Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

Iceland’s volcanic ground makes a fine riding trail. This Sólhestar tour takes you through the red lava fields and Redhills just outside Reykjavik, where Icelandic horses carry you over smooth natural paths, mossy ground, and dark volcanic rock. I like the calm, well-trained horses, and I like that beginners and experienced riders can follow routes suited to their ability.

The main thing to consider is the weather. Iceland can be cold, wet, windy, or dusty, depending on the season, and much of the ride is outdoors with limited time for stopping. At $142 per person, this is not a cheap activity, but the long riding time, transport option, warm gear, and striking scenery make it a fair value for the right person.

Key points at a glance

• Ride through red lava fields: The route crosses unusual volcanic terrain near Reykjavik, with red rock, moss, hills, and open views.
• Suitable for first-time riders: Guides match horses to your experience and help nervous riders settle in.
• Choose your pace: More experienced riders may ride near Rauðarvatn and try the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt.
• A proper riding session: You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours on horseback, covering roughly 5 to 7 kilometers.
• Pickup or easy self-drive: Hotel pickup from selected Reykjavik locations is available, while the stable has free parking.
• Good cold-weather support: Helmets, rainwear, winter jumpsuits when needed, tea, and coffee are provided.

Why this ride feels different from a standard horse tour

Horse riding in Iceland is not just a way to pass time between major sights. It gives you a slower view of the country, close to the ground and at the pace of the horse. You notice the rough lava, low moss, changing light, and uneven volcanic shapes in a way you may miss from a bus or car.

The Icelandic horse also adds something special. These small, sturdy horses are known for their calm temperaments and comfortable movement. If you have riding experience, you may get to try the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that several riders enjoyed on the faster route. If you are new to horses, you can stay with the walking group and enjoy the setting without feeling pushed.

I like that the experience does not pretend every rider wants the same thing. The route changes according to ability, and the group can split after the photo stop according to riding preference. That makes the tour more useful for mixed groups, such as one confident rider paired with a nervous first-timer.

Getting to the stable from Reykjavik

You have two practical choices. With the pickup option, a small bus or jeep collects you from selected hotels and shuttle stops in Reykjavik about 30 minutes before the riding time. The drive is short, and one early morning group even watched the sunrise on the way to the lava fields.

If you have a rental car, driving yourself is simple. The stable is about 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, with free parking directly in front. Look for the large white stable with a big orange sign. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled riding time, not at the last minute. You need time to check in, choose a helmet, and get ready.

The pickup service received particularly strong marks for being efficient and easy to find. Still, allow some flexibility. Icelandic weather and road conditions can affect timing, and you should be ready at your pickup point half an hour early.

Getting ready: helmets, clothing, and the first horse introduction

At the stable, the guides help you choose a helmet and pair you with a horse suited to your riding background. This matching matters. A first ride can feel intimidating if the horse is too lively or the instructions are rushed, but the staff take care to make beginners comfortable.

The horses are a major part of the appeal. They are described as friendly, calm, well trained, and well cared for. Several first-time riders found the horses easy to guide after a few minutes. You also get a chance to say goodbye to the horses after the ride, a small touch that makes the experience feel less like a quick photo stop and more like time spent with living animals.

The stable provides helmets for every rider. Rain clothing is available if needed, and winter jumpsuits may be supplied in cold conditions. You should still bring warm layers, gloves, wool socks, and weatherproof clothing. One useful winter tip is to protect your hands and feet first, since cold air is hard to ignore when you are sitting still on a horse.

Wear comfortable trousers and closed shoes. Shorts, open-toed shoes, backpacks, and professional cameras are not allowed. Sunglasses can help in dry weather when the trail becomes dusty, but do not bring bulky equipment that could get in the way.

The Redhills route: smooth paths and volcanic color

The ride begins along a beautiful, smooth path through the Redhills. For beginners, this is the gentler choice. You can focus on balance, steering, and getting used to the rhythm of the horse while taking in the red volcanic formations around you.

The scenery is not a polished park. You ride through natural terrain shaped by Iceland’s volcanic past, with rock, moss, hills, and rough red lava. That raw setting is the point. It feels open and elemental, even though you are only a short drive from the capital.

Most of the route is at a walking pace, which suits anyone riding for the first time or anyone who wants a peaceful outing. The guides give instructions along the way and share facts about Iceland’s geology and the area. This adds meaning to the scenery without turning the ride into a lecture.

The photo stop is usually made beside striking red lava rocks. It gives you a chance to pause, and guides may take a group photograph using your phone. I would not count on a long photography session, though. One thing to keep in mind is that the ride keeps moving, so you may have less time for landscape pictures than you expect.

The Rauðarvatn option for more confident riders

Riders with more experience may take a route by Rauðarvatn. This path can include a longer ride and opportunities to move faster, depending on the group’s ability, conditions, and guide instructions.

The faster group may be offered a trot or several tölt sessions. The tölt is a particularly memorable part of riding an Icelandic horse because it can feel unusually smooth. It is not guaranteed for every outing, and you should follow the guide’s judgment rather than treating speed as the main goal.

This split works well for couples and friends with different levels of experience. A confident rider can enjoy more movement, while a beginner can remain on the slower route. The activity is not designed as an advanced riding lesson, so experienced riders looking for a demanding, technical ride may find it fairly gentle.

