Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

Meet Iceland’s most charming locals. This two-and-a-half-hour outing pairs gentle Icelandic horses with red lava hills, mossy paths, and the wooded shores of Rauðavatn just outside Reykjavik. I like the careful horse matching and the small-group instruction, which make the ride approachable even if you have never sat on a horse before. My main caution is the weather: wind, rain, sleet, and icy trails can change the feel of the ride quickly.

I also like the choice of morning or afternoon departures and the short transfer from central Reykjavik. The chance to feel the Icelandic horse’s famous tölt gait adds something special beyond a standard walking ride. Still, you should dress more warmly than the forecast suggests and use the rain gear or winter overalls provided.

Quick take: what makes this ride worthwhile

• 5,000-year-old lava country: Ride through the volcanic hills of Heiðmörk Nature Reserve and the red rock formations around Hólmsheiði.
• A genuine beginner option: Guides adjust the route to the group, and riders can stay at a walk if they prefer.
• The Icelandic horse’s tölt: Depending on skill and conditions, you may get to try this smooth, distinctive gait.
• Flexible Reykjavik pickup: Door-to-door pickup is available from hotels, guesthouses, and the BSI Bus Terminal.
• Small-group attention: The maximum group size is 15, with personal support during fitting, mounting, and the ride.
• Weather gear included: Rain clothing and winter overalls are available, which can make a cold day far more comfortable.

A short ride from Reykjavik into old lava

The Solhestar stable is at Surtlugata 19 in Reykjavik, in postal area 110. If you arrange transportation, pickup begins 30 minutes before departure. Morning pickup begins at 9:00 for a 9:30 ride, while afternoon pickup begins at 13:00 for a 13:30 ride.

The transfer can take up to 20 minutes, so do not treat the pickup window as an exact arrival time. Be at your hotel or the agreed bus stop when pickup begins. If you are not there within five minutes after the pickup starts, your booking could be canceled.

The short drive matters. You do not lose half a day getting to a remote ranch, yet you still leave the city behind quickly. At the stable, the staff provide rainwear and winter overalls, then help match you with a suitable horse. This pairing is one of the most important parts of the outing, especially for first-time riders.

The whole activity lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes. You spend roughly 30 minutes getting ready and about 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle. The riding distance is approximately 5 to 7 kilometers, depending on the group’s experience and the route chosen.

Meeting the Icelandic horse at Solhestar

Icelandic horses are smaller than many people expect, but they are sturdy animals with plenty of character. The preparation period gives you time to get comfortable with your horse, saddle, reins, and basic instructions before heading out.

The staff receive high praise for being warm, patient, and attentive. Guides continue giving advice during the ride rather than delivering one quick safety talk and sending you off. That is especially useful on slopes, changing ground, and moments when a nervous rider needs reassurance.

The stable supplies riding boots, jackets, pants, and other protective clothing according to the conditions. You should take the offer seriously. The weather can shift from rain to sleet to sunshine in one outing, and wind can make a mild forecast feel cold. Warm socks are a smart addition, and ski gloves or other waterproof gloves can help keep your hands comfortable.

The ride uses English saddle equipment. One rider found the balance unfamiliar, comparing the feeling to sitting on a rounded ball. If you have little riding experience or balance concerns, expect a short adjustment period. The horses are described as calm and well trained, but they still have individual personalities. You are riding an animal, not a motorized sightseeing platform.

Heiðmörk’s lava hills and volcanic past

The first major riding area is Heiðmörk Nature Reserve. Here, the route passes through lava hills created by a volcano roughly 5,000 years ago. The scenery is not polished or manicured. It is a raw mix of dark rock, moss, uneven ground, and broad Icelandic sky.

This is where the ride feels most different from a stable lesson. You are not circling an arena or following a fenced track beside a highway. You move along natural riding paths through old volcanic terrain, with the horse picking its way through a setting shaped by fire long before Reykjavik existed.

For beginners, the route can be kept to a smooth riding path along the Redhills. This option gives you the volcanic scenery without asking you to manage a more demanding pace or rougher surface. More experienced riders may be taken toward Rauðavatn, depending on the group and the day’s conditions.

The guides adapt the ride rather than forcing every person into the same pattern. Some riders want to stay at a walk, while others hope to trot or try the tölt. The route and pace can be adjusted to suit the ability of the group.

Rauðavatn and Iceland’s early forestry effort

The route may also pass by Rauðavatn, a lake connected with the first forestry efforts in Iceland at the beginning of the 20th century. This adds a small but worthwhile piece of local context to the ride.

Iceland is famous for volcanic ground and treeless open spaces, so the area around Rauðavatn offers a different view of the country. The forestry story is modest, but it helps you notice that Iceland’s natural setting is not only about volcanoes and glaciers. People have also spent generations trying to encourage trees to grow in a difficult climate.

The route around Rauðavatn is more suitable for riders with some experience when conditions allow. It can offer a livelier ride and a chance to experience more of what the horse can do. The exact route depends on weather, footing, and the ability of the group.

Hólmsheiði and the famous tölt

Hólmsheiði is the main riding area and the part most likely to define your day. The route covers natural paths through the red lava hills, with one option designed for beginners and another that may suit more experienced riders.

The Icelandic horse is famous for the tölt, a four-beat gait that can feel notably smooth. You may get an opportunity to try it, but this is not guaranteed at every moment. Your guide will judge the conditions, the horses, and the abilities of the group.

The best outings allow different people to enjoy the ride in different ways. A first-time rider can focus on balance and steering while an experienced rider gets a little more movement from the horse. The guides also make room for people who do not want to trot or speed up.

