Red lava plus Icelandic horses is the real deal. This Reykjavík-area ride mixes volcanic scenery with the kind of hands-on guiding that makes a first horseback experience feel less intimidating. You’re matched with a horse that fits you, and you get real time outside on lava terrain rather than just a quick photo stop.

What I like most is the way the team sets you up from the start: rain clothing and winter overalls are provided, and they’ll help you get the right horse. The second big plus is the small-group feel, capped at 15 riders, with route choices based on your comfort level—so beginners aren’t shoved onto a faster track, and more confident riders can press for extra moments of tölt.

One thing to consider: Iceland weather can be tough on footing. If you book in colder months with snow or ice on the trails, the ride may feel less smooth than on a dry day, even with careful guidance.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group cap (15 riders) for more hands-on attention and a calmer pace.
• Pickup from Reykjavík hotels/BSI with clear timing windows and up-to-20-minute travel time.
• Gear is provided: rain clothing plus winter overalls to keep you comfortable.
• Two main route options from Hólmsheiði depending on rider experience and conditions.
• Tölt opportunities so you can experience the Icelandic horse gait at a comfortable speed.
• Warm drinks after (tea and coffee) to help you reset once you’re back.

Red Lava Ride Reality Check: What you’re actually doing out here

This tour is built around one simple idea: give you a genuine horseback ride through the Iceland that surrounds Reykjavík. You’re not just sitting on a trail for a token moment. The ride runs long enough to feel the rhythm—about 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle within a total outing of roughly 2 hours 30 minutes.

The setting is the big draw. You’ll move through lava hills and mossy terrain, with stops that connect the scenery to human history and geology. That combo matters because it turns a pretty walk in the outdoors into something you can picture later: volcano time, forestry time, and then your horse time.

And yes, the horses are Icelandic. That means you’re more likely to get chances at the famous gait called tölt, not just a basic walk-and-photos situation. The guides also help you manage pace and balance as you go—especially useful if you’ve never ridden before.

Getting to Solhestar from Reykjavík: Pickup timing, meeting point, and smart planning

You’ll start at Solhestar Horse rental Reykjavík, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavík. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Here’s how pickup works if you upgrade for door-to-door service:

• Pickup starts 30 minutes before departure.
• 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.

Two practical notes that can save stress:

1. If you’re not at the pickup point latest 5 minutes after pickup starts, there’s a chance your booking gets canceled.
2. Put a phone number in your booking details that you can reach while you’re in Iceland, since they may need to contact you at the last minute.

Also: this is in English, and it uses a mobile ticket. That’s handy when you’re juggling Reykjavík sightseeing and don’t want extra paper.

Group size stays small—again capped at 15 travelers—so you’re less likely to feel like you’re being processed. Still, plan for a bit of outfitting time at the stable; the tour is doing horse matching and safety checks before anyone rides out.

Stop 1 at Solhestar: Horse matching plus the weather kit you’ll be glad you brought

Your first stop is Solhestar Horse rental Reykjavík, where you get ready and get matched with your horse. Expect about 30 minutes for this part, including the outfitting and getting settled.

This is where the tour earns trust. They provide rain clothing and winter overalls, and then they’ll match you to a horse that fits your experience and comfort. That matters because Icelandic horses can move differently than what you’re used to, even when they’re calm. The better the match, the more enjoyable the ride feels.

I also like that they don’t treat clothing like an optional add-on. In real Iceland weather—wind, drizzle, and sudden cold—what you wear changes your entire experience. If you run warm clothes as a priority, you’ll enjoy the ride instead of thinking about how cold your hands are.

If you’re lucky, you’ll end up with a guide style you really click with. From the guide names that show up in feedback—Claudia and Klara—the theme is the same: friendly, supportive coaching that keeps you moving safely and confidently.

Heiðmörk Nature Reserve: Lava hills and a 5,000-year-old volcanic story

Next you head into the Heidmork Nature Reserve, where the tour shifts from stable prep to the “why this place looks like this” side.

You’ll see lava hills and hear about the volcanic story tied to a volcano described as about 5,000 years old. It’s not a lecture marathon. It’s more like you’re getting a sense of scale: this terrain didn’t just happen yesterday, and the horses are walking across ground shaped by time and pressure, not just weather.

Drawback to keep in mind: if it’s windy or raining hard, you may want to focus more on stability and comfort than on sightseeing narration. That’s one reason I’d rather you dress for the outdoors first, then let the explanation land second.

Rauðavatn and the forestry clue: why this area isn’t just geology

The tour also includes a stop at Rauðavatn, where you learn about the first steps of forestry in Iceland taken at the start of the 20th century.

That stop is quietly important. A lot of Iceland tours focus only on volcanoes and ice. This adds a human timeline—how people tried to shape the environment as they settled into modern life. It turns the ride into something with context, not just scenery.

Even if the day is gray, this is one of those moments that helps the place feel lived-in. You’ll come away knowing that these red and black hills are part nature, part history, and part ongoing change.

Hólmsheiði: the main ride show, with routes picked for your comfort

This is the highlight stop—Hólmsheiði—and it’s where most people feel the magic. You ride in small groups and get personal, friendly service. The ride distance is about 5–7 km, depending on the riders’ experience and the route chosen.

You’ll typically have more than one route option:

• One option is riding on a smoother path along the Redhills.
• For more experienced riders, there’s an option that takes you by Rauðarvatn.

In both cases, the goal is the same: keep the ride feeling natural and scenic, not like you’re stuck on a narrow track. The guides also adjust the route and pace so beginners don’t feel overwhelmed and stronger riders still have fun.

