Horseback views near Reykjavík feel real.

This private ride to Mt. Úlfarsfell blends hands-on coaching with Icelandic horse culture and history, so it is more than just following a trail. I like the private, tailored pacing for first-timers and experienced riders alike, with guides matching horses to your comfort level. One thing to consider up front: the tour has limits, including a rider weight cap of 110kg and expectations that you can mount and dismount safely.

I also love the small, practical moments before you ride. You start in the stable, get ready together, and many guides build a connection by grooming the horse so you can feel what Icelandic riding is about. Expect light refreshments after, plus plenty of scenic time over the countryside.

Key things to know before you go

• Private guide, private group. Only you and your party ride, so you get real coaching instead of crowd control.
• Mt. Úlfarsfell views on horseback. You are not just riding near town, you are out with wide open countryside.
• Grooming and bonding first. You learn how to connect with the horse before you move out.
• Icelandic riding skills, tailored to you. The guide adjusts mounting, gaits, and speed to match your level.
• Sure-footed horses for mixed terrain. People describe smooth rides across fields, trails, hills, and even water crossings.
• Photos plus light refreshments after. You can relax and enjoy, with a little payoff at the end.

Why Mt. Úlfarsfell makes this private horse ride feel Icelandic

This tour is set up to show you a side of Iceland that is close to Reykjavík but still feels wild. You head out from the stables near Mosfellsbær and ride around the slopes and trails connected to Mt. Úlfarsfell, where the views open up quickly.

What makes it feel special is that the experience is designed around the horse, not around checking boxes. You get coaching that fits your skill level, plus cultural context about why Icelandic horses are part of everyday life and history. You will likely come away understanding the animal in a more personal way than you would from a quick petting moment.

What the 2-hour plan actually feels like on the ground

The total outing runs about 2 hours from arrival to back at the meeting point. The actual riding time is usually 1 to 1.5 hours, and the guide adjusts the route based on your comfort and the day’s conditions.

Because it is private, the flow is smoother. You arrive, meet your guide at the stable, get the horse ready, then head out at a pace that makes sense for your body and experience. That extra time in the stable matters, too, because you learn the basics of mounting, dismounting, and riding gaits before you are out in the open.

Stable time: grooming, gear basics, and instant confidence

Most “trail rides” start with a quick instruction and off you go. Here, you start by preparing the horse, and you spend time learning how to bond with it first.

Many riders highlight that the guides, including owners and professional riders such as Snjoprinsessa, take pride in matching you to the right horse and helping you communicate with voice and cues. You might even start with grooming, which sounds simple, but it changes everything. When the horse recognizes you as a calm presence, your whole ride feels easier and more relaxed.

You will get help whether you are brand-new or already comfortable in the saddle. The guide covers mounting and dismounting, and you build confidence step-by-step rather than being thrown onto a “do it yourself” ride.

Riding in Icelandic style: tolt, trot, and control you can feel

If you have never ridden an Icelandic horse, the big goal is to leave with the sense that you can steer your own experience. Icelandic horses are known for smooth gaits, and the tour is set up for you to experience that.

Depending on your comfort and what the horses and terrain allow, you can experience different gaits. Riders describe smooth tolt, and experienced riders mention faster options like trot and galloping on hills. The key word in your day is control. A good guide times the change in speed and route so you feel secure, not rushed.

This is also why the tour is private. If you are learning, you do not have to keep up with a faster group. If you are experienced, you can still enjoy variety, like the sure-footed confidence people describe across hills and trails.

Views and terrain near Mosfellsbær, with room for photo stops

The ride is built around scenic countryside around Mt. Úlfarsfell, and you spend enough time outside that the views feel more than background. One rider described a route parallel to the road through open ground, while others mention streams and even a lake on the day.

Your exact scenery depends on conditions and the route your guide chooses, but the general promise is wide open outdoors with a real sense of being out of town. Guides also take photos during the ride, so you can concentrate on your seat and your cues instead of grabbing a phone every five minutes.

