Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this ride is the setting: you sit on a small, sturdy Icelandic horse while crossing red lava fields, mossy ground, and smooth volcanic paths close to Reykjavik. The horses are friendly and well trained, and the route feels far removed from the city despite the short drive.

I like the careful pairing of horses and riders, plus the option to split into slower and faster groups. Guides such as Claudia and Patri have been praised for their kind, attentive help. The main drawback is Icelandic weather: even with supplied rainwear and winter suits, you need warm gloves, wool socks, and sensible layers.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride across the Redhills: The main route follows smooth paths through red lava formations and hilly volcanic terrain.
• Suitable for beginners: Guides explain the basics, match horses to your experience, and keep a close eye on nervous riders.
• Experienced riders get more: A faster group may ride near Rauðarvatn and try short tölt sessions, the distinctive Icelandic gait.
• Expect real riding time: You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle, covering roughly 5 to 7 kilometers.
• Pickup is optional: Hotel and designated Reykjavik pickup points are available, or you can drive to the stable and park free.
• Cold-weather gear is covered: Helmets, rain clothing, and winter jumpsuits are supplied when needed, but bring your own warm base layers.

Red lava fields, friendly horses, and a short drive from Reykjavik

Sólhestar Horse Riding offers a useful way to see Iceland’s volcanic terrain without committing to a full-day excursion. The stable is about a 15-minute drive from central Reykjavik, so this fits neatly into a city break, a stopover, or a day when you want something more active than another sightseeing bus.

The tour costs $142 per person. That is not cheap, but the price includes the horse, instructor, helmet, riding time, wet-weather clothing, and free parking. You also get coffee or tea after the ride, and hotel pickup and return if you choose that option. For Iceland, where organized activities can become expensive once transport and equipment are added, the package offers fair value if you want a proper ride rather than a short photo session.

The strongest appeal is the balance between access and scenery. You do not need to travel deep into the countryside to reach open volcanic ground. Within a short drive, the city gives way to red hills, lava rocks, moss, and broad views around Rauðarvatn.

Arriving at the stable and meeting your horse

If you arrange pickup, be ready 30 minutes before the start time at your selected hotel or Reykjavik pickup point. Transport may be by small bus or jeep marked with the provider’s name. The transfer has earned particularly strong marks for being orderly and easy to spot.

Driving yourself is simple. The stable has free parking directly in front, and you should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled riding time. Look for the large white stable with the big orange sign. That detail matters in Iceland, where rural buildings can otherwise look alike.

At the stable, you receive a helmet and get ready for the ride. Rain clothing is available, and winter jumpsuits may be supplied in colder weather. You should still arrive in warm clothes, comfortable trousers, and weatherproof layers. Shorts, open-toed shoes, backpacks, and professional cameras are not allowed.

The preparation period is practical rather than elaborate. Horses are paired with riders according to experience and comfort level. That is good news if you have never ridden before, or if one person in your group is confident while another is uneasy.

Why Icelandic horses make this ride special

Icelandic horses are smaller than many horses you may have ridden elsewhere, but do not mistake their size for weakness. They are sturdy animals suited to rough ground and changeable weather. On this tour, you get time to become familiar with your horse rather than simply mounting for a quick circuit.

The horses are described as calm, pleasant, and responsive. Several riders with no previous experience found them easy to guide after the initial instructions. That does not mean the activity is effortless. You still need to sit securely, follow directions, and be in reasonably good physical condition.

The stable’s approach to matching horses and riders is one of the tour’s best features. Nervous beginners are not simply placed at the back and forgotten. Guides check on riders, help with confidence, and adjust the pace to suit the group. Experienced riders can be given more freedom when conditions allow.

You may also have a chance to see the horses up close before or after the ride. Allow a few minutes at the end to say goodbye and notice how well cared for they appear. The condition and behavior of the horses are important here, since a pleasant ride depends as much on the animals as on the scenery.

The beginner route through the Redhills

The standard route follows smooth natural paths through the Redhills. You ride across red volcanic ground, lava formations, moss, and gently hilly terrain. The color and texture are the main attraction: this is not a manicured riding arena, but it is also not a rough scramble over dangerous rock.

Most of the route is at a walk. That pace suits first-time riders and gives you time to look around without worrying about controlling the horse at speed. Guides also share facts about Iceland’s geology and local area during the ride, adding some context to the unusual red rocks beneath you.

The ride covers about 5 to 7 kilometers, depending on the group’s experience. You should expect about 1.5 to 2 hours on horseback within the total 2.5-hour activity. That is generous for a city-based riding tour, especially compared with short stable rides that spend more time preparing than moving.

There is normally a photo stop near striking red lava rocks. Guides may help take pictures with your phone, which is useful because handling a camera from horseback is awkward. One small limitation is that the stop may not feel long enough if photography is your main goal. The focus remains on riding, not on a long scenic picnic.

Faster riding, Rauðarvatn, and the Icelandic tölt

Groups with more experience may take a route by Rauðarvatn. The exact path depends on the riders, weather, and group pace, so you should not book this expecting a guaranteed fast ride or a fixed advanced itinerary.

When conditions permit, the group may separate after the photo stop into slower and faster teams. This is a sensible arrangement. Beginners can stay relaxed, while experienced riders may be offered chances to go faster on suitable ground.

Some experienced riders have been able to try the tölt, Iceland’s famous four-beat gait. It is known for feeling smooth when the horse performs it well, and it gives confident riders a special connection with the breed. You should treat this as an opportunity rather than a promise. The guides decide what is safe based on the horses, the route, and the ability of the group.

