2 hours Private Horse Riding to Lake Hafravatn, Reykjavík – Mos

Icelandic horses have a gait called the tölt, a smooth, distinctive way of moving that you may get to try on this private ride to Lake Hafravatn. You’ll leave Reykjavík’s urban edge for meadows, mountain views, and a stable where the horses are part of the experience, not just your transport.

Two things I especially like here: your guide can adapt the pace and challenge to your riding ability, and the private format gives you room to ask questions and get comfortable before heading onto the trails. You may also help brush your horse and learn about the local area as you ride.

The main consideration is the price: at $210.26 per person, this is a premium outing, particularly if you’re comparing it with a group ride. You’ll also need moderate fitness and enough confidence to mount and dismount without a stool.

• A private ride, not a large group trek: It’s just your party and a guide, so the pace and riding challenge can be adjusted to you.
• Two to two and a half hours in the saddle: Expect about three hours total at the stable, including preparation.
• A beginner-friendly introduction to Icelandic horses: You’ll get help with basic riding skills, and may try the tölt if conditions and ability allow.
• Lake, meadows, and mountain views: The ride explores the countryside around Lake Hafravatn, close to Reykjavík.
• A hands-on start: You may spend time meeting, brushing, and getting comfortable with your horse before setting off.
• A few firm requirements: Riders must be at least 12, weigh less than 105 kg, and be able to mount and dismount unaided.

A private ride into the countryside

This outing gives you a practical way to get out of Reykjavík without committing to a full-day excursion. The stable is in Mosfellsbær, northeast of the city, and the ride heads into nearby fields and open country around Lake Hafravatn. You get a change of pace and scenery while keeping the outing to roughly three hours from arrival to departure.

The private format is the key difference. Your guide can focus on your group rather than keeping a larger line of riders together. If one person is new to horses and another has years of riding behind them, that flexibility can make the ride work for both.

The tour is offered in English. Guides who have led rides include Jonina, Linni, Linnea, and Anastasia, but you should not count on a particular guide being assigned to your date. The experience is run by Icelandic Riding.

From the stable to the trail

You meet your guide at Akrar 1 in Mosfellsbær. Before riding, you’ll meet the horses and get prepared for the outing. Some riders have helped brush and lead their horse before saddling up, a useful way to become familiar with the animal before you’re in the saddle.

Your guide will go over the basics, including mounting, dismounting, and riding gaits. The aim is to build confidence and explain how to ride safely, not to rush straight into a fast ride. If you’re a beginner, that time matters. You can ask questions and get a feel for your horse before leaving the stable area.

The private setting also gives the guide a chance to match each rider with a suitable horse. Horse-and-rider pairings can be adjusted if it becomes clear that another horse is a better fit. That attention to fit is especially useful if you’re riding with a partner or child whose experience differs from yours.

Riding toward Lake Hafravatn

Once everyone is ready, you head out for the countryside. The route takes in the area around Lake Hafravatn, with views of the water, nearby mountains, and fields. The scenery is a major part of the appeal, but this is not simply a photo stop on horseback. You’re riding through the surroundings at a pace suited to your group.

The ride lasts about two to two and a half hours, with the exact time varying a little according to the riders’ ability. A quieter pace can be a good fit if you’re new to riding or want time to take in the setting. Riders with more experience may have the chance to try a more active gait or cover more varied terrain, depending on the guide’s assessment.

The tölt is an Icelandic horse gait often appreciated for its smoothness. You may get to try it, but it is not a guaranteed feature for every rider or ride. Your guide’s first job is to judge what suits you and the horse. Some experienced riders have also tried cantering, but that should not be taken as a promise of speed or a standard part of the route.

A good first ride, with room for experienced riders

The tour is presented as suitable for beginners, and the instruction is adapted to the individual. If you’ve never ridden before, you can expect support with the basics and a pace shaped around your comfort. The ride is still a real horseback outing, rather than a short pony circuit in a small enclosure.

That said, beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. You’ll spend a substantial stretch in the saddle, and the tour asks for moderate physical fitness. You must be able to mount and dismount without a step stool. If you’re unsure about your balance, mobility, or stamina, consider those requirements carefully before booking.

Experienced riders are not necessarily limited to a slow walk. The guide can take skill level, preferred pace, and comfort with terrain into account. One useful feature of the private format is that you can explain what you’re hoping for before the ride, whether that means a gentle introduction or a more active outing. The guide still decides what is safe for you and the horses.

Horses are part of the point

The Icelandic horses are central to this experience. Riders have described them as affectionate, well-trained, and well cared for, and some have had time to brush or lead their horse before riding. That contact can make the outing feel more personal than simply climbing aboard and setting off.

