Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

The Red Lava Horse Riding Tour takes you into Iceland’s 5,000-year-old lava country on the back of one of the island’s famous, sturdy horses. The setting is close to Reykjavik, but the mossy lava hills, open riding paths, and Rauðavatn forestry area feel far removed from city streets.

I like the careful horse-to-rider matching, which helps first-time riders settle in, and the steady instruction offered along the way. I also like the practical extras: rain gear, winter overalls, riding boots, and hot drinks after the ride. These small touches matter in Iceland.

The main caution is weather and footing. Cold rain, wind, sleet, or icy trails can change a pleasant outing into a tense one, especially for a new rider. Wear the supplied gear and take the season seriously.

Key points before you book

• Ride across ancient lava fields: The route passes through Heiðmörk and the Red Hills, shaped by a volcano around 5,000 years ago.
• Suitable for beginners and experienced riders: The guides adjust the route and pace to the group’s ability.
• Try the Icelandic tölt: You may get a chance to experience this smooth, distinctive gait.
• Pickup saves time: Hotel, guesthouse, and BSI Bus Terminal pickup is available, with morning and afternoon departures.
• Small-group attention: The maximum group size is 15, and the staff provide hands-on help with mounting, riding, and clothing.
• Plan for Icelandic weather: Rain clothing and winter overalls are available, but warm socks and gloves still make a big difference.

Riding through 5,000-year-old lava near Reykjavik

This tour’s appeal is simple: you get a real horseback ride in Icelandic nature without giving up most of your day. The stable is at Surtlugata 19, about a short drive from Reykjavik, and the full outing lasts roughly two and a half hours.

You ride between 5 and 7 kilometers, depending on the group and riding ability. Most of the time in the saddle lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. That is long enough to feel like a proper riding experience, but short enough for a first-timer who is unsure how they will manage.

The scenery is the star. The route passes through black and reddish lava formations, moss-covered ground, low hills, and natural paths around Heiðmörk Nature Reserve. This is not a grand waterfall or glacier excursion. Instead, you get a close view of Iceland’s rough volcanic ground, with the horse’s movement setting the pace.

The Red Hills give the tour its name and much of its character. The reddish volcanic rock contrasts with the dark lava and pale sky. At Rauðavatn, you also pass an area linked to the first major forestry efforts in Iceland, begun in the early 20th century.

What happens at the Solhestar stable

Your first stop is the Solhestar horse rental center. Allow time here for the practical work that makes the ride safer and more comfortable.

The staff provide rain clothing and winter overalls, then help match you with a horse. This pairing is important. A calm, easygoing horse can make a nervous beginner feel far more secure, while a more spirited horse may suit someone with riding experience.

You receive help with saddles, mounting, and basic control. The instruction does not end once the group leaves the stable. Guides continue to help during the ride, especially when the path slopes or a rider seems uncertain.

The horses are Icelandic horses, a small, strong breed known for their sure-footed movement and unusual gaits. Their size may make them seem less intimidating than a tall riding horse, but you still need reasonable balance and comfort in an English saddle. One rider found the saddle balance surprising, describing it as quite different from sitting on a broad western saddle.

If you have never ridden before, tell the staff clearly. If you have plenty of experience, say that too. The route can be adapted, and the group may split its pace or choose a different path based on ability.

Choosing between the Red Hills and Rauðavatn

The tour generally follows one of two routes. Beginners usually take a smooth riding path along the Red Hills. This route keeps the ride manageable while still giving you striking volcanic scenery.

The other option goes by Rauðavatn and can offer more interest for experienced riders. The exact choice depends on the group, the conditions, and the experience of the people on that departure.

That flexibility is one of the tour’s strongest features. A mixed group does not need to be treated as if everyone has the same skills. Riders who prefer a quiet walk can stay at that level, while those with more experience may get a chance to ride faster or try the tölt.

Still, do not expect an advanced riding lesson or a long gallop. The tour is designed to work for a broad range of abilities. The pace stays controlled, and the guides put safety ahead of showing off.

Why the Icelandic tölt adds something special

The tölt is a four-beat gait associated with Icelandic horses. It can feel smooth and comfortable when the horse and rider find the right rhythm. Many riders consider it the highlight of the outing.

You may get a chance to try the tölt at different speeds, depending on your ability and the guide’s judgment. For a first-time rider, even a brief attempt can make the experience feel more distinctive than a standard walk through the countryside.

Do not worry if you would rather stay at a walk. The staff accommodate riders who do not want to trot or move faster. That matters in a mixed group, especially when one person is confident and another is still learning how to hold the reins and sit securely.

The guides also take photos for the group using riders’ phones. This is a useful touch, since taking your own picture while handling a horse is not easy. Ask for help if you want pictures among the red rocks or lava formations.

Small-group help, with one timing tradeoff

The maximum group size is 15. That is not an intimate private ride, but it is small enough for guides to keep an eye on individual riders.

