Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

Icelandic horses give this outing its special character. You ride through 5,000-year-old lava hills around Heiðmörk and Hólmsheiði, not far from Reykjavik, on natural paths with views of mossy red rock and Rauðavatn. The famous tölt, a smooth Icelandic gait, may be offered when conditions and ability allow.

I like the careful horse matching and the way beginners get steady instruction throughout the ride. I also like the practical winter clothing, rain gear, boots, and warm drinks afterward. The main drawback is weather: wind, rain, sleet, or icy trails can change the feel of the outing, so you need to dress for rough conditions and use the supplied gear.

Key things to know before riding

• You ride 5 to 7 kilometers: The route changes with the group’s experience, usually giving you 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle.
• You may try the tölt: This special Icelandic gait can feel smooth and unusual, but it is offered according to ability and trail conditions.
• The ride suits first-timers: Guides pair horses carefully and continue giving help on hills, descents, and changes of pace.
• Pickup is limited but useful: Hotel, guesthouse, and BSI Bus Terminal pickup is available, with morning and afternoon departures.
• Weather gear matters: Rainwear and winter overalls are available, and you should use them in cold or wet weather.
• The group can reach 15 people: This is still a small-group outing, but getting everyone fitted and mounted can take time.

Red lava riding near Reykjavik

For a short Icelandic horse ride, this tour offers a lot without taking up a full day. The stable is at Surtlugata 19 in Reykjavik, and the riding area is close enough that the transfer is usually brief. That makes it a practical choice early in a Reykjavik stay, especially if you want to try an Icelandic horse before committing to a longer riding trip.

The setting is the main draw. Instead of riding beside roads or through a city park, you head toward Heiðmörk and Hólmsheiði, where lava formations, moss, low hills, and open paths give the outing a distinctly Icelandic feel. The terrain comes from a volcano about 5,000 years old, so the ride also gives you a simple introduction to Iceland’s volcanic past.

This is not a fast, athletic horse trek. The route covers about 5 to 7 kilometers, depending on the people in your group, and the pace is adjusted to riding ability. You might spend much of the time walking, with chances to ride faster or try the tölt if the guide feels the group is ready.

Getting ready at Solhestar

Allow about 30 minutes at Solhestar for preparation. You receive rain clothing and winter overalls when needed, then the staff pair you with a horse. This matching process matters more than it may sound. A first-time rider needs a calm, responsive horse, while a more experienced rider may be comfortable with a horse that has a bit more energy.

The stable uses English saddles, and one rider found the balance different from expected, describing the saddle as less secure-feeling than a broad western saddle. If you have never ridden before, tell the staff clearly. Mention any concern with balance, knees, hips, or confidence before you mount.

The staff also make adjustments after you are seated. That is helpful because a saddle, stirrup length, or rein position can feel wrong once you are actually on the horse. The guides continue to give instructions during the ride rather than treating the initial safety talk as the end of the teaching.

The horses are a big part of the appeal. They are described as gentle, well-trained, and easy for new riders, while still giving experienced riders something enjoyable to work with. Icelandic horses are also compact and sturdy, with a distinct personality. Some are mellow. Others have more spirit, so the horse match and the guide’s support are important.

Heiðmörk’s lava hills and volcanic ground

The first riding area takes you through Heiðmörk Nature Reserve. Here, the volcanic ground is not just scenery. The dark lava hills and mossy surfaces show how Iceland’s older eruptions shaped the area around Reykjavik.

The route is close to the capital, but it feels removed from city streets. You ride on natural paths through low, open terrain, with red lava formations giving the tour its name. The views are broad rather than grand in the way of Iceland’s highland or coastal tours. You should expect an intimate ride through volcanic country, not waterfalls, glaciers, or dramatic mountain passes.

That distinction helps you judge the value. At $139.13 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two and a half hours in Iceland. You are paying for the horse, riding instruction, clothing, transfers if selected, and access to a setting that is hard to reproduce on foot in the same way. If your priority is a major natural landmark, another excursion may give you more visual drama. If you want a close look at Icelandic horses and a gentle outdoor activity near Reykjavik, the price is easier to justify.

You may also pass through the Rauðavatn area. Forestry in Iceland began here in the early 20th century, adding an unexpected human and environmental detail to the ride. It is a reminder that this outing is not only about lava. The route includes a place connected with Iceland’s effort to establish woodland in a country better known for open volcanic ground.

Choosing between the Red Hills and Rauðavatn

The exact route depends on ability and conditions. Beginners generally ride a smooth path along the Red Hills. This route keeps the experience manageable and gives you time to learn how the horse responds.

A group with more riding experience may follow a route by Rauðavatn. You get more room to enjoy the horse and the surroundings, though the guide still controls the pace and makes the final choice. The tour is designed to serve mixed groups, so you should not expect a private fast ride simply because you have ridden before.

This flexibility is one of the strongest features. A family or mixed-ability group can book together without forcing every person into the same pace. Riders who do not want to trot can stay at a slower speed, while more confident riders may receive a chance to experience the tölt.

Do not confuse the tölt with a promise of constant faster riding. The gait is a special feature of Icelandic horses, and many riders value the chance to feel it. Still, it depends on your confidence, the horse, the trail, and the guide’s judgment. First-time riders may get only a brief introduction, which is sensible.

