Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

Red lava fields make a fine riding trail. This 2.5-hour outing from Reykjavik pairs friendly Icelandic horses with rugged volcanic terrain, and I like that you can choose a route suited to your riding ability. I also like the practical touches: warm clothing, rain gear, helmets, hot drinks, and optional hotel pickup are included. The main consideration is the price, $142 per person, which is fair for a long ride and transport, but less appealing if you want a quick pony stroll.

This is a good fit for first-time riders as well as people who already ride. The calm horses, careful matching, and patient English-speaking guides help nervous beginners settle in quickly. More experienced riders may get extra speed and a chance to try the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt, but the pace depends on the whole group.

Key points before you book

• Ride for 1.5 to 2 hours: The time in the saddle is generous for a half-day activity, and the tour does not feel like a rushed photo stop.
• Two routes suit different abilities: Beginners follow a smooth path around the Redhills, while stronger riders may continue near Rauðarvatn.
• Icelandic horses are a major part of the appeal: They are small, sturdy, friendly, and well trained, with calm behavior praised again and again.
• Tölt may be available: Faster groups can try several tölt sessions, a smooth four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses.
• Pickup is optional: Reykjavik hotel and shuttle-stop pickup begins about 30 minutes before the ride. Self-drivers get free parking at the stable.
• Pack for cold, wet weather: Warm layers, gloves, and wool socks matter, even when the forecast looks mild.

Why this ride is different from a standard Iceland tour

Many Reykjavik excursions put you in a bus and point out volcanic scenery through a window. Here, you move through it at horse speed. That means more quiet, more attention to the ground beneath you, and a closer look at moss, rocks, low hills, and red lava formations.

The Redhills area is not a polished park. It is open volcanic country, with natural paths and rough stone underfoot. That raw setting is the point. You are not riding through a decorative farm attraction. You are out among old lava fields that some riders describe as more than 5,000 years old.

I also like the sense of place provided by the horses. Icelandic horses are part of the country’s rural identity, and riding one gives you a taste of Iceland beyond waterfalls, buses, and crowded viewpoints. The horses are small compared with many riding horses, but they are solid, sure-footed, and used to the local terrain.

This is not a private wilderness ride. You will be part of a guided group, and the route and pace are shaped by the riders present that day. That is a reasonable tradeoff for safety and accessibility, especially if you are new to horses.

Getting from Reykjavik to the stable

With the pickup option, a small bus or jeep with the provider’s name on the side collects you from selected Reykjavik hotels and shuttle bus stops. Be ready 30 minutes before the scheduled riding time. The transfer is often a short drive, and some morning riders have watched the sunrise on the way to the lava fields.

The pickup service makes this easy to fit into a city stay. You do not need to find the stable, arrange a taxi, or worry about driving after a cold-weather activity. Allow a little flexibility around the stated pickup time, since several pickup points may be involved.

Driving yourself is simple. The stable is about 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, with free parking directly in front. Look for the large white stable and its large orange sign. You should arrive 15 minutes before your riding time, not just at the scheduled start.

That self-drive option is useful if you have already rented a car for Iceland’s south coast or want to combine the ride with another nearby plan. Just keep the timing realistic. The activity itself lasts 2.5 hours, and the full outing takes longer with transport and preparation.

Meeting the horses and getting ready

At the stable, you receive a helmet and get paired with a horse according to your experience. This matching is one of the most important parts of the tour. Beginners are not simply placed on whichever horse happens to be available. The guides take riding ability and comfort into account.

First-time riders have found the initial nerves ease quickly once they are mounted. The horses are described as calm, responsive, and easy to guide. That does not mean you can switch off completely. You still need to listen to the instructor, keep good posture, and follow directions around other horses.

All riders must wear the provided helmet. It is not optional, and that is exactly right for a riding activity. You should also expect to wear proper outdoor clothing rather than city clothes. Shorts, open-toed shoes, and backpacks are not allowed, and professional cameras are not allowed either.

The stable supplies wet-weather clothing when needed. In winter, jumpsuits are available, and riders are fitted with suitable gear before setting off. Still, bring your own warm base layers, gloves, and wool socks. Icelandic weather can make a pleasant ride feel very cold, especially when you are moving slowly.

