Red Lava Horse Riding Tour From Reykjavik

Red lava and Icelandic horses in one neat package. This small-group tour pairs you with a suitable horse, then takes you through mossy lava country with real human help the whole way. If you want an easy win near Reykjavik, this is one of the more practical options.

I love two things most. First, the guides help you get mounted and adjusted, and they keep an eye on how you’re doing while you ride. Second, you get real odds to experience the Icelandic tölt gait, not just a slow walk-and-hope.

One thing to consider: this is weather-dependent terrain. If you’re riding in late-season icy conditions, footing can be trickier than you expect, so ask for the pace that feels safe for you.

Key highlights you’ll feel from the start

• Solo-to-group care: small group of up to 15, with hands-on support throughout the ride
• Rain or winter gear included: rain clothing and winter overalls are provided so you can focus on riding
• Horse matching for your level: you’re paired with a horse that fits your experience, and routes can be adjusted
• Two riding route styles: smoother Redhills paths for many riders, or a Rauðavatn-area option for more experienced groups
• Tölt opportunities: you’ll have chances to try the tölt at varying speeds, if you want to
• Convenient pickup: hotel/guesthouse or BSI bus terminal pickup is offered, starting 30 minutes before departure

Reykjavik’s Red Lava Ride: What Makes This Tour Worth Your Time

This tour is built for people who want Icelandic horse country without the long, complicated logistics. You’re starting from Reykjavik, you’re back at the same meeting point, and the experience is timed so you spend most of your trip on the horse—not just in transit.

The vibe is also practical. You don’t show up and fend for yourself in big groups. You get outfitted, matched with a horse, and guided on how to manage the basics as the terrain changes. That matters in Iceland, where wind, wet ground, and sudden weather shifts can make even simple steps feel harder.

And yes, the setting is the star: red lava hills and quiet nature reserves close enough to do as a half-day plan. The ride is short enough to keep you comfortable, but long enough to feel like you actually went somewhere.

Solhestar Horse Rental: Getting Ready and Getting Matched

The tour starts at Solhestar Horse Rental Reykjavik (Surtlugata 19). Plan on using the full time you’re given here—this is when you’ll be fitted and introduced to the horse you’ll ride.

You’ll receive rain clothing and/or winter overalls depending on the season and conditions. This is not a small detail. In Iceland, being damp and cold isn’t just uncomfortable; it makes it harder to grip with your legs and keep balance. Having warm outerwear helps you focus on the ride instead of your teeth chattering.

Then comes the pairing. The staff finds a horse that matches your experience level. Multiple riders say the horses are calm and easy to ride, including first-timers. Guides also stay involved once you’re mounted, not just at the start.

Two guide names show up in riders’ praise: Claudia and Klara. That kind of repeated mention is a good signal that the team really does show up and do the work—outfit, safety, and instruction.

Practical note: there’s a weight limit of 110 kg. If you’re near that ceiling, check in early so you don’t waste time preparing for something that can’t be done.

Pickup From Reykjavik Hotels and BSI: The Timing That Can Catch You

Pickup is offered as an upgrade for door-to-door service from Reykjavik hotels or the BSI bus terminal. If you choose pickup, treat it like a real schedule, not a vague suggestion.

Morning pickup starts at 9:00 for a 9:30 departure. Afternoon pickup starts at 13:00 for a 13:30 departure. Pickup can take up to 20 minutes, so you may not be picked up instantly even if you’re ready.

Here’s the part to respect: if you’re not at the pickup point latest 5 minutes after pickup starts, there’s a chance the booking gets canceled. That sounds harsh, but it’s a common reality with multi-stop pickup routes.

Also, make sure the phone number in your booking details is reachable in Iceland. If plans shift at the last minute (and in Iceland, they sometimes do), you want your guide to be able to reach you fast.

Heiðmörk Nature Reserve: Lava Hills and a 5,000-Year Volcano Story

After you get ready, the tour moves into the Heiðmörk Nature Reserve area. This is one of those places where the scenery looks dramatic even when nothing is happening.

You’ll see lava hills and learn about volcanic history tied to a volcano around 5,000 years old. The value here isn’t just facts—it’s how the guide helps you read the ground. Lava country has its own logic: textures, colors, and patches of moss show up differently depending on how the rock has been exposed and how weather has worked on it over time.

This is also where the tour stays human-paced. You’re not hiking hard. It’s a guided ride setup where you get oriented, then head toward the part you came for: time on the horse.

Rauðavatn and the First Steps of Forestry

Another stop is at Rauðavatn, connected to the first steps of forestry in Iceland at the beginning of the 20th century.

This is a nice shift in tone. Much of Iceland’s story is about fire and rock. Forestry brings in the human layer: what people tried to grow, how they tried to stabilize land, and how nature responded over time.

Even if you’re not a history person, it’s worth paying attention here. You’re moving through a living environment where the ground and plants tell you different chapters of the same area.

Hólmsheiði: The Ride Itself (5–7 km) and the Tölt You Came For

This is the heart of the tour. You’ll ride in the Hólmsheiði area, usually for about 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, with the full experience lasting about 2.5 hours total.

