Red lava and calm Icelandic horses start here. I love the small-group feel and hands-on help, and I also love how this tour gives you a real shot at tölt on Icelandic horses. One thing to keep in mind: like many Iceland rides, conditions can turn slippery in colder months, so traction and your comfort level depend on the day.

I think the biggest practical win is the way they set you up for the weather. You get rain clothing and winter overalls for your ride, plus you can choose morning or afternoon timing. That flexibility matters when Reykjavik weather can flip fast.

The tour runs about 2 hours 30 minutes total, with roughly 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle. With a maximum of 15 riders and a weight limit of 110 kg, you should feel well-guided, but you’ll want to be honest with the staff if you’re nervous or brand-new.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Small group size (max 15): more attention when you’re getting mounted and when you’re riding in motion.
• Beginner-friendly routing: routes and pace can be chosen to fit both first-timers and more confident riders.
• Real chance at tölt: you may be guided to experience the Icelandic gait at varying speeds.
• Weather gear provided: rain clothing and winter overalls help you focus on riding, not freezing.
• Red lava + volcano context: you ride through lava hills and hear about the area’s volcanic story.
• Warm-up after riding: tea and coffee are offered to get you back to normal fast.

Red lava horseback riding just outside Reykjavik

This is one of those Iceland activities that makes you slow down—in the good way. You’re not just watching lava fields from a viewpoint; you’re moving through them on a sturdy Icelandic horse, guided step-by-step until you’re comfortable.

It’s also a smart pick if you want something outdoorsy but not too extreme. The route length is about 5–7 km depending on experience, and the ride time stays in the sweet spot where you’ll get moments you’ll remember without spending your whole day in the cold.

If you’re picturing a movie-style adventure, this delivers. You’ll see red hills, mossy lava, and wide open terrain, and you’ll get a completely different feel for the ground under your feet—because you’re literally riding over it.

Getting ready at Solhestar: horse matching and gear you’ll actually use

The tour starts at Solhestar Horse rental Reykjavik at Surtlugata 19. Before you ride, you’ll get outfitted. This part matters more than you might think, because a good “fit” between rider and horse can make the whole experience feel effortless.

They take care of weather basics. They provide both rain clothing and winter overalls, which is huge in Iceland when forecast and reality don’t always agree. After a quick safety and riding setup, you’re matched with a horse that fits your comfort and experience level.

Pay attention to the details here. If your balance feels shaky, speak up before mounting. The staff is used to riders at different comfort levels, and they can adjust how they guide you during the ride.

Quick practical tip: wear warm, grippy socks and dress for wind as much as temperature. In winter and shoulder seasons, gloves and warm layers can make the difference between enjoying the ride and rushing through it.

Heiðmörk Nature Reserve: lava hills plus real volcano context

Once you’re mounted, you head toward Heidmörk Nature Reserve. This is where the scenery comes with a story you can actually understand: lava hills, and the volcanic history behind them (including mention of a volcano that’s about 5,000 years old).

This stop works well because it sets context without turning into a lecture. You’ll be moving, so the information feels tied to what you’re seeing right now. And since you’re on horseback, the “how it looks” and “how it feels” are connected—you’ll notice textures in the lava fields and the way paths cut through the area.

There’s no complicated schedule here, which I like. It’s not a race to the next photo spot; it’s a ride where the nature and history are part of the same flow.

One consideration: if the weather is icy, the ground can be uneven. The ride still goes on, but your comfort depends on how steady your horse feels that day and how closely you follow guide instructions.

Rauðavatn and the forestry story in early 20th century Iceland

You’ll also pass Rauðavatn, where the early 20th century marked the start of forestry efforts in Iceland. It’s a small historical detail, but it adds depth to what could otherwise feel like just red rock and open space.

This stop is valuable because it reminds you that Iceland isn’t only volcano and ice. People have been working with the land here for a long time, and the ride gives you a front-row seat to that bigger picture.

Even if history isn’t your thing, you’ll still appreciate this moment. It’s another layer that makes the ride feel grounded in place instead of generic outdoor time.

Hólmsheiði routes: your ride length, your pace, your chance at tölt

The most popular portion happens around Hólmsheiði. This is where the tour feels the most “Icelandic horse” and least “just a trail walk.”

Here’s what to expect:

• You ride in small groups with personal, friendly service.
• The ride distance is roughly 5–7 km depending on experience.
• Beginners and more experienced riders can be split across route options in the area.

You may ride along a smoother path near the Redhills. If your group is more experienced, you might head toward areas near Rauðarvatn for a different feel on the ground and pacing.

And yes, this is where tölt often shows up. Riders repeatedly mention getting the chance to experience the gait (with varying speeds). If you’ve only seen Icelandic horses from photos, this is one of the main reasons to do this tour, because it’s a feeling you can’t really recreate any other way.

Short reality check: every horse and every rider pair is different. If you’re brand-new, your day may focus more on learning balance and rein cues than on long bursts of tölt. That’s still a win. You’re building comfort first, and you’ll likely have the big moments when you’re ready.

What the small-group setup does for safety and enjoyment

A max group size of 15 travelers changes the feel immediately. Setup takes longer with bigger groups, and you lose some of that personal attention. Here, they can fit you properly, check how you’re doing, and step in when you need reassurance.

