Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

Feel Iceland from the saddle. This Sólhestar ride takes you across Iceland’s red volcanic fields on a calm, friendly Icelandic horse, just a short drive from Reykjavik. I like the careful matching of horses and riders, and I like that beginners and experienced riders can follow routes suited to their comfort. The main drawback is Icelandic weather: even with supplied rain gear and winter suits, this can feel cold, wet, and windy.

You ride for about 1.5 to 2 hours, covering roughly 5 to 7 kilometers. I also like the chance for experienced riders to try the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt, a smooth four-beat gait. Just remember that this is an outdoor activity, not a sightseeing bus with a horse attached. You need decent fitness, warm clothes, and a willingness to accept a little mud and wind.

Key points to know before booking

• Red lava fields near Reykjavik: Ride through red volcanic rock, moss, hills, and natural paths in the Redhills area.
• Good for first-time riders: Instructors explain the basics, match horses to riders, and keep the pace comfortable for beginners.
• Two riding options: Less experienced groups follow a smooth route, while stronger riders may go by Rauðarvatn and ride farther.
• A real Icelandic horse experience: Experienced riders may get the chance to try tölt, the breed’s distinctive smooth gait.
• Useful winter support: Helmets, rain clothing, winter jumpsuits, tea, and coffee are supplied when needed.
• Easy Reykjavik access: Optional pickup is offered from selected hotels and shuttle stops, or you can drive to the stable in about 15 minutes from downtown.

Why riding Icelandic horses feels different

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and famously sure-footed. You may hear them called ponies, but they are horses by classification, and they are bred for Iceland’s rough conditions. On this ride, the horse is not just transport. It is your way into the volcanic country.

The appeal is the slow pace. From a coach window, red lava rock becomes a passing view. On horseback, you notice the uneven ground, patches of moss, low hills, and the way the horse picks its way along the path. You also get a better sense of the open air and weather, for better and worse.

The horses are paired with riders according to experience and comfort. That matters if you are nervous or have never ridden before. Several people with no riding background found the horses calm and manageable, while experienced riders appreciated the chance to go faster and try tölt.

You should still be honest about your ability. This is not a ride for someone in poor physical condition. The provider lists a maximum weight of 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds, and does not recommend the activity for pregnant people, anyone with back problems, recent surgery, mobility limitations, or a low level of fitness.

Getting from Reykjavik to the Redhills stable

With pickup, you should be ready about 30 minutes before the scheduled start. A small bus or jeep marked with the provider’s name collects you from selected Reykjavik hotels and shuttle stops. The ride is useful if you are staying in the center and do not want to arrange a taxi or rental car.

The stable is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik by car. If you drive yourself, parking is free in front of the large white stable with the orange sign. You need to arrive 15 minutes before your riding time, not at the last minute. Getting fitted for a helmet and clothing takes part of the preparation period.

Pickup is convenient, but it adds a small uncertainty to your morning or afternoon schedule. Be ready at the stated time and location, and allow for the transfer both ways. If you have a car, self-driving gives you more control, though the optional transfer is a practical choice for a short Reykjavik stay.

Meeting the horses and choosing the right pace

At the stable, instructors help you choose a helmet and pair you with a horse. Helmets are required for every rider, and you should see that as sensible Icelandic practice, not an optional extra. The horses are described as well trained, friendly, and well cared for, with calm temperaments that suit newcomers.

The first part of the ride is about getting comfortable. You learn how to sit, steer, and follow the group. The instructors pay attention to riders who are nervous, and beginners are not simply sent off to figure things out alone.

The group can be divided by experience and riding preference. A slower group is suitable if this is your first time or you want to focus on the scenery. Stronger riders may take a longer route and add periods of faster riding. This arrangement is one of the tour’s best features because it avoids forcing a complete beginner and a confident rider into exactly the same experience.

Still, do not expect a private lesson. The instructor needs to watch the whole group, so you will be riding as part of a small organized outing rather than receiving constant one-to-one coaching.

The 5 to 7 kilometer ride through red volcanic country

The beginner-friendly route follows a beautiful, smooth path along the Redhills. The setting is the real prize: red lava formations, moss, rocky ground, and rolling volcanic terrain create a scene that feels unmistakably Icelandic without requiring a long trip from the capital.

The route is natural rather than polished. That is part of the charm, but it also means the footing and comfort depend on weather. Rain, wind, snow, and cold can change the feel of the ride. In winter, the volcanic rocks may be dusted with snow, making the colors and shapes especially striking, but your hands and feet will need serious protection.

More experienced groups may ride by Rauðarvatn. The longer route can include more time in the saddle and several chances to ride at a faster pace. Experienced riders may also try tölt, which can feel surprisingly smooth compared with an ordinary trot.

The ride covers 5 to 7 kilometers depending on the group. That distance does not sound huge, but 1.5 to 2 hours on horseback is plenty for a first-time rider. Your legs and seat may feel the work afterward, especially if you are not used to riding.

Photo stops, scenery, and the pace of the outing

The guides stop at red lava rocks for photographs. In one account, the guide took a group picture and helped riders use their phones, which is useful since professional cameras are not allowed. You should not count on a long photography session, though. One rider wished there had been more time for scenery photos.

