Red lava fields on horseback is the kind of plan Iceland specializes in. This 2.5-hour Reykjavik tour has you meeting friendly Icelandic horses and riding smooth volcanic paths, with options tailored to how comfortable you are. I especially like the way the guides match you with the right horse and pacing, plus the inclusion of winter gear and wet-weather clothing so the cold does not wreck the day. One consideration, though, is that you need decent physical condition and the tour is not suitable for certain health or mobility needs, since you will be in the saddle outdoors.

You start with pickup from select hotels (optional) or drive yourself to the stables, then spend 1.5 to 2 hours actually riding across red hills and lava country. On top of that, you get tea and coffee, a helmet for every rider, and a guided experience that often includes higher-energy tölt moments for more experienced riders. My only caution is that you should dress for serious weather and follow the gear rules, since shorts, open-toed shoes, and professional cameras are not allowed.

Key highlights at a glance

• Beginner and advanced groups, with different ride options
• Redhills route plus Rauðarvatn for more experienced riders
• 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle within a 2.5-hour total tour
• Winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, and helmets included
• Small-group feel and careful horse pairing (guides like Patri and Claudia lead rides)
• Easy Reykjavik access with optional hotel pickup or free parking at the stables

Entering Iceland’s Red Lava Country on Icelandic Horses

If you want a Reykjavik activity that feels distinctly Iceland and not just another tour bus stop, this one hits the mark. The big draw is the setting: you ride through volcanic terrain with red hills and lava rock scenery that feels otherworldly, while still being a real hands-on experience.

The horses are Icelandic, and that matters more than you might think. They are known for being steady and approachable, and the guides use a pairing system based on riding experience. That means you are not thrown into chaos on Day One. Instead, you get clear instruction and a pace that fits your comfort level, whether you are brand new or you want to push the energy a bit.

What I like best is the practical, rider-first structure. The route changes depending on experience, and the ride length is set in a tight range, about 5 to 7 kilometers depending on who is riding. You end up with a solid time on horseback without it stretching into an all-day endurance event.

The other big plus is that the tour is built for Iceland weather. Helmets are provided, and you also get wet-weather clothing and winter jumpsuits when needed. That is not just nice, it directly affects how much you will enjoy the ride once the wind picks up.

Where the Tour Starts: Stables, Helmets, and Getting Matched

Plan to arrive at the stable about 15 minutes before your set ride time. If you are driving yourself, there is free parking right in front of the stables. The place is easy to spot, a big white stable with a large orange sign.

Before you ride, you will fit helmets provided by the operator. It is required for everyone on horseback, which is exactly how it should be. You will also be kitted up with gear, including rain clothing if the weather calls for it, and winter jumpsuits for cold conditions.

Then comes the part that makes or breaks a horseback tour: matching. Riders are paired based on experience levels, and you should expect to see beginners and more experienced riders on different paths and with different pacing. Guides such as Patri and Claudia have been mentioned as leaders, and the common theme is patient coaching plus attention to rider comfort.

Here is what that means for you on the ground:

• If you are new to riding, you get a calmer start and a route that prioritizes stability and confidence.
• If you have experience, you may ride a longer or faster line through the terrain, and you might practice tölt sessions.

Also check your personal packing list. Shorts are not allowed, and open-toed shoes are a no. Backpacks are not allowed either. Leave room for gloves and layers, because Iceland cold can sneak up fast once you stop moving.

Getting Out of Reykjavik: Pickup, Timing, and the Drive South

From Reykjavik, the tour starts with a short drive to the stables and riding area. Hotel pickup is optional, available from selected hotels and pickup points, and it runs about 30 minutes before the tour start time. You are collected in a small bus or jeep with the activity provider name on it.

If you are using your own car, you have the simpler plan: free parking at the stable and meet 15 minutes before riding time. That is handy when you do not want to juggle pickup windows.

Why does this matter? Because timing affects the feel of the experience. A good pickup window gets you to the stables early enough to get kitted up without rushing. Many people also enjoy the drive itself, since Iceland can look dramatic even when you are just passing through.

