Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

A ride on red lava sounds like a postcard, but it is real. This 2.5-hour Reykjavik horse tour gives you hands-on guidance, Icelandic horse personality, and big volcanic views without a full day of driving.

I like the fact that you get proper outfitting for weather, and the guides work to match you with the right horse and riding route.

The best parts for me are the chance to experience the Icelandic tölt gait, and how relaxed the setup feels for first-timers. You also get a short window into places around Reykjavik like Heidmörk and Rauðavatn, all tied directly to the ride.

One thing to consider is conditions, icy trails can make a beginner feel nervous, so pick your timing wisely and dress for the wind and rain.

Key points before you go

• Small group, max 15 riders means less waiting and more personal help on the horse.
• Built for all levels with route choices, so beginners can stick to smoother paths.
• Starter-friendly tolt opportunities if you feel ready, including gate tölt moments riders love.
• Weather gear included: rain clothing and winter overalls help when the forecast swings.
• Guides stay close and keep coaching during the ride, not just at the start.

Why Reykjavik’s red lava ride is worth your time

If you only have a couple days in Iceland and you still want the classic Icelandic-horse experience, this is a strong pick. The whole thing runs about 2.5 hours, starting from Solhestar Horse rental Reykjavik in the city area. That means you trade your energy for a real ride, not hours of bus travel.

The big win is how close it stays to Reykjavik life. You get picked up from hotels, guesthouses, or the BSI bus terminal, then you get outfitted, mounted, and out on the lava hills. It is a practical half-day activity that still feels like a real slice of Iceland.

Solhestar stables: getting matched and suited up

Your tour begins at Solhestar Horse rental Reykjavik (Surtlugata 19). The first stretch is about settling in, then getting the gear and fitting you with a horse that matches your level. Plan for around 30 minutes at the start while they get you ready.

This is one of the more reassuring parts of the experience. They provide rain clothing and winter overalls, which is huge in Iceland where weather can change fast. Several ride notes stress that the staff encourages you to use the provided layers, especially in wind or wet conditions.

You will also want to think about socks and grip. People recommend good socks for warmth, and if you have ski gloves, bring them. The staff also offers the kind of warm drinks after the ride that make you feel human again once you are back on land.

Heidmörk Nature Reserve: lava hills and a 5000-year story

After you are mounted, the route includes Heidmork Nature Reserve for about an hour. This stop focuses on lava hills and volcano history, with the tour framing the volcano as roughly 5000 years old. It is not a museum-style lecture. It is more like, take in the terrain, learn what shaped it, then ride through it a bit later.

For many people, this is where the day clicks. You stop seeing the ride as just a fun activity, and you start reading the land. When the ground around you looks black and textured, the volcanic explanation feels instantly relevant.

The only drawback here is also typical for Iceland. If the weather turns ugly, you might spend part of this hour huddled and bundled. Still, it is time well used, since you are preparing your eyes for what you will see on the horse.

Rauðavatn: forestry roots and the quiet in-between moments

The itinerary also includes Rauðavatn, noted for the first steps of forestry in Iceland in the early 20th century. You are not just riding in an empty space. You are moving through an area with a human timeline layered onto the volcanic setting.

This stop is shorter and more subtle than Heidmörk. It is the kind of pause where you get a moment to breathe, look around, and reset between stretches of riding. If you enjoy learning small facts that connect nature to real Icelandic history, this part adds texture.

Hólmsheiði riding: redhills paths, Rauðarvatn routes, and tölt time

This is the heart of the tour. At Hólmsheiði, you ride in small groups for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Total tour time is listed around 2.5 hours, with the riding distance typically described as 5 to 7 km depending on your experience level. That range matters because it helps the guides tailor the pace.

You can get two main route styles:

• A ride along the Redhills on a smooth path that works well for beginners.
• For more experienced riders, a ride by Rauðarvatn.

On both options, the guiding idea stays the same: natural riding paths, friendly Icelandic horses, and plenty of chances to look up at the terrain rather than stare at your feet the whole time.

Now, the gait everyone asks about: tölt. The ride experience is designed so riders can try to experience the tölt gate at varying speeds. Even if you do not get it the entire time, you usually get enough moments to feel the difference. It is part of why Icelandic horses feel so distinct compared to what most people expect from a typical horse ride.

If you are brand new, ask for the walk-first plan in your own comfort zone. One review-style advice theme that comes up is that even new riders can have fun, but you should not force anything beyond your balance. The staff continues coaching during the ride, which helps you adjust as you go.

