Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this ride is the setting: you sit high on an Icelandic horse while red lava formations, mossy ground, and rounded volcanic hills spread around you. This is not a quick pony ride in a fenced paddock. You spend 1.5 to 2 hours on natural paths near Reykjavik, with the route adjusted to the group.

I like the careful horse-and-rider matching, especially for first-timers. I also like the split between easier and faster riding, which lets confident riders try the Icelandic horse’s smooth tölt while beginners keep a calm walking pace. Guides including Claudia, Patri, Claira, and Nina have been praised for friendly help and clear instruction.

The main catch is Icelandic weather. Wind, rain, snow, and cold can arrive together, and your hands and feet may feel it even with supplied clothing. The tour also has a 110-kilogram weight limit and is not suitable for people with back problems, recent surgery, low fitness, or limited mobility.

Key points for choosing this ride

• Red lava terrain near Reykjavik: Ride through the Redhills and volcanic ground without committing to a full-day excursion.
• Good for beginners: Horses are matched to experience, and guides explain the basics before setting out.
• Two riding styles: Easier groups follow a smooth path, while experienced riders may go by Rauðarvatn and try the tölt.
• Useful winter equipment: Rain clothing and winter jumpsuits are supplied when needed, but bring warm gloves and wool socks.
• Simple transport: Optional pickup from selected Reykjavik hotels and bus stops starts about 30 minutes before the ride.
• Strong value for a short stay: At $142, the price includes the riding, instructor, helmet, parking, hot drinks, and pickup if selected.

Red lava fields without leaving Reykjavik far behind

Iceland gives you plenty of grand day trips, but you do not always need a long drive to find dramatic volcanic scenery. This ride takes place in the Capital Region, about a 15-minute drive from downtown if you drive yourself.

The Redhills provide the visual hook. The ground is shaped by old volcanic activity, with red rock, moss, uneven terrain, and broad views across the surrounding area. One ride described the lava fields as more than 5,000 years old. You are not just riding beside a generic field. The color and texture of the volcanic ground give the outing a distinctly Icelandic feel.

The route covers about 5 to 7 kilometers. That distance sounds modest, but horseback riding uses muscles you may not know you have. For most of the session, you will be walking on marked or natural paths, looking at the terrain and getting used to the horse beneath you.

I especially like the scale of this experience for a Reykjavik stay. It gives you a proper outdoor activity without consuming an entire day. You can pair it with other city plans, though you should leave enough room for pickup, changing, and the ride back.

Meeting the horses at Sólhestar

If you use the pickup option, be ready roughly 30 minutes before the scheduled riding time. A small bus or jeep with the activity provider’s name takes you from selected hotels and shuttle stops in Reykjavik.

Driving yourself is straightforward. The stable is about 15 minutes from downtown, with free parking in front. Look for the big white stable with the large orange sign, and arrive 15 minutes before the riding time. That early arrival matters because you need to check your helmet, get dressed, and prepare for the ride.

At the stable, you meet the horses and receive basic instructions. Helmets are provided and required for every rider. The horses are Icelandic, a compact breed famous for its calm nature and unusual extra gait, the tölt. You do not need prior experience to participate, but you do need to be in reasonable physical condition.

The horses are paired with riders according to experience and comfort. This is one of the most important parts of the outing. A nervous first-time rider needs a steady horse and a patient introduction, while an experienced rider may want a horse that responds to a quicker pace.

The preparation period is fairly brief, around 15 minutes according to one detailed account. That means you should arrive already dressed for the weather rather than expecting a long indoor orientation. Comfortable clothing, warm layers, and weatherproof outerwear make the whole start easier.

The beginner route through the Redhills

The easier route follows a beautiful, smooth path along the Redhills. It is designed for riders who are new to horses or who prefer a relaxed outing.

Your guide stays near the group and helps you control the horse, maintain spacing, and feel secure in the saddle. First-time riders have found the horses easy to guide, but you should still pay attention to the instructions. Even a gentle horse is a large animal on uneven ground.

