Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

Red lava fields, soft moss, hilly volcanic paths, and a sturdy Icelandic horse make this one of Reykjavik’s most memorable short excursions. You ride through the Redhills south of the city, not simply past them in a bus, and the scene changes with the weather: snowy and quiet in winter, dusty and open in summer.

I like the calm Icelandic horses, which suit first-time riders remarkably well, and I like the careful matching of riders to horses and routes. The main drawback is the weather. You are outside for up to two hours, and Icelandic wind, rain, or cold can make the ride tiring if you arrive in light clothing.

Key points at a glance

• Red lava terrain: Ride along smooth paths through the Redhills and, for more experienced riders, near Rauðarvatn.
• Beginner-friendly setup: Horses are paired with riders according to experience, and the pace can stay relaxed.
• A real riding session: You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours on horseback, covering roughly 5 to 7 kilometers.
• Optional tölt and faster riding: More experienced riders may get chances to ride faster and try the Icelandic horse’s distinctive tölt.
• Useful cold-weather support: Helmets, rain clothing, winter jumpsuits, and hot coffee or tea are provided.
• Easy from Reykjavik: Choose hotel pickup, or drive about 15 minutes from downtown to the stable with free parking.

Riding Iceland’s red volcanic hills

The appeal here is not just the horse. It is the combination of horse, open ground, and volcanic color.

The Redhills are shaped by Iceland’s volcanic past, with red lava formations, dark rocks, moss, and rolling ground. From the saddle, you move slowly enough to notice the texture of the terrain. A bus tour gives you broad views through a window. This gives you time to watch a horse pick its way along a natural path while the red rock rises around you.

The route covers 5 to 7 kilometers. The exact distance depends on the riders’ experience and the group’s preferred pace. Beginners usually take the smoother route through the Redhills. Groups with more riding experience may continue by Rauðarvatn, where the route can offer a longer or livelier ride.

I would not book this expecting a nonstop gallop. Much of the ride is at a walking pace, which is sensible on uneven volcanic ground and makes the tour accessible to beginners. Still, experienced riders can have more fun after the group divides according to riding preference. Several riders describe opportunities to trot or take short tölt sessions, though the exact amount depends on conditions, ability, and the guide’s judgment.

From Reykjavik hotel to the stable

You have two practical choices.

With the pickup option, be ready 30 minutes before the riding time at your hotel or designated Reykjavik pickup point. Transport is by a small bus or jeep marked with the activity provider’s name. The drive is described as short, and the transfer is useful if you do not have a car or want to avoid finding the stable in unfamiliar surroundings.

Some pickups happen near shuttle bus stops rather than directly outside every hotel, so check your confirmation carefully. The transport received especially strong marks, with 92 percent of the published ratings giving it a perfect score. That matters on a winter morning, when standing outside uncertainly is no fun.

If you drive, meet at the stable 15 minutes before departure. Look for the large white stable with a big orange sign. Free parking is available directly in front, which makes this a simple add-on to a self-drive day around Reykjavik.

The activity is listed as 2.5 hours, but only 1.5 to 2 hours are spent riding. The remaining time covers transport, getting dressed, fitting helmets, mounting, and returning to the stable. That is a fair breakdown for a horseback outing, but it is worth understanding before you compare the price with a longer full-day riding trip.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

At the stable, you receive a helmet and get ready for the ride. Winter jumpsuits and wet-weather clothing are available when needed. Some riders also change into suitable boots, and the staff help with equipment and horse assignments.

The horses are Icelandic horses, often called ponies because of their compact build, though they are strong riding horses. Their sure-footed nature and steady temperaments make them a sensible match for a volcanic route. The most praised part of this experience is the way the horses are handled. Riders repeatedly describe them as gentle, well trained, responsive, and well cared for.