What to wear in Reykjavik area, wind, rain, and cold

You do not need to overthink clothing, but you do need to dress like Iceland can change its mind hourly. The tour includes rain clothing and winter overalls, so you will not be totally stuck if you arrive in normal city gear.

Still, bring these basics:

• Warm socks that fit well, since your feet matter for comfort.
• Gloves if you have them, because hands get cold fast in wind.
• Layers you can move in, not stiff stuff that restricts your legs.

Multiple ride notes emphasize that people often feel warmer than they expected once they use the provided gear. That said, wind can cut through, and some riders feel the cold more than others. If you run cold, consider extra layers under whatever they fit you with.

Ski gloves are one popular tip. Not required, but if you have them, you might be happier. And if you are hoping for photos, keep your phone protected, since you will likely take pictures at lava rocks and the guides may also capture images using your phone.

Small-group support and the real meaning of “beginner-friendly”

The tour is built for beginners, but it is not watered down. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the guides can actually keep an eye on riders. That matters when you are learning how to sit, when to hold the reins, and how to react if the horse’s movement feels unfamiliar.

What I like is that the instruction continues during the ride, not only during the first ten minutes. You get guidance for riding up and down, plus check-ins with riders who feel unsteady. That sort of ongoing coaching is the difference between a ride that feels like luck and a ride that feels like you are learning something.

Staff friendliness shows up again and again in the feedback. People name guides such as Claudia and Klara, with praise for helpful, attentive service. Even without naming anyone, the overall pattern is clear: you are not left alone once you are mounted.

Price and value: what you get for about $139.13

At $139.13 per person, you are paying for more than a horse ride. You are paying for the stable prep, gear, guide time, and the ride experience on Icelandic horses, near Reykjavik where logistics usually cost less time.

This price also covers the parts that reduce risk for first-timers:

• Gear provided for wet and cold weather
• Horse matching, so you are not stuck on a random mount
• Continued guidance during the ride
• Small-group structure up to 15 people

If you compare it to longer day trips, the value is that you get a meaningful horseback experience without burning half a day getting there and back. If you want a short but memorable Iceland activity that does not require previous riding knowledge, this feels fairly priced for what is included.

Who should book this tour, and who should think twice

This tour fits best if you want:

• An Icelandic horse ride close to Reykjavik
• A beginner-friendly setup with real coaching
• A chance to experience tölt without needing advanced skills
• A short adventure with time to explore Reykjavik afterward

It may be less comfortable if you are very sensitive to cold and wind, or if you plan to ride in a season when trails can be icy. One caution that stands out from ride experiences is that weather can change the feel of the footing. If you go in late fall or winter-like conditions, trust your instincts and tell the guide if you feel unsure during the outfitting and mounting.

There is also a weight limit listed at 110 kg, so heavier riders should check before booking.

Should you book Red Lava Horse Riding from Reykjavik?

I would book it if you want an efficient Reykjavik activity that delivers the Icelandic-horse experience with real support. The combination of weather gear, horse matching, and route choices for different skill levels makes it a strong choice for mixed groups, including friends where some ride and some do not.

Skip the rose-colored glasses though. This is still outdoors in Iceland. If your main goal is pure comfort, plan to dress warm and accept that wind, rain, or even icy patches can happen depending on the season. If you do that, you get a genuinely fun ride through red lava terrain with the chance to feel Icelandic tölt.

If you want a memorable horse ride without a complicated schedule, this one is a solid yes.

FAQ

How long is the Red Lava Horse Riding tour from Reykjavik?

It runs about 2 hours 30 minutes total. Riding time is about 1.5 to 2 hours, with additional time spent getting ready at the stables and on the stops.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Solhestar Horse rental Reykjavik, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Do they offer pickup from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and the BSI bus terminal. Pickup starts about 30 minutes before departure and can take up to 20 minutes.

What time do morning and afternoon pickups happen?

Morning pickup starts at 9:00 for tours that start at 9:30. Afternoon pickup starts at 13:00 for tours that start at 13:30.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What should I wear?

Wear warm layers. The tour provides rain clothing and winter overalls, and you will be given the right riding setup. Riders also recommend warm socks and ski gloves if you have them.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It is described as beginner-friendly, and routes can be chosen for riders with more experience. The staff provides support and continued instruction during the ride.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum participant weight is 110 kg.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.