Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

Meet Iceland on horseback. The Red Lava Horse Riding Tour takes you from Reykjavik to mossy lava hills, Rauðavatn, and the riding paths of Hólmsheiði. I especially like the small-group format and the chance to try the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt, even if you have never ridden before.

I also like the practical setup: Solhestar supplies rainwear and winter overalls, and you can add hotel or BSI Bus Terminal pickup. The main caution is weather and footing. Wind, rain, sleet, or icy trails can change the feel of the ride, so use the supplied gear and choose your season with care.

Key points to know before booking

• Ride across 5,000-year-old lava fields: Heiðmörk offers black lava, red hills, moss, and open views close to Reykjavik.
• Beginner-friendly Icelandic horses: Guides match riders with horses and adjust the route to suit different experience levels.
• Try the tölt: The smooth, distinctive Icelandic gait may be offered when conditions and group ability allow.
• Choose morning or afternoon: Tours start at 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., with pickup beginning 30 minutes earlier.
• Expect 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle: The full outing lasts about 2.5 hours, including preparation and changing gear.
• Watch the winter footing: Snow and ice can make the ride more stressful, especially for first-time riders.

Why this short ride works well from Reykjavik

Iceland offers grand day trips, but you do not need to spend a full day in a van to meet one of the country’s best-known animals. Solhestar’s riding center is at Surtlugata 19, in Reykjavik, and the route heads quickly toward the open country around Heiðmörk and Hólmsheiði.

That location matters. You get a taste of Icelandic riding without giving up most of your day. At $139.13 per person, the tour is not a budget activity, but the price includes a guided ride, horse preparation, weather gear, and the option of transport from selected Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, or the BSI Bus Terminal.

The tour receives a 4.8 rating from 386 ratings, with 96 percent of customers recommending it. More important than the numbers is the pattern behind them: people praise the gentle horses, patient staff, good handling of different riding abilities, and the chance to ride through unusual volcanic terrain.

You should still set realistic expectations. This is not a long backcountry expedition. The route covers about 5 to 7 kilometers, and the main attraction is the combination of friendly horses, local scenery, and easy access from the capital.

Getting ready at Solhestar

Your visit begins at the Solhestar horse rental center. Allow about 30 minutes for preparation. Staff provide rain clothing and winter overalls, then pair you with a horse suited to your size and riding experience.

That matching process is one of the most useful parts of the experience. A first-time rider needs a calm, responsive horse. Someone with more experience may want a horse and route that allow a little more movement. The guides can divide the group by ability and adjust the ride to the people in front of them.

You will also get help with mounting, reins, posture, and basic control. Instructions continue during the ride, which is helpful when the path rises or drops. If you feel unsteady, speak up early. The staff are used to helping nervous riders settle in, and some riders who arrived worried found their confidence grew quickly.

The riding gear deserves special attention. Icelandic weather can change fast, and a forecast that looks manageable in Reykjavik may feel very different on exposed trails. Put on the rain jacket and pants even if the sky looks harmless. Several people found that ordinary outerwear was not enough in wet or windy conditions.

Wear warm socks and bring gloves that can handle rain. Ski gloves are a useful choice in winter. The stable provides riding boots, jackets, and pants, but your own warm base layers still matter.

Riding through Heiðmörk’s ancient lava

The first major setting is Heiðmörk Nature Reserve. Here you ride among lava hills formed by a volcano about 5,000 years ago. The terrain gives you a close look at Iceland’s volcanic past without needing a difficult hike.

This is not polished park scenery. The red and dark lava formations, moss, rough ground, and natural tracks give the ride its character. From horseback, you see the texture of the ground at a slower pace than you would from a tour bus. That is the appeal: the horse becomes part of the way you experience the place, not just a means of transport.

The route is adapted to the people in the group. Beginners generally follow a smooth riding path along the Redhills. More experienced riders may take a route by Rauðavatn, depending on ability and conditions.

The paths are usually the highlight, but you should not expect every section to feel effortless. A horse can move differently over uneven ground, and a narrow or changing trail asks you to pay attention. If you have never ridden, stay focused on the guide’s instructions and keep your hands relaxed.

Rauðavatn and the story of Icelandic forestry

The outing also reaches Rauðavatn, an area linked with the first steps of forestry in Iceland at the beginning of the 20th century. This adds a quieter human story to a ride otherwise shaped by volcanoes and open ground.

The lake and nearby paths give the horses a different setting from the red lava hills. The ride is not only about scenery far away. You notice the ground beneath the horse, the changing trail, and the contrast between Iceland’s volcanic terrain and its early efforts to grow trees.

You may also get a chance to experience the tölt here or along another suitable stretch. The tölt is a special gait of the Icelandic horse. It can feel smoother than a regular trot, though the exact experience depends on the horse, rider, surface, and group.

The guides do not promise a fast ride for everyone. Some riders want only a walk, and that preference is respected. More experienced riders may get opportunities to move at a quicker pace, while beginners receive continued support. This balance makes the tour suitable for mixed groups, though it can also mean waiting while the whole group stays together.

Hólmsheiði, the main riding section

Hólmsheiði is the heart of the outing. Depending on the group, the route follows a smooth path along the Redhills or runs near Rauðavatn. You ride for roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, with the total tour lasting about 2.5 hours.

The staff’s greatest strength here is personal attention. The group can include first-time riders, regular riders, older adults, and people who prefer to keep all four hooves firmly on the ground at a walk. The guides work with that mix rather than treating everyone as if they have the same confidence.

Several riders appreciated being offered a chance to try the tölt. You may experience it at a gentle speed, and you can decline if you do not feel ready. The opportunity is a nice bonus, not something you should view as the main goal of the tour.

