Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

Feel Iceland beneath the saddle. This two-and-a-half-hour outing takes you from Reykjavik into the red lava hills of Heiðmörk Nature Reserve and Hólmsheiði, where you ride the gentle, sure-footed Icelandic horse on natural paths. I like the small-group attention and the chance to try the famous tölt, a smooth Icelandic horse gait. I also like that beginners receive steady help while experienced riders can get a little more action. The main caution is simple: Icelandic weather can turn a pleasant ride into a cold, wet one, and icy trails in late autumn or winter may make the experience stressful.

The tour costs about $139 per person, with optional pickup from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, or the BSI Bus Terminal. That is fair value if you want transport, riding gear, instruction, scenery, and roughly 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle without spending a full day away from the city.

Key details before you saddle up

• Ride across 5,000-year-old lava: The red hills and mossy lava fields give this outing its name and character.
• Try the Icelandic tölt: Guides may offer riders the chance to experience this distinctive gait at a controlled pace.
• Suitable for first-time riders: Horses are matched to riders, and instruction continues during the ride.
• Choose your pace: The route can be adapted for beginners, confident riders, and people who prefer to stay at a walk.
• Pickup saves time: Hotel, guesthouse, and BSI Bus Terminal pickup is available, usually beginning 30 minutes before departure.
• Plan for fierce weather: Rain clothing and winter overalls are available, but warm socks and gloves still matter.

Why Icelandic horses make this ride special

The Icelandic horse is one of the main reasons to choose this tour. These compact horses are known for their calm nature, friendly personalities, and ability to handle Iceland’s rough ground. They are also famous for the tölt, a four-beat gait that can feel smoother than a normal trot.

You should not assume every rider will spend the whole time at a tölt. The guides match the pace to the group, and some people choose to remain at a walk. That is a strength for a mixed group. A confident rider can enjoy more movement, while a nervous beginner is not pushed beyond their comfort level.

The horses are paired with riders according to experience and ability. That early matching matters. A first-time rider needs a steady horse that responds clearly, while a more experienced rider may appreciate a horse with more spirit. One rider described a horse named Spirit as feisty but responsive, a useful reminder that these are friendly working animals, not mechanical rides.

The English saddles may feel unfamiliar if you normally ride in a different style. One rider found the saddle’s balance surprising and compared the sensation to sitting on a basketball. If you have balance concerns, ask to remain at a walk and tell the guide clearly what feels comfortable.

Getting ready at Solhestar in Reykjavik

The tour starts at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik on Surtlugata 19, at postal code 110 in Reykjavik. If you arrange pickup, the morning collection begins around 9:00 for a 9:30 departure. Afternoon pickup begins around 13:00 for a 13:30 departure.

Pickup can take up to 20 minutes. Be ready at the stated point and keep an Icelandic phone number active if possible, since the operator may need to reach you close to departure. If you are not at the pickup point within five minutes after pickup begins, your booking may be canceled, so this is not the morning to wander out for coffee at the last moment.

At the stable, you receive a short preparation period of about 30 minutes. The staff help you choose a horse, adjust your equipment, and prepare for the ride. Rain clothing and winter overalls are available, along with riding boots.

Use the supplied gear. Several riders found the weather colder and wetter than expected, even when the forecast looked manageable. Wear warm socks, bring gloves suited to wind and rain, and take the rain jacket even if the sky looks harmless. The stable also provides tea and coffee afterward, a welcome touch when Iceland decides to add sleet to your itinerary.

The red hills of Heiðmörk Nature Reserve

The first riding area is Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, where the route passes red lava hills formed by a volcano roughly 5,000 years ago. This is not a polished park ride with scenery arranged for easy viewing. You ride through natural paths, moss-covered lava, and uneven volcanic ground.

That setting gives the tour its appeal. From horseback, you see the rough shapes of the lava fields at a slower speed than you would from a bus window. The red rocks provide strong contrast with the green moss and dark volcanic ground, and guides may stop to help take photographs with your phone.

The riding distance is about 5 to 7 kilometers, depending on the group’s experience and the selected route. The ride itself lasts roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, with the whole experience taking about 2.5 hours. That makes it practical for a morning or afternoon in Reykjavik rather than a full-day commitment.

The tradeoff is that volcanic trails are not always smooth. The ride can include slopes and changing ground, so listen closely when the guide gives instructions about balance, reins, and posture. You may feel some soreness afterward, especially if this is your first time in the saddle.

Rauðavatn and the forestry story

The route may also pass Rauðavatn, an area connected with the first steps of forestry in Iceland at the beginning of the 20th century. It adds a quieter human detail to a ride otherwise shaped by lava and open ground.

The Rauðavatn option is also linked to the more active route. For a group with stronger riding experience, the guides may choose paths by the lake instead of the smoother track along the Redhills. That choice lets the staff adjust the day to the people in the saddle rather than forcing every group onto one fixed route.

Do not expect a formal historical tour with long talks at every stop. The value here is the setting and the brief sense of how Icelanders worked with a treeless, volcanic environment. The ride gives you a change of pace from Reykjavik’s streets and from Iceland’s usual car-window sightseeing.

Hólmsheiði: choosing the right pace

Hólmsheiði is the main riding area and the heart of the outing. The route may follow a smooth path along the Redhills, which works well for beginners, or move toward Rauðavatn for a group with more experience.

