Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this tour is the setting: you ride a calm Icelandic horse over red lava formations, mossy ground, and smooth volcanic paths just outside Reykjavik. I especially like the careful horse-and-rider matching and the choice between a gentle beginner route and a livelier ride for experienced riders. The drawback is simple: wind, rain, and cold can make two hours in the saddle feel long, and the tour is not suitable for anyone with major mobility or fitness limits.

I also like that the riding time is substantial rather than a quick photo stop. You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours on horseback, with warm clothing, rain gear when needed, and hot coffee or tea afterward. If you want to ride faster, that may be possible in the appropriate group, but the pace depends on ability, weather, and the horses.

Key points at a glance

• Red lava scenery: Ride through the Redhills on natural paths among red volcanic rocks, moss, and rolling ground.
• Good for beginners: First-time riders receive instruction, a helmet, and a calm horse selected for their comfort level.
• Two riding styles: Beginner groups follow a smooth route, while more experienced riders may travel by Rauðarvatn and try the Icelandic tölt.
• Useful cold-weather gear: Rain clothing and winter jumpsuits are available, though you should still bring warm layers, gloves, and wool socks.
• Easy Reykjavik access: Optional hotel pickup leaves about 30 minutes before the start, or you can drive to the stable in roughly 15 minutes from downtown.
• A real ride, not a token outing: The route covers about 5 to 7 kilometers and costs $142 per person.

Riding through Iceland’s red volcanic country

Iceland is famous for its giant waterfalls, glaciers, and black-sand beaches, but this tour shows you a quieter side of the country. The Redhills near Reykjavik have a rough, earthy beauty, with red lava rocks, dark volcanic ground, moss, and open views.

From horseback, you notice the ground differently. A lava field is not just something to photograph from a roadside viewpoint. You feel the horse picking its way along the path, see the changing colors at eye level, and move slowly enough to spot details you might miss from a bus.

The main route follows a smooth path through the Redhills. It is a sensible choice for beginners because you can focus on balance, steering, and getting used to the horse without being thrown straight into difficult ground. The route is also scenic enough that experienced riders should not feel shortchanged.

Groups with more riding experience may take a route by Rauðarvatn. The exact outing depends on the ability of the group, but the purpose is clear: confident riders get a little more freedom and a chance to enjoy the horses at a livelier pace.

The terrain is volcanic rather than polished or manicured. That is part of the appeal, but it also means you should expect uneven ground, changing weather, and a ride shaped by the natural conditions. This is an outdoor Iceland experience, not an indoor riding lesson.

Meeting the Icelandic horses at the stable

You begin at the stable, where you meet the horses and receive a helmet. The stable is described as a large white building with a big orange sign, and free parking is available directly in front. If you drive, plan to arrive 15 minutes before the riding time.

The horse selection matters here. Riders are paired according to experience and comfort, so a complete beginner is not simply placed on the same sort of horse as an experienced rider. The horses are known for their small, sturdy build and friendly temperaments, but do not think of them as toys or oversized ponies. You still need to listen closely, sit correctly, and follow the guide’s instructions.

First-time riders receive basic guidance before setting off. That preparation is especially helpful if you feel nervous. Several people arriving without riding experience have found that the calm horses and attentive instructors make the first few minutes manageable.

You will need to wear the supplied helmet while riding. This is not optional, and it is a sensible rule on volcanic ground. The provider also supplies rain clothing when necessary and winter jumpsuits in colder conditions. Still, bring warm base layers and gloves. One useful winter tip is to pack wool socks, since your feet can get cold even when the rest of you is well covered.

Wear comfortable trousers and closed shoes. Shorts, open-toed shoes, backpacks, and professional cameras are not allowed. A phone is more practical than a large camera, especially since the guides may stop for photographs and can sometimes help take pictures with your phone.

The first ride through the Redhills

The ride begins at an easy pace on a broad, smooth path. This gives beginners time to settle into the saddle and learn how their horse responds. Your guide remains close by and helps with steering, stopping, and keeping the group together.

The horses are generally described as well trained and easy to guide, but every animal has its own personality. One horse may be especially quiet, while another may be more spirited around the group. Your guide handles those differences, and the pairing process helps reduce problems before the ride begins.

The route usually covers 5 to 7 kilometers. That distance is long enough to feel like an outing rather than a short stable circuit. You should expect a good portion of the ride to be walking, which is comfortable for beginners and gives you time to look around.

The scenery is the main reward. Red lava outcrops create striking photo backdrops, while moss and low volcanic hills soften the darker ground. On a clear day, the open setting gives you broad views. In rain, wind, or snow, the same area feels more rugged and dramatic.

The guide may share information about the local area, Icelandic horses, and the volcanic setting as you ride. The amount of commentary can vary with the group and conditions, but the experience is not simply a silent procession behind one horse.

The photo stop among red lava rocks

A planned stop near red lava rocks gives you time to take pictures. This is one of the most useful pauses in the outing because it lets you photograph both riders and horses without trying to manage a phone from the saddle.

Do not expect a long photography session at every scenic point. The ride needs to keep moving, and the horses are there to work rather than pose all afternoon. If photographs matter to you, have your phone ready and use the stop well.

The group photo can be a nice record of the experience, and guides have helped take pictures on riders’ phones. A lightweight phone is much easier to manage than a professional camera, which is specifically not allowed.

The stop also breaks up the riding time. Two hours on horseback can be tiring, particularly for a first-time rider, so standing still for a short period gives your legs a small rest before you continue.

Beginner pace or a faster Icelandic-horse ride

After the early part of the outing, groups may be divided according to riding ability and preferred pace. Beginners and cautious riders can keep things relaxed. Experienced riders may take a longer route or be given chances to move faster where conditions allow.

This is where the tour has more range than a standard beginner trail ride. You can enjoy it without riding experience, but experienced riders are not automatically limited to a slow walking route.

The Icelandic horse is famous for the tölt, a smooth extra gait that is different from an ordinary walk or trot. Experienced riders have sometimes been able to try several tölt sessions. This is not something every participant should expect, since it depends on the riders, horses, weather, and guide’s judgment.

If you are new to riding, do not feel pressured to go faster. A walking ride through lava country is still a worthwhile experience, and the guides focus on keeping people comfortable and safe. If you already ride, tell the instructor clearly what you can handle. Good communication helps the staff place you in the right group.

The guides have been praised for staying attentive to nervous riders and for finding small opportunities to trot even when weather conditions were poor. That flexibility is useful, but safety remains the deciding factor.

Pickup from Reykjavik or driving yourself

Hotel pickup is optional. If you select it, be ready about 30 minutes before the riding start time at your hotel or designated Reykjavik pickup point. Transport may arrive as a small bus or jeep marked with the activity provider’s name.

The drive from central Reykjavik is short, roughly 15 minutes by car, so this is one of the easier riding tours to fit into a city stay. Pickup is helpful if you do not have a car, while self-driving gives you more control over your schedule and leaves you with free parking at the stable.

Allow time to get fitted with a helmet and riding gear before the horses depart. The stable preparation is part of the stated 2.5-hour activity, while the actual riding lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Transport has received particularly strong marks, but you should still stand at the correct pickup point and be ready early. Icelandic tours run on tight schedules, and a driver cannot always wait while you search for the meeting place.

What $142 buys you

At $142 per person, this is not a bargain-basement activity. The price makes more sense when you count the riding time, instructor, helmet, horse, stable access, optional transport, weather clothing, and coffee or tea.

You are paying for much more than a short turn around a paddock. The ride covers 5 to 7 kilometers and can keep you in the saddle for close to two hours. That makes it a reasonable value for someone who specifically wants horseback time rather than a quick introduction.

