Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

The best part of this ride is not a long transfer into the countryside. It is the quick change from Reykjavik streets to 5,000-year-old lava hills, where you follow mossy paths on a compact, sturdy Icelandic horse. You get a close look at a breed built for Iceland’s rough ground, plus a chance to try the famous tölt.

I like the small-group format, which gives the guides room to help nervous beginners and adjust the pace for experienced riders. I also like the practical setup: rain gear, winter overalls, riding boots, hot drinks afterward, and hotel pickup for those who do not want to arrange a taxi or bus connection.

The main caution is Icelandic weather and footing. Rain, wind, sleet, and icy trails can change the ride from easygoing to uncomfortable, especially in late autumn and winter. A 2.5-hour booking includes preparation and return time, so you should expect about 1.5 to 2 hours actually in the saddle.

Key points to know before you book

• The red lava hills are close to Reykjavik: You reach an open natural setting without giving up most of your day to transport.
• The ride suits first-timers: Horses are matched to ability, and guides give help before and during the outing.
• You may try the tölt: This distinctive Icelandic horse gait can feel smooth and rhythmic, though it depends on the group and conditions.
• Weather gear is supplied: Use the rainwear or winter overalls, even if the forecast looks mild.
• Two route options shape the ride: Beginners usually follow a smooth path by the Redhills, while more experienced riders may ride near Rauðavatn.
• Pickup has a narrow timing window: Hotel and BSI Bus Terminal pickup begins 30 minutes before departure, and you need to be ready when the vehicle arrives.

Why this Reykjavik horse ride feels different

Icelandic horses are smaller than many riding horses, but do not mistake compact for delicate. They are sturdy, sure-footed animals with a calm character and a gait called the tölt. The ride gives you a chance to experience that breed in the setting where it makes the most sense: volcanic ground, low hills, moss, and wide skies.

This is not a grand ranch expedition or a full-day wilderness trip. It is a convenient half-day activity near the capital. That makes it a useful choice if you want something distinctly Icelandic between city plans, or if you are building a flexible Reykjavik itinerary around weather.

The provider keeps the groups to a maximum of 15 people. That is not an intimate private ride, but it is small enough for active supervision, especially compared with a large stable outing where you may spend much of your time waiting. The staff pair riders and horses with care, then choose the path and pace based on the group’s ability.

You do not need previous riding experience. The horses are described as gentle and well trained, and beginners receive support from the first fitting through the ride itself. More experienced riders are not simply led at a walking pace, since the route and speed can be adjusted when conditions allow.

Getting ready at Surtlugata 19

Your visit starts at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik, at Surtlugata 19 in the 110 district. If you use the pickup option, the morning service 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, so do not treat the stated pickup time as an exact arrival time. Be at your hotel, guesthouse, or the BSI Bus Terminal before the pickup window begins. If you are not present within five minutes after pickup starts, the booking may be canceled.

At the stable, allow about 30 minutes to get organized. You receive rain clothing or winter overalls, and the staff find a suitable horse for you. This preparation matters. Icelandic weather can turn wet and windy even when the forecast looks harmless, and the supplied gear is not just a nice extra.

Several people made the sensible mistake of underestimating the cold. You should use the offered outerwear, especially in winter or during wet weather. Wear warm socks, and bring gloves that can handle rain. Ski gloves are a useful choice in cold months. You may feel overdressed in the stable, but you will appreciate the extra layer once you are out on the open paths.

The stable also provides riding boots. Wear comfortable clothes underneath the gear, and remember that sitting in a saddle for 1.5 to 2 hours can leave you a little sore, particularly if this is your first ride.

Into Heiðmörk’s ancient red lava

The first riding area is Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, where the volcanic ground is the star of the outing. The red hills and lava formations come from a volcano active about 5,000 years ago. You are not visiting a museum display about Iceland’s geology. You are moving through the result of that eruption on horseback, with the uneven red rock and mossy ground close at hand.

The scenery is striking without needing a long hike. The horses carry you along natural paths through the lava hills, and the slow pace gives you time to notice the shapes and colors around you. Guides also help with the practical side of riding, including balance, reins, hills, and changes in pace.

The route covers roughly 5 to 7 kilometers, depending on the experience of the group. That distance is modest, but the setting makes the ride feel much more special than an enclosed arena or a short loop beside a road.

A key point for beginners is that you are not expected to manage everything alone. Instructions continue during the ride, and guides pay attention to riders who look uncertain. If you are nervous, say so early. The staff can pair you with an appropriate horse and keep you at a comfortable speed.

Rauðavatn and the choice of two routes

The area around Rauðavatn adds a different note to the outing. It is linked to the first steps of forestry in Iceland at the beginning of the 20th century, an unusual detail in a country better known for volcanoes, glaciers, and bare open ground.

You may ride near Rauðavatn if the group’s experience and conditions make that route suitable. Beginners generally take the beautiful, smooth riding path along the Redhills. More experienced riders may follow the Rauðavatn route, which gives the ride a slightly more active feel.

This route choice is one of the tour’s best features. A mixed group does not need to force everyone into the same speed or difficulty. If you are new to horses, the smooth path lets you focus on staying balanced and enjoying the views. If you ride regularly, you may get more freedom and a chance to experience the horse’s movement at a livelier pace.

The guides can also accommodate people who do not want to trot. That flexibility is important because confidence levels can vary sharply within one family or couple. You can still enjoy the setting without feeling pressured to attempt every gait.

