Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this ride is the setting: you leave Reykjavik behind and travel on horseback through red lava rock, moss, and low volcanic hills. The Icelandic horses are calm, sturdy, and unusually friendly, making this a fine first riding experience. I especially like the separate riding options for beginners and experienced riders, plus the chance to try the famous tölt if your group and horse are suited to it.

I also like the practical care. Sólhestar provides helmets, rainwear, winter jumpsuits when needed, and hot coffee or tea afterward. The main drawback is the weather. Even on a good day, wind and cold can make the ride feel harder than expected, and much of the route is at a walking pace.

Key points to know before booking

• Ride through red lava fields near Reykjavik: The Redhills route brings you close to vivid volcanic rock, moss, and open views without requiring a full-day excursion.
• Good for first-time riders: Guides match horses to riding ability and spend time helping nervous riders settle in.
• Experienced riders get more choice: Confident groups may ride by Rauðarvatn, take a longer route, and try faster sections or the Icelandic horse’s tölt.
• Expect 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle: The full outing lasts about 2.5 hours, including preparation and transport if selected.
• Weather gear is supplied: Rain clothing and winter jumpsuits are available, but you should still bring warm layers, gloves, and wool socks.
• Pickup is convenient but optional: Reykjavik pickup starts about 30 minutes before the ride. Self-drivers get free parking at the stable.

Red lava, Icelandic horses, and an easy escape from Reykjavik

Iceland gives you plenty of ways to see volcanic scenery, but horseback riding changes the pace. You move quietly across natural paths, hear the horses’ hoofbeats, and get a close look at the rough red rock underfoot. This is not a bus tour where you stop at a viewpoint, take a photo, and move on.

The ride takes place in the Redhills area, a short drive from central Reykjavik. The volcanic ground is the star of the outing. Red lava formations, moss, rocks, and rolling hills create a strong contrast with the dark coats and compact build of the Icelandic horses.

I like this tour for two reasons. First, it gives you a real outdoor activity without taking an entire day away from Reykjavik. Second, it works for mixed groups. A first-time rider can stay with a gentle walking route while a more confident rider may get a longer track and some faster riding.

The route covers about 5 to 7 kilometers. That distance sounds modest, but the actual time in the saddle is generous: around 1.5 to 2 hours. The full activity lasts 2.5 hours, with extra time for transport, fitting equipment, and getting mounted.

Getting to the stable and preparing for the ride

You have two ways to begin. With the pickup option, you meet the small bus or jeep at a selected Reykjavik hotel or pickup point about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. The vehicle has the activity provider’s name on the side, and the drive to the stable is fairly short.

If you have a rental car, drive directly to the stable. It is about 15 minutes from downtown, and free parking is available in front. Look for the large white stable with the big orange sign. Arrive 15 minutes before your riding time, not at the departure time.

At the stable, you receive a helmet, which every rider must wear. Rain clothing is available if needed, and winter jumpsuits are offered in colder conditions. You should still wear warm, comfortable clothes and weather-ready shoes. Bring gloves and wool socks in winter. Avoid shorts, open-toed shoes, and bulky backpacks.

Professional cameras and backpacks are not allowed. That may disappoint anyone hoping to carry a full camera kit, but it makes sense on horseback. Keep your hands free and use a phone for photos during the designated stop.

Preparation is part of the experience, not dead time. The guides help you try on helmets and get suited up, then pair horses and riders according to experience and comfort. That matters if someone in your group is nervous. Several first-time riders have found the horses easy to guide after a few minutes of instruction, but you should still expect to listen carefully and follow the guide’s pace.

Meeting the horses and choosing your route

The Icelandic horse is smaller than many people expect, but do not mistake its size for weakness. These horses are well suited to Iceland’s rough ground and changeable weather. They are generally steady and responsive, and their friendly nature is one of the strongest parts of the outing.

The guides introduce you to your horse and explain the basics of steering, stopping, and sitting correctly. Your horse is chosen with your experience in mind. Beginners are not simply placed on a horse and sent out. The team keeps an eye on nerves, balance, and comfort before the group leaves the stable.

The exact route depends on the ability and preference of the riders. Beginners and mixed groups usually follow a smooth path through the Redhills. This is the calmest option and a good fit if your main goal is to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

More experienced riders may take the route by Rauðarvatn. This can include a longer way back to the stable and more chances to ride at a quicker pace. The group may split after the photo stop, with riders choosing a relaxed or faster section.

That flexibility is valuable, but keep your expectations sensible. This is a guided group ride, not a private riding lesson or an open gallop. Much of the tour is walking on natural paths. Faster riding depends on the group, the conditions, and the horses. Some outings include short trot or tölt sessions, while others may stay slower because of wind, rain, snow, or rider ability.

Riding through the Redhills

Once you leave the stable, the ride settles into an easy rhythm. The route crosses hilly volcanic ground with red lava rocks and patches of moss. The views are broad and stark, with the kind of stripped-back Icelandic scenery that feels very different from Reykjavik’s streets and cafes.

The horses make the scenery easier to appreciate. You are not hiking uphill with your eyes fixed on your boots, and you are not sealed inside a vehicle. The ride gives you time to look around while the horse follows the path and the guide keeps the group together.

The guides add useful context as you go. They may explain the local geology, the area, and the horses, rather than simply leading the line in silence. Guides named in recent outings include Claudia, Patri, Claira, and Nina, though the staff on your departure may be different.

For first-time riders, the first few minutes are usually the most demanding. Your legs may feel tense, and it can take time to trust the horse’s movement. The guides keep checking on riders and can help if you feel unsure. If you are worried about riding, tell the staff before departure. They can make a better match and give you clearer support from the start.

