Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

Reykjavik horseback riding is usually about getting out of town fast, then watching the scenery roll by. This one adds a fun twist: you ride Icelandic horses across red lava and mossy paths, with small-group coaching so you can actually enjoy it. It is a practical half-day plan with a real sense of Iceland outdoors, not a checklist tour.

I really like the small group size (maximum 15), because you get hands-on help when you mount, adjust, and learn the basics. I also like that the tour focuses on fitting you with the right horse and giving continuous guidance, including support for first-timers and riders who want a faster gait. The possible drawback is weather and trail conditions. Iceland can turn icy fast in shoulder seasons, and you will feel it on the footing, so dress for the worst.

Key highlights to plan around

• Up to 15 riders for more personal help and safer pacing
• Tölt opportunities during the ride, depending on how you feel and the route you take
• Rain clothing and winter overalls provided for cold or wet days
• Beginner-friendly with routes that match different riding comfort levels
• 5 to 7 km riding distance, usually with 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle
• Free on-the-ground warm-up with hot drinks after, especially appreciated in wind and rain

Picking a Horse First, Then Riding the Red Lava

The smartest part of this tour happens before you move more than a few steps. At Solhestar Horse rental Reykjavik, you do not just grab a horse and hope for the best. You get ready with gear, then you are matched to a horse that fits you. That matters, especially if it is your first ride, or if you are nervous about balance or rein control.

The horses here are Icelandic horses, and that is a big deal. They are built for Iceland’s terrain, and they can be calm and forgiving when you get the basics right. Once you are mounted, you get instruction that stays with you while you ride, including tips for going up and down and handling the rhythm. That coaching is a major reason this tour earns such high marks for beginners.

You will also feel the setting immediately. The ride runs through lava terrain with red hills, and the ground looks dramatic even when the weather is plain. When wind hits, you will understand why Icelandic riding trips stress clothing so much.

Price and Value at $139.13 Per Person

Let’s talk money in a way that helps you decide. At $139.13 per person, this is not the cheapest thing in Reykjavik, but it is also not trying to be a luxury private tour. The value comes from a few practical inputs you can feel during the experience.

First, you get real riding time. The total tour is about 2 hours 30 minutes, with roughly 1.5 to 2 hours riding. Second, the tour caps at 15 riders, which usually means less waiting around and more attention when you need it. Third, gear support is part of the deal. They provide rain clothing and winter overalls, which can save you from buying or packing extra cold-weather layers just for one activity.

Is it worth it? If you want a classic Icelandic horse experience close to Reykjavik, where the work goes into matching you with the right horse and coaching you while you ride, it starts to feel fair.

Getting There: Pickup Timing From Reykjavik Hotels and Bus Terminal

This tour is built for convenience, but you need to play it straight with the timing.

Pickup is available from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, and the BSI Bus terminal. Pickup starts 30 minutes before departure, and the schedule is very specific:

• Morning tours: pickup starts 9:00 (tour starts 9:30)
• Afternoon tours: pickup starts 13:00 (tour starts 13:30)

Pickup can take up to 20 minutes, so plan buffer time. Also, the operator warns that if you are not at the pickup point by the time pickup has started plus a few minutes, your booking could be canceled. That is not to scare you, it is to keep groups on a tight riding schedule.

If you do not want pickup, your anchor point is the meeting location at Solhestar Horse rental Reykjavik, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavík. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Stop 1: Solhestar Stables, Gear, and Horse Matching

At Solhestar, you start with the part that turns a scary idea into a doable plan: getting outfitted and paired.

They provide rain clothing and winter overalls. Even if you think you will be fine in a light jacket, Iceland wind loves to prove you wrong. On top of that, they also offer options like jackets, pants, and riding boots to help you stay warm and dry. Reviews also mention bringing good socks for comfort, because cold feet can ruin your whole mood.

Then comes the matching. You will get help finding the right horse based on your level and comfort. That is where the tour’s beginner friendliness starts. If you have never ridden before, this is also the moment to say so clearly and ask questions about mounting, holding the reins, and what to do if you feel unsteady.

Once everyone is set, you ride out. The first minutes matter. You will learn how the Icelandic horses move, and you will get guidance on body position so you can relax instead of gripping.

Stop 2: Heiðmörk Nature Reserve and 5,000-Year-Old Volcanic Land

Your next big change is scenery and pace. In Heiðmörk Nature Reserve, you spend about one hour seeing lava hills and learning about the volcano story, including that the volcanic area is around 5,000 years old.

This stop is not just “look at rocks.” It is your context window. Lava terrain can feel random until someone connects it to time and formation. Once you understand that you are riding across land shaped by volcanic action thousands of years ago, the red hills and mossy ground start to make more sense visually.

In weather that is clear, this is a great time to take photos and orient yourself. In wind or light rain, it becomes a quick lesson in Iceland resilience: you see the terrain, then you gear back up mentally for the ride portion.

Rauðavatn: Forestry Beginnings You Ride Near

There is also a notable stop area at Rauðavatn, where the first steps of forestry in Iceland started at the beginning of the 20th century. You might not have a long lecture format here, but the location gives the ride a “human timeline” layer.