The tour also saves you from renting a car if you choose pickup. On the other hand, food is not included, so plan to eat before or after. Coffee and tea are provided, but they are comfort drinks, not a meal.

The value depends on your interests. If you dislike horses, feel uncomfortable in cold weather, or only want a fast scenic viewpoint, $142 is better spent elsewhere. If you want a personal way to experience Iceland’s volcanic ground and have enough time for a proper ride, the price is easier to justify.

Cold-weather comfort and physical demands

You need to dress for Iceland, not for the temperature shown on a phone app. Bring warm layers, comfortable clothing, gloves, and weather-appropriate outerwear. The provider supplies rainwear when needed and winter jumpsuits, but your own base layers still matter.

Wind can make the ride feel colder than expected. Snow and rain do not automatically ruin the experience, but they can reduce visibility and make the ride less comfortable. Good socks and gloves are especially useful in winter.

Riding is physical work. You may feel it in your legs, hips, and lower back, particularly if you have never spent time in a saddle. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, recent surgery, mobility impairments, low fitness, or wheelchair users.

There is also a weight limit of 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. The information gives 243 pounds elsewhere, so use the lower figure of 242 pounds as the safer guide when deciding if you qualify.

Who should book this ride

I would choose this for a first-time rider who wants an active Iceland experience but does not want to commit to a full-day excursion. The route is close to Reykjavik, the riding time is generous, and the staff can match beginners with suitable horses.

It also works well for mixed groups. One person can be new to riding while another has experience, since groups may split by ability and pace. Couples and families should be aware that everyone needs to meet the physical requirements and feel comfortable outdoors in changing weather.

Experienced riders should book with realistic expectations. You may get to trot or try the tölt, but this is not a private advanced riding lesson. The pace and route are shaped by the whole group, and the guides will keep the outing safe rather than chase speed.

Horse welfare is important to many people choosing this kind of activity. The horses are described as calm, well trained, healthy, and well cared for, and riders have time to say goodbye after the ride. You should still treat the animals with respect, follow stable rules, and remember that their comfort guides the pace.

Should you book Sólhestar Horse Riding?

Book it if you want a close-up view of Iceland’s volcanic scenery, enjoy animals, and can handle a couple of hours outdoors in the saddle. The combination of easy Reykjavik access, beginner support, optional faster riding, and substantial trail time makes this one of the more useful short activities in the area.

Think twice if you have back or mobility problems, poor fitness, or little tolerance for cold and wind. Also, do not book it expecting a guaranteed gallop or a long photography stop.

For most eligible visitors, the strongest case is the balance: you get a real ride through unusual red lava terrain, not just a stable visit, while the staff can adjust the outing for different ability levels. At $142, it is best for someone who values the ride itself and wants an active memory of Iceland rather than another bus window view.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding last?

The full activity lasts 2.5 hours, including preparation and return to the stable. You will spend about 1.5 to 2 hours actually riding, covering roughly 5 to 7 kilometers.

Is the tour suitable for first-time riders?

Yes. Beginners can receive instruction, wear a provided helmet, and ride a route suited to their ability. Horses are matched with riders according to experience and comfort.

Can experienced riders go faster?

Experienced groups may ride by Rauðarvatn and can have opportunities to trot or try the Icelandic tölt. The exact pace depends on rider ability, weather, trail conditions, and the guide’s decision.

Is hotel pickup available from Reykjavik?

Yes, pickup is available from selected Reykjavik hotels and pickup points if you choose that option when booking. Be ready about 30 minutes before the riding start time. You can also drive to the stable, which is about 15 minutes from downtown, with free parking in front.

What should I wear?

Wear warm, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, along with gloves and warm socks in cold weather. Rain clothing and winter jumpsuits are available when needed. Shorts and open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Who cannot take this riding tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, back problems, recent surgery, or low fitness. The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds, and all riders must wear a helmet.