If you want the tolt, this is where it’s most likely to happen. You may not experience it constantly—more often it’s offered in stretches when you and your horse are ready. The tone is practical: you’re taught how to sit, when to relax, and how to keep balance as the horse changes pace.

How long you ride and how hard it feels (walk vs more movement)

Total duration is about 2.5 hours, with 1.5 to 2 hours riding. That’s a solid amount of time on horseback, especially since you’re not racing from spot to spot.

How intense it feels depends on two things you can control:

1. Your riding comfort level (tell the guides early if you’re new or nervous).
2. The route your group is assigned for conditions and experience.

Most of the time, the setup is beginner-friendly. People report easy, calm horses and supportive instruction throughout the ride, including reminders when you’re moving up and down. There’s also flexibility: if you don’t want faster gaits, you can stay with the slower pace and still enjoy the scenery.

That said, here’s the caution that’s worth respecting: in colder months, icy trails can make any horse ride feel less smooth. Even if the guides are watching and keeping things safe, footing can vary. If you’re booking in late fall or winter, come expecting it to be more about steady handling than perfect comfort.

What to wear: the fast Iceland checklist that keeps you smiling

The biggest practical takeaway: dress warmer than you think, and don’t rely on your forecast. Wind and wet weather show up fast in Iceland.

The good news is the tour provides outer protection:

• Rain clothing
• Winter overalls

Still, you’ll feel the ride more if you bring personal comfort items:

• Warm socks help a lot.
• Ski gloves are a smart backup if you have them, since hands can get wet and cold.
• If you have proper windproof layers, you’ll probably enjoy the ride more than you expect.

Some riders specifically mention the gear helping, while others note you can get wet if you don’t use the offered rain wear properly. So I’d treat the provided outerwear as part of the plan, not an emergency option.

After the ride, there are warm drinks like tea and coffee, which helps you warm up and stop shivering right as you’re finishing.

Photos, tea, and the small details that make it feel worth it

This tour has a friendly rhythm. You’ll get guided help at the start, then coaching continues as you ride—especially for first-timers. In many rides like this, the instruction stops after mounting. Here, the guidance seems to stay with you.

A nice touch: guides take photos and help capture images by using your phone at points along the ride, so you’re not stuck wrestling a camera while also staying balanced. It’s one of those small things that turns a fun ride into an easy memory-maker.

And there’s the “warm reset” element—tea and coffee after—so you don’t have to sprint back to Reykjavík feeling cold and miserable.

Price and value: does $139.13 buy real value or just a novelty?

At $139.13 per person, you’re paying for more than a ride. You’re paying for:

• A small group experience (max 15)
• Horse matching suited to your skill level
• The use of rain/winter gear
• A guided tour through designated outdoor areas
• Warm drinks after
• English support
• Pickup options if you choose the door-to-door upgrade

You’re also getting around 2.5 hours total time, with a meaningful chunk spent riding. For Reykjavík, that’s good value because you’re not spending hours on transfers. The meeting point is in central Reykjavík, and pickup brings you directly.

Could it feel pricey? If you’re only looking for a quick photo stop, yes. But if you want an actual horseback experience—plus the tolt-gait chance and the guided safety support—this price starts to make sense quickly.

Also note: there’s a max weight of 110 kg, so if you’re near that limit, it’s worth checking fit with the operator before you buy.

When it might not be the best fit for you

This tour is beginner-friendly, but it’s not a perfect match for every situation.

Here are the main “think twice” items:

• Weather and trail conditions: icy days can make any ride feel stressful. The tour requires good weather, and routes can be affected by conditions.
• Horse matching: most pairings are described as easy and calm, but your comfort still depends on finding the right horse for you. If you’re very nervous, speak up early so they can respond.
• Mobility comfort: one rider with a knee replacement chose not to ride after feeling unsafe and was still treated with kindness and support. If you have balance or joint concerns, judge honestly and talk to the team right away.

If any of those are you, you can still enjoy the day—just go into it with flexible expectations.

Should you book this Red Lava Horse Riding Tour from Reykjavík?

If you want a real horseback ride in a short Reykjavík trip window, I think you should strongly consider booking. The combo that makes it work is the hands-on horse matching, the small group size, and the fact that you’re riding long enough to feel the experience—not just touching horses for a minute.

Book it if:

• You’re a first-time rider and want support for mounting, balance, and pacing.
• You want a chance at the tölt gait on Icelandic horses.
• You like tours that mix riding with short, practical context about the area.

Skip or double-check if:

• You’re booking during a period where you expect heavy snow or icy trails and you’re easily stressed by slippery ground.
• You need extra reassurance for mobility or balance, and you want to confirm how the team handles comfort decisions.

If you do book, dress for cold and wet, show up early for pickup, and be honest about your comfort level. That’s what turns this from a “nice activity” into the kind of Reykjavík memory you’ll keep.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.), with around 1.5–2 hours of riding time.

Where does the tour start?

The start (and end) point is Solhestar Horse rental Reykjavík, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavík.

Is pickup available from Reykjavík?

Pickup is offered. Please read your voucher for details, and note pickup starts 30 minutes before departure. Morning pickup starts at 9:00 and afternoon pickup starts at 13:00.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Do I need to speak Icelandic or bring a translator?

No. The tour is offered in English.

What should I wear?

They provide rain clothing and winter overalls, but you should also wear warm layers and socks. In colder/windy conditions, gloves can help.

Can beginners ride, or is it only for experienced riders?

It’s beginner-friendly. Routes and pacing can be adapted for different experience levels.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The tour has a maximum weight limit of 110 kg.

What weather rules affect the tour?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed as $139.13 per person.