic handling and riding basics before you leave

One of the most praised parts of this experience is how guides adapt the ride for you. The horses are paired with riders thoughtfully, and there’s even mention of swapping horses part way through when it becomes clear a different horse is a better match. That’s not a small thing. A comfortable horse makes learning easier, and it makes the whole day better.

If you’re new, you’ll likely start with an enclosed area to get your bearings. Many riders describe a short familiarization period before hitting the trails, so you can learn the feel of steering, gait transitions, and what to do with your hands and posture.

The 2 to 2.5 hour ride: lake Hafravatn views, fields, and mountain air

Once you head out, the route is designed to be scenic without feeling like a slow crawl. You’ll explore the area around Lake Hafravatn, plus nearby mountains and fields. The exact terrain and pace can shift with your riding level, but the core idea stays the same: get you out into open nature where photos actually look like you stepped into Iceland.

For beginners, this often means a calm progression: you’ll build confidence while you learn basic riding gaits. For more experienced riders, you can get a more active ride. In fact, some riders mention trying faster gaits like cantering, which tells you the guides are watching your skill level and not just playing it safe for everyone.

This is also where the Icelandic horse difference shows up. Riders often talk about tölt, and guides focus on teaching you how to ride comfortably at those smoother gaits. If your idea of horse riding is mostly bouncing at a trot, you’ll probably be surprised how different tölt feels once you’re in it.

A small reality check: you might leave a little tired. One review described the day as leaving you tired, dusty, and sore in the best way. Horse riding works your legs and balance, even when the horse is well trained.

Your guide makes the ride: personable coaching and real Icelandic talk

In a private tour, the guide’s personality matters more, because there’s no hiding behind the group. Here, guides are described as personable, helpful, and genuinely interested in you getting what you want out of the ride.

The names that show up in riders’ feedback include Jonina, Anastasia, and Linnea (also mentioned as Linni). Across these different guides, the common theme is tailoring: they match horses to your preferences and adjust the speed, challenge, and terrain.

That tailoring shows up in small moments:

• help with mounting and dismounting
• guidance on how to communicate with the horse
• pacing that fits your comfort level
• extra time for questions, including Icelandic horse and local landscape history

If you care about understanding where you are, you’re in luck. Riders mention the guides sharing history and context about the area, and that turns the ride from just scenery into a story you carry home.

Safety and comfort rules you should take seriously

This is a great beginner option, but it is still horseback riding, and the farm has clear boundaries for comfort and safety.

Key rules from the tour info:

• You must be able to mount and dismount without a step stool.
• You must weigh less than 105 kg.
• The ride isn’t recommended if you have allergies for horses, dogs, or grass.
• If you aren’t following instructions, aren’t capable of riding, or the guides feel insecure about taking you, the tour might be cancelled without a refund.

That last point is blunt, but it is there for a reason. Icelandic horses can be calm, yet they’re still horses. The guides are responsible for your safety and theirs, and that means they have to act if something feels off.

Also, dress for Icelandic weather. Warm layers matter more than style. Comfortable riding shoes (or good sneakers) are recommended.

Horses and care: what to look for during the tack-up

One reason people rave about this tour is the way the horses are treated. Multiple riders comment on how well cared for the horses are. You can pick up on it fast: the horses look healthy, and they often behave like they’re used to people and calm routines.

Many riders also note that the horses are affectionate. That doesn’t mean they’re chaotic. It usually means they’re settled, trained, and handled with routine care.

You might also see a little extra hospitality around the experience. Some riders describe helping with horse grooming and then enjoying snacks afterward, which turns the day into more than just a transportation service.

Price and value: is $210.26 per person worth it?

At $210.26 per person, it’s not a budget activity. You’re paying for a few things at once:

• private instruction instead of sharing time with a large group
• a guide who tailors pace, gait work, and challenge to you
• meaningful riding time (2–2.5 hours on horseback)
• access to Icelandic horses and their smoother gaits

If you were booking a basic group trek, you’d likely get less coaching per rider and more “wait your turn” riding. Here, your guide is focused on your group, which often matters most when you’re a beginner or when you want specific gaits like tölt.

For couples or small groups, private can feel like the sweet spot: the price is higher, but you get a more customized day that doesn’t feel rushed.

Who should book this private ride (and who should skip it)

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a beginner-friendly Icelandic horse experience
• a private ride that avoids big-group energy
• instruction that helps you learn mounting, dismounting, and basic gaits
• time outside Reykjavik with views around Lake Hafravatn

It’s also a good choice for experienced riders who want to try Icelandic gaits and move at a guided pace. One of the reviews even mentioned a more fast-paced ride style from experienced riders’ perspective, which suggests the guides can handle mixed experience levels.

Skip it if:

• you’re over 105 kg
• you have horse/dog/grass allergies
• you can’t mount or dismount without a step stool
• you need a fully risk-free, fully hands-off experience (this is still an active riding activity)

Quick packing checklist (so you don’t lose time at the farm)

Don’t overthink it, but do prepare. The farm asks you to:

• dress according to the weather
• wear comfortable riding shoes or good sneakers
• remember that any unwashed riding gear is not allowed to be brought into Iceland from abroad

That last point is easy to miss, and it can cause problems at the border. If you’ve got riding boots or gear you’ve used elsewhere, plan to clean it before travel, or rent what you need locally.

Also, consider bringing gloves and extra layers if the weather turns. Iceland can change fast, and your riding comfort depends on staying warm and dry.

Should you book this private ride to Lake Hafravatn?

Book this if you want a calm, personalized day on Icelandic horses, with real coaching and scenery that feels like a break from Reykjavik. The private format is the headline, and the most consistent praise is how guides match horses and adjust the ride so you feel safe and confident.

Don’t book it if you fall into the clear restrictions: over the 105 kg weight limit, allergy issues, or difficulty mounting/dismounting without a step stool. Also keep in mind the tour could be cancelled without refund if the guides don’t feel it’s safe.

One last practical nudge: if the forecast looks iffy, dress for it anyway. You’re outside for a few hours, and riding comfort makes the difference between a good day and a great one. And yes, you do have free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which gives you room to time the weather.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding portion?

The riding time is typically around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on your riding level.

What is the total time from start to finish?

From arrival to departure, plan on about 3 hours total.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group rides with the guide.

Where is the meeting point?

The tour meets at Akrar 1, 271 Mosfellsbær, Iceland, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How do I get there from Reykjavik?

The easiest public transport option provided is bus no 15 from Reykjavik to the farm.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Passengers weighing over 105 kg cannot take part due to the comfort of the horses.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are allowed.

What if I’m a beginner?

Guides tailor the tour to your needs, including help with mounting/dismounting and learning basic riding gaits, and it’s described as good for beginners.