Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this ride is the setting: you sit on an Icelandic horse and cross red lava fields instead of simply looking at them from a bus window. The route passes mossy hills, black and red volcanic rock, and open riding paths close to Reykjavik.

I like the careful matching of horses and riders, and I like that the group can split by pace after the photo stop. Beginners get patient help, while experienced riders may try the Icelandic horse’s smooth tölt. The main drawback is Icelandic weather. Even with supplied rainwear and winter suits, wind, cold, or rain can make the ride feel longer than expected.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride through the Redhills: The route covers striking red lava formations, moss, rocks, and hilly volcanic ground.
• Good for first-time riders: Guides pair horses with riders by experience and keep the early pace calm.
• Choose your pace: More confident riders may get faster sections and chances to try tölt.
• A real half-day outing: Plan 2.5 hours in all, including preparation, transport if selected, and 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle.
• Useful cold-weather support: Helmets, rain clothing, winter jumpsuits, parking, tea, and coffee are included.
• Easy from Reykjavik: Hotel and shuttle-stop pickup is optional, or you can drive about 15 minutes from downtown.

Red lava fields from the saddle

Iceland gives you plenty of ways to see volcanic ground, but horseback riding changes your view. From the back of a small, sure-footed Icelandic horse, the red formations are close at hand. You move slowly enough to notice the moss, uneven rock, and folds in the hills, yet the ride feels more active than a standard sightseeing stop.

The Redhills route uses a smooth natural path and is the usual choice for mixed or less experienced groups. It covers about 5 to 7 kilometers, with the exact distance shaped by the riders’ ability and comfort. That flexibility matters. A first ride on an unfamiliar horse should not become a contest of speed.

For groups with more experience, the route can run by Rauðarvatn. The ride still focuses on natural paths and volcanic scenery, but confident riders may have more opportunity to pick up the pace. The route is not a technical mountain ride, and the supplied information does not promise long gallops, so book it for scenery, horse time, and Icelandic riding rather than an adrenaline-heavy equestrian workout.

Meeting the horses at Sólhestar

The stable is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik if you drive yourself. Look for the big white stable with a large orange sign, and use the free parking directly in front. You need to arrive 15 minutes before the riding time, which gives you a little room to park, find the stable, and get ready.

The first practical task is helmet fitting. Helmets are supplied and compulsory for every rider. You may also receive boots or other riding gear at the stable, though the core included clothing is rainwear and, in winter, a jumpsuit.

The horses are a major part of the appeal. Icelandic horses are compact, friendly, and well trained for this sort of group ride. The guides match horses to riders based on experience, which is especially useful if you are nervous or have never ridden before. Several beginners have found the horses calm and easy to direct, but no horse ride is entirely risk-free. One account describes a horse reacting badly to another horse and a rider falling, without injury. The guides handled the situation, but it is a useful reminder to listen closely and keep your horse under control.

You should be in reasonably good physical condition. The activity is not suitable for anyone with recent surgery, serious back problems, limited mobility, low fitness, or a pregnancy. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users or anyone over 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds.

The first hour: calm paths through the Redhills

Once everyone is mounted, the ride begins at a measured pace. Most of the route consists of walking on paths through hilly ground, with volcanic rock, moss, and red lava formations around you. This opening section is where the tour works best for beginners. You can learn how your horse responds, settle your balance, and enjoy the scenery without feeling pushed.

The guides stay attentive and offer instructions as you go. Reports from the ride describe guides helping nervous riders, checking comfort levels, and giving simple explanations to people who had never ridden before. English is the stated language, so you should be able to follow the riding guidance if you speak English.

The scenery is not the polished, postcard version of Iceland. It is rawer and closer. You see the path under the horse’s hooves, the red rocks at eye level, and the volcanic ground spreading around the group. On some days, snow covers parts of the lava. On others, rain and wind make the colors darker and the footing feel more serious.

That weather is part of the experience, but it is also the chief comfort issue. Wear warm layers, gloves, and wool socks. Comfortable clothing helps, but shorts, open-toed shoes, backpacks, and professional cameras are not allowed. Sunglasses can be useful in dusty conditions, especially in drier weather. Keep your phone handy if you want photos, but do not bring more gear than you can safely manage on horseback.

The red-rock photo stop

A photo stop at red lava rocks is built into the ride. It gives you a chance to pause, take pictures from the horse, and appreciate the color and texture of the volcanic formations without trying to photograph while moving.

Guides may take a group photo using your phone, which is a thoughtful touch because getting a good self-portrait from horseback is not easy. The stop is not an extended photography session, though. If your main goal is to spend a long time framing the scenery, you may find the pause brief. One useful expectation is to enjoy the view first and treat the photos as a bonus.

After this stop, the group may divide according to riding preference. A slower group can continue at a relaxed walk. A faster group may take a longer route back and try several tölt sections.

Trying the Icelandic tölt

The tölt is the special movement that many experienced riders want to try. It is a smooth, four-beat gait associated with Icelandic horses, and it can feel quite different from a normal walk or trot. The chance to try it adds real value for riders who already feel comfortable in the saddle.

This part is optional in practice because the ride is organized around comfort and ability. Beginners are not expected to keep up with a faster group. If you are new to horses, a steady walking route through the lava fields still gives you the central experience. If you have riding experience, tell the guides clearly what you would like to try and what you would rather avoid.