That does not mean every horse behaves identically. One rider reported being paired with a horse that did not get along with another, and a rider fell during an argument between horses. The person was not hurt, and the guides responded well, but this is a useful reminder that horseback riding carries normal animal and outdoor risks. Listen closely to the instructions, keep the proper distance from other horses, and tell the guide if you feel nervous.

The staff work to match horses to ability. First-time riders are not simply placed on the nearest available animal and sent off. Beginners receive explanations before setting out, and guides check on riders during the route. That extra attention is a major reason this tour works for people who have never ridden before.

The first route through the Redhills

The ride begins on a smooth path through the Redhills. For a beginner, this opening period is important. You learn how the horse responds, settle into the saddle, and get used to the motion before the route becomes more varied.

The hills are a good setting for a first ride because the focus stays on the volcanic ground rather than on technical riding. You pass red lava rocks and moss-covered sections, with broad views over the surrounding area. The scenery is especially striking after snow or in changing light, though rain and wind can also make the trail feel more demanding.

Guides ride with the group and provide information about the area, Icelandic geology, and the horses. Specific guides named by riders include Claudia, Patri, Claira, Nina, and Kolgrima, although the team varies by departure. Their role is not only to lead the horses. They also help nervous riders, answer questions, control the pace, and decide when conditions are suitable for trotting.

A photo stop among the red lava rocks is usually part of the outing. The guide may take a group picture using your phone, so keep your phone accessible if you want a few riding shots. Do not bring a backpack, and professional cameras are not allowed. That rule is practical on horseback, but it means you should plan to rely on a phone for photographs.

Splitting the group by riding ability

After the photo stop, groups may divide according to experience or preferred pace. Beginners and cautious riders can keep things slow. More confident riders may take a longer route and try a faster pace, including the tölt.

The tölt is the Icelandic horse’s distinctive four-beat gait. It is known for being smooth, and it gives experienced riders a chance to feel something different from an ordinary walk or trot. You should not count on a long session of tölt, since the guides need to consider trail conditions, weather, horse behavior, and the ability of every rider. Still, its availability adds real value for people who already ride.

This split is one of the best design features of the tour. Mixed groups often create a problem: beginners feel rushed, while experienced riders feel held back. Here, the pace can be adjusted without making new riders uncomfortable.

The fast option is not a promise of speed. In poor weather or on unsuitable ground, the guides may keep everyone at a walk. One winter ride still included an effort to find a safe place to trot despite difficult conditions. That shows the right priority: give confident riders some movement, but do not force it.

How comfortable is the ride in bad weather?

Iceland’s weather is part of the experience, not a small footnote. Riders have gone out in rain, wind, snow, dust, and cold. The provider supplies rainwear and winter jumpsuits, which is a big help, but you still need a warm base layer, gloves, wool socks, and comfortable clothes.

Wear closed, sturdy shoes. Open-toed shoes are not allowed, and shorts are unsuitable. Sunglasses are useful in summer, since dry paths can be dusty. The supplied wet-weather clothing protects your outer layer, but it does not replace warm socks and gloves.

The cold affects your hands first, then your feet. Bring more warmth than you think you need, especially from late autumn through winter. You may find the riding comfortable once moving, but there are also periods spent mounting, stopping for pictures, or waiting while the group is organized.

The stable provides complimentary tea and coffee after the ride. This is a small touch, but it matters after a cold outing. Food is not included, so eat beforehand if you need more than a hot drink.

Is $142 a fair price?

At $142 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend an afternoon. The price makes more sense when you count the practical extras: optional Reykjavik pickup and return, instructor support, horse riding, helmet, wet-weather clothing, winter jumpsuit, free parking, and hot drinks.

You also receive 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle rather than a brief photo ride around a paddock. The volcanic setting gives the outing a stronger sense of place than a generic riding lesson. You are not only sitting on a horse. You are using an Icelandic horse to move through terrain that is hard to appreciate from the road.