The scenery around the Redhills gives the tour its name. Red and dark volcanic rock contrasts with pale paths and green moss. Guides may stop to take photographs using your phone, and several riders appreciated coming away with pictures from different angles. Keep your phone secure, though, since you are handling it around horses and uneven ground.

How beginner-friendly is it really?

This is one of the stronger choices near Reykjavik for a first ride. The horses are generally described as calm, and the staff take care to pair riders with suitable animals. Instruction continues throughout the outing, with guides checking on anyone who looks uncertain or unsteady.

You do not need to be an experienced rider to enjoy it. A first-time rider may spend most of the ride walking and still get the central experience: sitting on an Icelandic horse, moving through old lava fields, and learning how the horse responds.

That said, beginner-friendly does not mean risk-free or physically effortless. You may feel sore afterward, especially if you have not ridden before. The English saddle may take time to feel natural, and anyone with balance problems should be cautious about asking for more than a walk.

A particularly helpful detail is the staff’s willingness to adjust plans. An older rider with a knee replacement decided not to continue after mounting because she did not feel secure. The staff helped her return to the starting point and sit out. That kind of practical flexibility is reassuring.

The stated maximum weight is 110 kilograms. Most people can participate, but you should consider your balance, leg strength, and comfort mounting a horse before booking. If you are unsure, contact Solhestar in advance.

What can go wrong in poor conditions

Icelandic weather is part of the setting, but it can also be the main drawback. Rain gear helps with rain. It does not remove wind, cold, slippery ground, or the discomfort of sitting outside for two hours.

One especially difficult ride took place in late October after snow had fallen. The trails were icy, several horses struggled with their footing, and one horse became unpredictable around the others. The rider felt frightened when the horse nearly went down on its front legs.

This appears to be an unusual experience compared with the many positive accounts of calm horses and smooth outings, but it is an important warning. Horse riding depends on the day’s footing. If trails are icy or weather conditions turn poor, you should ask the guide about the route and your horse before setting off.

The activity requires suitable weather. If Solhestar cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You should still plan some flexibility into your Iceland schedule rather than booking this immediately before a flight or fixed excursion.

Price and value at $139.13

At $139.13 per person, this is not a cheap two-hour activity. Yet the price includes much more than time on horseback. You get the stable preparation, horse matching, riding equipment, guides, access to natural paths, and roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of riding close to Reykjavik.

The short transfer improves the value. You do not spend a full day traveling to a distant ranch, and the pickup upgrade can remove the hassle of arranging transportation from your hotel or guesthouse. Pickup is also available from the BSI Bus Terminal, which is useful if your accommodation is not covered by a hotel route.

The value is strongest if you specifically want to ride an Icelandic horse in natural surroundings. If you only want a quick photo with a horse, this is more time and money than necessary. If you want a low-pressure introduction to Icelandic riding, the small group and attentive instruction make the cost easier to justify.

The maximum group size is 15. That is not an intimate private ride, and getting everyone dressed, mounted, and adjusted can take time. Still, the group is small enough for guides to offer individual help, and the ride is adapted rather than run as a single fixed-speed procession.

Morning or afternoon: which should you choose?

The morning departure starts at 9:30, with pickup from 9:00. The afternoon departure starts at 13:30, with pickup from 13:00.

Choose the morning if you want to keep the rest of the day open for Reykjavik or another activity. Choose the afternoon if you prefer a slower start or want to combine the ride with morning plans.

The most important choice is not the clock. It is the forecast and your wider schedule. Since wind and rain can affect comfort, pick the time with the better conditions when possible. You should also avoid placing the ride too close to a flight, because pickup can take up to 20 minutes and the activity lasts about two and a half hours.

Who will enjoy this Icelandic horse ride?

I would recommend it for:

• First-time riders who want patient instruction
• Families with mixed riding abilities
• Experienced riders curious about the tölt
• Couples looking for an activity outside central Reykjavik
• People who want volcanic scenery without committing to a full-day excursion
• Anyone interested in Icelandic horses and local riding traditions

I would be more cautious if you have serious balance issues, are uncomfortable with changing weather, or want a fast and athletic ride. The outing can offer more movement for experienced riders, but it is still designed to serve a mixed group.

Children and older adults may be able to take part, since the ride has accommodated a broad age range. You should judge your own mobility and confidence carefully. Mounting, sitting in an English saddle, and handling uneven ground all require a reasonable level of physical comfort.

Booking details and cancellation terms

Confirmation is provided when you book. You need to enter a phone number that works in Iceland in case the team must contact you close to departure.

The meeting point is Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik at Surtlugata 19. The ride ends back at the same place. Pickup is available only from hotels, guesthouses, and the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavik, so check your voucher carefully rather than assuming any address is covered.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted and are not refunded, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a friendly, flexible introduction to Icelandic horses and like the idea of riding through ancient lava hills instead of staying in an indoor arena. The guides receive consistent praise for their care, the horses are usually gentle, and the chance to try the tölt gives the outing a genuine Icelandic flavor.

I would book on a day with decent footing and leave room in your schedule for weather changes. Wear the supplied rain gear, bring warm socks and gloves, and be honest about your riding ability. If you take those precautions, this is a memorable half-day addition to a Reykjavik stay, especially for first-time riders and families with different levels of experience.

FAQ

Where does the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour begin?

The activity begins at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

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 do the morning and afternoon tours start?

The morning tour starts at 9:30, with pickup beginning at 9:00. The afternoon tour starts at 13:30, with pickup beginning at 13:00.

How long does the horse riding experience last?

The full activity lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. About 1.5 to 2 hours are spent riding, with the remaining time used for preparation and matching you with a horse.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is adapted to different experience levels, and guides provide support throughout the outing. Riders who prefer not to trot can remain at a walk.

What is the maximum weight for participation?

The maximum stated weight is 110 kilograms.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. 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.