How long are you actually on the horse?

The full activity lasts about 2.5 hours, but the riding itself takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. The route covers approximately 5 to 7 kilometers, with the exact distance depending on the group.

That is a generous amount of saddle time for a short excursion from Reykjavik. You are not being rushed through a quick loop, and several people appreciated that the ride felt long enough to settle into the experience.

The remaining time covers transport if you choose pickup, getting dressed, receiving instructions, mounting the horses, and returning to the stable. Tea and coffee are available for comfort, especially welcome after a cold or wet outing.

Because you are riding for a substantial period, basic fitness helps. Sitting in a saddle can be tiring if you are not used to it, and the activity is not suitable for people with a low fitness level, mobility impairments, back problems, recent surgery, or pregnancy.

How the guides handle beginners and nervous riders

The guides are one of the strongest parts of this experience. They explain how to ride, keep an eye on the group, and help match riders with suitable horses. Nervous beginners are not left to figure things out alone.

One particularly useful feature is the option to adjust the ride to the group. Some people can stay at a relaxed walk, while others may be allowed to trot or try the tölt. The guides also help during photo stops and check that riders remain comfortable.

Individual personalities can vary, of course. One group found one guide less warm than the others, but still described the overall outing positively. That is a fair reminder that the quality of a tour depends partly on the staff working that day, yet the general pattern here is attentive and friendly service.

The guides also add useful local context. You may hear about the volcanic ground, the surrounding area, and Icelandic riding traditions as you go. I like this better than a ride where staff only point out where to sit and when to turn.

Weather, safety, and comfort in real Icelandic conditions

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and this activity goes ahead in conditions that may feel rough to visitors from warmer climates. People have ridden in rain, wind, snow, and dusty summer conditions, with rainwear and other gear supplied when necessary.

You should dress for the forecast, but also for the possibility that the forecast changes. Wear warm layers rather than one heavy coat, and bring gloves and wool socks in winter. Comfortable clothing matters because you will be in the saddle for up to two hours.

Every rider must wear a helmet supplied by the stable. The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. The activity also requires a reasonable level of physical fitness. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or people with back problems or recent surgeries.

There is an important safety point for experienced riders too: a calm horse is still an animal. One rider reported a horse becoming unsettled around another horse, followed by a fall that did not cause an injury. The guides handled the situation well, but it shows why you should follow spacing and pace instructions rather than treating this as an uncontrolled ride.

Is $142 a good value?

At $142, this belongs in the mid-to-high price range for a short Reykjavik activity. The value comes from the amount of actual riding rather than from a long list of extras.

You receive 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle, a guide, a helmet, access to rainwear, winter clothing when needed, free parking, and tea or coffee. Hotel pickup and return are included if you choose that option. The transfer saves you from arranging a taxi or navigating outside the city, though self-driving is easy if you have a car.

I consider the price fair if horseback riding is something you genuinely want to do. It is less attractive if you are mainly looking for a cheap way to see volcanic scenery, since other Iceland excursions may cover more ground for a similar cost. The advantage here is closeness: you are not simply looking at the lava fields from a roadside viewpoint. You are moving through them with a horse beneath you.

Who should book this experience?

This tour is a strong match for:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction and a calm setting.
• Experienced riders who would enjoy Icelandic horses and a chance to try the tölt.
• Couples or families with different riding abilities.
• People staying in Reykjavik who want an activity close to the city.
• Anyone interested in volcanic scenery from a slower, more personal viewpoint.

You should think twice if you dislike cold weather, feel uncomfortable around animals, or want a fast, technical riding session. It is also not suitable if you weigh more than 110 kilograms or have the listed medical and mobility restrictions.

Final verdict: should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

I would book this if you want a memorable half-day activity that combines Icelandic horses with unusual volcanic scenery. The best features are the calm horses, careful matching by experience, friendly guides, and a surprisingly long time in the saddle.

Choose the pickup option if you do not have a car, and arrive early if you drive yourself. Pack gloves, wool socks, warm layers, and practical shoes. If you are nervous, tell the staff before mounting. If you ride regularly, ask about the Rauðarvatn route and the chance to try the tölt, but let the guides decide what suits the day.

This is not the right pick for a serious riding workout or a long wilderness journey. For a first taste of Icelandic horses, though, it offers a fine balance of comfort, scenery, and genuine time outdoors.

FAQ

How long does the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour last?

The full activity lasts about 2.5 hours. The horseback riding portion lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

How far do you ride?

The route covers about 5 to 7 kilometers. The exact distance depends on the experience and preferences of the riders.

Is the tour suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and experienced riders. Horses are matched to riders based on experience, and the guides provide instructions and support.

Can experienced riders go faster?

More experienced groups may ride near Rauðarvatn and may be offered opportunities to trot or try the tölt. The pace depends on the group and the conditions.

Is hotel pickup available from Reykjavik?

Yes. Optional pickup is available from selected hotels and shuttle bus stops in Reykjavik. Pickup takes place about 30 minutes before the scheduled riding time.

What should I wear?

Wear warm, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Bring gloves and wool socks in cold weather. Shorts, open-toed shoes, backpacks, and professional cameras are not allowed.

Is parking available at the stable?

Yes. If you drive yourself, free parking is available in front of the stable. You should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled riding time.