If you are new to riding, do not feel pressured to join the faster group. The ordinary walking route still gives you the best chance to enjoy the volcanic scenery, learn how your horse responds, and stay comfortable in the saddle.

Guides who keep beginners at ease

The guides are central to the experience. Names that appear in the guiding team include Claudia, Patri, Nina, and Claira, though the staff working your departure may differ. Their job is not just to lead the line. They explain how to handle the horses, keep groups organized, and watch for riders who need help.

This matters most in the first few minutes. A first ride can feel intimidating when the horse starts moving, especially in cold weather and unfamiliar gear. The guides have been attentive with nervous riders, and several beginners quickly settled once they understood how to steer and stop.

The groups may be divided by ability and desired pace. That prevents a confident rider from feeling held back and keeps a new rider from being pushed too quickly. Still, this remains a guided group activity. You are not riding independently across the countryside, and the pace can be shaped by the least experienced person in your group.

Guide quality can vary slightly from one departure to another, as it does on any activity with a rotating team. The overall pattern is warm and helpful, with staff offering riding advice, local information, and help with photos.

Weather, clothing, and comfort on the trail

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the open lava fields offer little shelter. Rain, wind, snow, and dust are all possible depending on the season. The operator supplies rain clothing and may provide winter jumpsuits, but you should not rely on borrowed outerwear alone.

Wear warm layers, comfortable long trousers, sturdy closed shoes, gloves, and wool socks. In winter, cold hands and feet can spoil an otherwise excellent ride. In dry conditions, sunglasses are useful because the paths may be dusty.

The supplied helmet is mandatory for every rider. That is a sensible rule, not a nuisance. Backpacks are not allowed, so keep your belongings light and leave bulky items in the vehicle or at the stable if the operator permits it.

The tour is physically active but not described as strenuous. You need enough balance and fitness to mount, sit in the saddle for up to two hours, and follow instructions. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, recent surgery, mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people with a low level of fitness.

The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. The supplied information also gives 243 pounds in the suitability notes, so use 110 kilograms as the safer maximum when deciding if this activity is appropriate.

What the $142 price really includes

At $142, this is a mid-to-high priced half-day activity, but the inclusions make the cost easier to justify. You receive a substantial ride rather than a brief introduction, along with an instructor, helmet, protective clothing when required, and free parking.

Pickup adds convenience if you do not have a car. It also removes the need to work out the rural location yourself, though you must be ready earlier than self-drivers. Food is not included, so eat beforehand and do not expect a meal at the stable. Coffee and tea are available, usually after the ride.

The value is best for someone who wants three things at once: genuine time on horseback, striking volcanic scenery, and a beginner-friendly setup. If you only want a quick animal encounter or a short photo opportunity, the price may feel high. If you want a longer ride with the possibility of faster sections and tölt, it is easier to see the value.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and reserve-now, pay-later booking also reduce the risk of fitting this into a changing Iceland itinerary.

Who should book this Redhills ride?

You should consider it if you are visiting Reykjavik and want an outdoor activity that does not require a full day away from the city. It suits first-time riders, couples, families with suitable participants, and mixed groups where some people are experienced and others are starting from scratch.

It is especially good for anyone curious about Icelandic horses. You get to ride a distinctive local breed in the kind of open volcanic setting where the experience makes sense, rather than inside a covered arena.

Experienced riders should book with realistic expectations. You may get a faster route and tölt sessions, but the activity is still built for mixed ability. Most of the riding may be at a walk, and the final pace depends on safety and group conditions.

You should skip it if you dislike cold, wet weather, cannot comfortably sit on a horse for up to two hours, or need a fully accessible activity. The terrain is natural, the ride is outdoors, and participation requires a reasonable level of physical ability.

Should you book Sólhestar Horse Riding?

Book it if you want a memorable Reykjavik-area activity with real riding time, kind instruction, and volcanic scenery close to town. The calm horses, careful rider matching, useful pickup service, and optional faster group make it more flexible than many basic riding tours.

Bring serious cold-weather clothing, accept that most of the route may be at a walk, and treat the tölt as a bonus rather than a guarantee. With those expectations, this is a strong choice for beginners and a pleasant introduction to Icelandic horses for experienced riders.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The full activity lasts 2.5 hours. You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours riding, depending on the route and group.

How far do you ride?

The route covers approximately 5 to 7 kilometers, depending on the experience level of the riders.

Is the tour suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners, and guides explain the basics, pair riders with suitable horses, and adjust the group to different experience levels.

Can experienced riders go faster?

Experienced groups may ride a route near Rauðarvatn and may have opportunities to trot or try the tölt. Faster riding depends on group ability, route conditions, and guide approval.

Is hotel pickup available from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is available from selected Reykjavik hotels and pickup points. You should be ready 30 minutes before the tour begins if you choose this option.

Can I drive to the stable?

Yes. The stable has free parking in front of the building. Self-drivers should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled riding time, and the stable is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik.

What clothing should I bring?

Bring warm, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, including gloves and warm socks. Rain clothing and winter jumpsuits may be supplied, depending on conditions.

Is a helmet required?

Yes. Every rider must wear a helmet supplied by the stable while riding.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The stated weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds.

What is included in the $142 price?

The price includes horseback riding, an instructor, a helmet, coffee, wet-weather clothing, winter jumpsuits when needed, and free parking. Hotel pickup and return are included only when that option is selected. Food and other drinks are not included.