One more practical note: this is an outdoor tour, so you should treat the whole day like winter even if the city feels mild. Bring warm layers and expect that wind and wet ground are part of the deal. The operator provides rain clothing if needed, but your base clothing matters too.

The Ride Itself: Redhills, Rauðarvatn, and the 5 to 7 Kilometer Route

Once you mount up, your ride takes you across volcanic scenery along natural paths. You are not just circling a field. You are out there on routes that change based on rider experience.

For many riders, that starts with the Redhills route. It is described as a beautiful and smooth path, so it is a good fit if you are learning how your horse moves and how to stay balanced. The total distance you cover is typically between 5 and 7 kilometers, depending on the experience level.

If you are more experienced, you may ride along Rauðarvatn. This option is generally associated with a more dynamic experience, including the chance to go faster. It is also the route most people seem to mention when they want that extra kick beyond a relaxed walk.

In terms of your time on horseback, you are usually riding for about 1.5 to 2 hours. That is a meaningful chunk. It is long enough to feel like you actually traveled through Iceland, not just had a short session and returned.

As you ride, you will get to know the horses and learn how to follow the instructor. You should also be ready for the terrain to look rough up close, lava rock, moss, and red formations. The path is guided and chosen for riders, but it is still real Iceland, not manicured trails.

Pacing, Beginner Safety, and When You Might Try Tölt

The tour is designed for both beginners and experienced riders, and the pacing is handled in a way that feels fair. You ride at a speed that matches your group, and more experienced riders may be given opportunities to try higher-energy movements like tölt sessions.

If you are brand new, you should not expect to feel like a pro immediately. What you can expect instead is a careful instruction style and a horse that suits your comfort level. I like that the guides split riders by skill, instead of treating everyone as one group with one pace.

That approach matters because Icelandic horses can move in a different way than many riders expect. In the fast group, some riders report tölt sessions, plus longer return routes. In the beginner-friendly route, the focus is on smooth walking paths and building confidence.

Also, do not underestimate how quickly your body adapts. If you are worried about your first minutes in the saddle, know that the ride plan is set up so you should feel more stable as you go. Helmets and guide instruction help, but so does the fact that your horse is selected for your ability.

And yes, you can sometimes speed up if you want to, depending on your group and how the guide assesses your comfort. So the experience has flexibility without turning into a free-for-all.

Photo Stops and the Small Iceland Moments

A horseback tour is all about the feeling, not just the photos, but this one includes photo time. There is an included stop in front of red lava rocks, and during at least some departures, the guide helps capture images, even taking photos on your phone.

That matters, because lava terrain can look stunning from one angle and look flat from another. Having the instructor point you to the best spot saves you time and keeps the group moving.

Some rides also include short breaks along the way, like pauses to take pictures while mounted. That is a nice touch because it lets you enjoy the horse and the scenery at the same time, rather than always getting off and back on.

One more small moment worth knowing: after your ride, you return to the stables and you have time to say goodbye to the horses before heading back toward Reykjavik. Horses are part of the experience here, not just a vehicle to the scenery.

If you care about photos, follow the rules. Professional cameras are not allowed, and you should travel light since backpacks are not allowed. A phone works fine, and the guide help with phone photos can make a difference in wind and cold.

Weather Gear, Tea and Coffee, and Staying Comfortable

Iceland can be wet, windy, and cold, and this tour is ready for that reality. You get helmets, wet-weather clothing, and winter jumpsuits when required. The goal is simple: keep you warm enough that you can enjoy the time in the saddle, not just survive it.

You also get complimentary tea and coffee during the tour. That is not a gimmick. A hot drink makes a real difference when your hands are cold and your legs are working to stay balanced.

What you should bring is equally important:

• Warm clothing that layers well
• Comfortable clothes for sitting and moving
• Weather-appropriate outerwear for your personal fit
• Gloves and warm socks are smart in winter, since cold can seep in

And again, follow the restrictions. Shorts are not allowed, open-toed shoes are not allowed, and backpacks are not allowed. If you show up in the wrong shoes, you will lose time fixing it.

