1+ hour Private Horse riding tour from Reykjavík/Mosfellsbær

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and famous for the smooth tolt, a special gait that feels more like gliding than bouncing. This private ride near Mt. Úlfarsfell gives you time to learn that Icelandic way of riding, enjoy open countryside, and work with a guide who can adjust the pace to your ability.

I like the one-group-only format, since a first-time rider can get calm, close instruction while an experienced rider can ask for more speed. I also like the horse matching and grooming at the start. The guide learns your comfort level, chooses a suitable horse, and helps you build a connection before you leave the stable.

The main drawback is the short riding window. You spend about two hours at the stable, but actual riding lasts roughly one to one and a half hours. Weather can also change quickly, and the ride is not suitable for anyone over 110 kilograms or anyone unable to mount and dismount without assistance.

Key points to know before you book

• Private ride near Mt. Úlfarsfell: Only your group and guide take part, giving you more personal instruction than a large trail ride.
• Icelandic riding basics: You learn mounting, dismounting, simple commands, riding position, and the distinctive tolt.
• Good for beginners and riders: The pace is adjusted to your ability, with room for gentle instruction or faster riding where appropriate.
• Friendly, well-trained horses: Grooming comes before the ride, helping you meet your horse and settle in.
• About two hours total: Riding takes around one to one and a half hours, followed by light refreshments.
• Clear fitness limits: You must be at least 12, under 110 kilograms, and fit enough to mount and dismount independently.

Meeting Icelandic horses at the Mosfellsbær stable

You meet Icelandic Riding at Akrar 2 in Mosfellsbær, just outside Reykjavík. The ride begins at the stable, where your guide asks about your previous riding experience and chooses a horse that matches your size, confidence, and skill.

That personal matching is one of the strongest parts of the experience. A nervous beginner does not need the same horse as someone who already rides regularly, and the guide can make that choice before you get in the saddle. Previous rides have included first-time riders, experienced horse people, and children aged 12.

Before setting off, you groom the horse and learn how to communicate with it through your voice and basic handling. This is not just a quick safety speech followed by a line of horses. The early contact helps you understand the horse’s temperament and gives you a chance to get comfortable before mounting.

The horses are described as gentle, responsive, and well trained. That matters in Iceland, where the pleasure of the ride comes partly from feeling the horse’s sure footing over uneven ground and changing surfaces. You still need to follow instructions closely. If a rider cannot control the horse, cannot ride safely, or ignores the guide, the outing can be canceled without a refund.

Learning the Icelandic way to ride

Your guide helps with mounting and dismounting, then covers the basic riding position and commands. If you have never ridden before, you can expect the early part of the outing to focus on balance, steering, and feeling how the horse responds.

The guide adjusts the session to your ability rather than forcing everyone into the same routine. A new rider may stay at a gentle pace while learning the basics. A confident rider may have the chance to ride at different speeds and try the tolt, a smooth four-beat gait that is one of the special pleasures of an Icelandic horse.

The tolt is often the moment that makes this ride different from a standard trail outing. It is designed to feel comfortable and steady, though your experience will depend on your riding skill, the horse assigned to you, and the guide’s judgment. One experienced rider enjoyed the horses across varied ground, including faster riding, while beginners found the instruction easy to follow.

You should not arrive expecting a guaranteed gallop or a fast-paced riding lesson. The guide decides what is safe for the group and for each horse. That is a sensible tradeoff, especially when the same outing needs to work for both a first-time rider and someone with years in the saddle.

Riding toward Mt. Úlfarsfell

Once everyone is ready, you head out into the countryside around the stable. The route includes fields and a horse trail running parallel to the road, with views toward Mt. Úlfarsfell and the surrounding countryside. Depending on conditions and the route used that day, you might see a lake and a mix of open ground, hills, and roadside trail.

The scenery is a major reason to choose this ride. You are close enough to Reykjavík for an easy half-day activity, but the setting feels separate from the city. The broad views give you a better sense of Iceland’s open scale than you get from a quick stop at a viewpoint.

The route is also practical for instruction. You have space to practice basic control and, when suitable, try different gaits. Some riders have enjoyed the smooth tolt, while more experienced riders have been able to ride faster on open sections. For a beginner, simply steering a friendly horse through Icelandic countryside can be enough.

The setting is not a remote highland expedition. You are riding near a stable and alongside a road in the Mosfellsbær area. That makes the outing accessible and manageable, but it also means you should not book it expecting a full-day wilderness ride or dramatic mountain trek.

A private group changes the feel of the ride

A private booking is valuable here because the guide can give attention to your group alone. If one person needs extra help with mounting, steering, or confidence, the session does not have to move at the pace of a large mixed group.

It also works well for families. The minimum age is 12, and one family with a 12-year-old found the private format especially useful. The guide can keep the pace comfortable for a young rider while still making the experience interesting for adults.

A private ride can also suit experienced riders who want to ask for more from the horse. The guide can discuss the tolt, help with Icelandic riding technique, and decide whether a faster section is suitable. Do not assume that private means unrestricted. Safety, weather, horse welfare, and your actual ability still control the pace.

