Feel Like Part of the Family with a Unique Icelandic Horse Experience at Efri-Úlfsstaðir

Efri-Úlfsstaðir is a place where Icelanders and people from all over the world come to enjoy and celebrate the Icelandic horse. Ran by Mr. Iceland, Hörður Bender places good service, personalised attention and horse welfare at the forefront and he takes great joy sharing his culture with his guests.
Hörður is committed to providing an exclusive, intimate experience where visitors can connect with the adorable yet powerful horses and the refreshing Icelandic nature, through riding, yoga and mindfulness.

Re-centre with a Yoga Retreat on the Stylish Black Beach

In the land of Fire and Ice, the Southern coast offers a huge variety of landscapes and natural attractions, all packed together within a relatively small geographical area. Waterfalls, glaciers, enchanted valleys, and black beaches are easily accessed without the need to partake in mass tourism operations. This is an area of the world that is really independent-travel friendly, and Mr. Iceland’s operation perfectly fits into this model. The farm's surroundings offer amazing opportunities for beautiful riding tours that are secluded from the rest of the world. During the Black Beach Yoga Retreats, you will have the opportunity to practice mindfulness and yoga to get ready to meet the horses on their terms and find grounding with the earth. Those retreats aim to nourish heart, body and soul for an unforgettable experience.

Reconnect with nature

Enjoy a Different Type of Equestrian Experience

Icelandic horses are well-known for their two additional gaits: the Tölt and the Flying Pace. Icelandic horses offer every rider – whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned equestrian – a whole new exhilarating experience. Hörður Bender is a respected and passionate local breeder who takes pride in picking a well-suited mount for every one of his guests and educating them, so they have the best chance of developing a real bond with “their” horse.

Explore Authentic Icelandic Culture

Not only are these Icelandic horses fun to ride, but the breed also boasts an immensely rich history. In the past, Vikings sat astride these magnificent creatures for battle, and even for social gatherings, where they would ride from farm to farm to visit political allies, friends, and family. Mr. Iceland’s rides combine nature, culture, and animal life to create a unique experience of Icelandic farm living. You will learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about this wonderful culture of freedom and tradition!

Explore nature with friends

Be Captivated by Mr Iceland's Northern Lights Riding Retreat

Mr. Iceland's special northern lights package is a chance for you to witness one of the most spectacular phenomena in the world from a perfectly picturesque location.

On this retreat you can expect:
Day 1: You will arrive in the afternoon and get picked up from the Kef airport. Then you will be taken on a 2-hour drive to the Efri-Úlfsstaðir farm, where you will check in. After that, you will be given a short introduction to the Icelandic horse, followed by a 1-hour riding tour upriver. Then you will be served dinner (fresh fish or organic lamb direct from the farm), after which you will be taken to go northern lights hunting.
Day 2: You will start the day with breakfast and then a 3-hour riding tour on Black Beach. Afterwards, you will be served a late light lunch and then go on a 4-hour sightseeing tour at Seljalandsfoss, Skógarfoss, and Jökulsárlón. You will then be served dinner at the farm and then go northern lights hunting.
Day 3: You will start the day with breakfast and then depart to Snæfellsnes hotel on a 4/5-hour drive, where you will be served lunch. Then you will be taken on a 2/3-hour riding tour on the peninsula with new horses from another farm. Afterwards, you will be served dinner at the hotel and then be taken northern lights hunting.
Day 4: You will start the day with breakfast and then depart to Staður, Borgarfjörður for new horses and new riding tracks on a 1.5-hour drive. Then you will be taken on a 2/3-hour riding tour followed by a visit to Krauma at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring. Afterwards, you will leave for the hotel and then be taken to hunt for the northern lights.
Day 5: You will be served breakfast in the morning and then depart to Reykjavík on a 2-hour drive.

The 2 days package follows the same itinerary but without the trip to Snæfellsnes hotel, Staður, Borgarfjörður, the visit to Krauma, and Reykjavík. Similarly, the 4 days package follows the same itinerary but without the trip to Reykjavík.

Gallery

Location

Car

The best way is to arrive is by car. You do not need a 4×4 and Hordur Bender’s Farm in Mosfellsbær on the South Coast of Iceland can easily be found through google maps, just type Efri-Úlfsstadir. The farm is located about 20 minutes away from Reykjavik in the heart of the South coast, 10 minutes away from Seljarlandsfoss and the ferry to Westman Islands. Pick-ups can be organised on request once your booking is completed.

Airport

Keflavík International Airport.

Food & Drink

Food & Drink (Food & Drink)

The food served during Mr Iceland’s tours is as much as possible locally produced and home cooked from family recipes.

Dining as a Group (Dining)

The best locally produced foods are served. Days end by sharing an extraordinary meal as a family and lively conversations. We love to know everyone and their life stories! Vegetarian meals can be arranged in advance, just inform us of your food preferences.