What the 2.5-hour schedule really feels like

The total activity lasts about two and a half hours. Roughly 30 minutes goes toward clothing, horse matching, mounting, and preparation. You then spend about 1.5 to 2 hours riding, followed by the return to the stable and the end of the activity at the meeting point.

The preparation can take longer when the group is full. The maximum is 15 people, which keeps the outing smaller than a large riding line, but it is still enough people to create a wait while everyone gets fitted and mounted. Build that into your day rather than scheduling a tight connection immediately afterward.

The riding itself is adjusted as the group moves. Guides provide help on rises and descents and check on people who look unsteady. That continuing support is especially useful if you are riding for the first time or have not been on a horse in years.

You may feel sore afterward. Even an easy ride uses muscles you do not normally use, particularly if you are learning to balance in an English saddle. Plan a little recovery time if you have a full day of walking around Reykjavik afterward.

Weather, clothing, and trail conditions

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and this ride puts you outside for a long stretch. Rain, sleet, sun, wind, and even rainbows can arrive in one outing. The temperature may feel lower on horseback because you are exposed and moving at a modest pace.

Use the rain gear and winter overalls offered at the stable. Several riders regretted relying only on their own coats, especially in wet or windy weather. Wear warm socks, gloves that still let you hold the reins, and sturdy layers beneath the supplied clothing. Ski gloves were suggested as useful for cold conditions.

The trail can become icy in late autumn and winter. One difficult ride took place in late October after snow, when several horses struggled for footing. That does not mean the tour is unsafe by default, but it does show why conditions matter. Ice can make a calm ride feel tense, especially for a first-time rider.

If you have balance issues, ask to remain at a walk and be honest about your comfort. A rider with a knee replacement chose to return to the starting point and sit out, and staff helped with that decision. The tour is beginner-friendly, but beginner-friendly does not mean every person will feel secure in every weather condition.

The experience may be canceled for poor weather. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel yourself, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Pickup from Reykjavik and meeting details

You can meet at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavik. Hotel, guesthouse, and BSI Bus Terminal pickup is available, but check your voucher carefully because pickup is not offered from every location.

Morning pickup begins at 9:00 for a 9:30 tour. Afternoon pickup begins at 13:00 for a 13:30 tour. Pickup may take up to 20 minutes, and it starts 30 minutes before the riding time.

Be ready at the pickup point when the window begins. If you are not there within five minutes after pickup starts, the booking may be canceled. This is one place where a little Icelandic flexibility is not helpful. Keep your phone number current and make sure it works in Iceland in case the operator needs to reach you at the last minute.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. If you choose pickup, confirm the return arrangement so you know whether you are being taken back to your original hotel or another stated location.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This tour is a strong fit if you want to meet Icelandic horses, prefer a short outing near Reykjavik, and like the idea of being outdoors without committing to a full-day trek. It also works well for families and groups with different riding backgrounds.

First-time riders receive the most support. Guides explain how to ride, continue correcting technique, and check on anyone who seems uncertain. The horses are generally calm, and riders can choose not to trot.

Experienced riders may enjoy the tölt and the chance to ride a route chosen for a more confident group. Still, keep expectations realistic. The tour prioritizes safety and mixed abilities, not speed or advanced schooling.

The activity may not suit you if you dislike cold weather, have serious balance concerns, or want a guaranteed fast ride. The weight limit is 110 kilograms, and most people can participate, but the operator still needs to judge whether the conditions and horse are suitable for you.

The strongest value: horses, guides, and local scenery

The best part of the price is the combination of support and setting. You are not simply renting a horse and being sent down a path. Staff select a horse for you, fit clothing, explain the basics, and remain attentive during the ride.

The small-group format helps. With no more than 15 people, guides can notice when someone is nervous or struggling. Claudia is named in particularly warm feedback, and Klara receives special praise for her service. Other staff members are also described as friendly and helpful, and the transfer driver adds local detail during the short journey.

After riding, you may be offered tea or coffee. That small touch matters after wind or rain, though it should not be the reason you book. The real reward is the chance to ride an Icelandic horse across old lava country without leaving the Reykjavik area.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

I would book this if you want an accessible introduction to Icelandic horses and have room in your schedule for changing weather. The combination of close-to-town access, careful horse matching, clothing, and flexible routes makes it a good choice for beginners and mixed-ability groups.

Book with more caution in late autumn and winter, especially if icy trails would make you anxious. Check the forecast, use every layer offered, and tell the guides exactly how much riding you have done. If you want a calm, scenic ride and a taste of the tölt, this tour earns its strong 4.8 rating from 386 ratings and 96 percent recommendation rate. If you want speed, dramatic mountain scenery, or a private ride, choose something else.

FAQ

How long does the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour last?

The total activity takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. You spend roughly 1.5 to 2 hours riding, with additional time for clothing, horse matching, mounting, and preparation.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

Is pickup available from Reykjavik hotels?

Yes. Pickup is available from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and the BSI Bus Terminal. Pickup begins 30 minutes before departure and can take up to 20 minutes. Check your voucher for the exact pickup details.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The route is adapted to different experience levels, and the guides provide instruction throughout the ride. Beginners generally follow a smooth path along the Red Hills, while more experienced groups may use a route by Rauðavatn.

What should I wear for the ride?

Wear warm layers, warm socks, and gloves suitable for cold or wet weather. The stable offers rain clothing and winter overalls, and using them is especially important during windy, rainy, snowy, or cold conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.