The ride usually begins at a walking pace. This gives you time to settle your feet, hands, and posture before the route becomes more scenic. You will pass red lava formations, moss, and hilly ground, with plenty to look at between bits of conversation from the guide.

The pace can change when conditions and rider ability allow it. Some beginners have been offered a gentle trot after they felt comfortable. Do not assume you must trot, though. Tell the guide if you want to stay at a walk, especially if you are nervous or have never ridden before.

The scenery is the star here, but the quiet is part of the appeal. You are moving slowly enough to hear the horses’ steps and notice the changing ground. This is a more personal way to see volcanic terrain than looking at it from a coach window.

The faster option near Rauðarvatn

Groups with more riding experience may follow a route by Rauðarvatn. The exact pace depends on the riders, the horses, and the conditions, but this route can include faster stretches and sessions of tölt.

The tölt is the Icelandic horse’s famous four-beat gait. It is often described as smooth because the horse keeps a steady rhythm with less bounce than a standard trot. Trying it is a special part of the experience, but it is not guaranteed for every group. It makes sense to expect it only if the guide decides the terrain and riders are ready.

The group may split after a photo stop, with riders choosing a slower or faster return route. That arrangement works well for mixed parties. A confident rider does not have to spend the whole outing walking, while a beginner does not get pushed into a faster pace.

Still, the faster option has limits. This is a guided group ride, not an open riding lesson or a private gallop. The aim is safe control and a good outing for everyone. If your main goal is sustained fast riding, you may want a specialist riding holiday instead.

Photo stops, red rock, and hot drinks

A photo stop among the red lava rocks is included. Guides can take a group picture, and you may have a chance to take photos with your phone while mounted.

That stop is useful because the ride itself is not built around frequent photography breaks. You may want more time to frame the scenery, but the horses, weather, and group schedule limit how long everyone can stop. Keep your camera expectations realistic.

Professional cameras and backpacks are not allowed. That rule keeps the ride safer and avoids loose straps around horses. A phone is the practical choice, and a guide may help take pictures during the stop.

After the ride, coffee and tea are available. This small detail matters in Iceland, particularly in winter or during wet weather. You can warm up, return borrowed equipment, and spend a few minutes saying goodbye to the horses before returning to the stable or Reykjavik.

Food is not included, so plan to eat before or after. The ride is active enough that you may not want to begin hungry, but there is no meal stop built into the experience.

Weather, clothing, and comfort

Iceland’s weather can change quickly, and the ride operates in conditions that may feel raw. Rain clothing is supplied when needed, and winter jumpsuits are available. That is helpful, but you should still arrive prepared.

Wear warm layers, comfortable trousers, and weather-appropriate outerwear. Do not wear shorts, open-toed shoes, or loose clothing that could catch on equipment. Bring gloves and wool socks, especially in winter. One practical tip from a cold-weather ride is to protect your hands and feet first, since they can become uncomfortable before the rest of you.

In dry summer weather, sunglasses can help because the paths may be dusty. In rain or snow, the supplied outer layers are more important than looking stylish. Iceland rewards sensible clothing, not delicate packing.

The riding position can also be tiring. You need enough strength and balance to mount, sit securely, and follow instructions. This experience is not suitable for pregnant people, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, people with back problems, anyone recovering from recent surgery, or people with a low level of fitness.

The stated maximum weight is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. A booking platform also lists the limit as 243 pounds, so use 110 kilograms as the safer figure when checking eligibility.

Is $142 a fair price?

At $142 per person, this is not a cheap add-on, but it is a reasonable price for a 2.5-hour activity in Iceland. You receive 1.5 to 2 hours of actual riding, which is the part that matters most.

The price includes the horse, guide, helmet, parking, coffee, and wet-weather clothing. Winter jumpsuits are also included when required. Hotel pickup and drop-off depend on the option you select, so check the booking choice carefully before paying.

The value improves if you do not have a car. A transfer from Reykjavik saves you from arranging transport to the stable, and the drive is short. If you already have a rental car, the free parking makes self-driving simple and may help you save time.

For a first-time rider, the cost pays for more than scenery. You get a matched horse, safety guidance, riding instruction, protective equipment, and a route designed for different ability levels. For an experienced rider, the value depends on how much faster riding is offered that day. The tölt and longer route can make it more satisfying, but the ride remains a controlled group outing.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would recommend this tour to someone who wants an active Iceland experience but does not want a strenuous hike. It suits couples, families with eligible participants, solo visitors, and mixed groups where one person rides regularly and another has never sat on a horse.

It is particularly good for a short Reykjavik visit. The stable is close enough to the city for a half-day plan, and the volcanic scenery gives you something different from museums, pools, and bus excursions.

Beginners should feel encouraged by the structure. Guides have helped nervous riders settle quickly, and horses are selected according to ability. You still need to accept that riding is an outdoor activity with real physical demands.

Experienced riders should choose the faster group if available and ask about the Rauðarvatn route and tölt. You may get a more rewarding ride than on a purely beginner path, but do not book this expecting hours of independent cantering.

People with a strong fear of horses, serious back trouble, limited balance, or poor cold-weather tolerance should choose another activity. The ride is gentle in pace, but gentle does not mean effortless or risk-free.

Safety, guides, and the feel of the outing

The guides are a major part of the experience. Claudia, Patri, Claira, and Nina are among the names connected with especially attentive rides, and the guiding team has been praised for matching horses well, checking on nervous riders, and explaining the area along the way.

You can expect instruction in English. Guides may talk about the local geology and Icelandic setting as you ride, but the focus stays on keeping the group comfortable and under control.

One incident involved a horse arguing with another horse and a rider falling off. The rider was not hurt, and the guides responded well. It is a useful reminder that horses remain animals, even calm and well-trained ones. Follow the spacing instructions, listen when the guide asks you to stop or move, and do not treat the ride like a photo shoot with hooves.

The overall setup is reassuring, but no horseback activity can remove every risk. Helmets are mandatory for good reason. If you feel uneasy, tell the guide early rather than waiting until the horse is moving.

Booking details that matter

The activity lasts 2.5 hours from the planned start, including preparation and the return portion. Riding itself lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times vary, so check availability for your dates.

Pickup is offered from selected Reykjavik hotels and shuttle bus stops, not automatically from every address. Choose the pickup version when booking and be ready 30 minutes before the start. If you drive, arrive at the stable 15 minutes early.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.8 from 2,383 ratings, with especially strong praise for the horses, guides, scenery, and length of the ride. The few cautions are practical: winter cold, limited photography time, and the occasional unpredictable horse.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want to see volcanic terrain at a slow, human scale and you like the idea of meeting Icelandic horses. It is one of the better Reykjavik activities for beginners because the route, horse matching, gear, and guide support reduce the usual worry.

Choose the faster route if you have riding experience, but ask your guide what the day’s conditions allow. If you are visiting in winter, bring serious gloves and wool socks, even though outer layers are supplied.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, have a back condition, cannot meet the weight limit, or want a fast private ride. For everyone else, the combination of red lava, calm horses, and a manageable half-day schedule makes the $142 cost a sensible splurge.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The full activity lasts 2.5 hours. You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours actually riding, with the rest used for transport if selected, preparation, and returning to the stable.

How far do you ride?

The route covers about 5 to 7 kilometers. The distance depends on the riders’ experience and the route selected.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners can ride the smoother Redhills route, and horses are paired with riders according to experience. Guides provide instruction and help nervous riders get comfortable.

Can experienced riders go faster?

Experienced groups may ride by Rauðarvatn and can have the chance to try the tölt. The exact pace depends on the group, terrain, and riding conditions.

Is hotel pickup from Reykjavik included?

Pickup is available as an optional choice from selected Reykjavik hotels and shuttle bus stops. You should be ready about 30 minutes before the start time if using pickup.

What should I wear?

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

Is equipment provided?

A helmet is provided and must be worn. Rain clothing and winter jumpsuits are available when needed. Coffee and tea are also provided, but food and other drinks are not included.

Who should not take this tour?

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