The split also helps couples and friends with different abilities. You may not spend every minute in the same pace group, but you are less likely to be stuck with a ride that is too slow or too demanding. The activity details allow for 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, so this is not a quick photo ride around a paddock.

Guides, safety, and the human side

The guides are one of the strongest parts of this outing. Claudia, Patri, Claira, Nina, and other staff members have been singled out for friendly help, clear instructions, conversation, and attention to nervous riders. The exact guide team depends on the day, but you can expect English-speaking staff who lead the horses and explain the activity.

The guides also add local context. Some rides include facts about Iceland’s geology and history while you move through the volcanic ground. That turns the route into more than a pleasant horse trek. You gain a basic sense of how the red hills and lava formations fit into Iceland’s wider volcanic story, without sitting through a long indoor lecture.

Safety is handled in practical ways: mandatory helmets, horse and rider matching, separate pace groups, and close attention to riders who need help. You should still take responsibility for your own comfort. Tell the guide if you are frightened, cold, sore, or unsure how to handle the reins. The staff can adjust the pace, but they cannot remove every risk that comes with riding a live animal outdoors.

The horses also appear to be treated as working animals with care rather than as simple props. You have time to say goodbye at the end, and the stable setting lets you see the horses before or after the ride. If animal welfare matters to your booking decisions, this is an important part of the experience, though you should still observe the stable’s instructions and avoid handling a horse without permission.

Transport, timing, and what the $142 price covers

The tour costs $142 per person and lasts 2.5 hours. That price is easier to justify if you use the optional pickup, need cold-weather gear, or want a substantial ride rather than a brief introduction to horses.

Pickup is available from selected Reykjavik hotels and shuttle bus stops. The small bus or jeep usually comes 30 minutes before the riding time, so you need to be ready early and wait at the stated pickup point. The drive is short, but pickup schedules can take time, particularly if the vehicle collects several people.

Driving yourself is simple if you have a car. The stable is about 15 minutes from central Reykjavik, with free parking in front. Self-driving gives you more control over your morning or afternoon, but pickup is useful if you do not want to deal with transport after a cold outdoor activity.

Included in the price are the horse ride, instructor, helmet, wet-weather clothing, winter jumpsuit, free parking, and pickup and drop-off if you select that option. Tea and coffee are available for comfort, including after the ride. Food is not included, so plan to eat before or after if you need more than a hot drink.

The price represents a solid half-day value for someone who wants a distinctive activity close to the capital. It is less attractive if you dislike horses, expect a long gallop, or mainly want a quick volcanic viewpoint. You are paying for time in the saddle, staff support, equipment, and access to a setting that would be difficult to experience in the same way on foot.

Best seasons and the clothing question

This tour runs in conditions that can change quickly. Winter rides can bring snow, dark volcanic colors, and a striking contrast between white ground and red rock. They also demand serious clothing. Bring warm layers, gloves, and thick wool socks even if the forecast looks manageable.

Rainwear and winter jumpsuits are provided when needed, but your own base layers still matter. Avoid cotton if you have suitable alternatives, and wear comfortable clothing that allows movement under the outer gear. Shorts and open shoes are not allowed, and a backpack is not permitted, so keep your personal items small.

Summer may feel easier physically, but Icelandic weather remains changeable. Dust can rise from the paths, and sunglasses may help. The scenery stays central in every season, but the mood changes: snow gives the lava a stark, graphic look, while clearer days show more color in the rock and moss.

Who should book this ride?

I would point first-time riders toward this tour because the early route is gentle, horses are matched by experience, and guides take time to explain the basics. It also works well for riders who have not been on a horse recently and want a scenic outing instead of a demanding trek.

Experienced riders should book it if they value Icelandic horses and want a chance to try tölt. Ask about the faster group at the start, since the exact riding options depend on the group and conditions. This is not the right choice if you need a guaranteed long gallop or a private ride at your own pace.

Families and couples can enjoy it, but everyone must meet the physical requirements. A nervous rider may do well with the staff’s support, yet anyone with a serious medical limitation should choose a different activity. The 110-kilogram limit is firm, and the tour is not suitable for pregnancy, back problems, mobility impairments, recent surgery, or low fitness.

My final call on the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

I would book this if you want an active way to see Iceland’s volcanic ground and like the idea of spending real time with the horses. The strongest reasons are the 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, the beginner-friendly pace, the optional faster sections, and the convenient gear and transport.

Skip it if you are uncomfortable around horses, cannot manage outdoor riding in cold or wet weather, or want a high-speed equestrian adventure. For everyone else, this is a well-balanced Reykjavik outing that gives you scenery, an Icelandic horse, and attentive instruction in one compact trip. Leave room in your schedule for hot food afterward, and arrive dressed for the weather rather than for the season on the calendar.

FAQ

How long is the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

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

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners can take a smoother route through the Redhills, and horses are matched to riders according to experience. Guides provide instructions and support throughout the ride.

Can experienced riders go faster?

Yes. More experienced groups may ride by Rauðarvatn, take a longer route back, and try faster sections or the Icelandic tölt when conditions and rider ability allow.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are available if you choose that option when booking. Pickup is offered from selected hotels and shuttle bus stops in Reykjavik, about 30 minutes before the start time.

Can I drive to the stable?

Yes. The stable is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, and free parking is available directly in front.

What should I wear?

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

Is riding gear provided?

A helmet is provided and must be worn by every rider. Rain clothing and winter jumpsuits are also included when required.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.