That is a fair tradeoff. The horses need to keep moving, and the tour is built around riding rather than a series of photo stops. If you want dramatic portraits, have your phone ready before the stop and wear clothing that looks good with practical outer layers. Do not bring a backpack, since it is not allowed, and avoid open-toed shoes.

The route can feel peaceful, especially when the group is walking quietly across the hills. Guides also share information about the area and Icelandic geology. The focus remains light and practical, so you get some context without turning a horse ride into a formal lecture.

What the guides do well

The instructors receive consistent praise for being friendly, attentive, and reassuring. That is especially important here because a nervous rider can affect the whole experience. Guides check that riders are comfortable, help with mounting and handling the horses, and adjust the pace when needed.

Claudia, Kolgrima, Patri, Claira, and Nina are among the staff names praised by riders. The individual guide you meet will depend on the departure, but the pattern is clear: the staff are actively involved rather than simply leading from the front.

They also add warmth to a cold activity. Good conversation during the ride helps, and guides have shared facts about Iceland’s geology and local area along the way. Several people said that even difficult weather did not spoil the ride because the staff supplied rainwear and kept checking on everyone.

There is one small qualification. Friendly service can vary from guide to guide, and one person found one staff member less warm than the others. That is a minor point, but it is worth keeping expectations realistic. The safety and organization appear stronger than any one guide’s personality.

Clothing, safety, and comfort

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and riding exposes you to it from every direction. Bring warm layers, comfortable clothes, gloves, and wool socks. In winter, cold hands and feet are a bigger concern than fashion, so dress for the forecast rather than the photograph.

The stable provides rain clothing when needed and winter jumpsuits in colder conditions. Some riders changed into boots before riding, and hot drinks are available afterward. Tea and coffee may sound like a small extra, but after a wet or chilly ride, they are welcome.

Wear closed, comfortable shoes. Shorts, open-toed shoes, backpacks, and professional cameras are not allowed. Sunglasses can help in dusty conditions during drier weather. A phone is the practical camera choice, but keep it secure and easy to reach.

You need a reasonable level of fitness. Mounting, sitting in the saddle for up to two hours, and managing a horse require more effort than a casual walk. The ride is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, back problems, recent surgery, pregnancy, or a low level of fitness.

Is $142 a fair price?

At $142 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price becomes more reasonable when you count the 2.5-hour schedule, up to two hours of actual riding, an instructor, helmet, weather gear, winter clothing when required, parking, and optional hotel pickup.

You are paying for more than a short pony ride. The volcanic setting is close to Reykjavik, the horses are matched to riders, and the group can adapt to different experience levels. For a first visit to Iceland, this gives you a way to see the countryside without committing half a day to a distant excursion.

The value is strongest if you want an active experience and have never ridden Icelandic horses. It is weaker if you mainly want sweeping photographs, a long list of viewpoints, or a warm indoor activity. The tour prioritizes time on horseback, so you should not expect extensive stops or a large meal. Food and drinks beyond the supplied coffee and tea are not included.

The rating is 4.8 from 2,383 reviews, and transport received a perfect score from 92 percent of people who rated it. That matches the practical strengths: reliable pickup, well-kept horses, patient instructors, and a generous amount of riding time.

Who should book this horse ride?

I would point this tour toward first-time riders, couples wanting something more personal than a standard bus excursion, and families with physically fit older children or adults who meet the provider’s requirements. It also suits experienced riders who want a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses and a chance to try tölt.

It is a good choice for a short Reykjavik stopover because the stable is close to the city and the full activity lasts 2.5 hours. You get volcanic scenery without spending a whole day on the road.

I would hesitate if you dislike cold weather, have back or mobility issues, or want a completely private experience. I would also avoid scheduling it too tightly against another activity. Pickup, preparation, riding, and the return transfer need breathing room.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want to meet Icelandic horses, ride through red lava fields, and spend real time outdoors near Reykjavik. The strong points are clear: calm horses, thoughtful rider matching, friendly instructors, useful clothing, and a route that works for both beginners and more confident riders.

Skip it if you are looking for a quick photo stop, dislike animals, or cannot comfortably sit in a saddle for up to two hours. For everyone else, $142 buys an active and memorable look at Iceland’s volcanic country, with enough support to make a first ride feel manageable.

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 on horseback.

How far do you ride?

The riding route covers about 5 to 7 kilometers, depending on the experience and preferences of the group.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners can ride a smooth route along the Redhills, and instructors explain the basics, match riders with suitable horses, and help nervous riders feel comfortable.

Can experienced riders go faster?

Yes. More experienced groups may ride by Rauðarvatn, take a longer route, and have opportunities for faster riding. Some experienced riders may also try tölt.

Is hotel pickup available from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is available from selected Reykjavik hotels and shuttle bus stops. You should be ready 30 minutes before the scheduled start time if you select the pickup option.

Can I drive to the stable?

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

What clothing should I bring?

Bring warm, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, along with gloves and warm socks. Rain clothing and winter jumpsuits are provided when required.

Who cannot take part in the ride?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant people, people with back problems, mobility impairments, recent surgery, low fitness, or wheelchair users. The maximum weight is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds.