Horseback near Reykjavík beats the usual city tour. This private ride takes you on Icelandic horses around Mt. Úlfarsfell with a guide who matches pace to your level, and I like the careful start at the stable plus the chance to learn the Icelandic way of riding. The big catch is that it is not suitable over 110kg, and it depends on good weather.

Your total time is about 2 hours, with roughly 1 to 1.5 hours in the saddle. You also get light refreshments after the ride, plus an English-speaking guide and a tour format that keeps things personal since it is just your group.

Key points you will care about

• Private, tailored ride: your guide adjusts the mounting, dismounting, and gait work to your comfort level.
• Mt. Úlfarsfell views: expect big countryside scenery close to Reykjavík.
• Icelandic horse technique: you may experience the smooth tolt and other Icelandic riding gaits depending on level.
• Sure-footed trail riding: the horses are known for handling uneven terrain with confidence.
• Light refreshments included: a small but welcome finish back at the stable.

Mt. Úlfarsfell is a smart choice for a short private ride

If you want a horseback experience near Reykjavík, Mt. Úlfarsfell is a great target. You do not spend hours in transit. You also get that Iceland feeling fast: open space, changing weather, and views that make the ride feel like more than a quick activity.

This tour is built around a simple idea: a calm, guided start, then time outside, then a clean return. Because the ride duration is flexible (about 1 to 1.5 hours riding time), it is easier to fit into a day with other plans than longer multi-hour excursions.

If you are traveling with a mix of experience levels, the private format matters. You are not stuck with a one-size-fits-all group pace, and the guide can shift the plan to keep you safe and confident.

Meeting at Akrar 2 (and how to actually find it)

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

For getting there, the tour info points you to public transit: take bus 15 from downtown Reykjavík. That is useful if you do not want to rely on a taxi for a relatively short outing.

One practical note: the farm location can be a little tricky on mapping apps. I recommend you check the pin early and have a backup plan for directions so you are not rushing in cold wind. If you are arriving by bus, give yourself a little buffer time to walk from the stop to the stable.

What happens at the stable before you ride

The tour starts at the stable. This is not a quick meet-and-go. You will be met by a guide, and the preparation is part of the experience.

Here is what you can expect at the start:

• You and your group get introduced and the guide looks at your riding experience.
• You prepare the horse for the ride.
• In many cases, you also get a short bonding step like grooming, which helps you communicate with the horse before you ever move out.

That prep time matters more than it sounds. Icelandic horses respond well to voice and steady cues, but you still want a calm first connection. This stable start is one reason people love this tour for both first-timers and experienced riders.

Also pay attention to the basics before you mount. The tour information is clear that riders should be fit to mount and dismount safely. If that sounds like it might be hard for you, do not assume a quick workaround will be possible. The guide needs to feel you can handle the steps securely.

Who can ride, and who should skip it

This tour sets clear limits:

• Minimum age: 12
• Physical fitness: moderate level is expected
• Weight limit: not suitable for riders over 110kg
• If a rider is not following instructions, is not capable of riding, or if the guides feel insecure about taking someone, the tour might be cancelled without refund

That last line is important. Horse riding is not just about desire. It is about safe control, and the guides will prioritize that. If you are unsure, it is better to ask questions before you show up rather than try to power through.

The ride itself: tailored gaits, tolt practice, and real time outdoors

After the stable prep, you head out to explore the area around Mt. Úlfarsfell. Total riding time varies a little by riding level, usually around 1 to 1.5 hours. That flexibility is a feature, not a distraction.

If you are new to horseback riding

The guide will tailor the session to your needs. Expect instruction that covers:

• mounting and dismounting basics
• how to work with the reins and body position
• starting out with simpler riding gaits and building confidence step-by-step

A private guide helps here because you can move at a pace that feels safe. You are not getting left behind or rushed by a larger group.

If you already have riding experience

Experienced riders tend to appreciate the horse’s steady footing and the chance to ride at varying speeds. Depending on conditions and comfort, you may be able to enjoy Icelandic riding gaits like the tölt (the smooth, unique four-beat rhythm Icelandic horses are known for).

In past rides, people also described trots and faster movement on hillsides, even through areas with water. You should still treat speed as a comfort decision. Your guide will adjust based on how you ride and how the horse handles the moment.

