Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

Red lava, gentle horses, and a taste of Icelandic riding. The Red Lava Horse Riding Tour gives you two things I especially like: friendly Icelandic horses and close access to 5,000-year-old lava terrain without a full-day trip from Reykjavik. I also like the small-group format, though winter weather and icy trails can make the ride less comfortable, and at $139.13 per person, it is not a cheap add-on.

The roughly two-and-a-half-hour outing suits first-time riders as well as people who already know their way around a saddle. You can ride in the morning or afternoon, use the stable’s rain gear and winter clothing, and sometimes try the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt. Pickup is available from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and the BSI Bus Terminal, but the timing rules are strict.

Key details before you book

• Ride through 5,000-year-old lava fields: Heiðmörk Nature Reserve and the Red Hills provide the main scenery.
• Suitable for beginners and experienced riders: Routes and pace can be adjusted to the group.
• The tölt may be included: This smooth Icelandic horse gait is offered when conditions and rider ability allow.
• Clothing is available at the stable: Rain gear and winter overalls can make a major difference in Icelandic weather.
• Pickup is limited but useful: Transfers are offered from hotels, guesthouses, and the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik.
• Expect a small but mixed group: The maximum group size is 15 people, with about 1.5 to 2 hours spent riding.

Why this Reykjavik riding tour is appealing

Iceland gives you plenty of ways to see volcanic scenery, but many require a long drive. This ride keeps things simple. Solhestar’s stable is at Surtlugata 19, only a short transfer from central Reykjavik, so you can fit the outing into a morning or afternoon without giving up an entire day.

The setting is the real reason to book. You ride among red lava hills, mossy volcanic ground, and natural paths around Heiðmörk and Hólmsheiði. At Rauðavatn, you also pass an area linked to the first forestry efforts in Iceland at the start of the 20th century. It is a small historical detail, but it gives the ride more character than a simple arena lesson.

The horses are another strong point. Icelandic horses are compact, sturdy, and known for their calm nature. The stable pairs riders with horses according to ability, which matters when one person is riding for the first time and another has years in the saddle. Several people have enjoyed the chance to try the tölt, a distinctive four-beat gait that can feel wonderfully smooth when the horse and rider are ready.

I also like the practical attitude here. Staff provide jackets, riding boots, rain clothing, and winter overalls. Guides keep giving riding advice along the route, not just during the first briefing. That ongoing help is useful when you are riding up or down uneven ground or trying to settle into the horse’s rhythm.

Getting ready at Solhestar, about 30 minutes

The first part of the visit takes place at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik. Allow about 30 minutes to get dressed, receive basic guidance, and meet the horse chosen for you.

This preparation time is important. You are not simply handed a horse and sent outside. Staff work to find a suitable match, then help you with clothing and equipment. If you are new to riding, tell the staff clearly. If you have ridden before, explain your comfort level rather than assuming you will automatically get a faster horse or route.

Use the available clothing. Icelandic rain can arrive with little warning, and a sunny start does not promise a dry ride. One person who skipped the heavier rain coat regretted it after getting soaked. Others found the winter suits useful in cold, windy conditions. Good socks are worth packing, and waterproof outerwear and warm gloves are sensible personal additions.

The stable can take time to outfit a larger group, mount everyone, and adjust the equipment. That is normal for a ride with mixed ages and experience levels. If you are planning a tightly timed activity afterward, leave room for the full tour rather than counting on an early return.

Heiðmörk and the red volcanic hills

Once mounted, the ride heads toward Heiðmörk Nature Reserve. The area includes lava hills formed by a volcano about 5,000 years ago. You get a clear sense of Iceland’s volcanic past here without needing a technical geology lesson.

The scenery is open and rugged, with mossy lava and red-toned rock around the riding paths. It is a good setting for photos, and guides may help take pictures with your phone at scenic points. Keep your phone secure, though. You are on horseback, often in wind and changing weather, so a pocket or zipped bag is safer than holding it for the whole ride.