The scenery is broad and raw. Red hills, mossy lava, open trails, and changing weather make good subjects for photographs. Guides may help take pictures with your phone at scenic spots, so keep it accessible if you want riding portraits. Do not let photography distract you from the horse, especially on uneven ground.

The horses themselves are a major part of the experience. Icelandic horses are compact, strong, and often remarkably steady. The horses used here are described as calm, well trained, and suitable for a range of riders, but they are still animals with individual personalities. One horse may be quiet while another has more energy. Listen to the guide’s advice and tell them if your match does not feel right.

What the tour does well for first-time riders

You do not need previous riding experience. The guides explain the basics before setting out, then continue offering advice on the trail. They also keep an eye on riders who seem nervous or uncomfortable.

That ongoing help is more valuable than a quick safety speech at the stable. Riding uphill, downhill, or over rough ground can feel very different from sitting on a stationary horse. A guide nearby can correct your hands, posture, or pace before a small problem becomes a big one.

Families and mixed-ability groups can also make good use of this tour. One family had novice and experienced riders together, with the newer riders receiving patient instruction while the more experienced members enjoyed a little more speed. Riders who did not want to trot were accommodated.

The ride can still leave you sore. An English saddle may feel unfamiliar, and one rider compared the balance to sitting on a basketball. If you have balance problems, ask to stay at a walk. The tour welcomes a broad range of riders, but it is not a chairlift ride through the countryside.

The stated maximum weight is 110 kilograms. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable following instructions and sitting on a moving horse for up to two hours.

Weather, seasons, and the winter warning

Icelandic weather is part of the experience, but it is also the biggest practical concern. Rainwear and winter overalls are available, and warm drinks may be offered afterward. Still, you should dress as if the weather will turn colder, wetter, and windier than expected.

Summer can bring better comfort and longer-feeling daylight, while the ride remains scenic in cooler months. In late autumn or winter, snow and ice can affect the trails. One difficult outing involved icy footing, horses struggling for balance, and a rider feeling frightened. That is not a reason to reject the tour, but it is a reason to ask about conditions and take the guide’s directions seriously.

If you are nervous, book when the forecast looks stable and avoid treating bad weather as part of the adventure. The operator may cancel for poor conditions, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund.

After the ride, hot tea or coffee can be welcome. You will likely be ready for it, especially after wind or rain. The warm drink is a small touch, but it helps turn a wet ride into a pleasant finish.

Pickup, timing, and group size

You can meet at Solhestar, Surtlugata 19, or choose pickup from a Reykjavik hotel, guesthouse, or the BSI Bus Terminal if that option is available on your booking. Pickup begins 30 minutes before the ride.

For the morning departure, pickup begins at 9:00 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. tour. Afternoon pickup begins at 1:00 p.m. for a 1:30 p.m. tour. The pickup process can take up to 20 minutes, so do not schedule another activity too tightly against the return.

If you are being collected, be at the stated point when pickup begins. If you are not there within five minutes after the pickup window starts, the booking may be canceled. Add an Iceland-reachable phone number to your booking details in case the operator needs to contact you at short notice.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is not a private ride, but it is small enough for the guides to keep track of different skill levels. The preparation period may take time when the group is full, especially while everyone receives gear, mounts, and adjusts equipment.

Who should book this horse ride?

I would recommend the tour to:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses.
• Families and mixed groups with different riding abilities.
• Visitors who want volcanic scenery without giving up a full day.
• Riders curious about the tölt.
• People who value pickup, supplied weather gear, and close guide support.

I would be more cautious if you have serious balance concerns, dislike cold or wet conditions, or want a fast, private ride. The route and pace are shaped by the least confident members of the group, which is good for beginners but may feel slow to experienced riders.

The tour can also suit older riders, but comfort varies. One 85-year-old participant decided not to continue after feeling insecure on the horse, and the staff helped her return and sit out. That is a useful reminder: the team can be kind and flexible, but you must judge your own strength and balance honestly.

Is $139.13 a fair price?

At $139.13, this is a mid-to-high-priced short activity. I think it offers fair value if you want a guided ride, horse matching, weather equipment, and convenient access from Reykjavik in one package.

The value is strongest for beginners. You are not paying only for time in the saddle. You are also paying for staff who pair riders with horses, explain the basics, monitor the group, and adjust the route. Pickup adds value if you would otherwise need to arrange transport.

Experienced riders may judge the price differently. The ride is relatively short, covers about 5 to 7 kilometers, and may move at a gentle pace. If you want a long or athletic ride, look for a longer excursion. If you want a manageable introduction to Icelandic horses and lava-country riding, the price is easier to justify.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made later are not refunded, except when poor weather forces the operator to cancel.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want an accessible Icelandic horse experience near Reykjavik, especially if you are new to riding or traveling with people of mixed ability. The volcanic trails, calm horses, useful gear, and attentive guides create a memorable half-day activity without a long transfer.

Before booking, check the forecast, prepare for wind and rain, and ask yourself how comfortable you are on uneven or icy ground. If you do that homework, this tour offers a friendly way to meet the Icelandic horse and see Heiðmörk at a slow, satisfying pace.

FAQ

Where does the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour start?

The tour starts at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup available from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and the BSI Bus Terminal. Pickup details and the exact meeting instructions are provided with your voucher.

What time do the morning and afternoon tours begin?

The morning tour starts at 9:30 a.m., with pickup beginning at 9:00 a.m. The afternoon tour starts at 1:30 p.m., with pickup beginning at 1:00 p.m.

How long is the horse ride?

The total tour lasts about 2.5 hours. You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours riding, with the remaining time used for preparation, equipment, and matching riders with horses.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The tour is designed for beginners and experienced riders. The guides adjust the routes and support riders with different ability levels.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The operator may cancel the activity if the weather is unsuitable. You will then be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time.