Private Lake Hafravatn Ride, 3 Hours

2 hours Private Horse Riding to Lake Hafravatn, Reykjavík - Mos runs through Icelandic Riding. Rated 5.0 across 48 reviews. Runs 3 hours. From $206.

Overview

This three-hour private ride run by Icelandic Riding heads out from a stable in Mosfellsbær, just outside Reykjavík, toward Lake Hafravatn. Only your group takes part, which is the main draw: several travellers said the guide adjusted speed, terrain and difficulty to match each rider, so experienced riders got fast-paced tölt and canters while nervous beginners were coached through the basics. One traveller described a familiarization session in an enclosed paddock before hitting the trails.

The route mixes terrain on the way to the lake, and reviewers repeatedly describe the scenery and the lake views as a highlight. Along the way, guides talk about the history of the area and the horses themselves. Several travellers also mentioned hands-on time with the animals, grooming and tacking up before the ride and handing out treats afterwards, which made it feel less like a conveyor-belt trek.

It suits mixed-ability pairs and families with riders aged 12 and up, especially where one person rides a lot and the other has never sat on a horse. A local guide and helmet are included; you make your own way to the farm, since hotel pickup is not part of this product.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at the stableMake your own way to the riding stable at Akrar in Mosfellsbær, near Reykjavík. The tour ends back at the same point.
2. Meet and prepare the horsesGuests are matched with a horse suited to their size and experience. Several travellers described brushing and grooming the horses before saddling up.
3. Paddock warm-upOne traveller described riding for a few minutes in an enclosed paddock to get familiar with the horse and the Icelandic riding style before the trails, though the listing does not set a fixed routine.
4. Ride to Lake HafravatnThe private group rides out on trails toward the lake over varied terrain, with the pace set to the riders' ability.
5. Return to the stableThe ride loops back to the stable, where some travellers stayed on to give the horses treats and chat with the guide.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this ride goes, from weight and age limits to what to wear.

• Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included. The listing gives the meeting point at the riding stable in Akrar, Mosfellsbær, and notes that bus number 15 from Reykjavík is the easiest way to reach the farm.
• Clothing and gear. Dress according to the weather, as the listing advises. It also recommends comfortable riding shoes or good walking shoes, and reminds visitors that unwashed riding gear cannot be brought into Iceland from abroad.
• Pace and ability. Because it is private, the pace is tuned to the group. Reviewers often mention successfully trying the tölt gait, and several said the guide adapted the ride so total beginners and lifelong riders in the same pair both enjoyed it.
• Fitness and limits. Riders need moderate fitness and must be able to mount and dismount without a step stool. The minimum age is 12 and there is a 105kg weight limit for the horses' comfort.
• Time with the horses. Several travellers described grooming the horses before the ride and feeding them snacks after, a part of the visit they clearly enjoyed.
• Photos and tips. The scenery en route gets frequent praise in reviews, so keep a phone or camera handy. Some travellers also said their guide gave recommendations for other places to visit in Iceland.

Common issues. The listing bars riders over 105kg, riders under 12, and recommends against the tour for pregnant travellers or those with back problems, heart conditions or allergies to horses, dogs or grass. Guides can cancel without refund if a rider cannot follow instructions or seems unsafe to take out. Riders should also expect to be tired and dusty afterwards, as one reviewer put it, and to dress for changeable weather.

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