For a complete beginner, the value is strong if this is a high-priority Iceland memory. The horse pairing, patient instruction, clothing, and relaxed route reduce the usual barriers to trying horseback riding abroad.

For an experienced rider, the value depends on your expectations. You may appreciate the Icelandic horse, the volcanic trails, and the chance to try tölt, but you should not expect a long technical ride or sustained fast work. Those seeking serious riding time may prefer a longer specialist tour.

The flexible cancellation policy also reduces the risk of booking ahead. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Who should book this ride?

This is best for:

• First-time riders who want a guided introduction
• Couples or families seeking something beyond Reykjavik’s usual sightseeing
• Riders with some experience who want a gentle Icelandic horse outing
• People with a free half-day and no desire to rent a car
• Anyone interested in volcanic scenery at a slower, more personal pace

The tour is not suitable for pregnant people, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, recent surgery, serious back problems, or a low level of fitness. The weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. The activity also requires a reasonable level of physical condition, since mounting, sitting in the saddle, and handling a horse require some effort.

Children’s minimum ages and exact group sizes are not provided, so ask before booking if those details matter for your party. The instruction language is English.

How this compares with other Reykjavik outings

A standard sightseeing bus gives you more ground in less time. You can see several major sights in a day, but the experience stays observational. This ride is slower and narrower in focus, with the horse and lava fields taking center stage.

It also differs from an Icelandic farm visit. You are not merely meeting horses or taking a short lead-rein ride. The route lasts long enough for you to settle into the rhythm of the animal and see how the volcanic ground changes around you.

The tradeoff is that this tour does not include food, major attractions, or a full geology program. Guides share facts about the region, but the main lesson comes from being out in the terrain. I would pair it with a separate Golden Circle or South Coast day rather than treating it as a substitute.

My practical advice before you book

Choose pickup if you are staying in central Reykjavik and do not have a car. If you drive, plan to arrive 15 minutes early and look for the white stable and orange sign.

Wear warm layers under the provided outer gear. Pack gloves and wool socks, but leave your backpack behind. Keep your phone in a secure pocket for the photo stop, and do not bring a professional camera.

Tell the guide your true riding level. Do not exaggerate your experience to join the faster group. The best ride is the one where you feel relaxed, the horse stays comfortable, and the volcanic setting has time to register.

Should you book the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

I would book it if you want a distinctive Reykjavik activity and are happy with a mostly gentle ride. The red lava setting and the chance to ride an Icelandic horse give this outing a strong sense of place, while the patient instruction makes it approachable for beginners.

I would skip it if you dislike cold, wet weather, have physical limitations that make mounting difficult, or want a fast, technical riding tour. At $142, it is a considered purchase, but the long saddle time, equipment, transport option, careful horse matching, and memorable volcanic route make it a good value for the right rider.

FAQ

How long is the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

The full activity lasts 2.5 hours. You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours horseback riding and cover roughly 5 to 7 kilometers.

Where does the tour take place?

The ride takes place through the Redhills in Iceland’s Capital Region, south of Reykjavik. More experienced groups may ride by Rauðarvatn.

Is hotel pickup from Reykjavik included?

Pickup and drop-off are available if you choose the pickup option when booking. Be ready 30 minutes before the riding time at a selected hotel or Reykjavik pickup point.

Can I drive to the stable?

Yes. Meet at the stable 15 minutes before the scheduled riding time. Free parking is available in front of the large white stable with the orange sign, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is designed for beginners and more experienced riders. Horses are matched to riding ability, and the route and pace can be adjusted to suit the group.

Can experienced riders trot or try the tölt?

More experienced riders may have the option to ride faster, trot, or try the Icelandic horse’s tölt. The exact opportunity depends on riding ability, weather, trail conditions, and the guide’s decision.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

A helmet is provided and must be worn. Rain clothing and winter jumpsuits are available when needed. You should bring warm, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, including gloves and warm socks.

Who cannot take part in the activity?

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