Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this tour is the setting: you ride across red lava fields and mossy volcanic hills instead of viewing Iceland from a bus window. The Icelandic horses are calm, friendly, and well trained, making this a good introduction to riding even if you have never sat on a horse.

I like the careful matching of horses and riders, plus the choice of a slower or faster group. I also like the practical extras: rainwear, winter jumpsuits, helmets, hot drinks, and optional hotel pickup. The main consideration is the weather. You may ride in rain, wind, snow, or cold, and the weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds.

Quick points to know

• Red lava riding: Follow natural paths through the Redhills, with red volcanic rock, moss, and open views.
• Beginner-friendly setup: Horses are paired with riders according to experience, and instructors stay close by.
• Two riding routes: Newer riders follow a smooth path near the Redhills, while more experienced riders may ride by Rauðarvatn.
• A taste of the tölt: Faster groups may get to try the Icelandic horse’s smooth four-beat gait.
• Useful cold-weather gear: Helmets, rain clothing, and winter jumpsuits are provided when needed.
• Easy from Reykjavik: Optional pickup runs from selected hotels and city shuttle stops, or you can drive to the stable in about 15 minutes.

Why the red lava fields make this ride special

Iceland has plenty of famous waterfalls, hot springs, and black-sand beaches. Horseback riding gives you a different way to see the country. From the saddle, you move at the pace of the horse, following rough paths between rocks, moss, and low volcanic hills.

The Redhills area south of Reykjavik has a distinctly Icelandic look. The ground is dark and rusty red, with green moss and uneven volcanic formations. On a clear day, the open terrain gives you broad views. On a snowy or windy day, the same place can feel more spare and dramatic.

You should not expect a long wilderness expedition. This is a short riding outing close to the capital, with about 5 to 7 kilometers covered depending on the group. That is part of its appeal. You get a real taste of Icelandic riding without giving up most of your day or committing to a difficult multi-day trip.

The tour lasts 2.5 hours in total, with about 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle. The remaining time covers transport if selected, changing into riding gear, meeting the horses, and getting instructions. That is a generous riding time for a city-based activity.

Meeting the Icelandic horses at Sólhestar

At the stable, you meet the horses and receive your helmet. The staff pair each rider with a horse based on experience and comfort level. This matters if you are nervous, since a quiet, steady horse can make the first few minutes much easier.

First-time riders are given instructions before setting off, and the guides remain attentive along the route. Several guides have been praised for being patient and encouraging with people who felt unsure at first. Claudia, Kolgrima, Patri, Claira, and Nina have all been singled out by name in individual experiences, though the exact guide team can change.

The horses are a major part of the appeal. They are small compared with many riding horses, but sturdy and sure-footed. The Icelandic breed is also known for the tölt, a smooth gait that can feel more comfortable than a regular trot. You may get to try it if you are in the faster group and the conditions allow.

Do not expect every horse to behave exactly the same. One rider described a horse that did not get along well with the others, and there was a minor fall without injury. The guides handled the situation and continued to look after the group. That is a useful reminder that horseback riding always carries some risk, even with calm, trained animals.

Choosing the route for your riding level

The route is adjusted to suit the people in the group. Beginners and riders who prefer a calm pace take a smooth path along the Redhills. This is the sensible choice if you are new to horses, nervous, or simply want to focus on the scenery.

More experienced riders may follow a route by Rauðarvatn. The ride can also split after the photo stop, with one group keeping to a slower pace and another taking a longer route back. Faster riders may be offered short stretches of trotting or tölt.

The wording faster group does not mean a galloping adventure. This remains a controlled group ride, and the pace depends on the horses, the ground, and the weather. If you have riding experience, tell the guide what you are comfortable doing. If you are a beginner, you will not be pushed into a faster group.

Most of the ride is at a walking pace. That lets you look around and gives you time to settle into the saddle. The terrain includes hills, rocks, moss, and volcanic formations, so a steady pace also makes sense for safety.

What the riding route feels like

The first section is about getting comfortable. You learn how to guide the horse, follow the horse in front, and keep your place in the line. This can feel slow if you already ride regularly, but it is useful for beginners and helps the group stay together.

As you move into the Redhills, the scenery becomes the main event. Red lava rocks sit among dark soil and moss, with the volcanic ground giving the ride a strong sense of place. You are not simply riding around a farm paddock. You are moving through the kind of terrain that makes Iceland instantly recognizable.

A photo stop near the red lava rocks is included. Guides may take a group picture using your phone, so bring a phone you can safely hand over. You may not have unlimited time for personal photographs, though. If taking pictures is central to your plans, keep your phone accessible and use a secure pocket or leave it with the guide when asked.

Back at the stable, you can say goodbye to the horses and warm up with tea or coffee. That small ending helps, especially in winter, when the ride can leave you cold even with the supplied clothing.

Pickup, parking, and the timing that matters

You can add pickup from selected Reykjavik hotels and shuttle stops. The small bus or jeep usually arrives about 30 minutes before the ride begins, so be ready outside at the stated pickup point. This is the easiest option if you do not have a car or if you want to avoid figuring out the rural roads.

Pickup is also useful in bad weather. Standing at the wrong stop or waiting indoors can cause a missed collection, so check the pickup point carefully and be ready early.