I also like that the tour is adapted for all experience levels. That means you’re less likely to feel stuck at one pace the whole ride. Guides can choose routes and adjust guidance, so beginners don’t get overwhelmed and experienced riders don’t feel bored.

The staff also seems to prioritize guidance on the move. Multiple riders mention ongoing instruction during the ride, especially helpful on up-and-down terrain. That’s exactly what you want: quick corrections before a small issue turns into a big worry.

One practical note from real-world experience: during late fall or icy conditions, footing can feel less forgiving. In those moments, the difference-maker is how confidently the horse handles the trail and how clearly you communicate with the guide if you’re uneasy.

Pickup from Reykjavik: timing, where it stops, and why you should be early

You have options. There’s an upgrade for door-to-door pickup from Reykjavik hotels or the bus terminal, and pickup is tied to hotels/guesthouses and BSI Bus terminal Reykjavik.

Pickup starts 30 minutes before departure, and there are set time blocks:

• Morning pickup starts at 9:00 for a 9:30 tour departure.
• Afternoon pickup starts at 13:00 for a 13:30 departure.

Pickup can take up to 20 minutes, so don’t plan on being perfectly on schedule for anything right afterward. And there’s a strict-ish practical rule: if you’re not at the pickup point no later than 5 minutes after pickup starts, there’s a chance the booking could be canceled.

My advice: set an alarm early and don’t cut it close. Reykjavik pickup points can be busy, and weather can slow walking down.

Tip that keeps this simple: add a phone number that works in Iceland to your booking details, so they can reach you quickly if plans change last minute.

Price and value: what $139.13 really buys you

At $139.13 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do around Reykjavik. But it does include several value drivers that matter on a ride day.

You’re paying for:

• Icelandic horses and the matching process
• Guides who stay with you during the whole riding portion
• Weather clothing (rain gear and winter overalls)
• A small-group experience (max 15)
• Time that actually happens in the saddle (about 1.5–2 hours riding)
• Warm-up refreshments afterward (tea and coffee)

If you compare that to a cheaper group tour that’s mostly waiting, this one feels more “worth it” because the riding time is substantial and the guidance is hands-on. The payout is also experiential: you’re learning to ride an Icelandic horse and getting a realistic shot at tölt, not just sitting on a horse for a quick loop.

Where the value can dip is the weather. If conditions are rough, the ride can feel more work than fun. Still, if you show up dressed for wind and wet and listen carefully, most riders end up calling it magical for a reason.

What to wear (and what to bring) for a comfortable ride

Iceland rides live and die by clothing. Even with provided rain clothing and winter overalls, you’ll be much happier if you come prepared.

From what I’d do in your shoes:

• Dress in layers so you can adjust fast.
• Wear warm socks and sturdy footwear.
• Consider extra gloves if you run cold or if you’ll be out in wind and wet conditions.
• If you’re sensitive about foot warmth, bring thicker socks rather than hoping the overalls will solve everything.

Also, don’t skip the basics like hat and a layer for your hands. Wind can sneak in, and the ride time adds up.

A small tip if you’re new: you may feel a bit sore after. That’s normal after a long sit and balance work. Stretching after helps.

Who this tour suits best (and who should pause)

This tour fits a lot of people. It’s beginner-friendly and designed for riders across experience levels, with route choices and guide support that help you ride at a pace you can handle.

It’s especially good if you:

• Want a Reykjavik-area activity without a long drive
• Care about experiencing tölt rather than only walking
• Like small groups and direct instruction
• Want the weather gear included

Pause before booking if:

• You’re very heavy (max weight is 110 kg)
• You’re uncomfortable with uneven footing and possible icy patches in colder months
• You have major mobility or balance concerns and need extra stability

And one more human point: horse pairing affects how the ride feels. If you ever feel wrong-footed or nervous, tell the guide early. The whole system works best when you communicate, not when you try to tough it out.

Should you book Red Lava Horse Riding from Reykjavik?

I’d book this if you want a real horse experience close to Reykjavik, with a small group, weather gear included, and a good shot at tölt. The route through lava hills, plus the added context around volcano history and the Rauðavatn forestry story, makes it more than a simple “ride and return.”

Skip or choose carefully if you’re traveling in the coldest, iciest part of the season and you’re risk-sensitive. Traction can vary, and a day that’s icy can turn a fun ride into something stressful. If your trip dates are flexible, pick the weather window that looks best.

If you’re ready with warm layers, follow the guide’s instructions, and go in expecting to learn as you go, this is one of the easiest ways to feel Iceland from horseback.

FAQ

How long is the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

The total tour time is about 2 hours 30 minutes. You’ll typically spend around 1.5 to 2 hours riding, with additional time for setup and the stops along the way.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Solhestar Horse rental Reykjavik, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavík, Iceland. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup from Reykjavik included?

Pickup is available as an upgrade for door-to-door service from Reykjavik hotels or the bus terminal. Pickup is only available from hotels, guesthouses, and BSI Bus terminal Reykjavik.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup starts 30 minutes before departure. Morning pickup starts at 9:00 for a 9:30 tour, and afternoon pickup starts at 13:00 for a 13:30 tour.

What should I wear?

The tour provides rain clothing and winter overalls. You should also wear warm socks and dress for wind and wet weather, since conditions can change quickly.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It’s designed to be beginner-friendly and adapted to all experience levels. Routes and ride length can be adjusted based on riders’ experience.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel later than that, the payment is not refunded.