A horse ride can be more than a trail walk. This one takes you toward Mt. Úlfarsfell with a private guide, plus hands-on horse handling before you go.

I love the mix of real instruction and scenery: you get riding basics tailored to your comfort, and you also learn how horses fit into Icelandic culture and history. One thing to plan around: it only runs when conditions are safe, and weight/fitness limits mean you should read the requirements carefully.

This tour is built for people who want control and comfort without losing the Iceland magic. I like that the ride timing stays tight (about 1 to 1.5 hours in the saddle within a roughly 2-hour total outing), and you finish with light refreshments after the horses come back in. The trade-off is that it is private, so the price is per person and can feel steep if you are traveling solo or on a tight budget.

Key Things I’d Prioritize

• Private guide, private experience: only your group with an English-speaking guide, so pacing stays flexible.
• Horse bonding starts at the stable: you prepare the horse first, then ride after a basic connection is formed.
• Mt. Úlfarsfell views: you’re riding in open countryside with wide sightlines over the area.
• Tölt and gait coaching: your guide adjusts what you practice based on whether you’re new or experienced.
• Light refreshments included: a small but nice finish after cold or windy weather.
• Weight and comfort limits: must be under 110 kg, and you need to mount/dismount on your own.

Why Mt. Úlfarsfell Changes the Whole Ride

Mt. Úlfarsfell sits close enough to Reykjavík to feel practical, but it still delivers that big Iceland feeling: big sky, open ground, and countryside you can actually see. If you’ve been doing mostly driving tours, this is the opposite pace. You move at horse speed, with frequent chances to look up and around.

The ride is also set up to be more than just “sit and go.” Your guide builds in cultural context too, talking about the role the horse has played in Icelandic culture and history. That matters because Icelandic horses are not treated like generic tour ponies here. They are central to the country’s working life and traditions, and that attitude shows in how the guide explains behavior and riding.

Inside the Stable: Grooming, Horse Matching, and Safety First

You meet at Akrar 2 in Mosfellsbær, then you start at the stable—not out on the trail. That’s a good sign. The first phase is about getting your horse ready and making sure you feel steady before you ever leave the yard.

Because it’s private, your guide can take the time to learn your level and match you with a horse that fits. In practice, that means you spend more time on comfort and communication than on rushing people through a one-size-fits-all route. You’ll also get help with mounting and dismounting, and your guide can go over the basics of riding gaits if you’re brand new.

A small detail that I think sets this tour apart: you get taught how to work with the horse as a partner, not just as a vehicle. One rider described bonding through grooming and listening to the horse’s cues—exactly the kind of grounding you want when you’re riding somewhere new.

What You Actually Do in the Saddle (and How Your Pace Gets Set)

Expect around 1 to 1.5 hours of riding, with the overall experience clocking in at about 2 hours from arrival to departure. The exact riding time shifts based on your level, which is helpful because it avoids the common “everyone rides for the same amount of time” problem.

Here’s what you can generally expect your guide to shape:

• For first-timers: you focus on how to mount, how to hold steady, and how gaits work so the horse stays calm under you.
• For experienced riders: you’ll likely get pushed to ride more actively—your guide can tailor speed and technique to your confidence.

The tour includes instruction on basic riding techniques such as mounting/dismounting and getting comfortable with riding gaits. That’s useful even if you’ve ridden before, because Icelandic horses move differently than some mainstream breeds. Several people specifically mention the smoothness of the ride and the joy of gait variety.

In good conditions, you might experience faster movements like a trot, and you may get to practice the Icelandic tolt. One review also mentioned galloping up hill sides and riding through streams—but treat that as weather and horse-dependent. The core promise is coaching plus a ride that fits your ability.

The Cultural Lesson: Why the Guide’s Story Matters

This isn’t just a nature break with animals. Part of the point is that your guide teaches the role the horse plays in Icelandic culture and history. That sounds like a museum topic, but on horseback it lands differently: you learn while moving through the kind of terrain Icelandic horses were built to handle.

You’ll also get practical guidance on how to communicate with the horse. People describe bonding and getting the horse to respond to voice and cues. In other words, you’re learning a bit of how Icelandic riding culture thinks, not just how to sit correctly.

If you like travel experiences where you learn something real and then immediately use it, this component is a strong reason to book. Even if you only catch part of the cultural explanation, you’ll still feel the difference in the way the guide handles the horses and teaches control.

Views, Gaits, and What You’ll See Around Mosfellsbær

The highlight is the sweeping view potential around Mt. Úlfarsfell and the surrounding countryside. You’re not stuck staring at a single trail; the ride is designed to give open sightlines when the weather cooperates.

Your guide tailors the experience so your ride feels right. That can mean slower and calmer routes for newer riders, or more dynamic riding for confident guests. People mention smooth tolt, gentle well-trained horses, and guides who take photos without turning the ride into a photo session every ten minutes.

One thing to keep your expectations realistic: Iceland weather can be fast-changing. If it turns windy or cold, you might not spend extra time standing still for photos, but you can still get those big “I’m really in Iceland” views while you move.

The Ride Ends Well: Refreshments and Back to the Stable

At the end, you return to the stable and finish back at the meeting point. The tour also includes light refreshments after your ride. It’s a small add-on, but it’s the kind you appreciate when your cheeks are a little frozen and your hands are still wrapped around a steering grip you didn’t know you’d need.

Some guests note that their guide took pictures during the ride. That’s useful because you can enjoy the moment instead of doing the classic half-riding, half-filming routine.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For

At $144.82 per person, this is not a bargain bin horse tour. But it can still feel like good value depending on what you care about.

Here’s why the price can make sense:

• Private format: you’re paying for a guide’s time just for your group, which usually means better matching and better pacing.
• Instruction included: the ride isn’t only “go have fun.” You get coaching for mounting, dismounting, and gaits.
• Horse handling at the start: grooming and preparation are part of the experience, not an afterthought.
• Cultural context: learning the horse’s role in Iceland adds depth to what could have been a quick scenic ride.
• Light refreshments: included, so you’re not scrambling for a snack right after.

If you’re traveling as a couple and you want a more personal experience than crowded group rides, private pricing is often the sweet spot. If you’re solo, the cost will sting more, so I’d treat it as a “pick one unforgettable activity” expense.

Also, this tour is commonly booked about 70 days in advance on average, so plan ahead if your dates are fixed.

Getting There From Reykjavík (and What to Wear)

The tour lists Mosfellsbær as the location, at Akrar 2. The best public option noted is taking bus no 15 from downtown Reykjavík. That makes this more doable than tours that assume you have a car or a private taxi waiting.

Wear comfortable shoes. The tour specifically recommends comfortable riding shoes, or walking shoes/good sneakers. Iceland can be slippery, so choose footwear that grips and feels stable.

Bring what you can handle in wind and cold. The tour is described as requiring moderate physical fitness, so think about how you’ll feel walking short distances, mounting, and dismounting without rushing.

Packing Notes You Shouldn’t Ignore

Two packing reminders matter for Iceland specifically:

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

If you’re arriving with old boots or tack from another country, check your situation early. Iceland’s rules here are strict, and you don’t want a last-minute problem ruining the day.

Who This Tour Suits (and the Limits That Matter)

This is a private ride, and that only works well if you fit the practical requirements.

Best fit:

• You’re 12 or older.
• You have moderate physical fitness.
• You can mount and dismount without needing help stepping up.
• You want coaching, not just a scenic walk.

Important limits:

• Not suitable if you weigh over 110 kg.
• If the guide feels a guest isn’t safe to take on the ride, the tour might be cancelled without refund. So listen to instructions and be ready for a calm, cooperative session.

This is also described as near public transportation, and service animals are allowed.

Weather Reality Check in Iceland

This activity requires good weather. Iceland weather is famous for turning the page quickly, and the operator notes that if the tour is cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

So my advice is simple: if your plan includes this, keep a little flexibility in your schedule. If your dates are rigid, consider booking early and being ready to shift.

Should You Book This Horse Ride From Reykjavík?

I’d book this if you want the classic Icelandic horse experience with real coaching and a tight time window. The private setup makes it easier to match horses to your comfort level, and the Mt. Úlfarsfell views are the kind of payback you feel even after a short ride.

Skip it or think twice if:

• You’re over the 110 kg limit.
• You’re not confident about mounting/dismounting on your own.
• You prefer long, leisurely multi-hour rides rather than a focused 2-hour outing.
• Your schedule cannot bend if weather forces a change.

If you’re a first-timer, this is one of those rare options where instruction is part of the fun. If you’re an experienced rider, it still offers value because Icelandic horses and gaits can teach you new control skills fast.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

It lasts about 2 hours total, with around 1 to 1.5 hours of riding time depending on your riding level.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, meaning only your group participates with your guide.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $144.82 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 12 years.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. It is not suitable for riders weighing over 110 kg.

Where do I meet the guide?

The meeting point is Icelandic riding, Akrar 2, 271 Mosfellsbær, Iceland, and the tour ends back at the same place.

How do I get there from Reykjavík by public transport?

The tour notes that the best way is to take bus no 15 from downtown Reykjavík.

What should I wear?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.