The route is not a long-distance expedition. The total distance is about 5 to 7 kilometers, depending on the group and rider ability. Beginners may stay on a smooth riding path through the Red Hills, while a more experienced group may follow a route by Rauðavatn. This choice makes the tour more flexible than a fixed procession, though your exact route depends on the conditions and the people riding with you.

Expect plenty of walking pace. The tour is designed for a broad range of riders, and guides may keep the group together rather than offer long stretches of speed. More experienced riders can still have fun, especially when the group is comfortable enough to try the tölt.

Rauðavatn and Hólmsheiði

The route around Rauðavatn adds a quieter natural setting to the volcanic scenery. This is where Iceland’s early forestry work began in the early 1900s. You may not stop for a long talk about it, but the detail helps explain why the area looks different from the bare lava fields elsewhere.

Hólmsheiði is the main riding area and the part many people find most enjoyable. The paths are natural, the setting is wide and uncrowded, and you get time to settle into the Icelandic horse. The ride normally lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, with the entire activity taking about 2.5 hours including preparation and return.

The staff adjust the pace to the group. People who do not want to trot can stay at a slower speed, while experienced riders may be given a chance to enjoy more movement when the route allows. This is a useful feature for families or mixed groups. You do not need to share your friend’s or partner’s riding ability.

The tölt is a highlight when offered. It is a gait associated with Icelandic horses, and riders often enjoy trying it several times. Do not treat it as guaranteed, though. The guide decides what is safe based on the group, footing, weather, and individual rider control.

How beginner-friendly is it?

Very much so, with one important qualification: you still need reasonable balance and comfort sitting on a moving animal.

First-time riders have found the horses calm and the instruction reassuring. Guides continue helping during the route and check on people who look unsteady. That is better than a quick safety speech followed by a long ride with no support.

The English saddle can feel unfamiliar if you have only used a different saddle style. One person compared the balance to sitting on a basketball, especially at first. If you have balance problems, staying at a walk is the sensible choice. You can tell the guide you do not want to trot or try the tölt.

The tour has a maximum of 15 participants, so it is not an intimate private ride, but it is small enough for hands-on support. The range of ages can be broad. A group may include young riders, older adults, complete beginners, and confident equestrians. Guides have adapted the outing for different abilities, and one older rider who did not feel secure was helped back to the starting point.

The stated maximum rider weight is 110 kilograms. Check this requirement before booking, since it is a firm participation limit.

Weather, footing, and the honest drawback

Icelandic weather is not a side note on this activity. It shapes the whole ride.

Rain, sleet, wind, sun, and even rainbows can arrive during one outing. The stable provides outer clothing, but you should still wear warm base layers and bring good socks. Gloves that handle wet weather are especially useful. Ski gloves were suggested by one rider dealing with cold and wind.

The main concern is trail footing in cold months. A late-October ride took place on icy paths after snow. Several horses struggled for grip, and one horse lost balance on its front legs. That is not a routine problem to ignore. If your priority is a relaxed first riding lesson, ask about recent trail conditions and think carefully before choosing a period with ice.

The tour may be canceled in poor weather. If that happens, you can take another date or receive a full refund. If you cancel yourself, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. A cancellation inside that window is not refundable.

Even in good weather, wind can make the temperature feel much lower than the forecast suggests. I would choose the stable’s waterproof clothing over trying to look stylish in ordinary travel clothes. Iceland rewards sensible packing.

Pickup from Reykjavik and timing rules

You can meet at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavik. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup is an upgrade or available option for Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and the BSI Bus Terminal. It is not general door-to-door service from every location outside the city. Read your booking voucher carefully, since it contains the exact pickup instructions.

For a 9:30 morning ride, pickup begins at 9:00. For a 13:30 afternoon ride, pickup begins at 13:00. The pickup process can take up to 20 minutes, so be ready before the stated start of the transfer.

