Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

The red lava fields outside Reykjavik are the main event here: you ride among rust-colored rock, moss, and rolling volcanic ground rather than simply viewing it from a road. The tour lasts 2.5 hours, with 1.5 to 2 hours on horseback and routes adjusted to the group’s riding experience.

I like two things in particular: the horses are matched to riders by ability, which helps first-timers settle in, and the route gives you a close look at Icelandic terrain at a slower pace than a bus tour. Pickup, helmets, and weather gear also make this a simple outing to fit into a Reykjavik stay.

One consideration: this is still a physical activity, not a sightseeing ride from a chair. You need to be in good physical condition, and the 110-kilogram weight limit, weather, and exclusion of riders with certain health or mobility needs may rule it out.

• A short drive from central Reykjavik: The stable is about 15 minutes from downtown, with optional hotel or shuttle-stop pickup.
• Two routes, matched to ability: Beginners ride a smooth path by the Redhills; more experienced groups may go by Rauðarvatn.
• A real stretch of saddle time: Expect 5 to 7 kilometers of riding and 1.5 to 2 hours on the horse.
• A chance to try the tölt: Experienced riders may get a turn at the Icelandic horse’s distinctive, smooth gait.
• Practical cold-weather help: Helmets, rain clothing, winter jumpsuits, and tea or coffee are provided.
• Good value for a half-day activity: At $142, the price covers instruction and a long ride, with pickup included only if you select that option.

From Reykjavik to the red hills

The stable sits roughly 15 minutes from downtown Reykjavik, so the change from city streets to open volcanic country comes quickly. Choose hotel pickup if you want the easiest start. The provider collects from selected hotels and pickup points, usually 30 minutes before the riding time, in a small bus or jeep marked with the company name.

Driving yourself is straightforward too. There is free parking in front of the stable, where you will find a large white building with an orange sign. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled ride so you have time to get ready. If you have requested pickup, be ready 30 minutes before the start.

The full outing takes about 2.5 hours, but the ride itself accounts for most of that time. You should expect roughly 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle, with time at the stables to meet the horses, get your helmet and gear, and hear the instructions.

Meeting your horse and getting ready

The Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and known for their calm temperaments. The point is not that riding requires no skill. It is that the horses and guides make the activity approachable for people who have never ridden, while still offering experienced riders a chance to move at a livelier pace.

Before you set off, guides match horses to riders based on experience. That matters when a group includes nervous beginners and people who ride regularly. Guides give instructions, provide helmets, and can help you get comfortable before the tour begins. The helmet is required for every rider.

Dress for the weather, not for the forecast alone. Iceland can be cold, wet, or windy, and the ride takes place outdoors. Bring warm layers, comfortable clothes, gloves, and wool socks, especially in winter. Rain clothing and winter jumpsuits are available if needed, but you should still arrive dressed for the conditions. Shorts and open-toed shoes are not allowed, and backpacks and professional cameras are also prohibited.

Riding the Redhills route

The ride takes you along natural paths through the Redhills, an area of volcanic formations and red lava rock. The route covers about 5 to 7 kilometers, with the precise distance depending on the group’s ability and the route chosen. The smoother path makes this a reasonable first horseback ride for many beginners, though you should be prepared to balance, follow instructions, and stay alert.

The setting is a key part of the appeal. You are close to the ground, moving through rocky terrain rather than looking at it through a vehicle window. The red formations, moss, and open views give the ride a distinctly Icelandic feel, even though you are only a short drive from the capital.

There is a photo stop at red lava rocks on some rides. It gives you a chance to pause and take in the scenery, and guides may help take pictures with your phone. Do not expect a long photography session, though. The ride is the focus, and some riders would prefer more time to stop and photograph the surroundings.

Choosing the pace and route

The guide chooses a path suited to the experience and preferences of the group. Beginners can keep to a relaxed pace on the smooth Redhills route. More experienced groups may ride by Rauðarvatn, and some may be split by riding preference after the photo stop.

That split can make a difference. If you want a calm introduction, you can stay with a slower group. If you have riding experience, you may have the chance to trot or try the tölt, the Icelandic horse’s distinctive gait. The tölt feels different from a regular trot and is often described as smooth, but it is not guaranteed for every rider or in every group. Your guide will judge what is safe and appropriate.

The tour is not a private lesson, and the exact route and pace depend on the people riding that day. That flexibility is useful for mixed-ability groups, but it also means you should not book expecting a specific speed, distance, or amount of time at a particular stop.

What guides add to the ride

The guides are central to the experience. They help pair you with a suitable horse, keep an eye on the group, and explain what to do as you ride. Some have also shared details about Iceland’s geology and local history along the way. Guides named Claudia and Patri have led tours, and Claira and Nina have also been praised for being attentive and good company. Staff can change, so treat those names as examples rather than a promise of who will lead your ride.

