Horseback riding near Reykjavík: Private Icelandic horse tours

Ride an Icelandic horse and learn the techniques that matter

Private horseback riding near Reykjavík on Icelandic horses, with roughly one hour in the saddle tailored to your riding level. A small farm 20 minutes from downtown keeps groups intimate. The guide meets you at the stable, prepares you and your horse, then heads out into the local countryside. Helmet, gloves, and a guide in English are included. Warm overalls provided in winter. You can arrive on your own, book a Friday offer without pickup, or add hotel pickup to your booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private horse riding tour near Reykjavík

• Arrive at the stable
• Meet your private guide
• Prepare horse and gear
• Receive riding instructions
• Ride through local nature
• Return to stable and dismount
• End of tour and departure

The experience

The ride starts at the stable, where your guide meets you and walks through the basics of mounting, the horse's gaits, and what to expect once you're out on the trail. The farm is small by design, only a handful of horses, so the atmosphere stays personal instead of industrial. Roughly one hour of actual riding time follows, though the full visit from arrival to departure runs around two hours. The route and pace shift based on whether you're a beginner finding your confidence or someone who already knows how to sit a trot. The guide tailors the day to what you can do.

The countryside around Mosfellsbær is what you explore: scenic vistas and the kind of open terrain that makes riding feel less like a lesson and more like moving through the landscape. Icelandic horses are smaller and sturdier than many breeds, built for rough ground and weather. They handle the local trails without fuss. You'll wear a helmet and gloves throughout, and in winter the farm provides warm overalls so the cold doesn't cut the ride short.

Getting there is straightforward: bus number 15 runs from downtown Reykjavík to the farm, or you can book pickup as part of your reservation. If you're driving yourself, the farm is still only 20 minutes out, far enough to feel rural but close enough that you're not spending half the day in transit.

What’s included

• Private guide in English.
• use of helmet and gloves.
• warm overalls in winter.
• roughly one hour of riding time tailored to your level.
• stable preparation and instruction in mounting and basic riding techniques.

Options for this experience

3 options

Friday special, pickup not includedUp to 5 per booking · Guide in English · Available from 7 May 2027

Arrive on ownUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · 09:30, 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00Pickup is not included in this tour option. We recommend taking the bus to us; it is very simple.

Daytime tour that includes pickupUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 15:00Pickup is included within the capital area

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday6 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 15:00Last departure this season: 7 Nov

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Icelandic Riding

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a small-group experience where the guide knows your riding level and adjusts the day to match it: the farm's size and private format mean you're not one of twenty riders following the same trail at the same pace. If you prefer to skip the logistics of getting to the stable, add pickup from your Reykjavík hotel at checkout.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the three booking options for this ride?

You can arrive on your own using bus 15 or a rental car; book the Friday offer, which has no pickup included; or add hotel pickup from Reykjavík to your reservation. The riding itself is the same. The choice is just how you get to the stable.

Is this ride suitable if I've never been on a horse before?

Yes, the guide tailors the tour to beginners and teaches mounting, dismounting, and the basics of riding gaits from the ground up. You need to be at least 12 years old, weigh under 110kg, and be fit enough to mount and dismount without assistance, but prior experience isn't required.

How long am I actually in the saddle?

Roughly one hour of riding time, though the full visit from arrival to departure is around two hours. The exact time varies slightly depending on your riding level and how the guide structures the day.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Comfortable riding shoes, walking shoes or good sneakers work fine. The farm provides a helmet, gloves, and warm overalls in winter. You just need to show up ready to ride. Do not bring used horse or equestrian equipment into Iceland. It's illegal.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The farm operates year-round and the ride goes ahead in typical Icelandic conditions. Dress warmly and expect wind and occasional rain. The guide will let you know if conditions become unsafe for riding.

Can I ride if I have a medical condition?

The ride is not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with poor cardiovascular health, or anyone with spinal injuries. If you have any health concerns, contact the farm before booking to discuss whether the ride is right for you.