Red lava gets real when you’re in the saddle. This tour takes you across volcanic terrain on well-cared-for Icelandic horses, and you’ll pick the ride style that fits you. I love the route options (a smoother beginner-friendly path and a longer, livelier option for more experienced riders), and I also like that they handle the cold with proper rainwear and winter jumpsuits. One thing to consider: this is a physical activity in real weather, and it’s not suitable for everyone (like wheelchair users, pregnancy, or people with back problems).
What makes it especially useful if you’re short on time is how focused it is. You’re out of Reykjavik for a short drive, then you get meaningful time riding—about 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle—before heading back.
In This Article
- Quick Reasons To Choose This Tour
- Why This Red Lava Ride Works So Well From Reykjavik
- The Real Timing: From Pickup to Saddles (Without Wasting Your Day)
- Redhills vs. Rauðarvatn: How They Match Your Pace
- The Volcanic Terrain: What You’ll See and Why It Feels Special
- The Guides Matter: Friendly Instruction + Quick Confidence
- What’s Included (And What That Means for Your Packing List)
- Safety, Horse Temperament, and the One Reality Check
- Price and Value: What $142 Actually Buys You
- Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Skip It)
- Should You Book This Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the horseback riding time?
- Is pickup from Reykjavik included?
- What safety gear is provided?
- Do they provide wet-weather clothing and winter gear?
- What’s the rider weight limit?
- Are there restrictions on what I can bring or wear?
Quick Reasons To Choose This Tour
- Friendly Icelandic horses with riders matched to experience level
- Two ride routes: Redhills for most, Rauðarvatn for faster/more experienced groups
- Real volcanic terrain: red lava fields, mossy and rocky paths, and photo stops
- Cold-weather support: rain clothing or winter gear plus warm tea/coffee
- Optional Reykjavik pickup with a small bus or jeep
- Helmet included for every rider, with easy stable access and free parking
Why This Red Lava Ride Works So Well From Reykjavik
Reykjavik is packed with big-ticket ideas—aurora hunts, waterfalls, and long drives. This one gives you a different kind of Iceland: horse tracks across red volcanic ground. You stay fairly close to the city, but the scenery feels like you slipped into a quieter, older Iceland.
The tour is built around one big win: riding time. At a total duration of around 2.5 hours, you still get 1.5–2 hours riding, not just a token walk around a paddock. That matters because Icelandic horses are not a quick photo prop. They’re the whole point.
Also, Sólhestar Horse Riding keeps it practical for mixed groups. You won’t be stuck on the same pace the entire time. Your route can be selected to match your comfort level, which is a rare luxury on tours that involve real animals.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik.
The Real Timing: From Pickup to Saddles (Without Wasting Your Day)
If you select pickup, they’ll collect you from your hotel or a listed pickup point about 30 minutes before the start time. The vehicle is a small bus or jeep with the provider’s name on the side. If you’re driving yourself, plan to arrive at the stables 15 minutes early—there’s free parking in front.
At the stable, expect a short setup window. You’ll get a helmet and be kitted up fast enough that you’re not standing around. Then you’re on the horses and moving through volcanic paths where the ground is uneven but managed.
From there, the tour runs for about 1.5–2 hours of riding, depending on the experience level of your group. That’s long enough to settle in, learn the basics, and actually feel what Icelandic riding is like—not just start, stop, repeat.
Redhills vs. Rauðarvatn: How They Match Your Pace
The ride distance is typically 5–7 kilometers, and the split is mostly about how you ride. If you’re a beginner, you’ll likely be routed along the Redhills—described as a beautiful, smooth path that still feels remote and dramatic.
If you’re more experienced, you may go by Rauðarvatn. That route is set up for riders who want a more energetic experience. In that group, you might hear about or see tölt sessions and more chances to ride at a faster pace.
A key detail that keeps this tour from feeling like a gamble is the pairing. Riders are matched to horses and grouped by comfort level, so you’re less likely to get overwhelmed by a pace you didn’t ask for. And if you’re curious, many people enjoy being offered options to go quicker—within the boundaries set by the guide.
The Volcanic Terrain: What You’ll See and Why It Feels Special
This is one of those rides where the scenery isn’t just scenery. You’re moving through it, step by step, on a route shaped by the ground itself.
You ride along paths through red lava terrain, with rocky and mossy patches that help you feel the character of the area. Redhills and Rauðarvatn both bring that classic volcanic color, but the experience changes depending on how fast you’re riding. At a walking pace, it feels calm and steady. In the more advanced group, it can feel more like a living ride through Iceland’s raw edges.
There’s also a photo stop at red lava rocks. The guide may even take photos using your phone, which saves you from trying to balance a camera while controlling a horse. (And yes, it’s easier to get usable photos when your hands aren’t doing everything at once.)
