You can feel the Icelandic horse culture up close. This private ride from Reykjavík/Mosfellsbær takes you onto Mt. Úlfarsfell with a guide who adjusts the pace to your riding level. You get time in the stable first, then real trail time with big views over the countryside.

Two things I really like are how smoothly the ride fits beginners and how much care you see before you ever mount. Guides match riders with the right horse, then start with grooming and simple coaching so you and the horse connect fast. Many rides include the tölt, Iceland’s signature four-beat gait, which riders often describe as unusually smooth.

One consideration: this isn’t for everyone. The tour requires moderate fitness, a minimum age of 12, and a weight limit of 110kg, plus you must be able to mount and dismount safely. Weather also matters, and your tour can be adjusted or canceled if conditions aren’t right.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Private guide + small group: It’s just your group and the guide, so your time stays focused.
• Stable time before riding: You’ll prepare the horses and practice basics like mounting, dismounting, and riding gaits.
• Tölt and more, depending on level: Expect smooth, Icelandic gaits, and faster speeds for experienced riders.
• Mt. Úlfarsfell views: Trail riding gives wide open countryside scenery around Mosfellsbær.
• Learning the horse’s role in Iceland: You’ll hear how these horses shaped daily life and culture.
• Included light refreshments: You finish with a little something to steady you after the ride.

A private Icelandic horse ride that starts in the stable

This is a Reykjavik-area horseback experience built around one simple idea: you do the horse stuff first, so the ride feels calmer for everyone. You meet at Icelandic Riding in Mosfellsbær (Akrar 2), then you’re guided through preparing the horse for your ride.

The tone here is practical. You’re not just handed reins and told to hang on. The guide explains what’s happening, helps you get comfortable, and then tailors the ride to your skill level. That’s a big reason this tour is consistently rated so high.

And yes, these are Icelandic horses, not random mounts. Their training and temperament are a core part of the experience, which is why riders often talk about how responsive and friendly the horses feel.

Meeting at Akrar 2 and how to plan your timing

The full experience clocks in at around 2 hours from arrival to departure. Actual riding time is about 1 to 1.5 hours, and it can flex based on how confident you are in the saddle.

Since you’re at a stable, show up with enough time to settle in and get ready. Icelandic outdoor logistics are simple, but cold weather and uneven ground mean you’ll want a clear window to get your boots on, find your gear, and listen for instructions.

Getting there is straightforward from Reykjavík. The best option noted is bus no. 15 from downtown Reykjavík. If you’re staying close to central Reykjavík, bus travel is usually easier than trying to line up a taxi for a short slot—especially if your ride time is midday or afternoon.

What you do before you ride: grooming, bonding, and basics

The tour starts the right way: you’ll be matched with a horse and guided through prepping it. A recurring theme from riders is that the guides take time to help you build a connection quickly—often through grooming and listening cues.

If you’re a first-timer, this pre-ride coaching matters. You’ll get help with mounting and dismounting, plus the basics of steering and riding gaits. If you have prior experience, you’ll still get structure: the guide can adjust speed and technique so the ride feels “right” for your body and your horse.

One rider detail that stood out: guides may talk to you, then choose horses that suit your comfort level. Another rider shared that their guide was also the owner, and they were able to match horses confidently and keep the ride smooth. Names that have shown up for guides in past rides include Snjoprinsessa, Lily, Jonina, and Linnea.

Riding Mt. Úlfarsfell: the scenery is the payoff, but the gait is the trick

Once you head out, you’re exploring the area around Mt. Úlfarsfell with a guide. This is where the “Reykjavík but not crowded” feeling shows up. You ride along trails and out across the countryside with wide views, and the pace is designed to let you actually look around.

Expect different riding styles based on level. Many riders describe gentle, steady trails plus the Icelandic tölt as a highlight. Riders with more experience have also mentioned faster movement—like galloping on terrain that suits it—along with going up hills and through areas near streams.

What makes this work for real people (not just experienced riders) is horse sure-footing and training. Icelandic horses are known for being steady on varied ground, and guides seem to select routes and speeds to keep you confident. That’s why so many first-time riders say they felt comfortable quickly.

Also, the guide typically takes photos along the way. That’s not just nice—it solves a real travel problem. You can concentrate on balance and safety while someone else handles the camera and tells you when to look up.

The Icelandic horse connection: culture lessons in plain language

This ride doesn’t treat the horse like a prop. Guides explain the horse’s role in Icelandic culture and history, and they connect that role to what you’re doing right now in the saddle.