The route length is about 5–7 km, and it changes based on your experience level. That flexibility is one reason this tour works for mixed groups.

Two route options, one goal: safe control and good views

You’ll either ride:

• On a smoother path along the Redhills, a popular choice for many riders, or
• On an option around Rauðarvatn for groups with more experienced riders

Both routes emphasize natural riding paths and friendly Icelandic horses. You’re not riding in a straight line through a single “set track.” You get a sense of moving across this volcanic terrain with variety.

How the tölt fits in (and how you should approach it)

The Icelandic horse’s signature gait, tölt, is a major draw here. Riders consistently mention they got opportunities to feel it, sometimes at varying speeds depending on comfort.

If you’re new, don’t stress about getting every gait on day one. Focus on basics: stable seat, light contact, and listening for the guide’s cues. The best tölt moment is the one that feels controlled, not the one that happens too fast.

Guides also keep instruction going after you mount—especially on managing speed and handling small changes as you go up and down.

Photos at lava rocks

You may also get help with photos. Several riders mention that the guides take photos using guests’ phones at key lava rock spots and angles. That’s handy because trying to film while staying balanced on a moving horse is a recipe for shaky video.

What Gear and Warm Drinks Add to the Real Value

The price might look steep at first glance until you factor in what’s actually included in the experience.

You’re getting:

• Provided rain clothing and/or winter overalls
• Time with trained staff and on-the-ground help
• Horse handling and a structured ride format
• Time in and around multiple points near Reykjavik
• Warm drinks afterward are mentioned by riders (tea and coffee come up often)

This kind of inclusion matters because Iceland costs add up fast. If you’ve already spent money on a rental car and parking and tours, you don’t want to tack on extra gear rentals you thought were unnecessary.

And the “little” advice from riders is spot on:

• Wear good socks so your feet stay warm and grippy
• If it’s windy or cold, consider ski gloves if you own them
• If you know you run cold, you may want a more serious waterproof layer than you planned—some riders say the provided gear helps a lot, but extra warmth can still be worth it

If you get even slightly damp, you’ll feel it after. Dressing for warmth makes the whole tour smoother.

Price and Time: Is $139.13 a Good Deal Here?

At $139.13 per person, this is not the cheapest thing you can book in Reykjavik. But it can be good value if you care about three things: instruction, quality horse time, and weather-ready comfort.

You’re paying for:

• A guided experience with hands-on support
• A ride that lasts long enough to matter (about 2.5 hours total with 1.5–2 hours riding)
• A setup that works for different experience levels, including beginner-friendly guidance
• Provided outerwear so you don’t lose your trip to cold and wet

Also, it’s small-group. With a maximum of 15 travelers, you’re less likely to feel like a number. That directly affects how comfortable you’ll be during mounting, pace changes, and any moment you feel unsure.

If you want “Iceland by horse” with minimal hassle from Reykjavik, this price can feel more justified.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and the One Big Watch-Out)

This tour is designed for different riding levels. If you’re a beginner, you’ll get instruction and gentle support, and you can usually manage the ride at a pace that feels safe. If you’re more experienced, you can ask to take advantage of routes that match your comfort.

It also suits people who want a confident, guided way to try Icelandic horses up close. Many riders highlight how calm and well-cared-for the horses are, and they appreciate that staff keeps checking in.

The watch-out: weather and season can change the ride feel

The biggest consideration is conditions. Icelandic horses are sturdy, but they still have to move safely over the ground. In very icy conditions (especially late in the year), footing can feel more demanding than you’d imagine.

So here’s your move: if conditions feel slick to you, tell the guide right away. Ask for the safest pace. The right tour experience isn’t about being brave—it’s about being in control.

If you have balance issues, it’s smart to stick with the easier pace the guide recommends, rather than pushing for more speed.

Booking Tips That Make the Day Easier

A few small steps can prevent most common hassles.

1. Pick morning or afternoon based on your energy. The tour runs both times, and pickup timing changes with the schedule.
2. Arrive on time for pickup, even if it feels early. Pickup can run up to 20 minutes, and late arrivals can create cancellation risk.
3. Plan your layers for damp wind. Even when it looks fine, the ground and air can still soak you.
4. Bring warm socks and expect your feet to be a priority.
5. If you want to try tölt, be ready to follow the guide’s cues quickly—this is not something you “figure out later.”

One more practical point: this experience is commonly booked about 41 days in advance on average. If you’re traveling in a popular window, booking earlier gives you a better shot at your preferred time slot.

Should You Book This Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Yes, if you want a guided Reykjavik horseback ride that’s built for real beginners and also gives experienced riders a chance to have fun. The combination of small group size, horse matching, provided weather gear, and the chance to experience tölt makes it a strong “high reward, low hassle” day.

Skip or adjust expectations if you’re especially worried about icy ground or you’re traveling late in the season when weather can mean slick trails. In that case, you can still book—just go in ready to ask for the safest pace and to dress warmer than you think you need.

If you want one memorable Iceland activity that doesn’t require a long drive and doesn’t leave you alone with a nervous horse situation, this Red Lava ride is a smart pick.