That is useful if you like more than just scenery. Iceland is often presented as pure nature, but you will learn that people have been shaping the land for a long time too. Standing near Rauðavatn adds meaning to what would otherwise feel like endless lava and sky.

Stop 3: Hólmsheiði Trails, Red Hills, and the Tölt Moment

This is the main event, and it is the most popular part for a reason. At Hólmsheiði, you ride in small groups, usually covering about 5 to 7 km depending on your experience.

They run different routes:

• For many riders, you go along a smooth riding path by the Redhills
• For more experienced groups, you may ride by Rauðarvatn

Both routes share the same theme: natural riding paths plus a strong focus on helping you learn the gait. One of the biggest “yes, I felt it” moments is the chance to experience tölt, a unique Icelandic horse gait that can feel wonderfully different from a typical trot.

You do not need to be athletic to enjoy it, but you do need to pay attention to instruction. The guides will help you with rein pressure and body position so you can stay balanced as the horse settles into the rhythm. That is where continuous coaching earns its keep.

If you are a beginner, expect slower pacing at first and more frequent check-ins. If you have ridden before, you should have room to choose routes that feel more active.

The ride portion typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, and the overall tour wraps back to the same meeting area.

Safety, Comfort, and Weather Reality in Iceland Horse Riding

Let’s be honest. Iceland horse riding is fun, but it is not a theme park. The fun depends on comfort, and comfort depends on weather.

Dress for wind, rain, and cold. Even when conditions look manageable, Iceland weather can change during a two-and-a-half-hour window. The tour gives rain clothing and winter overalls, and that helps a lot, but you still benefit from wearing warm layers under what they provide. Reviews specifically call out dressing warm for winter and that the day can be windier than the forecast suggests.

Also think about footing. In colder conditions, trails can get icy. One rare negative story includes a stressful ride due to icy footing and a horse pairing that did not work well, so I want you to take season seriously when you book. This tour is adapted for beginners, but you cannot fully “train away” physics if conditions are slick.

Practical comfort tips you can use:

• Wear warm socks, because your feet are the first thing to complain
• Consider gloves, especially in winter wind
• Keep your expectations flexible, if the operator adjusts the ride based on trail conditions
• If you have knee or balance limitations, tell the guides clearly at the start, so they can guide you on what feels safe and appropriate

Finally, safety is not just a box checked at the beginning. Guides stay attentive throughout. People praise the staff for being kind, encouraging, and quick to help if you feel unsteady.

The Guide Experience: Friendly Coaching and Warmth After

This is where many people decide if they would do it again. The guides run a smooth setup, explain what you should do, and then keep coaching while you ride.

Two names show up in feedback: Claudia and Klara. You might not get them specifically, but the point is clear. The team earns repeat praise for being friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful while you are figuring out horse riding for real.

There are also small touches that matter in cold weather. Warm drinks like tea and coffee are offered after the ride, which feels like a kindness rather than an afterthought. If you get wet, this is when your hands stop feeling like ice blocks.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• Beginner-friendly Reykjavik horseback riding
• A chance to feel tölt on Icelandic horses
• A small-group experience with personal support
• A convenient activity that still delivers real time outdoors

It is also a good option if you have some riding experience and want route choice. The tour can adjust between smoother redhill paths and more active routing for advanced riders.

You might want to rethink or talk to the operator first if:

• You are sensitive to icy footing or slipping risk in colder months
• You have significant mobility limitations and need a guaranteed comfort level on the horse
• You expect a completely relaxed, zero-stress ride in every weather condition

And if you are traveling solo, this is one of those activities where you can still feel taken care of. Getting matched to a horse and guided instructions help you avoid the awkward, I am on my own learning curve.

Final Check: Should You Book This Red Lava Horse Tour?

If you want a classic Icelandic horse experience close to Reykjavik, with small-group attention, provided gear, and a realistic shot at tölt, this is an easy yes for most people. The biggest “decision factor” is the day’s conditions. Pick a time when you are dressed for wind and wet weather, and keep expectations flexible about trail footing in shoulder seasons.

My call: book it if you can handle outdoor Iceland weather with the right layers, and if you like the idea of learning while you ride. Pass or ask extra questions before booking if you have mobility or balance concerns that might make icy trails a problem.

If you do book, do one simple thing that makes the whole day better: dress like you are riding in winter, even if the forecast says otherwise. Then go. The red lava views from horseback are exactly the kind of Iceland memory you cannot get sitting in a car.

FAQ

What is the total duration and how long do you ride?

The tour is about 2 hours 30 minutes total, with roughly 1.5 to 2 hours riding, depending on your experience level and route.

Is pickup from Reykjavik hotels available?

Yes. Pickup is offered from Reykjavik hotels and guesthouses, as well as the BSI Bus terminal. Pickup starts 30 minutes before the tour departure time.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No. The tour is beginner-friendly and adapted for different experience levels. Guides provide instructions before and during the ride.

What should I wear for the tour?

Wear warm clothing and dress for wind and wet weather. Rain clothing and winter overalls are provided, and jackets, pants, and riding boots may be available. Good socks are also recommended.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers, which is part of why you get more personal help.

What is the weight limit?

The maximum participant weight listed is 110 kg.