On windy or cold days, the viewpoints still matter, but you will feel them more. Dress for the ride, not for a quiet coffee stop.

The horse story you actually remember, not just a facts dump

This isn’t only “here is the horse, now ride.” You also learn about the role the horse plays in Icelandic culture and history. That matters because Icelandic horses are not treated like a novelty for tourists. They are woven into how people moved, worked, and lived in the past, and you start to see why that connection still shows up today.

Guides also tend to explain how to work with the horse in a practical way, like bonding so the animal listens better. In other words, you do not just hear facts. You apply them immediately through grooming and cueing.

Light refreshments after the ride: a small touch with real value

After about an hour on horseback, you are usually ready for a reset. This tour includes light refreshments after the ride, which is a nice way to bring your energy back without forcing a full meal right away.

It also gives you a moment to decompress while the day is still fresh. You can ask questions, compare what your group experienced, and get a few suggestions for what to do next around Reykjavík without rushing.

Price and value: what $144.82 buys you (and who it’s best for)

At $144.82 per person for a private tour, this is not the cheapest way to ride in Iceland. But value here is about what you get for your money, not only the number.

You are paying for:

• a private guide and customized pace
• horse matching based on your level
• time in the stable to learn real technique and build confidence
• light refreshments after

It also helps that the tour mentions group discounts, which can make the per-person price more reasonable if you have a small group of friends or family who want the same level of coaching. One practical point: this tour is often booked about 70 days ahead, so if you have specific dates, plan early rather than hoping.

Safety, limits, and what to pack before you fly

This experience has clear requirements. There is a minimum age of 12 years, and it is not suitable for riders over 110kg. The tour also expects a moderate physical fitness level, including that you can mount and dismount without trouble.

You should wear comfortable riding shoes or sturdy walking shoes, since you will be on stable ground before you ride. And read the Iceland rules carefully: the tour notes that it is forbidden by law to bring used horse or equestrian equipment into Iceland, and it also flags that riding gear that cannot be washed cannot be taken into the country.

There is also a safety decision component. If you are not following instructions, not capable of riding, or the guides feel insecure taking you, the tour might be cancelled without a refund. That sounds harsh, but it usually means you should be honest with yourself about balance and confidence before you book.

Getting there from Reykjavík: bus options and quick navigation tips

The meeting point is Icelandic riding, Akrar 2, 271 Mosfellsbær. The tour also notes that it is near public transportation, and it suggests taking bus number 15 from downtown Reykjavík.

If you are staying central and you want the least stress, some riders report that the owner arranged a taxi pickup and return. That is not something to assume for every booking, but it is worth asking about if you hate last-mile questions when you are traveling in cold weather.

Should you book this private horse ride from Reykjavík?

Book it if you want a real introduction to Icelandic horses with coaching, not just a quick photo session. The private format is the biggest reason to choose it, because it lets you learn at your speed and still enjoy smooth tolt and scenic time out near Mt. Úlfarsfell.

Skip it if you want a long, multi-day riding adventure, since this is a short outing. Also think twice if you fall near the height and weight limits or you are unsure about mounting and dismounting.

If you like hands-on learning, steady horses, and views that feel like you escaped the city for a while, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour from Reykjavík or Mosfellsbær?

Total time from arrival to departure is around 2 hours. Expect about 1 to 1.5 hours of riding time, which varies a bit based on your riding level.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates along with the guide.

Where does the tour meet?

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

What is included besides the horse ride?

The tour includes an admission ticket and light refreshments after your ride. The guide also provides English instruction.

Do I need prior riding experience?

No. The guides tailor the tour for both novice riders and people with some prior experience, including help with mounting, dismounting, and basic riding gaits.

Is there an age or weight limit?

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

What should I wear for the ride?

Comfortable riding shoes are recommended, or walking shoes and good sneakers. You will also want to dress for Icelandic weather since conditions can change quickly.

How do I get there from downtown Reykjavík?

The tour says the best way is to take bus number 15 from downtown Reykjavík.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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