Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

Iceland’s red lava fields make a fine riding arena. On this Sólhestar tour, you ride smooth natural paths through the Redhills, with moss, rocks, hills, and old volcanic ground stretching around you. I like the clear split between beginner and more experienced riders, and I like that you get 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle, not a quick pony ride around a paddock. The one catch is Icelandic weather: even with supplied rain gear and winter suits, you need to dress warmly.

I also like the friendly Icelandic horses. Guides take care with horse and rider pairings, and first-time riders receive steady instruction before setting off. More experienced riders may get extra tölt sessions or a faster route by Rauðarvatn, but the exact pace depends on the group, trail, and conditions.

Key points

• Ride through the Redhills: The route crosses striking red lava formations, mossy ground, rocky paths, and open volcanic terrain.
• Built for mixed ability: Beginners follow a smooth route, while experienced riders may take a longer path and try the Icelandic horse’s tölt.
• A real half-day activity: The outing lasts 2.5 hours, including transport, preparation, and up to two hours of riding.
• Helpful winter support: Helmets, rain clothing, winter jumpsuits, coffee, and tea are provided when needed.
• Easy from Reykjavik: Optional hotel or city pickup runs about 30 minutes before the ride, while self-drivers get free parking at the stable.
• Know the limits: The tour is not suitable for pregnant people, wheelchair users, people with back problems, or anyone over 110 kilograms.

Riding Iceland’s red lava fields

The main appeal here is simple: you experience Iceland’s volcanic ground from horseback, at a slower and more personal pace than you would from a tour bus. The Redhills route gives you time to notice small details, such as red lava rocks, moss, uneven volcanic shapes, and the changing light across the hills.

The terrain is not a polished theme-park trail. You ride on natural paths, but the route is described as smooth enough for beginners. Depending on the ability of the group, the ride covers about 5 to 7 kilometers.

The easier route follows the Redhills. More experienced groups may ride near Rauðarvatn, taking a longer or more active route. This arrangement matters because a mixed group can otherwise leave first-time riders feeling rushed or experienced riders feeling held back.

Most of the ride is at a walking pace. You may get the chance to trot or ride at a faster pace if your group is ready and the guides decide conditions are suitable. The activity is still a guided trail ride, not an open gallop. That makes it a sensible choice if you want scenery and a taste of Icelandic riding rather than an intense equestrian workout.

Meeting the Icelandic horses at Sólhestar

At the stable, you meet the horses, try on your helmet, and get ready for the ride. You need to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start if you are driving yourself. The stable is easy to identify: it is a large white building with a big orange sign, and free parking is available in front.

The horses are Icelandic, compact, sturdy, and well suited to the country’s rough ground. You can expect the stable team to match horses and riders according to experience. This is particularly useful if you have never ridden before, or if you are nervous about controlling a horse.

The guides receive consistent praise for being kind, attentive, and patient. Guides named in recent experiences include Claudia, Patri, Claira, and Nina. Staff members may vary, but the common thread is hands-on help with helmets, clothing, mounting, and riding instructions.

You will wear a helmet supplied by the stable. It is compulsory for every rider, and that is a sensible rule on an outdoor route with rocks and uneven ground. Wear comfortable trousers and closed shoes. Do not arrive in shorts, open-toed shoes, a backpack, or with a professional camera.

The first hour: an easy start for beginners

The opening part of the ride is designed to settle everyone in. Horses and riders are paired, and the group proceeds along a smooth route through the Redhills. The guides keep an eye on the less confident riders and explain how to steer, stop, and follow the horse in front.

This is where the tour works especially well for first-time riders. Several people with no previous riding experience found they became comfortable after a few minutes. That does not mean horseback riding requires no effort. You still need a reasonable level of fitness and enough balance to sit securely for a long ride.

The pace gives you time to take in the surroundings. Red volcanic rock, moss, and low hills provide a setting that feels very different from the city only a short drive away. In winter, snow can cover parts of the ground and add another layer to the view. In wet or windy weather, the scenery remains dramatic, but your clothing becomes just as important as your camera.

The guides also add background about the area, the horses, and Iceland’s geology. The information is not the main event, but it gives the ride more meaning than simply following a horse along a path.

The photo stop among red volcanic rocks

A stop near red lava formations gives you a chance to pause and take pictures. Guides may help take a group photograph using your phone, so you do not need to hand over a large camera or bring extra equipment.

Do not expect a long photography session. The ride needs to keep moving, and some people would prefer more time for photos of the volcanic terrain. If you care about pictures, keep your phone accessible in a secure pocket and ask before the ride where it can be carried safely.

Backpacks are not allowed, and professional cameras are also prohibited. That rule may disappoint serious photographers, but it keeps riders from carrying bulky gear and helps the group stay comfortable on horseback. A phone is the practical choice.

Tölt, trotting, and the faster group

After the photo stop, groups may divide according to riding ability and preferred pace. Beginners and people who want a calm ride can stay on the slower route. Riders with experience may take a longer route and try the tölt.

The tölt is a distinctive Icelandic horse gait. It is known for being comfortable for the rider, and first-time riders who tried it found it a memorable part of the outing. You should not assume you will get a long tölt session. It depends on your ability, the horse, the group, and the ground conditions.

Some rides include short faster sections or a trot. Guides make the decision, and they can adjust the pace if someone feels unsure. That flexibility is valuable. A nervous first-time rider can enjoy the ride without being pushed, while an experienced rider can get more than a slow walk through the lava fields.