For experienced riders, the Icelandic horse offers something special. Along with the normal walk and trot, the breed is known for the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait. Some confident riders get to try it during suitable sections. It is not guaranteed, and you should not expect a long fast ride, but it can be a memorable bonus.

The red lava photo stop

A photo stop at striking red lava rocks is usually part of the route. This is your best chance to take pictures of the group, the horses, and the volcanic setting without trying to manage a phone while riding.

Guides may take a group photo using your phone. Bring a device that is easy to hand over and keep secure. The stop is useful, but it is not a long photography session. If you want dozens of carefully composed images, this may feel brief.

That is one of the few minor frustrations with the tour. The scenery deserves more time, and the ride itself keeps moving. Still, the photo stop gives you a clear record of the setting and avoids the awkward business of taking pictures from the saddle.

A pair of sunglasses can help in dry weather, when dust from the paths may blow around. In wet or snowy conditions, waterproof outer layers matter more than stylish clothing. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the red lava fields offer little shelter from wind.

How the ride feels for beginners

This tour is especially well suited to people who have never ridden before or who have only ridden a few times. The horses are trained, the guides explain the basic controls, and riders are matched according to experience.

You should still be in reasonably good physical condition. Sitting on a horse for up to two hours uses your legs and core, and you may feel stiff afterward. The tour is not suitable for people with back problems, recent surgeries, mobility impairments, low fitness, or for wheelchair users. Pregnant women should not book it.

There is also a weight limit of 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. The published information gives 243 pounds elsewhere, so use 110 kilograms as the safer limit when planning.

The calm pace helps beginners, but horses are living animals. One recent outing involved a horse that did not get along with another horse, and a rider fell without injury. That does not make the activity unusual or unsafe, but it is a reminder to follow the guides closely and tell them if a horse or group position makes you uncomfortable.

How experienced riders may find it

Experienced riders should not book this expecting a full training session or a long gallop. The tour is built around volcanic scenery and a shared group experience, not advanced riding instruction.

Still, confident riders can get more from the route. The Rauðarvatn option may provide a longer ride, and groups with similar ability may split after the photo stop. Short trot sections and tölt sessions are possible, depending on conditions and the judgment of the guides.

That arrangement works well for couples or families with mixed ability. Beginners can enjoy a gentle ride, while experienced riders may have a little more speed and variety. You may not get every option on every departure, so treat the faster sections as a bonus rather than a promise.

Clothing, comfort, and weather

The tour operates in the kind of weather Iceland is famous for: cold, wind, rain, snow, and sudden changes. The provider supplies rain clothing when needed and winter jumpsuits in cold conditions. Coffee and tea are available for comfort, usually after the ride.

You should wear warm base layers, comfortable trousers, gloves, and wool socks. Do not wear shorts. Choose closed, practical footwear, and avoid open-toed shoes. If you are visiting in summer, do not assume the temperature will feel mild once you are sitting still on a horse.

The weather can also shape the riding itself. Rain and wind may shorten the faster sections or keep the group at a walk. That is not a flaw in the operation. It is the sensible way to keep both horses and riders comfortable.

Is $142 a fair price?

At $142 per person, this is not a cheap short activity. The price makes more sense when you consider what is included: 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, an instructor, helmet, weather gear, free parking, and optional hotel pickup and drop-off.

You are also paying for a specialized way to see volcanic ground that would feel very different on foot. If you already plan to rent a car and want the lowest-cost outdoor stop, a hike will cost less. But a guided horseback ride adds the horse, the instruction, the equipment, and the chance to try tölt.

Pickup adds convenience, especially if you are staying in central Reykjavik and do not want to navigate to the stable. Self-driving may be better if you already have a car and want more control over your schedule.

The activity earns strong marks for organization and transport, but value depends on your interests. If you love horses or want a memorable half-day activity, the price is reasonable. If you dislike animals, cold weather, or group riding, the same price may feel high.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a guided and manageable introduction
• Couples looking for something more distinctive than a standard sightseeing stop
• Families with older children who meet the physical requirements
• Experienced riders who want to try the tölt in Iceland
• Anyone with a free morning or afternoon in Reykjavik
• Visitors who want close views of volcanic rock without a strenuous hike

I would think twice if you have back trouble, a recent operation, limited mobility, low fitness, or a strong dislike of cold and wet weather. You should also skip it if you need a fully private ride or guaranteed fast riding.

Book with enough flexibility to handle Icelandic weather. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when your Reykjavik plans depend on weather or changing arrival times.

Should you book the Sólhestar Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a friendly, well-supported ride through unusual volcanic scenery and you are happy with a mostly walking pace. The combination of calm Icelandic horses, attentive guides, supplied weather gear, and a route close to Reykjavik makes this a practical choice.

I especially like it for beginners. You get enough time in the saddle to feel that you have done something substantial, not just taken a quick pony ride. Experienced riders should book for the setting and the chance of a tölt session, not for a full-speed adventure.

Bring warm clothes, accept that the weather may control the pace, and tell the staff your riding level honestly. If those conditions suit you, this is one of the more personal ways to experience Iceland’s red lava country.

FAQ

How long does the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour last?

The full activity lasts about 2.5 hours. You spend approximately 1.5 to 2 hours riding, with time for preparation and transport if you select pickup.

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 guides explain the basics, match horses to riders, and offer a route suitable for beginners. Much of the ride is at a calm walking pace.

Can experienced riders go faster?

Experienced groups may have the option to ride faster, take a longer route by Rauðarvatn, or try the Icelandic horse’s tölt. These options depend on the group and conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you choose that option. Pickup from selected Reykjavik hotels and pickup points begins about 30 minutes before the tour.

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. Arrive 15 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.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, recent surgeries, mobility impairments, wheelchair users, low fitness, or anyone over 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds.