Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

Iceland’s famous horses carry you across 5,000-year-old lava fields only a short drive from Reykjavik. The scenery is stark and unusual, with red volcanic hills, moss, forest, and Rauðavatn lake. You also have a chance to feel the Icelandic horse’s special tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that makes this more than a simple pony ride.

I like the careful horse matching and the way the ride can be adjusted for beginners or experienced riders. I also like the practical touches: warm winter overalls, rain clothing, riding boots, hot drinks afterward, and hotel pickup. The main caution is weather. Wind, rain, sleet, and icy trails can change a pleasant outing into a tiring one, especially late in the season.

Key things to know before booking

• Ride through ancient red lava hills: The route crosses volcanic ground formed about 5,000 years ago, close to Reykjavik.
• Feel the Icelandic horse’s tölt: Guides may let suitable riders try this distinctive gait at a controlled pace.
• Beginners receive ongoing help: Staff pair riders with suitable horses and continue giving tips during the ride.
• Warm gear is supplied: Rainwear and winter overalls are available, and many riders find them essential.
• Pickup is limited but useful: Transfers are offered from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and BSI Bus Terminal.
• Winter conditions need respect: Icy ground has caused problems for some horses, so check the forecast and dress well.

Why this ride feels different from a city tour

The Red Lava Horse Riding Tour gives you a close look at Iceland’s countryside without sending you far from Reykjavik. That matters if you have only a short stay or want to add a half-day activity between city sightseeing and a longer excursion.

The setting is the star. You ride over natural paths beside red volcanic hills and mossy lava formations, with Heiðmörk Nature Reserve and Rauðavatn adding more variety. This is not a polished theme-park trail. The route feels like a working riding area shaped by Iceland’s rough ground and changeable weather.

The horse is just as important as the scenery. Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and famous for the tölt. You may ride at a walk for much of the outing, but the guides can offer the tölt when conditions and ability allow. That gives experienced riders something to look forward to while keeping the activity manageable for a first-time rider.

The tour receives a 4.8 rating from 386 reviews, with 96 percent recommending it. The strongest praise centers on the gentle horses, kind staff, good horse matching, and the chance to ride across lava country. Those are the parts that give this activity its value.

Getting ready at Solhestar

Your visit begins at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik on Surtlugata 19. Allow time for the practical work before riding. Staff help you choose a horse, fit equipment, and prepare for the conditions. The preparation period is listed as about 30 minutes, so do not expect to arrive and mount immediately.

Solhestar provides rain clothing and winter overalls. You can also use riding boots, according to the tour information and direct ride experiences. Take the offer seriously. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and the wind can make a cool day feel much colder than the forecast suggests.

Several riders specifically wished they had worn the full rain gear. One person stayed comfortable in waterproof clothing, while others became cold and wet. The sensible plan is to wear warm layers underneath the supplied outerwear, plus thick socks. Gloves matter too, especially in winter. Ski gloves are a useful choice if you have them.

The horse matching is one of the best parts of the setup. The staff aim to pair horses and riders according to experience and comfort. That does not mean every horse behaves in exactly the same way, but it gives a beginner a better start than being assigned a horse at random.

Riding the red hills and Heiðmörk

The main ride covers about 5 to 7 kilometers, depending on the group and rider experience. You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle, with the full experience lasting around 2.5 hours once preparation is included.

One route follows a smooth riding path along the Redhills. This is the gentler option and suits beginners or any group that wants an easy pace. The red volcanic ground gives the ride its name and creates a striking backdrop for photos.

The surrounding Heiðmörk Nature Reserve adds open space and older volcanic features. You can see lava hills formed by a volcano around 5,000 years ago. That number is easy to skip past, but it helps explain the shapes beneath the moss and the rough, dark ground around the riding paths.

Another section takes you toward Rauðavatn. The area has a special place in Iceland’s environmental story because the first steps of forestry in Iceland began there in the early 20th century. It is a small detail, but it gives the ride more depth than a simple view of rocks and horses.

For more experienced riders, the group may take a route by Rauðavatn. The exact path depends on the people in your group and the conditions that day. You should not book this expecting a fast riding lesson or a long gallop. The focus is a safe group ride, with speed and route adjusted to the riders.

Learning the tölt on an Icelandic horse

The tölt is the feature many riders hope to experience. It is a gait associated with Icelandic horses, and it can feel smoother than a standard trot when the horse and rider are working well together.

The guides may give riders a chance to try it at different speeds. Some outings offer several opportunities, while others keep the pace slower because of weather, trail conditions, or the group’s ability. You should see the tölt as a welcome possibility, not a guaranteed performance segment.

First-time riders can still enjoy the outing without trying it. Several people with no riding background found the horses calm and the instructions clear. Guides continue to help during the ride, especially on slopes or when someone looks unsteady.

Experienced riders have room to enjoy more. The two route choices and flexible pace help prevent the ride from feeling too basic. Still, this is a shared group outing with a maximum of 15 people, so advanced riders should not expect a private training session.

The staff and the level of support

The staff earn frequent praise for being friendly, patient, and attentive. They explain riding basics before setting off, then continue helping along the route. That ongoing instruction is especially useful for riders who have never sat on a horse before.

Klara receives particular praise for her service, and Claudia is also thanked by name in one account. The transfer driver has been appreciated for explaining details about Iceland during the drive. Staff also take photos with riders’ phones beside the lava rocks, which is a nice touch if you want pictures without handling your phone from the saddle.

The riding groups include a mix of ages and abilities. Guides can keep people who do not want to trot at a slower pace, while giving confident riders more room when suitable. One family outing included a novice rider alongside more experienced relatives, and the group could enjoy the same setting at different levels.

That said, the support does not remove every risk. One late-October ride took place on icy trails, and several horses struggled with their footing. One rider described a horse biting another, kicking, and losing balance on the ice. This appears to be an unusual but important warning: a friendly guide and a calm horse cannot make frozen ground safe.

If you feel nervous, say so early. You can ask to remain at a walk, and you should tell the guide if the horse or saddle does not feel right. One rider with a knee replacement chose to return to the starting point, and staff helped her do so. That kind of flexibility matters.

Is the $139.13 price good value?

At $139.13 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two and a half hours near Reykjavik. But the price includes more than time in the saddle. You are paying for horse care, staff supervision, riding equipment, preparation, access to natural paths, and possibly transport from your accommodation.

The price makes better sense if you use the pickup. A short transfer from a Reykjavik hotel, guesthouse, or BSI Bus Terminal saves you from arranging a taxi or navigating to the stable. Pickup is not available from every location, so check your voucher carefully.

The activity also offers more substance than a brief photo stop with a horse. You ride for up to two hours through volcanic country and may try the tölt. The route is close enough to the city to fit neatly into a busy Iceland schedule, which adds practical value.

Morning and afternoon departures give you flexibility. Morning pickup begins at 9:00 for a 9:30 tour, while afternoon pickup begins at 13:00 for a 13:30 departure. Pickup can take up to 20 minutes, so keep your schedule loose around the start time.

Weather, clothing, and trail conditions

Icelandic weather is the biggest factor in deciding when to book. Riders describe rain, sleet, sun, rainbows, and strong wind during the same outing. The scenery can look wonderful in poor weather, but you will enjoy it only if your hands and feet stay warm.

Use the supplied rainwear and winter overalls when offered. Wear warm socks, layers, and gloves. Waterproof shoes or the available riding boots are better than ordinary trainers. You can be comfortable in summer, but the weather can still turn wet, so do not rely only on a mild forecast at departure time.

Late autumn and winter need extra care. Snow and ice can make the route harder for both horse and rider. If the trail is frozen, ask the staff about the planned route and the pace. The experience requires good weather, and the operator may cancel for poor conditions, offering another date or a full refund.

The cancellation rule is simple but strict. Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this horseback ride?

This is a strong choice for a first-time rider who wants an iconic Iceland activity without committing to a full day away from Reykjavik. The calm horses, equipment, small-group format, and repeated instruction make the outing approachable.

Families and mixed-ability groups can also do well here. The guides can adjust the route and pace, and people who do not want to trot can remain at a walk. Most people can participate, but the stated maximum weight is 110 kilograms.

You should think twice if you have serious balance problems, dislike uncertain weather, or want a fast and highly athletic ride. An English saddle can feel unfamiliar, and one rider compared the balance to sitting on a rounded surface. You may also feel sore afterward, particularly if you rarely ride.

Riders with a knee replacement or similar concern should speak with the operator before booking. Staff have helped someone return to the starting point, but that does not guarantee that every physical limitation will be comfortable on horseback.

Practical details that can prevent a bad start

The stable is at Surtlugata 19 in Reykjavik, and the ride ends there. If you choose pickup, it is available only from hotels, guesthouses, and BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik. Read the voucher for your exact pickup point.

Be ready at least 30 minutes before the riding departure. Morning pickup begins at 9:00 for a 9:30 start, and afternoon pickup begins at 13:00 for a 13:30 start. If you are not at the pickup point within five minutes after pickup begins, the booking may be canceled.

Put an Iceland-reachable phone number in your booking details. The operator may need to contact you at the last minute, especially if weather affects the outing.

Bring a relaxed attitude. Horses are living animals, not machines, and the pace can change. You will get more from the ride if you focus on the volcanic setting, listen to the guides, and let the horse find its rhythm.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

I would book this if you want a manageable introduction to Icelandic horses, easy access from Reykjavik, and a ride with real volcanic scenery rather than a fenced arena. The gentle horses, careful staff, supplied weather gear, and chance to try the tölt make the $139.13 price reasonable for many visitors.

Book for a day with a decent forecast if you can choose. Avoid treating this as a guaranteed fast ride, and be cautious with icy late-season conditions. For beginners, families, and riders who want a memorable half-day near the capital, this is a well-balanced choice. Experienced riders should enjoy it too, as long as they accept the shared pace and weather-dependent route.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik.

Is pickup available from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is available from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and BSI Bus Terminal. Check your voucher for the exact pickup details.

What time does pickup begin?

Morning pickup begins at 9:00 for a 9:30 tour. Afternoon pickup begins at 13:00 for a 13:30 tour. Pickup can take up to 20 minutes.

How long does the activity last?

The full activity lasts about 2.5 hours. Riding time is about 1.5 to 2 hours.

How far do you ride?

The ride covers about 5 to 7 kilometers, depending on the riders’ experience and the selected route.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is adapted for all experience levels, and guides provide support before and during the ride. Riders who do not want to trot can remain at a slower pace.

Can you try the Icelandic horse’s tölt?

The guides may give riders an opportunity to experience the tölt. The chance and speed depend on rider ability, trail conditions, and the group.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum stated weight is 110 kilograms.

Can you cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.