Driving yourself gives you more control. The stable is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, with free parking directly in front. Look for the large white stable with a big orange sign, and arrive at least 15 minutes before your riding time.

The total activity is listed as 2.5 hours, but allow extra time around it if you have another tour booked. Pickup and drop-off can add road time, and changing into gear takes a few minutes. I would not schedule a tight connection with a museum visit, airport transfer, or another paid activity.

The real value of the $142 price

At $142 per person, this is not a budget ride. The price makes more sense when you count the amount of time in the saddle, the volcanic setting, the instruction, equipment, and optional transport.

You receive a 1.5 to 2-hour ride, not a brief ten-minute circuit. Helmets are included, and rain clothing or winter jumpsuits are available when conditions require them. Free parking and hot drinks are useful extras, though food is not included.

The biggest value is the combination of a genuine riding route and easy access from Reykjavik. You do not need to spend a full day reaching a distant ranch. You also do not need to be an experienced rider to take part.

For a committed horse lover, the price may feel reasonable because the ride is long enough to feel substantial. For someone comparing this with a short sightseeing stop, it is a bigger spend. I would book it for the riding itself, not just for a few scenic photographs.

What to wear for Icelandic weather

Take the clothing advice seriously. Wear warm layers, comfortable trousers, wool socks, gloves, and weatherproof outerwear. Bring sturdy closed shoes, since open-toed shoes are not allowed. Sunglasses can help when the ground is dusty in dry weather.

Shorts, backpacks, and professional cameras are not allowed. A small phone is more practical than a large camera bag, especially when mounting and dismounting. You should also avoid loose clothing that could catch on tack or equipment.

Rainwear is provided when needed, and winter jumpsuits may be available in cold weather. Still, supplied clothing does not replace warm base layers. Your hands and feet are likely to feel the cold first, so gloves and wool socks are worth packing.

The weather can change quickly. The ride may go ahead in rain, wind, snow, or clear conditions, and the guides adjust the pace and route. Bad weather does not automatically make the ride poor, but it can reduce visibility and make the volcanic ground feel rougher.

Who should book this ride

This is a strong choice for first-time riders who want a memorable activity near Reykjavik. The guides explain the basics, horses are matched to ability, and the slower route keeps the experience manageable.

It also suits experienced riders who want to try an Icelandic horse and perhaps experience the tölt. Tell the staff about your riding background, since the route and pace can be adjusted within the group.

Families and couples should check the physical requirements carefully. You need to be in good physical condition, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant people, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, people with back problems, those with recent surgery, or people with a low level of fitness.

The maximum weight is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. The published information also gives 243 pounds as the upper limit, so if you are close to the limit, confirm the exact requirement when booking.

The small drawbacks to keep in mind

The tour is very highly rated, with a 4.8 out of 5 score from 2,383 ratings, but no riding activity is perfect for everyone. The pace may feel too gentle if you want long stretches of fast riding. Even the faster option is controlled and depends on the group.

Your time for photographs may also be limited. A photo stop is included, but the ride is not designed as a dedicated photography tour. Professional cameras are not allowed, and a phone is the practical choice.

Group dynamics can affect the day. Horses have individual personalities, and one horse may be less settled around others. The staff work to match horses and riders and keep everyone safe, but you should still be comfortable with the ordinary uncertainty of working with animals.

Finally, weather can change the mood of the ride. Snow can make the red rock look striking, while rain and wind may make the outing feel colder and less comfortable. Pack properly and keep your expectations flexible.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Book this if you want more than a quick photo stop and you like the idea of seeing Iceland from horseback. The long riding time, helpful instruction, calm Icelandic horses, and volcanic terrain make the $142 price easier to justify.

It is especially good for a first ride, a short Reykjavik stopover, or an experienced rider curious about the tölt. Choose pickup for convenience, or drive yourself if you want free parking and a little more control over your schedule.

Skip it if you dislike cold outdoor activities, need a wheelchair-accessible outing, have back or mobility problems, or want a fast, athletic ride. For everyone else, this is one of the more personal ways to meet Iceland’s horses and see the red volcanic ground close to the capital.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

The full activity lasts 2.5 hours. You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours riding, covering roughly 5 to 7 kilometers depending on the group.

Is hotel pickup available from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is available from selected hotels and shuttle bus stops in Reykjavik when you choose the pickup option. Be ready about 30 minutes before the riding time.

Can I drive to the stable?

Yes. The stable is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, and free parking is available in front of the stable. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled riding time.

Is this suitable for someone who has never ridden before?

Yes. The activity is suitable for beginners, and horses are matched to riders according to experience. Guides explain what you need to know and can place you in a slower group.

Can experienced riders ride faster?

Experienced riders may be placed in a faster group and may have opportunities to trot or try the Icelandic tölt. The exact pace depends on the riders, horses, route, and weather.

What equipment is included?

A helmet is provided and must be worn. Rain clothing is available when needed, and winter jumpsuits are provided for cold conditions. Tea and coffee are also included.

What should I wear?

Wear warm, comfortable clothing suited to the weather, along with gloves and wool socks in winter. Closed shoes are required. Shorts, open-toed shoes, backpacks, and professional cameras are not allowed.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant people, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, people with back problems, people with recent surgery, people with a low level of fitness, or anyone over 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. You also need to be in good physical condition.