Why the Icelandic horse style changes the whole experience

This is not just any trail ride. Icelandic horse riding has its own feel. You often get smoother movement than you might expect from other horse breeds, especially when the horse is moving into tolt properly.

You may also learn how to communicate with the horse the Icelandic way, using gentle cues and voice. That is one of the most valuable parts for first-timers because it turns the ride from passive sitting into active partnership.

Views, photos, and the small extras that make it feel worth it

Once you are moving, you get the thing that makes this tour memorable: open views toward Mt. Úlfarsfell and the surrounding countryside.

You are not stuck watching the same corner of trail. The idea is to explore the area close to the stable and give you scenery that feels wide and Icelandic. On clear days, it is the kind of view that makes you forget you are near Reykjavík.

Photos are another detail people appreciate. Guides often take pictures throughout the ride, so you can keep your focus on balance and safety instead of constantly trying to manage a phone in cold hands.

And then you finish with included light refreshments back at the stable. It is a small line in the description, but it matters in Iceland. After cold air and motion, having something waiting for you helps the outing feel complete instead of rushed.

Price and value: is $144.82 per person a fair deal?

At $144.82 per person, this is not the cheapest activity near Reykjavík. But you should judge value by what you actually get.

You are paying for:

• a private tour format (your group only)
• an English-speaking guide
• time with an Icelandic horse you are matched to for comfort
• instruction that adapts for both novices and experienced riders
• light refreshments included

A private guide is the big value driver. If you were booking a larger group, you might get a lower price, but you would likely lose the tailored pace and the time for early connection like grooming and practice. For many people, that personal coaching is the difference between a short novelty ride and a genuinely enjoyable experience.

Also consider timing. The tour is about 2 hours total, so you can fit it without burning half a day. That efficiency matters if you are balancing waterfall stops, city time, and weather shifts.

What to wear: the winter-cold details that keep you comfortable

Horse riding in Iceland can be chilly fast, especially near Reykjavík where winds can cut. Dress for cold, not fashion.

Based on the tour info, you should plan for:

• comfortable riding shoes or walking shoes with good grip
• layers that you can adjust as you warm up during the ride

Also check your gear rules before you pack:

• Riding gear that cannot be washed cannot be taken to Iceland.
• It is forbidden by law to bring used horse/equestrian equipment into Iceland.

That second point surprises people. If you are thinking about using your own tack or bringing anything used from home, verify what you are allowed to transport and clean. When in doubt, keep it simple and plan to use only clean, approved items.

How to judge if this is the right tour for your trip

This tour fits best if you want an Icelandic horse experience with real instruction and you like the idea of a private setup close to Reykjavík.

It is especially good for:

• first-timers who want calm coaching and a confident start
• riders who have some experience and want smooth Icelandic gaits like tolt
• families with a child old enough to ride safely (minimum age is 12)

It might be a frustrating choice if:

• you are over the 110kg limit
• you do not feel comfortable mounting and dismounting safely
• you are tight on weather tolerance, since good weather is required for the ride to run

Should you book this private ride?

I would book it if you want a short, high-quality horseback experience that feels Icelandic, not generic. The combination of private coaching, the chance to ride Icelandic horses properly (including tolt depending on your level), and the included refreshments is a strong value mix for the price.

I would think twice if your main goal is just to see horses quickly without instruction, or if weight/fitness limits are a concern. Also, if you are only scheduling one outdoor activity that can fail in wind or rain, give yourself backup options. This is a good ride, but it is still outdoors.

If your dates are flexible and you are ready for a guided learning session plus real views around Mt. Úlfarsfell, this is the kind of tour that can genuinely become a trip highlight.

FAQ

How long is the tour, and how much time do I ride?

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

Is this tour private, and is it offered in English?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, with only your group participating, and it is offered in English.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Icelandic riding, Akrar 2, 271 Mosfellsbær, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How do I get there from downtown Reykjavík?

The best way listed is bus 15 from downtown Reykjavík.

What are the minimum age and weight limits?

The minimum age is 12 years. The tour is not suitable for riders over 110kg.

Do I need prior riding experience?

No. The guide tailors the tour to your individual needs, whether you are a novice or have some experience.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable riding shoes or walking shoes/good sneakers. Also note that riding gear that cannot be washed cannot be taken to Iceland, and used horse/equestrian equipment is forbidden by law.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Free cancellation is available, and the cutoff is based on local time.