The guides continue giving instructions during the ride, not just during the safety talk. That is especially useful when horses move uphill or downhill, when spacing changes, or when a rider feels unsteady. First-time riders receive help with posture and control, while more experienced riders have room to enjoy the horse’s movement.

The group limit is 15 people. That is small enough for personal attention, though the actual feel depends on the day’s bookings and the number of guides. One group found mounting and equipment adjustments slow because many riders needed to get ready at once. Give yourself patience during the first half-hour, since the ride cannot begin until every horse and rider is properly prepared.

The tour is suitable for a wide age range, and the guides can adapt the experience for people who do not want to trot or try the tölt. One older rider chose not to continue after feeling insecure on the horse, and staff helped her return to the starting point. That kind of flexibility is worth knowing about, although you should be honest about mobility, balance, and riding experience before booking.

Weather is part of the experience

Iceland’s weather is not background decoration. It directly affects comfort, footing, and enjoyment. Riders have described rain, sleet, sun, wind, and rainbows on the same outing, sometimes within a short ride.

The supplied outer layers help, but they cannot replace sensible clothing. Wear warm base layers, thick socks, gloves, and clothing that can handle rain. Avoid cotton if you can. If you are visiting in winter or late autumn, take the warmest practical option rather than dressing for the temperature shown in Reykjavik’s morning forecast.

Trail conditions deserve special attention. One unpleasant experience took place in late October after snow and ice covered parts of the route. Several horses struggled for footing, and one horse nearly dropped to its knees. That appears to be an exception among the many positive experiences, but it is an important warning: poor ground conditions can affect the ride and may be a reason to choose another date.

The operator says the experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

What the guides do well

The strongest part of this experience is the hands-on care. Guides help with horse selection, mounting, rein use, pace, and confidence during the ride. They also keep an eye on riders who appear unsure instead of giving all the attention to the most experienced people.

Klara received special praise for her service, and Claudia was thanked by name after helping create a memorable experience. The feedback points to a friendly, patient team that takes both horse care and rider comfort seriously.

That does not mean every moment will feel perfectly calm. Horses have their own habits, and one rider reported biting, kicking, and unpredictable movement from a poorly matched horse. The guide considered some of this normal, but the situation felt frightening to the rider. If you are nervous, speak up early and ask for a calmer horse or a slower pace. You are the best judge of your own comfort.

The guides may take photographs using your phone at the red lava formations. This is a useful service because handling a phone while riding is awkward, and the setting deserves more than a blurry arm’s-length picture.

Is $139 good value?

At about $139, this is not a budget activity. Still, the price covers more than a short pony ride. You get transport if you select pickup, equipment, horse matching, instruction, and time on marked riding routes close to Reykjavik.

The short transfer is part of the value. You do not need to arrange a rental car or spend hours reaching a remote stable. The two-and-a-half-hour schedule also fits well around a city day, a dinner reservation, or another Reykjavik activity.

The value is strongest for first-time riders and visitors who want a safe introduction to Icelandic horses without committing to a full-day riding tour. Experienced riders may find the distance modest, especially if the group stays at a walk. Still, the option of a more active route and the chance to try the tölt add interest.

With 96 percent of participants recommending the experience and a rating of 4.8 from 386 ratings, the overall record is strong. I would treat that as evidence of dependable service, not a promise that every horse, route, or weather day will suit every person.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction
• Families with mixed riding abilities
• Confident riders who want to try the tölt
• Visitors without a car
• Anyone wanting volcanic scenery near Reykjavik
• Riders happy with a gentle to moderate outing rather than a long wilderness ride

I would think twice if you have serious balance problems, dislike wind and rain, or want a fast, athletic ride. The operator lists a maximum weight of 110 kilograms, so check that requirement before booking.

You should also be comfortable spending time outdoors in changeable weather. The horses may be calm, but the terrain and conditions are still Icelandic. Good clothing and honest communication with the guides will improve your chances of a comfortable day.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Yes, if you want a convenient introduction to Icelandic horses, striking volcanic scenery, and a tour that welcomes beginners without ignoring more experienced riders. The strongest reasons to book are the friendly instruction, adaptable routes, gentle horses, and easy access from Reykjavik.

Choose your date carefully, especially outside summer. If the forecast suggests heavy rain, strong wind, snow, or ice, ask whether another departure would be wiser. Use the warm overalls and rain gear, arrive early for pickup, and tell the guides exactly how much riding you have done.

For a first ride in Iceland, this offers a good mix of scenery, horse time, and practical support. It is not a luxury stable experience or a long backcountry expedition. It is a well-sized half-day outing that lets you trade the tour bus for an Icelandic horse and see the red lava country at walking pace.

FAQ

Where does the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour start?

It starts at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup available from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is available from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and the BSI Bus Terminal. Pickup begins 30 minutes before departure and can take up to 20 minutes.

What time are the morning and afternoon departures?

Morning pickup starts at 9:00 for a 9:30 tour. Afternoon pickup starts at 13:00 for a 13:30 tour.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is adapted to different experience levels, and the guides continue offering riding help throughout the outing. You can also request a slower pace or remain at a walk.

How long is the horseback ride?

The full activity lasts about 2.5 hours. Riding time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, covering about 5 to 7 kilometers depending on the group and route.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The stated maximum weight is 110 kilograms.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.