Price and Value: Why $142 Feels Fair for This Amount of Riding

At about $142 per person for a 2.5-hour total experience, the price can look high at first glance. But value comes from what is included and how long you are actually riding.

You are paying for:

• Horseback riding and an instructor
• Helmet for every rider
• Winter jumpsuits and wet-weather clothing
• Coffee and tea
• Either return to stables or hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected)
• Free parking at the location

You are not paying extra for basic safety gear or the cold-weather kit. That is a big savings, because in Iceland, cold-weather rentals and extra gear can add up quickly.

Also, you get 1.5 to 2 hours riding time. For a Reykjavik-based activity, that is a strong ride-to-price ratio. Short tours exist, but they can feel like a long wait and a quick goodbye. Here, you get enough time to settle in and enjoy the terrain.

Transportation is rated highly, with many riders scoring the transport perfectly. Pickup is optional, and that flexibility helps you choose how you want to spend your time in Reykjavik.

One practical value tip: if you are doing other day trips, you can pair this with a city evening since it is not an all-day commitment. It is short enough to fit into tight itineraries without sacrificing the Iceland “wow” factor.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This is a great choice if you want:

• A Reykjavik area excursion with real time in the saddle
• A guided experience that works for beginners and experienced riders
• Volcanic terrain you see from ground level and horse height
• Included gear that helps you enjoy winter conditions

It is also a good fit if you like clear structure. You are matched with a horse based on riding experience, and you are routed accordingly. That keeps the tour comfortable and helps reduce stress for first-timers.

On the flip side, it is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• People with recent surgeries
• People with low level of fitness
• People over the weight limit, listed as 110 kg or 242 lb

If you fall into any of those categories, you should look for a different style of Iceland activity that does not require mounting and sitting for extended time in cold conditions.

Should You Book the Sólhestar Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

If you want one of the most Iceland-feeling activities you can do from Reykjavik, this ride is a strong pick. The combination of red lava terrain, real riding time, and included cold-weather gear makes it a smart value, not just a bucket-list photo.

Book it if you:

• Want beginner-friendly coaching without feeling like you are behind
• Prefer guided paths over self-guided hiking in lava terrain
• Care about safety gear being provided, including mandatory helmets
• Appreciate a tour that plans around Iceland weather

Skip or reconsider if you:

• Know you cannot manage outdoor riding, balance, or cold conditions
• Fall into the listed medical and mobility categories
• Want a camera-heavy experience with professional equipment, since professional cameras are not allowed

If you can handle the cold and you fit the physical requirements, this is one of those Reykjavik activities that makes the whole trip feel more memorable for years, not just hours.

FAQ

How long is the Reykjavik Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

The total duration is listed as 2.5 hours, including time at the stables and the drive/pickup elements.

How long will I be riding the horse?

You will ride for about 1.5 to 2 hours during the tour.

Can I get hotel pickup from Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is optional from selected hotels and pickup points in Reykjavik, about 30 minutes before the tour start time.

If I have my own car, where do I park?

There is free parking in front of the stable. The stables are about a 15-minute drive from downtown.

Do I need to bring a helmet?

No. Helmets are provided, and all riders must wear one while riding.

What weather gear is included?

Wet-weather clothing is provided if required. You may also be provided with winter jumpsuits.

What should I wear, and what is not allowed?

Bring warm, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable clothes. Shorts, professional cameras, backpacks, and open-toed shoes are not allowed.

How far do you ride?

The tour riding distance is between 5 and 7 kilometers, depending on the experience level of the riders.

What is the weight limit for this activity?

The weight limit is 110 kg or 242 lb.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and also for more experienced riders, with different routes and pacing based on experience.

Is the tour suitable if I am pregnant or have back problems?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for pregnant women and for people with back problems.

When is the pickup time, if I choose it?

If you require hotel pickup, be ready about 30 minutes before the tour starting time.