The Guides Matter: Friendly Instruction + Quick Confidence
One of the most praised parts is the human side—guides who keep things relaxed and clear. Names that come up include Claudia, Patri, and Nina. You can’t count on meeting the exact same guides, but the style is consistent: they explain what to do and they keep an eye on everyone.
That matters more than you think. On Icelandic horses, confidence comes from knowing how the pace works and where you should focus. The instructors also help you get paired with the right horse for your experience level, which is a big part of why first-timers often feel comfortable quickly.
Also worth noting: they provide tea and coffee during or after the ride. After a cold outdoor session, that small warmth becomes a morale booster you’ll actually appreciate.
What’s Included (And What That Means for Your Packing List)
The included items are exactly what you want on an Iceland horse tour, because weather can swing fast. You get:
- Helmet (mandatory for all riders)
- Rain clothing if needed
- Winter jumpsuits
- Coffee (complimentary, plus tea)
- An instructor
- Horseback riding
- Free parking at the location
That list reduces your guesswork. If you arrive thinking your regular winter jacket is enough, you might still be surprised by Iceland conditions. The tour’s gear helps cover the gap.
Packing tips, based on what the conditions call for: bring warm layers and comfortable clothes that you can move in. Many riders suggest planning for cold during winter months, so gloves and warm socks are smart. Sunglasses can also help in dusty conditions in non-winter weather.
Now, the rules. Don’t bring shorts, open-toed shoes, or backpacks. Also, professional cameras aren’t allowed. If you have a big kit, plan to use your normal phone or a simple camera setup instead.
Safety, Horse Temperament, and the One Reality Check
They require helmets, and that’s the bare minimum I look for on any animal ride. Beyond that, the tour is set up around horse matching and ride grouping, which reduces stress for both riders and horses.
In practice, this means you’re more likely to ride something suitable for your skill level. A lot of people also mention how calm and well-behaved the horses are, which is a big deal if you’re new and worried you’ll be fighting the reins all day.
Reality check: any horse activity has risk. Once, an incident happened when a horse started arguing with another, and a rider fell off. The rider didn’t get hurt, and the guides handled the situation well. It’s not something you should expect, but it’s a reminder that you should follow instructions closely and be honest about your comfort level.
Price and Value: What $142 Actually Buys You
At about $142 per person for a 2.5-hour tour, the price can feel steep if you think of it as a short activity. But you’re paying for a full package that’s hard to replicate:
- 1.5–2 hours of riding (not just a quick loop)
- Instructor-led guidance
- Helmet + winter gear / rainwear
- Horse management and stable operations
- Tea and coffee
- Optional Reykjavik pickup (if you choose it)
The value is strongest if you want something memorable that fits into a shorter Iceland schedule. This is also a good use of a day when you’d otherwise spend hours bouncing between sites. Here, the “site” is moving with you—red volcanic terrain from horseback—and that’s a rare travel souvenir.
Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Skip It)
This tour is designed to work for beginners and more experienced riders, with routes and pacing options based on comfort level. If you want a genuine Iceland experience that isn’t just standing behind a fence, you’ll likely love it.
It’s not a match for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for:
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
- People over 110 kg / 242 lb
- People with recent surgeries
- People with low level of fitness
If you’re on the fence because you’re not athletic, you can still be okay if you can manage cold outdoor walking, sitting upright, and following safety instructions. But if your body or comfort limits you, it’s better to save your energy for something more suitable.
Should You Book This Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?
Book it if you want a high-value slice of Iceland that blends animals, volcanic scenery, and real riding time. I’d especially recommend it if:
- You’re short on time in Reykjavik and want a focused half-day plan.
- You’re a first-timer who wants structured instruction and helmet safety.
- You’re curious about Icelandic horses and want the route to match your pace.
Skip it if you don’t want to ride in unpredictable weather, if you’re dealing with mobility or back issues, or if you strongly prefer activity types with zero physical effort.
If you do book, set yourself up for success: arrive early, wear the warm layers you’ll actually need, and listen closely to your guide. Do that, and the red lava ride becomes one of those days you’ll remember for reasons that have nothing to do with your phone photos.
FAQ
How long is the horseback riding time?
You’ll ride for about 1.5 to 2 hours during the tour, which runs for around 2.5 hours total.
Is pickup from Reykjavik included?
Pickup is optional from selected hotels and pickup points in Reykjavik. If you choose it, you’ll be collected about 30 minutes before the tour start time.
What safety gear is provided?
You must wear a helmet, and the helmet is provided at the stables.
Do they provide wet-weather clothing and winter gear?
Yes. The tour includes wet-weather clothing and winter jumpsuits if needed.
What’s the rider weight limit?
The weight limit is 110 kg / 242 lb.
Are there restrictions on what I can bring or wear?
Shorts, professional cameras, backpacks, and open-toed shoes are not allowed.