The staff are especially attentive to beginners. They provide reminders throughout the ride, help riders who feel unsteady, and adjust the experience when someone does not want to trot. That steady support is more valuable than a long formal briefing followed by silence.

There is one practical tradeoff. A group of 15 can take time to get dressed, mount, adjust equipment, and settle into formation. One outing took a while to get everyone ready because the group was fairly large. Your actual riding time remains substantial, but the stable portion may feel slow if you are eager to get moving.

The schedule allows for this. Morning pickup begins at 9:00 for a 9:30 departure. Afternoon pickup begins at 13:00 for a 13:30 departure. Pickup can take up to 20 minutes, and you should be at the meeting point no later than five minutes after pickup begins.

Dressing for wind, rain, and changing conditions

Icelandic weather deserves more attention than the price or the photo stops. The ride can bring rain, sun, sleet, wind, or sudden changes in comfort during the same outing.

The stable supplies rain clothing and winter overalls. Use them. Several people who initially thought their own jacket would be enough wished they had accepted the extra waterproof layer.

Wear warm socks. Your feet can become cold while you sit in the saddle, even if the rest of you feels fine. Gloves should be warm and suitable for wet weather. Ski gloves can work well, and waterproof outer layers are helpful.

The supplied clothing is especially useful in winter and the shoulder seasons. It cannot remove every risk, though. If the trails are icy, horses may struggle for footing. One difficult outing in late October involved slippery paths and a horse that behaved unpredictably. That was not the usual experience described for the tour, but it is a useful warning: ask about trail conditions if the weather has recently turned cold.

After the ride, tea and coffee may be available to help you warm up. That welcome matters after two hours outside, but it should not replace proper clothing.

Pickup, meeting point, and the short drive

You can meet at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik at Surtlugata 19, or choose pickup if your location qualifies. Pickup is offered from hotels, guesthouses, and the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik.

Do not assume every accommodation has door-to-door service. Read the pickup details on your voucher carefully. The stated pickup window begins 30 minutes before the riding departure, and the vehicle may take up to 20 minutes to arrive.

Give a phone number that works in Iceland. The operator may need to contact you at short notice, especially if weather affects the activity.

At the end, the ride returns to the meeting point. The short transfer from central Reykjavik makes this easier to fit into a day that also includes museums, food, or another city activity.

Is $139.13 a fair price?

At $139.13 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two and a half hours in Reykjavik. The value comes from the combination of transport, equipment, horse matching, guide support, and access to natural riding paths close to the capital.

You are not paying only for time in the saddle. The price also covers the staff work involved in fitting clothing, preparing horses, adjusting saddles, managing mixed abilities, and keeping the group together outdoors.

The value is strongest for first-time riders and people without a rental car. Hotel pickup removes the need to arrange transport, and the nearby setting means less time spent driving. For experienced riders seeking a long, fast ride, the price may feel less compelling because the route is moderate and the group pace is controlled.

The tour has a 4.8 rating from 386 ratings, with 96 percent of people recommending it. Those numbers suggest strong consistency, though they should not erase the weather and footing concerns. Your enjoyment will depend heavily on the season and your comfort around horses.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to a first-time rider who wants a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses and volcanic scenery. It also suits families and mixed-ability groups, since the route and pace can be adjusted.

It is a good choice if you want an outdoor activity near Reykjavik rather than a full-day excursion. The morning and afternoon departure options make it easier to fit around other plans.

Experienced riders can enjoy the tölt and the scenery, but should keep expectations sensible. This is not a demanding backcountry ride. You may get a more active route near Rauðavatn, but the group’s overall ability and the conditions will shape the outing.

If you have balance problems, you may prefer to stay at a walk. The staff can be helpful and accommodating, but horseback riding still requires you to sit securely and respond to the horse.

The weight limit is 110 kilograms. Most people can participate, but you should contact the operator if you have a specific physical concern that is not covered by the basic booking information.

Cancellation and weather notes

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted.

The activity requires suitable weather. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. This policy is helpful in Iceland, where strong wind, heavy rain, and icy trails can affect both comfort and safety.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a convenient, beginner-friendly ride through volcanic scenery and like the idea of meeting Iceland through its horses rather than from a tour bus window. The close location, warm gear, flexible routes, and attentive support give it broad appeal.

I would be more cautious for a winter booking during icy conditions, or if you want a private, advanced riding session. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to spend part of a Reykjavik day. Accept the rain gear, wear warm socks, and let the guides choose the safest pace. You will get the best experience by treating the weather as part of Iceland, not an inconvenience to defeat.

FAQ

How long does the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour last?

The full experience lasts about two and a half hours. You spend roughly 1.5 to 2 hours riding, covering approximately 5 to 7 kilometers.

Where does the tour start and finish?

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

Is pickup available from Reykjavik?

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

What pickup times are offered?

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.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The route and pace can be adapted for beginners and experienced riders. Riders who do not want to trot can remain at a slower pace.

What is the maximum rider weight and group size?

The maximum rider weight is 110 kilograms. The tour accepts no more than 15 people in a group.