Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

Iceland by horse is a strangely good idea. This Reykjavik tour takes you onto Icelandic horses and out toward the red lava fields south of town, with routes chosen for beginners or more experienced riders. I especially like how the guides match you to the right horse and how the ride is long enough to actually feel like riding, not just sitting for photos.

My other favorite part is the practical side: you get helmets plus wet weather clothing and even winter jumpsuits when needed. One consideration, though, is that it is physically demanding in cold weather and it is not a fit if you have mobility issues, back problems, or are pregnant, based on the activity rules.

Key points before you go

• Beginner friendly routing with options for faster riders on the same red lava adventure
• 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle, plus instructor time before and after
• Redhills or Rauðarvatn depending on experience level, so you are not stuck with one pace
• Photo stop at red lava rocks with support from your guide for phone photos
• Wet weather clothing and winter jumpsuits provided, which makes winter riding much easier
• Strong transport track record, with 92% of reviewers scoring transport as perfect

Reykjavik Pickup and the Big Orange Sign Start

If you choose the pickup option, you will get collected from your hotel about 30 minutes before the tour start time. The ride to the stables is quick, roughly a 15 minute drive from downtown Reykjavik, and you travel in a small bus or jeep marked with the provider name.

If you are driving yourself, this is an easy meet. Plan to arrive at the stable about 15 minutes early. You will see a big white stable with a big orange sign, and free parking is right in front.

That first stretch matters more than it sounds. In Iceland, weather changes fast, and having time to get suited up calmly beats racing the clock. I also like that the schedule gives you a real buffer for helmets and pairing before you head out.

Solhestar Stables: Helmets, Gear, and Horse Pairing That Feels Thoughtful

Before you ride, everyone gets a helmet from the stable. It is required while riding, and the guides handle the safety basics so you are not guessing.

Then comes the part that makes cold weather riding actually pleasant. If conditions demand it, you are provided wet weather clothing, and you can also get winter jumpsuits for warmth. In reviews, people specifically call out feeling properly dressed even in wind and rain, which tracks with the fact that Iceland is not subtle about weather.

After you meet your instructor, riders are paired to their level. Most riders also split into beginner and more advanced groups, which helps you avoid the common problem of being dragged along at a pace that does not match your comfort.

One more practical detail: the ride is led by an English speaking instructor, so you can ask questions about what you are about to do and what your body should do when the horse moves.

Redhills vs Rauðarvatn: Routes That Match Your Riding Level

Once mounted, you head out along a smooth natural path through the red lava area. Depending on experience, your group rides one of two main routes.

If you are on the beginner side, you may follow the Redhills route. This is the steady, confidence building choice, with walking style riding over interesting terrain and plenty of chances to take in the views safely at a comfortable pace.

More experienced riders may go by Rauðarvatn. This is where you are more likely to get the ride that feels a bit more playful, including opportunities for faster movement and, in some cases, tölt sessions. That is a big deal for first time Icelandic horse riders, because the horses can do that unique smooth gait that feels different than typical western riding.

Either route is built around natural paths and volcanic scenery, not a paved trail. The goal is that you feel the terrain, but you are not out there alone.

The Ride Timing: Why 2.5 Hours Actually Works

The total tour time is about 2.5 hours, with around 1.5 to 2 hours riding. That ratio is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to get comfortable after mounting, settle into the rhythm, and still have a real sense of where you went.

In reviews, people repeatedly say the experience does not feel rushed. You get the “real riding” portion long enough to enjoy the hills and lava terrain, and then you have time at the end to say goodbye before being driven back.

Also, the tour distance is typically 5 to 7 kilometers depending on the experience level. That is not a short loop around a field. It is enough travel to feel like you left Reykjavik behind, even though the stables are not far.

One small drawback to note: because the ride time is long enough to matter, you should be ready for cold hands and wind. If you come underdressed, Iceland will remind you fast, even with the provided gear.

Volcanic Red Lava Terrain and the Red Lava Rocks Photo Moment

This is the star of the whole experience. You ride through red lava areas and around formations that look like they belong to another planet. The terrain can be rocky in places and is covered with moss and textures that shift as the light changes.

You also get a photo stop at red lava rocks. In reviews, guides are described as helpful with phone photos, with the guide sometimes taking pictures for you. That matters because it is hard to frame shots safely while also handling reins and keeping your balance.

