Horseback Riding near Reykjavik: Private Lake Hafravatn Tour

Ride across open countryside to a mountain lake, guided through every step from mounting to the saddle.

A private horseback riding tour departing from a small farm 20 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, where you ride to Lake Hafravatn with a local guide who tailors the pace to your experience level. The guide meets you at the stable, prepares you and the horse, then leads a ride lasting roughly two hours across scenic fields and toward nearby mountains. Total time from arrival to departure is around three hours. Minimum age is 12; riders must weigh under 105kg and be able to mount and dismount without assistance.

The Experience

The farm sits close enough to Reykjavik that you can reach it by bus, but far enough that the landscape feels remote—open fields, not city views. When you arrive, a guide meets you at the stable and walks through the basics: how to mount, how the horse responds to your weight and your hands, what the different gaits feel like. If you've ridden before, the guide knows that too and adjusts what comes next. If this is your first time, the instruction builds your confidence before you leave the stable.

The ride itself covers roughly two hours in the saddle, moving through the countryside toward Lake Hafravatn and the mountains beyond. The pace depends on your riding level—the guide is watching how you sit, how you hold the reins, whether you're ready to move faster or need to stay steady. You're not being driven past scenery; you're operating the horse, feeling how it moves under you, learning what proper technique actually means when you're doing it. The Icelandic horses here are built for this terrain and for riders new to the saddle.

Bring comfortable riding shoes or good sneakers, and dress for Icelandic weather—it changes fast. A helmet is provided. The farm is accessible by bus number 15 from Reykjavik, or you can arrange your own transport. If you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll need to provide your ship name, docking time and re-boarding time when you book so the guide can plan the timing around your departure.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• private tour for your group only.
• use of helmet.
• instruction tailored to your riding level.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Icelandic Riding

Is this one for you?Book this if you want hands-on riding instruction and the chance to build real skills in the saddle, not just a ride past scenery—the guide's focus on technique and your individual pace means you'll leave understanding how to actually ride, not just having sat on a horse.

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Top questions

How far is the farm from downtown Reykjavik?

The farm is 20 minutes from downtown Reykjavik by car or bus, so you're close enough to reach it easily but far enough that the countryside feels genuine—open fields instead of city edges.

What happens if I've never ridden a horse before?

The guide tailors the tour to your experience level, starting with instruction on mounting, basic riding technique and how the horse responds to your signals. This tour is designed for first-time riders as well as experienced ones, and the guide builds your confidence before and during the ride.

How long am I actually in the saddle?

The riding time is roughly two hours, though it varies slightly depending on your riding level. Total time from arrival at the stable to departure is around three hours, which includes meeting the horses and preparing for the ride.

What's the route like—is it flat or steep?

The ride explores the countryside around the farm, heading toward Lake Hafravatn and the nearby mountains. The terrain is scenic but the guide adjusts the pace and difficulty to match your riding ability, so you're not pushed beyond what you can handle.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Wear comfortable riding shoes or good sneakers and dress for Icelandic weather, which can change quickly. A helmet is provided. Avoid bringing unwashed riding gear into Iceland from abroad, as it's not permitted.

Can I book this if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

Yes, but you'll need to provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time when you book so the guide can plan the tour timing around your ship's departure schedule.