The trail remains the focus. This is not the place to demand speed. Volcanic ground can be uneven, Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the horses need to be treated with care.

What the 2.5-hour schedule really means

The total activity lasts 2.5 hours, but you are not in the saddle for all of it. Riding time is about 1.5 to 2 hours. The remaining time covers pickup if selected, the drive to the stable, changing into gear, fitting helmets, meeting the horses, and returning to Reykjavik.

That is still a substantial ride for the price of $142 per person. You are paying for more than access to a horse. The cost includes an instructor, safety equipment, wet-weather clothing, winter jumpsuits, and the stable experience. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select that option.

If you drive, the stable is about 15 minutes from central Reykjavik, with free parking. If you choose pickup, be ready about 30 minutes before the scheduled start. Pickup is available from selected hotels and city shuttle stops, using a small bus or jeep marked with the activity provider’s name.

For a short Reykjavik stay, this is a useful time commitment. It can fit into a morning or afternoon without taking a full day away from other plans. Allow extra energy for the ride, though. Sitting on a horse for up to two hours can leave your legs and back tired.

Warm clothing matters more than fancy equipment

The stable supplies helmets and rain clothing, and winter jumpsuits are available. That is helpful, especially if you are visiting in the colder months or have limited luggage space.

Still, do not rely on the supplied outer layer alone. Bring warm clothes, comfortable trousers, gloves, and wool socks. One useful winter tip is to wear proper socks and gloves from the start, since your hands and feet can get cold while you sit still on the horse.

Dress for the forecast, but remember that Icelandic weather can shift during a single outing. Sunglasses can help on bright days and protect your eyes from dust on dry paths. Closed, comfortable shoes are required. Open-toed footwear is not allowed.

After the ride, complimentary tea and coffee are available. There is no meal included, so eat beforehand if you need something more substantial. Food and other drinks are not part of the tour.

Safety, comfort, and sensible limits

The stable requires every rider to wear a helmet. Guides check that riders are comfortable, and horse pairings are based on experience. This makes the activity approachable, but it does not remove the normal risks of riding.

One incident described a rider falling after a horse reacted badly to another horse. The rider was not hurt, and the guides responded well, but the example is a useful reminder that horses are living animals, not machines. Listen closely to the guide, keep a safe distance, and speak up if you feel uncomfortable.

You must be in good physical condition for the activity. It is not suitable for pregnant people, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, people with back problems, people recovering from recent surgery, or people with a low level of fitness. The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds.

The published information also gives 243 pounds as a limit in one place. Since the figures differ slightly, contact the provider before booking if you are near the limit.

Who will get the most from this ride

I would recommend this tour to first-time riders who want a guided and controlled introduction to horseback riding in Iceland. The patient instruction, calm horses, and ability-based grouping make it less intimidating than a fast or highly technical riding excursion.

It also suits experienced riders who want to try the tölt and take a longer route near Rauðarvatn. You should set your expectations correctly, though. The ride is not designed as an all-day expedition or a high-speed adventure.

Families and couples can enjoy it if everyone meets the health and weight requirements. A nervous partner can remain with the slower group, while a more confident rider may have the chance to move faster. Group arrangements can vary, so ask the guide about options on the day.

This is less suitable if you dislike cold weather, want a long stop at every viewpoint, or prefer a private ride. The route is shared, and the exact pace depends on the full group.

Is $142 a fair price?

At $142, this is not a cheap add-on, but it offers solid value if you use the full riding time. You get a 2.5-hour activity, up to two hours on horseback, an instructor, helmet, weather gear, free parking, hot drinks, and optional transport from Reykjavik.

The value is strongest for visitors without a car. Pickup removes the need to arrange transport, and recent outings describe the minibus transfer as straightforward. If you already have a rental car, the free parking makes the self-drive option simple.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a short introduction to horses or a quick photo opportunity. In that case, two hours in the saddle may feel long. If you want a distinctive way to see volcanic terrain and are willing to spend a half-day on it, the cost is easier to justify.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want volcanic scenery at riding pace, friendly instruction, and a real chance to experience an Icelandic horse. It is particularly good for beginners, couples, and visitors looking for something beyond the usual Reykjavik sightseeing route.

Choose a different activity if you have back or mobility problems, limited fitness, or no interest in cold and changeable weather. Also skip it if you expect a private, fast-paced ride with unlimited photography.

For most able-bodied visitors who meet the requirements, this is a well-organized and memorable half-day outing. Bring warm socks, gloves, practical clothes, and modest expectations about speed. The reward is time among Iceland’s red lava fields, with a calm horse beneath you and a guide helping you enjoy the ride safely.

FAQ

How long does the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour last?

The total activity lasts 2.5 hours. You will spend about 1.5 to 2 hours riding, with the remaining time used for preparation, transport if selected, and returning to Reykjavik.

Is the tour suitable for first-time riders?

Yes. The activity is suitable for beginners and experienced riders. Horse and rider pairings are made according to experience, and guides provide instructions before and during the ride.

Can experienced riders go faster or try tölt?

Experienced groups may ride a longer route near Rauðarvatn and may have opportunities to trot, go faster, or try the tölt. The pace depends on rider ability, group preference, trail conditions, and the guides.

Is hotel pickup available from Reykjavik?

Optional pickup is available from selected Reykjavik hotels and shuttle bus stops. You should be ready about 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. You can also drive to the stable, which has free parking.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The stable provides a helmet for every rider, rain clothing when needed, and winter jumpsuits. You should still bring warm, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, including gloves and suitable socks.

Who should not take this horseback riding tour?

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