If you want photos, plan to wear gloves that grip well and bring your phone in a secure way under the gear. You are not allowed professional cameras, so you will be living in smartphone territory anyway.

One tip that came up in feedback: if roads are dusty, sun glasses can help. It is not a lava dust party all the time, but it is Iceland, so be ready for the small irritations.

What You Get Included, and What You Must Bring

This tour includes a lot of what usually adds hidden cost on horseback rides.

Included highlights:

• Horseback riding and an instructor
• Helmet for all riders
• Coffee plus tea
• Wet weather clothing, plus winter jumpsuits when needed
• Free parking at the stables
• Optional hotel pickup and drop off

What you must bring:

• Warm clothing
• Comfortable clothing
• Weather appropriate items

Even with jumpsuits provided, you still want to think about layers. Reviews mention preparing gloves and wool socks for winter conditions, which is exactly the kind of small thing that keeps a cold day from turning into a miserable one.

What not to bring or wear:

• Shorts are not allowed
• Professional cameras are not allowed
• Backpacks are not allowed
• Open toed shoes are not allowed

I treat that list as more than rules. It is about keeping you safe and keeping you from getting gear in the way during mounting and riding.

Price and Value: How $142 Adds Up for a Half Day

At about $142 per person for a 2.5 hour experience, you are paying for more than just time on a horse. You are paying for the full package: instruction, helmet safety, and the cold weather support gear.

The best value angle here is how the cost is spread across meaningful time and comfort. You ride for up to 2 hours, you get tea and coffee, and you do not have to track down your own rain gear just to survive the weather. If you pick hotel pickup, transport is handled as well.

You also get route variety based on experience. That means the tour is not a one size fits all commute where beginners feel rushed and advanced riders feel bored. The route choice and rider grouping is a big quality lever.

One more value signal: transport quality is strong, with 92% of reviewers giving a perfect score for the experience of getting there. In Reykjavik, that kind of reliability matters because weather can mess with timing.

If you are the type of traveler who wants Iceland to feel hands on, walking through lava terrain on horseback is one of the more memorable ways to do it without needing special skills or a car.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This is designed for both beginners and more experienced riders. If you have never ridden before, you can still have a great time as long as you are in physical good condition and can follow the instructor’s directions.

It is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• People over 110 kg (242 lb), and the rules also mention up to 243 lb in the fine print
• People with recent surgeries
• People with low level of fitness

So, if you are dealing with injury, mobility limits, or you know you cannot handle saddle time plus cold, skip it. There are other Iceland activities that are less physically demanding.

If you are fit enough and comfortable in layers, this is a top choice for:

• First time visitors who want a non car way to see volcanic terrain
• Couples or solo travelers who like guided experiences with a clear structure
• Anyone who wants a guilt free winter activity because gear is handled

Should You Book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

I would book this if you want a memorable Iceland experience that is genuinely hands on, and you do not want to stress about winter clothing. The combination of real riding time, provided safety gear, and volcanic scenery makes it feel like you bought a full activity, not a quick stop.

Skip it if you know you cannot do cold weather exertion, or if your body is not up for the physical demands listed by the provider. Also, if you hate unpredictable weather, be aware Iceland can be windy and wet, even on days that look fine in Reykjavik.

If you are flexible, dress warm, and arrive on time for helmet fitting, this is the kind of tour that leaves you with a story you will keep telling long after the lava is just a photo on your phone.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik red lava horse riding tour?

The total duration is about 2.5 hours. You typically spend around 1.5 to 2 hours riding horseback, depending on the experience level of the riders.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is optional. If you select pickup, you will be collected from selected hotels and pickup points in Reykjavik about 30 minutes before the tour start time.

Do I need to drive to the meeting point?

You can, if you have your own car. There is free parking in front of the stable. If you drive yourself, you should meet at the stable 15 minutes before the tour start time.

What gear is provided?

The tour includes a helmet for all riders, wet weather clothing if needed, and winter jumpsuits. Coffee and tea are also included.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring warm clothing and comfortable, weather appropriate clothes. The provider also notes not to wear shorts, and not to wear open toed shoes.

Are cameras allowed?

Professional cameras are not allowed. You should be prepared to use your phone for photos.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people over 110 kg (242 lb), people with recent surgeries, or those with low fitness.