You’ll likely hear practical points tied to how people relied on these animals over time. More importantly, you’ll learn the basics of how riding works in the Icelandic style—how you communicate with your horse using voice and position, and how the horse responds when you do it right.

Some riders describe learning to bond so the horse listens to your voice. Even if you don’t come away with a head full of facts, you’ll come away with something more useful: a calmer ride. When you understand how to “talk” to the horse, you stop fighting the movement and start riding it.

Refreshments and photos: small extras that make the end feel complete

After the ride, you get light refreshments included. It’s a simple touch, but it helps you transition from cold air and saddle muscle back to normal life mode.

Photos are another recurring highlight. The guide helps capture the moment at the right times, so you don’t need to break concentration to pull out a phone in windy conditions. If you’re traveling with family, these photos also make it easier to remember what your day looked like—especially when the countryside views change fast as you ride.

This is also the point where a good guide gives you direction for the rest of your day. In past experiences, riders noted that guides recommended other things to do in Iceland, which can be a lifesaver when you’re building a flexible itinerary.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $144.82 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. But it can still feel fair because you’re paying for a private guide and a custom ride.

Think about what’s included:

• A private experience (no mixing with strangers)
• Training and horses cared for by the people running the stable
• Coaching tailored to first-timers and experienced riders
• Included light refreshments
• Admission ticket included in the price

If you’ve ever booked a larger group horse ride in Iceland, you know the trade-off: you spend more time waiting and less time riding. Here, the setup time is part of the experience, and the guide’s attention stays on your group. For a family, a couple, or riders who want a smoother, more personal experience, that matters.

Also check if group discounts apply to your booking. The tour description notes group discounts, and that can improve value fast if you’re traveling with more than one rider.

Who this private ride fits best

This works well for:

• First-time riders who want help with mounting, dismounting, and basic control
• Experienced riders who want faster gait options on safe, sure-footed horses
• Families with riders age 12 and up
• Travelers who prefer nature time without a big crowd

If you’re the type who likes authenticity, you’ll probably like the stable-to-trail structure. It’s not just a scenic stroll on horseback. You learn how to work with the horse and why the Icelandic riding approach matters.

Winter days can also be part of the experience. One rider described a winter ride on a windy/chilly day and still rated it as a highlight. So if you’re visiting in colder months, plan to dress for real weather and listen to your guide.

Practical limits and safety notes you should take seriously

Read these before you book, because they affect whether the ride will feel good or stressful.

• Minimum age is 12 years.
• Riders must weigh less than 110kg.
• You should have a moderate physical fitness level and be able to mount and dismount safely (you shouldn’t rely on stepping stool help).
• Service animals are allowed.
• Comfortable footwear is recommended—think riding boots or sturdy walking shoes.

There’s also an important equipment note. The tour info says it’s forbidden by law to bring used horse/equestrian equipment into Iceland, and riding gear that cannot be washed can’t be taken to Iceland. If you packed old tack or secondhand equestrian items, you’ll want to double-check before arrival.

Safety is handled by the guides. If a rider isn’t following instructions or guides feel insecure taking a guest on the ride, the tour might be canceled without a refund. That’s not meant to scare you; it’s meant to keep everyone safe in real conditions.

Should you book this private ride on Mt. Úlfarsfell?

If you want a true Icelandic horse experience in the Reykjavík area, I think it’s an easy yes—especially if you value private attention, smooth riding, and learning how to connect with the horse. The combination of stable prep, tailored coaching, and included refreshments makes the full 2-hour block feel purposeful, not rushed.

I’d only hesitate if you’re over the weight limit, not comfortable mounting and dismounting, or you know you won’t do well with outdoor weather. Also, if you’re hoping for a long riding-only excursion, remember most of your time here is preparation plus about 1 to 1.5 hours of riding.

If you match the basics—age, weight, fitness, and comfort with instructions—this is the kind of trip that stays with you. And when the tölt clicks, you’ll understand why this Icelandic horse thing is such a big deal.

FAQ

How long is the ride, and how long will I be out?

Total time from arrival to departure is around 2 hours. Expect about 1 to 1.5 hours of riding time, depending on your riding level.

Where does the tour start?

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

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s described as a private tour/activity, with only your group and the guide participating.

Is it okay if I’m a beginner?

The tour is designed to be tailored for both novice and experienced riders. Guides can help with mounting, dismounting, and the basics of riding gaits so you build confidence.

What are the age and weight limits?

Minimum age is 12 years. Riders must be under 110kg, and the tour is noted as not suitable for those weighting over 110kg.

What if the weather is bad?

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

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