Their attention is especially useful if you are nervous. The pace of a first ride can feel unfamiliar, and the horse may respond to your posture and reins in ways you are still learning. A guide who checks in and gives clear directions can help you settle into the saddle without making the ride feel like a lesson.

There is also a safety tradeoff to keep in mind. Horses are animals, and a calm, well-trained horse is not a machine. An occasional horse may be unsettled around others, and incidents are possible even with careful guides. Follow instructions, keep a safe distance from other horses, and tell the staff if you are anxious or uncomfortable.

The horses and the Icelandic setting

The horses are a major reason this outing feels different from a standard countryside ride. They are Icelandic horses, a breed long associated with the country, and the tour gives you time to get acquainted with your mount rather than treating it as scenery. Riders have described the horses as gentle and well-trained, and the stable staff are attentive to how each horse is cared for.

For experienced riders, the tölt is a special attraction. For beginners, simply riding calmly through the volcanic terrain may be more than enough. You do not need to know the breed’s history or riding terminology to enjoy the outing, but it is worth asking your guide about the horse you are riding and the gait if you are curious.

The fields themselves have a striking red tone, set against dark rock and moss. One family described the lava fields as more than 5,000 years old. The scale and texture are easier to appreciate from horseback than from a quick roadside stop, though the route is not a geological walking tour. You will see and feel the terrain as you ride, with explanation from your guide where time allows.

Weather, comfort, and the ride back

The tour runs in changing weather, and that is part of the practical calculation. Rain gear and winter jumpsuits are supplied when needed, but cold hands and feet can still take the shine off a ride. Bring gloves and warm socks, and wear comfortable layers you can move in. On drier days, sunglasses may help with dust along the paths.

After the ride, complimentary tea and coffee offer a welcome warm-up at the stable. Food and other drinks are not included, so plan accordingly if you will be hungry afterward. If you booked pickup, you are returned to your accommodation or pickup point in Reykjavik. Drivers and transfers are part of the appeal for people who do not want to arrange transport after riding.

Is $142 a fair price?

At $142 per person, this is not a budget activity, but the value is reasonable if horseback riding is something you want to do. You get an instructor, helmet, a long ride, and access to a horse matched to your experience. Rain clothing and winter jumpsuits are also provided when needed, and tea or coffee is included. Hotel pickup adds convenience, but only when you select the pickup option.

The riding time is the strongest part of the value. You are in the saddle for up to two hours, rather than taking a brief novelty ride, and the 2.5-hour total includes the practical steps needed to get you ready and back. Free parking helps if you are driving yourself.

This is less compelling if you are unsure about horses and mainly want a short photo stop among the lava rocks. The activity asks for time, physical effort, suitable clothing, and a willingness to follow directions. If you want a close, active way to see the volcanic ground near Reykjavik, the price buys a memorable outing with more than a quick ride around a paddock.

Who should book this ride

I would put this high on the list for beginners who are curious about riding but want a guided, supportive introduction. The route and horse matching are designed for varied experience levels, and the guides can help you find a pace that feels manageable. It also suits couples, families with eligible riders, and experienced equestrians who want to try the tölt in Iceland.

Skip it if you are pregnant, have back problems, recent surgery, limited mobility, or a low level of fitness. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the maximum weight is 110 kilograms, or 242 pounds. If you are unsure whether a health condition makes riding safe for you, check with the provider before booking.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times when planning your day, especially if you are fitting the ride around other Reykjavik activities.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want more than a view from the roadside and are comfortable spending a couple of hours outdoors on horseback. The combination of Icelandic horses, red lava terrain, helpful instruction, and a relatively short drive from the city makes it a practical choice for a first ride or a distinctive addition to a Reykjavik visit.

Think twice if you dislike cold-weather activity, need long photo stops, or are booking mainly for a fast ride. The route and pace depend on the group, and the safety rules matter. For the right rider, though, this is a substantial, hands-on way to see volcanic country without traveling far from town.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The full activity takes about 2.5 hours. You will spend approximately 1.5 to 2 hours riding.

How far do you ride?

The route covers about 5 to 7 kilometers, depending on the riders’ experience and the route selected.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and more experienced riders, and horses are matched to riders by experience.

Can experienced riders go faster?

Some groups of more experienced riders may ride by Rauðarvatn and have the option to trot or try the tölt. The pace and route depend on the group and the guide’s safety judgment.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option. Pickup is offered from selected hotels and shuttle bus stops in Reykjavik.

Can I drive to the stable?

Yes. Free parking is available in front of the stable, which is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik. Arrive 15 minutes before your riding time.

What should I wear?

Wear warm, comfortable clothing suited to the weather. Bring gloves and wool socks in cold weather. Shorts and open-toed shoes are not allowed.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. Helmets are provided at the stable, and all riders must wear one.

Are there weight or health restrictions?

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