After changing and fitting helmets, you have some time to get comfortable with the horse. The horses are ready when the group is prepared, so the process is organized rather than hurried.

Riding the Redhills for beginners

The beginner route follows a smooth path through the Redhills. This is the gentler choice, with plenty of time to learn how the horse responds and how to sit comfortably in the saddle.

Most of the ride is at a walk. You pass over natural paths among rocks, moss, red lava formations, and rolling ground. The colors can change with the weather. Snow adds a clean white layer in winter, while rain and wind can make the red rock look darker and more dramatic.

You will have guides nearby throughout the ride. They check on riders, help anyone who is unsure, and explain how to handle the horse. Several first-time riders have found the instruction clear enough to feel comfortable after only a few minutes.

That calm pace is a benefit, not a flaw, if this is your first time riding. You can pay attention to your hands, legs, balance, and the horse beneath you without also trying to keep up at speed.

The drawback is that experienced riders may find the beginner section too slow. The tour solves this partly by separating riders according to ability and preference later in the outing, but the exact amount of faster riding depends on the group and conditions.

The Rauðarvatn route and the Icelandic tölt

More experienced riders may take a route by Rauðarvatn. This gives confident riders more room to enjoy the horses and the terrain, rather than spending the whole outing at a beginner’s walk.

After a photo stop, groups may be divided between riders who want a relaxed pace and those who would like to go faster. The quicker group can sometimes trot and try the tölt in several sessions. The tölt is a smooth, distinctive gait that makes Icelandic horses special. Riders with experience often find it comfortable and surprisingly easy to sit.

Do not book this tour expecting a full-speed gallop. The exact pace is controlled by the guides and shaped by the terrain, weather, and group. The attraction is the combination of safe instruction, natural paths, and the chance to sample a faster gait when appropriate.

That structure works well for couples or friends with mixed ability. A nervous beginner can stay comfortable, while an experienced rider may still get some extra movement. You should tell the staff honestly about your riding background. Good matching makes a bigger difference than bravado.

Red lava rocks and the photo stop

A photo stop at striking red lava rocks is built into the ride. It gives you a chance to pause, take pictures, and see the volcanic formations up close instead of passing them from the saddle.

Guides may take a group photo using your phone, which is a useful touch. You do not need to carry a large camera or risk handling equipment while riding. One practical warning: leave the backpack behind, and do not bring a professional camera. Your phone is the sensible tool here.

The stop is not a long sightseeing break. If you want many photos of the wider scenery, you may find the time limited. One rider wished for more time to photograph the surroundings, even though the group picture was appreciated.

That is worth knowing if photography is your main reason for booking. The ride is the main event. The photo stop adds a memory, but it does not turn the outing into a dedicated photography tour.

What the guides and horses add

The guides receive some of the strongest praise. They are described as friendly, attentive, and good at helping nervous riders. Names mentioned by riders include Claudia, Claira, Nina, Patri, and Kolgrima, though your guide team may be different.

The best guides do more than lead the line. They explain the ride, check that people are comfortable, offer help when needed, and share facts about Iceland’s geology and local history. Some riders especially appreciated learning about the country while moving through the volcanic terrain.

The horses appear to be matched carefully and treated well. Riders repeatedly describe them as pleasant, calm, well behaved, and easy to control. That matters because an unhappy or poorly trained horse can ruin even the finest scenery.

No riding activity is completely risk-free. One incident involved a horse reacting badly to another horse, causing a rider to fall. The rider was not hurt, and the guides responded well, but the event is a useful reminder to follow instructions and keep your attention on the horses around you.

The provider also has a stated weight limit of 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. The activity is not suitable for people who are pregnant, have back problems, recent surgery, mobility impairments, a low level of fitness, or need wheelchair access.

Cold-weather comfort and timing

The scheduled activity lasts 2.5 hours, including preparation and the ride. You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours on horseback, covering roughly 5 to 7 kilometers. That is a substantial amount of saddle time for the price.