The guide may also take photographs during the ride. That is useful because you can concentrate on your horse instead of trying to manage a phone from the saddle. The availability and amount of photography can vary, so treat it as a helpful extra rather than the main reason to book.

Why the horse care matters

Icelandic horses are central to the experience, not just transport for a scenic ride. The guide explains their role in Icelandic culture and history, and the pre-ride grooming gives you direct contact before the trail begins.

The horse care also affects your comfort. A guide who knows each horse can make a better match and explain how that animal responds to voice and rein signals. You get a more personal introduction than you would from simply being placed on the first available horse.

The horses used here have been described as friendly and responsive. That does not remove the need for care. Horses are still large animals, and you must be able to follow instructions, mount independently, and remain attentive throughout the ride.

Bring comfortable riding shoes if you have them. Walking shoes or good sneakers are also recommended. Do not pack used riding boots, helmets, or other equestrian equipment from home, since Icelandic law prohibits bringing used horse equipment into the country. This protects local horses from diseases that imported gear could carry.

Time, price, and getting there

The price is about $144.82 per person. That is not a budget activity, but it includes a private guide, the horse, instruction, roughly one to one and a half hours of riding, and light refreshments after the ride.

I see the price as reasonable for a private session, especially if two or more people in your group want different levels of instruction. A large group ride may cost less, but you are less likely to receive such direct attention or have the pace adjusted closely to your needs.

Plan on about two hours from arrival to departure. The ride itself does not fill the entire period, since you need time to meet the guide, prepare the horse, mount safely, and settle in afterward. This makes it easy to combine with another Reykjavík-area activity on the same day.

The stable is at Akrar 2 in Mosfellsbær. Bus number 15 from downtown Reykjavík is described as the best public transport option. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you need to plan your return journey.

Some bookings have included help arranging a taxi from Reykjavík hotels, but you should confirm transport when booking rather than assume hotel pickup is included. The stable can sometimes be difficult to locate on map apps, so check directions carefully and allow time to get there.

The tour is commonly booked well ahead, with an average booking time of about 70 days. That makes advance planning sensible, especially if you are visiting during a busy season or need a particular date.

Weather, clothing, and physical demands

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and wind or cold can affect how pleasant the ride feels. The activity requires good weather, so a poor forecast may lead to a new date or a full refund. Keep your schedule flexible if this ride is important to you.

Wear warm layers that allow movement. Comfortable footwear matters more than fashion, since you need to mount, dismount, and remain secure in the stirrups. Bring clothing that can handle wind and possible damp conditions, but do not bring used horse gear from another country.

You need moderate physical fitness. Most important, you must be able to mount and dismount the horse without using a mounting stool. The weight limit is under 110 kilograms, and the minimum age is 12.

Service animals are allowed, and the stable is near public transportation. The provided information does not describe wheelchair access or adapted mounting arrangements, so anyone needing physical assistance should confirm suitability before booking.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This is a strong choice for a first-time rider who wants patient instruction and a smaller, more personal setting. The private format lets the guide build confidence step by step rather than placing you into a fixed group pace.

It also suits experienced riders who want to try the tolt and learn more about Icelandic riding technique. You may get the chance to ride at faster speeds, but that depends on your ability, the horse, the route, and the guide’s safety decision.

Families with children aged 12 and older can make good use of the private setup. Couples and small groups also benefit from being together rather than split among unrelated riders.

I would skip it if you want a long expedition, guaranteed galloping, or a full day in the mountains. I would also skip it if you cannot mount and dismount unaided, weigh 110 kilograms or more, or dislike making plans around uncertain weather.

Should you book Icelandic Riding?

Book this tour if you want a personal introduction to Icelandic horses without traveling far from Reykjavík. The best reasons are the private guide, careful horse matching, grooming before the ride, and the chance to learn the tolt in open countryside near Mt. Úlfarsfell.

The price makes the most sense for people who value instruction and personal attention. For a casual one-hour ride at the lowest possible cost, you may find cheaper options. For a small group that includes both beginners and capable riders, this flexible format offers better value.

Book early, confirm the meeting directions, wear proper shoes, and leave room in your schedule in case weather changes the date. If you meet the age, weight, and fitness requirements, this is a thoughtful way to add Icelandic horses and countryside riding to a Reykjavík stay.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The total visit takes around two hours. Actual riding lasts about one to one and a half hours, depending partly on your riding level.

Where does the tour start?

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

Is the tour private?

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

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Riders must weigh less than 110 kilograms.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The guide works with both beginners and riders who already have experience, adjusting the instruction and pace to your ability.

Can I try the tolt?

The tour teaches Icelandic riding basics, and you may have the chance to experience the tolt. The guide decides what is suitable for your ability and the conditions.

How can I get to the stable from Reykjavík?

Bus number 15 from downtown Reykjavík is described as the best option. You should confirm directions before leaving, since the stable may not always be easy to find on map apps.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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