It also gives you a chance to learn about the breed and its gaits from someone who works with the horses. The guide may share information about the animals as well as the area you’re riding through. The experience can be rewarding even if the scenery is your main reason for booking, because you’re learning how to communicate with your horse along the way.

The stable is described as a family-run operation, with a long connection to horse keeping. The exact stories and details you hear will depend on your guide, but this setting offers a closer look at Icelandic riding than a short stop for photographs. Treat the horses with care, follow instructions, and let your guide set the pace.

What the price buys you

At $210.26 per person, this is not a budget activity. You’re paying for a private outing, a guide’s attention, horse matching, basic instruction, and up to two and a half hours of riding. If you value having the ride adjusted to your ability, that can be better value than joining a larger group where everyone follows the same pace.

The value is less clear if you only want a brief horse ride or mainly want the lowest price. For a confident rider, the appeal is the chance to ask for a suitable level of challenge and explore the area at a personalized pace. For a beginner, the extra attention may make the first ride less daunting.

Group discounts are available, but the stated price is per person. The tour is often booked around 70 days ahead on average, so popular dates may require planning. Confirmation is due within 48 hours of booking and depends on availability.

Getting there and what to wear

The meeting point is Akrar 1 in Mosfellsbær, and the activity ends back there. Bus number 15 from Reykjavík is described as the easiest public transport option to the farm. You can also reach the stable by rental car. Do not assume hotel pickup is included; arrange your own route to the meeting point unless your booking confirms another plan.

Dress for Icelandic weather, which can change during the day. Comfortable riding shoes are recommended, though walking shoes or good sneakers are listed as alternatives. Choose footwear that feels secure and comfortable for mounting and riding.

There is one unusual packing rule worth noting: unwashed riding gear may not be brought into Iceland from abroad. If you plan to bring your own equipment, make sure it has been washed before travel. Service animals are allowed, but people with allergies to horses, dogs, or grass are advised against taking part.

The limits to check before booking

The minimum age is 12. Riders must weigh less than 105 kg; anyone over that limit cannot take part, for the horses’ comfort. You also need enough mobility and fitness to mount and dismount without a stool and manage a ride lasting up to two and a half hours.

The guide may cancel the ride if a rider cannot ride safely, cannot follow instructions, or makes the guide feel that the outing is not secure. The stated policy says there is no refund in that situation. Be candid about your riding history and ability when booking, and listen closely to the guide on the day.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when you book. For ordinary bookings, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted, and cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Who will get the most from this ride

I’d consider this a strong choice for a couple, family, or small group that wants time with Icelandic horses without joining a large riding party. It works especially well when riders have different levels of experience, since the guide can adapt the pace and instruction. Children aged 12 and up can take part if they meet the physical requirements.

It also suits visitors who want a nature outing close to Reykjavík rather than a long drive across the country. The setting gives you a taste of the countryside, and the time in the saddle is long enough to feel like a proper ride. If you’re keen to learn about the horses as well as ride them, the preparation and guide interaction add value.

It is less suitable if you have a horse allergy, do not meet the weight or mobility requirements, or want a guaranteed fast-paced ride. Even experienced riders need to accept the guide’s judgment about pace and safety. And if your main priority is price, a private tour may not be the best match.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a personal introduction to Icelandic horses, a scenic ride near Reykjavík, and a guide who can tailor the outing to your ability. The private format, time to get comfortable with your horse, and views around Lake Hafravatn make the cost easier to justify for riders who value attention over a bargain.

Skip it if you’re looking for a quick, low-cost activity, cannot mount and dismount unaided, or need a guaranteed canter or tölt. Check the 105 kg limit, minimum age, transport to Mosfellsbær, and weather-appropriate clothing before you commit. If those details work for you, this is a rewarding way to spend a half-day close to the city.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

Plan on about three hours from arrival to departure. Riding time is around two to two and a half hours, with some variation based on the riders’ level.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group and the guide take part.

Is this ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The guide adjusts instruction and the ride to your ability, including help with basic riding skills. You still need moderate fitness and must be able to mount and dismount without a stool.

What is the minimum age?

Riders must be at least 12 years old.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. You must weigh less than 105 kg to take part.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Akrar 1, 271 Mosfellsbær, Iceland, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How can I get to the stable from Reykjavík?

Bus number 15 is described as the easiest public transport option. You can also reach the farm by rental car.

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather. Comfortable riding shoes are recommended, with walking shoes or good sneakers listed as alternatives.

Can I bring my own riding gear from abroad?

Unwashed riding gear is not allowed to be brought into Iceland from abroad.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund or change.