I would plan this for a day when you do not need to look perfectly polished afterward. Riding can leave your clothing dusty, damp, or marked by the stable. Wear comfortable clothes beneath the supplied outer gear, and choose footwear that works with riding boots.

Rain does not automatically ruin the experience. Riders have gone out in wind and rain and still enjoyed the scenery, helped by the provided rainwear. Snow can make the red lava especially striking, but winter also demands proper gloves and socks.

After the ride, complimentary tea and coffee are available. There is no meal, so eat beforehand if you need more than a hot drink. The warm drink is a small feature, but it is welcome after sitting outdoors in Icelandic weather.

Is $142 a fair price?

At $142 per person, this is not a budget activity. The value depends on what you want from the day.

The price includes the horse, instructor, helmet, wet-weather clothing, winter jumpsuit when needed, parking, and hotel pickup and drop-off if you select that option. You also get 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, which is longer than many short introductory rides.

For a first-time rider, the price buys more than a horse and saddle. You get careful pairing, supervision, clothing support, a volcanic setting, and a route designed for different abilities. That makes it a strong choice if you want one memorable activity rather than a quick add-on.

Self-driving without pickup may reduce the overall convenience value, but the free parking helps. If you are already staying near the stable or have a rental car, you are not paying for transport you do not need.

I would call it good value for people who genuinely want to ride. If you only want to see red lava rocks and take photos, a driving tour or walking stop may cost less and give you more freedom. This experience earns its price through time in the saddle and contact with the horses.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want careful support
• Couples looking for a memorable Reykjavik activity
• Families and friends with mixed riding ability
• Experienced riders curious about the tölt
• Visitors without a car who value hotel pickup
• Anyone who wants volcanic scenery at a slower, quieter pace

You should think twice if you have a low fitness level, a back condition, recent surgery, limited mobility, or discomfort around horses. Sitting in a saddle for up to two hours takes physical effort, even at a walking pace.

This also may not suit someone seeking a private ride or a fast, athletic outing. The tour is guided and group-based, and the guides decide what is safe for the conditions.

Practical booking advice

Choose the pickup option if you are staying in Reykjavik and do not want to arrange transport. Be ready 30 minutes before the start, and check that your selected hotel or shuttle stop is included.

Choose the stable meeting option if you have a car. Arrive 15 minutes early, park for free, and look for the white stable with the orange sign.

Bring warm, comfortable, weather-ready clothing. Gloves and wool socks are especially useful in winter. Sunglasses can help on dusty days, and your phone is more practical than a professional camera for the photo stop.

The activity is offered in English. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want an active, personal way to see Icelandic volcanic terrain. The scenery is striking, the horses are a big part of the charm, and the guides work hard to make beginners feel safe. The long riding time helps justify the $142 cost, especially with pickup and weather gear included.

Skip it if you dislike cold outdoor activities, cannot ride for physical reasons, or mainly want a fast sightseeing stop. For everyone else, this is one of the more memorable ways to spend half a day near Reykjavik, particularly if the thought of trying the tölt makes you smile.

FAQ

How long does the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour last?

The full activity lasts 2.5 hours. You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours horseback riding and cover approximately 5 to 7 kilometers.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $142 per person.

Is hotel pickup from Reykjavik included?

Pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option when booking. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before the riding time from selected Reykjavik hotels and shuttle bus stops.

Can I drive to the stable?

Yes. If you drive yourself, free parking is available in front of the stable. The stable is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik.

What does the stable look like?

You should look for a large white stable with a large orange sign.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and more experienced riders. Riders are matched with horses according to experience, and beginner groups use a smooth path through the Redhills.

Can experienced riders go faster?

More experienced riders may take the route near Rauðarvatn. Depending on the group and conditions, faster riders may trot and try the tölt.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. The stable provides helmets, and every rider must wear one while riding.

Is warm or wet-weather clothing available?

Yes. Rain clothing is provided when needed, and winter jumpsuits are available. You should still bring warm, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.

What is the weight limit?

The maximum weight is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds.

Are food and drinks included?

Food is not included. Complimentary tea and coffee are available after or during the outing, but other food and drinks are not provided.