The Icelandic tölt, and what to expect in the saddle

The tölt is the riding moment many people look forward to. It is a special gait of the Icelandic horse, and the guides may give you a chance to try it at different speeds. It can feel smoother than a trot, but the experience still depends on your balance, the horse, the surface, and the guide’s decision on the day.

Do not assume every rider will spend long stretches tölting. This is a group ride, and safety comes first. The guides may keep the pace to a walk if someone is uncomfortable, or if the trail is wet, slippery, or icy.

An English saddle is used. One rider found the balance less familiar than expected, describing the saddle as less secure than a broad western saddle. If you have balance issues, you should plan to remain at a walk and tell the staff before mounting.

The horses themselves are a major part of the appeal. They are friendly, calm, and responsive, but they are still animals with individual personalities. Some have a little more spirit than others. Good matching helps, yet no riding tour can remove every surprise. You need to be comfortable accepting the small movements and reactions that come with riding a living animal.

Weather is the biggest factor

Icelandic weather can change several times during one outing. Rain, sleet, sun, wind, and even rainbows have all been part of rides in this area. The supplied wet-weather gear helps, but it cannot make a blustery day feel like summer.

Winter conditions deserve extra thought. An outing at the end of October was affected by icy trails, and one rider found the footing stressful when a horse slipped and became unsettled. This is an important limitation, not a reason to dismiss the activity. If the paths are icy, the ride may be slower, less relaxed, and less suitable for a first-time rider who is already anxious.

The operator requires good weather and may cancel if conditions are poor. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund. You should still keep your schedule flexible, since weather can also affect the route and pace without canceling the entire outing.

My practical advice is simple: dress warmer than you think you need. Use the provided rain jacket and pants, wear warm socks, and protect your hands. The staff offer tea and coffee afterward, which is welcome, but a hot drink is not a substitute for proper clothing.

How the 2.5-hour schedule works

The advertised duration is about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Around 30 minutes goes to arrival, clothing, horse matching, mounting, and final adjustments. The riding portion lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours.

That timing makes the tour easy to fit into a Reykjavik day. A morning departure begins at 9:30, while the afternoon ride begins at 13:30. The experience ends back at the meeting point, or at your pickup location if you used the transfer.

Do not schedule a tight activity immediately afterward. Pickup can take up to 20 minutes, and getting a group of riders fitted and mounted takes time. One larger group needed extra time before setting out. The ride itself is the part worth protecting, so leave some breathing room.

Is the $139 price good value?

At $139.13 per person, this is not a cheap quick pony ride. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a 2.5-hour stable experience, 1.5 to 2 hours on horseback, guide support, outdoor riding through volcanic terrain, supplied weather gear, and optional pickup from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, or BSI Bus Terminal.

The location also saves time and transport costs compared with a stable far outside the capital. If door-to-door pickup matters to you, the extra convenience may justify the fare. If you are already renting a car and staying near the stable, you may prefer to meet at Surtlugata 19 and skip the transfer option.

The value is strongest for a first visit to Iceland. You get an activity tied closely to the country’s terrain, horses, and rural traditions, without committing a full day. It is also a good use of time for families or couples with mixed riding experience because the guides can adjust routes and pace.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is advanced riding. This is a guided group outing, not a private lesson or a fast trail ride. Experienced riders may enjoy the tölt and the scenery, but the group’s needs will always shape the session.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, families with older children, couples, and anyone who wants a memorable outdoor activity close to Reykjavik. The staff are particularly attentive to nervous riders, and the horses are selected to match different abilities.

It also suits experienced riders who want to try the Icelandic horse in its home setting. Just keep expectations realistic: you may have opportunities to tölt, but you will not control the entire pace or route.

The ride may not suit you if you have serious balance concerns, dislike unpredictable weather, or want a high-speed equestrian outing. The English saddle can feel unfamiliar, and winter ice can make the experience demanding. An 85-year-old participant with a knee replacement decided not to continue after reaching the stable, and the staff helped her return and sit out. That is a useful reminder to judge your own mobility honestly.

Most people can participate, but there is a maximum rider weight of 110 kilograms. Check this before booking, and contact the operator if you have concerns about balance, mobility, or the amount of riding.

Booking details that matter

You receive confirmation at booking, and the experience is offered in English. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Add a phone number that works in Iceland. The operator may need to reach you at the last minute, especially if pickup details or weather conditions change.

The tour is commonly booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 41 days. Morning and afternoon departures give you some choice, but popular dates can fill before your arrival. If this is a priority, reserve it early and keep a backup plan for poor weather.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want an accessible Icelandic experience that combines volcanic scenery, a distinctive horse breed, and a manageable time commitment from Reykjavik. The best features are the helpful staff, careful horse matching, flexible routes, and the chance to try the tölt.

Choose another activity if you need guaranteed dry weather, a private ride, or a demanding equestrian workout. For the best chance of a comfortable outing, use every layer provided, bring warm socks and gloves, arrive early for pickup, and avoid booking it on a day when icy conditions would make you nervous.

For most visitors who want to see Iceland from a different angle, this is a strong choice. It gives you real time with the horses rather than treating them as scenery, and the red lava paths make the short trip from Reykjavik feel worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride start?

The activity starts at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is pickup available from Reykjavik?

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

When 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 is the horse riding portion?

The full activity lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. About 1.5 to 2 hours are spent riding, with the remaining time used for clothing, horse matching, mounting, and preparation.

Do I need riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for beginners and more experienced riders. Routes and riding pace can be adapted to the group’s abilities.

What is the maximum group size?

The activity has a maximum of 15 participants.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.