This is one place to be strict. If you are not at the pickup point within five minutes after pickup begins, the booking may be canceled. Give a phone number that works in Iceland in case the operator needs to reach you at the last minute.

The ride is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 41 days. That does not mean every departure sells out, but it does suggest booking early if you need a specific morning or afternoon.

Is $139.13 good value?

At $139.13 per person, this is a mid-to-high priced short activity. You are paying for more than the time in the saddle. The price covers a guided outing, horse matching, basic riding support, stable clothing, and access to volcanic scenery close to Reykjavik.

The value is strongest if you want an easy Icelandic horse experience without arranging a rental car or spending a day on the road. Pickup can make the outing even more useful, especially if you are staying centrally and do not want to work out local transport.

The value is weaker if you are an advanced rider seeking a long, fast ride. This is a mixed-ability excursion, not a serious trekking expedition. The distance is modest, and the pace must work for the least confident person in the group.

For a first ride in Iceland, I think the convenience and scenery justify the price for many people. For a family of several people, though, the cost adds up quickly. In that case, compare the experience with other paid activities and decide if riding Icelandic horses is high on your personal list.

The staff and the horses

The strongest praise centers on the care given to both horses and riders. Staff are described as kind, attentive, and encouraging. Guides help with mounting, adjust the ride to ability, and offer useful reminders during the route.

Claudia and Klara were singled out for especially warm service in individual feedback. The staff are also praised for explaining local details during transfers, so the pickup can feel like more than a simple drive to the stable.

The horses are usually described as gentle, well trained, and easy to handle. Several first-time riders became comfortable quickly. That said, horses are living animals, not machines. One difficult ride included biting, kicking, and unpredictable movement, although most of the available feedback describes calm horses and safe handling.

If a horse feels wrong for you, say so at once. A good match is central to enjoying this outing, and the staff have the chance to adjust things before you leave or during the ride.

Who should book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a guided introduction to Icelandic horses
• Families with mixed riding abilities
• Couples looking for a short activity near Reykjavik
• Experienced riders who enjoy scenery and want to try the tölt
• People who prefer a small group to a large commercial outing
• Visitors traveling without a car

I would think twice if you have serious balance problems, dislike cold or wet weather, or expect a long, fast horseback trek. I would also ask about trail conditions before booking during icy periods.

The tour is rated 4.8 out of 5, with 96 percent of people recommending it. That strong overall result fits the main pattern: excellent horses, helpful staff, memorable scenery, and a very good first-time experience, with weather and footing as the main risks.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if riding an Icelandic horse through red lava country sounds more appealing than another coach trip around Reykjavik. The outing is convenient, friendly, and well suited to beginners, while experienced riders still get a chance to enjoy the tölt and a more active route.

Choose an afternoon or morning slot based on your wider schedule, but leave extra time around pickup. Wear warm layers, use the waterproof gear, and bring gloves and good socks. If the forecast points to ice or severe weather, contact the operator or consider a different date.

For a short, memorable encounter with Iceland’s horses and volcanic scenery, this is a solid choice. Just book it for the right reason: a guided nature ride with flexible pacing, not an all-day equestrian adventure.

FAQ

Where does the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour start?

The meeting point is Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik at Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavik, Iceland. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available from Reykjavik hotels?

Pickup is available from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and the BSI Bus Terminal. Read your voucher for the exact pickup point and instructions.

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 hours and 30 minutes. Preparation takes about 30 minutes, and the riding portion normally lasts 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is adapted to different experience levels, and guides provide support during the outing. People who do not want to trot can remain at a slower pace.

Can I try the Icelandic horse’s tölt?

The route may include opportunities to try the tölt. The guide decides what is suitable based on riding ability, group conditions, weather, and trail footing.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The maximum stated rider weight is 110 kilograms.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The operator may cancel the activity in poor weather. You will be offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel yourself, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.