A ride on Icelandic horses over red lava can change your pace fast. Here’s what makes this tour appealing: hands-on horse matching and real chances to feel the famous tölt while staying beginner-friendly. My one caution is weather and trail footing—cold, icy conditions can make the ride feel more tense, even with good guidance.

This is a small-group outing (max 15) that usually runs about 2.5 hours total, with roughly 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle. You can also add door-to-door style pickup from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, or the BSI bus terminal, which makes it simple if you’d rather not fuss with transit.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group guidance: max 15 riders, so you get more attention while mounting, riding, and adjusting to the horse’s rhythm.
• Weather protection provided: rain clothing plus winter overalls are offered when you show up.
• You’ll be paired to your ability: the staff choose a horse that fits you, not just your name on a list.
• Two riding routes at Hólmsheiði: a smoother path along the red hills for many riders, or a different route (by Rauðavatn) for groups wanting more.
• Tölt opportunities: plenty of people get a chance to experience this gait, often more than once.
• Warm drinks after: you’ll likely finish with tea and coffee to take the edge off the cold.

Why this Red Lava ride feels different from most Iceland tours

Most Reykjavik day plans are about roads, stops, and getting back in time for dinner. This one flips the script: you’re outside, slow enough to notice detail, and up close with Icelandic horses that move like they have opinions.

Two things I really like about the experience are how they get you comfortable quickly and how much time you actually spend riding. In the saddle, you’re not just watching scenery—you’re learning how the horse wants to be ridden, from standing starts to steering on uneven ground.

The possible drawback is also tied to being outside: Iceland weather can turn fast. This tour requires good conditions, and if you’re traveling in late autumn or early winter, icy trails can add stress, even when the guide is doing everything right.

Solhestar stables: getting ready and getting matched

Your tour starts at Solhestar Horse rental Reykjavik at Surtlugata 19, right by downtown. The first chunk of time is about setup—getting the right layer, getting your horse, and learning the basic cues so you can relax once you’re moving.

They offer rain clothing and winter overalls, which is a big deal in a country where the forecast can be a liar. In colder weather, multiple riders specifically said the provided warm gear helps, and it also means you’re less likely to ruin your own clothes with a wet, muddy finish.

Then comes the part that gets repeated in reviews: the staff match you to a horse. If it’s your first ride, they pair you with a calmer, more beginner-appropriate animal. If you’re more experienced, you still get guidance, but you may be offered more of the ride options.

If you’re worried about balance or confidence, treat this early pairing as your moment to speak up. One rider noted that even with a knee replacement, staff were kind and accommodating when a guest decided not to ride—proof that safety comes first here.

Heiðmörk Nature Reserve: lava hills with a real timeline

After you’re mounted, you head into Heidmork Nature Reserve. This part of the ride is where you’ll start to feel the volcanic character of the land—lava hills and that unmistakable Iceland mix of moss, rock, and wind.

You also get a history point that’s easy to remember: the volcano behind the landscape is about 5,000 years old. It’s not just a scenic fact; it helps you understand why the ground looks the way it does and why the paths can feel firm in places and unpredictable in others.

The ride here is a strong warm-up. You’re learning the horse’s rhythm while taking in the reserve. If you’re a beginner, this is often a good time to stop overthinking and just focus on posture, light reins, and staying loose.

A small drawback: if conditions are rough—rain, snow, or ice—this reserve area can feel more slippery than you expect. The fix is simple: go slower mentally than you want to, because the horse will do its job as long as you don’t fight it.

The Rauðavatn stop: forestry history, not just scenery

You’ll also ride through or stop around Rauðavatn, tied to the early 20th-century beginnings of forestry in Iceland. It’s a short historical angle in the middle of the adventure, and it adds context to what you’re seeing.

This matters because Iceland’s surface can feel endless and samey if you only look at the dramatic rocks. A quick story about planting and land-use gives your brain something to attach to besides wind and red stone.

You don’t need to be a history person to enjoy it. Think of this as the tour’s way of showing you that the land you’re riding through is shaped by humans too—just on a different timeline than you might expect.

Hólmsheiði main ride: red hills, tolt moments, and route options

The ride really centers on Hólmsheiði, where the tour’s most popular experience happens. You’ll cover about 5–7 km depending on your riding level and how your group moves, and the tour overall runs about 2.5 hours total with 1.5–2 hours riding.

Here’s the key choice you’ll notice: the tour may route you along a smooth riding path through the red hills, or for more experienced riders, it can head by Rauðavatn. That means you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all route.

Most first-timers are happiest with the smoother option. Several riders described paths through mossy lava fields that felt gentle, and guides kept correcting posture and rein handling so new riders could build confidence fast.

The tölt part is where this tour earns its reputation. Icelandic horses can perform this gait that feels different from a normal walk or trot, and multiple riders said they got opportunities to experience it. If you’re hoping for that signature Icelandic ride, this stop is the reason to book.

If you want a practical mental approach: treat the horse like a partner, not a vehicle. Loosen your grip when instructed, follow the guide’s cues, and don’t try to force a faster pace. That’s the fastest route to feeling in control.

Pickup from Reykjavik: how timing works and why it matters

Pickup is offered for an upgrade from Reykjavik hotels or the BSI bus terminal area, and the tour also mentions pickup from hotels, guesthouses, and BSI. If you’re staying elsewhere, double-check your voucher because pickup isn’t universal.

Important timing note: pickup starts 30 minutes before departure. Morning pickup begins at 9:00 for a 9:30 departure, and afternoon pickup begins at 13:00 for a 13:30 departure. Pickup can take up to 20 minutes depending on where you’re staying.

One practical caution from the tour rules: if you’re not at the pickup point within about 5 minutes after pickup starts, there’s a chance the booking can be canceled. That’s not the moment to be casual. If you’re traveling with bags, add buffer time so you can meet promptly.

Once you arrive back, the tour ends back at the meeting point. If you upgraded pickup, you can expect the same general door-to-door style return as part of that arrangement.

What to wear in wind, rain, and random Iceland weather

This tour works best when you dress for wet wind, not for sunny photos. The good news: they provide rain clothing and winter overalls at the start, and that support shows up in lots of high ratings.

Still, you should plan for hands and feet. Reviews repeatedly mention bringing/wearing good socks, and one rider recommended ski gloves because wet wind can make cold set in faster than you expect. If you only wear thin gloves, your fingers will remind you later.

Wear layers you can move in. You’ll be handling reins, shifting your weight, and getting on and off. Also, assume you’ll feel wind even when the sky looks decent—riding on open terrain catches gusts.

If it’s raining or sleeting, lean into the provided gear and don’t try to tough it out. One rider regretted not taking the true rain coat offered, and that’s the simplest lesson in Iceland: get the gear you’re given, then enjoy the ride.

Who this tour suits best (and who should reconsider)

This tour is designed to be beginner-friendly, and that’s not a marketing line—it shows up in how staff handle first-timers. People described first-time riding as easy, with guides staying attentive throughout the ride, not just at check-in.

It’s also good for more experienced riders because the route choices can vary, and there’s enough scenery to keep everyone engaged. Reviews mention that some groups got different pacing and had options to experience the tolt at varying speeds.

If you have confidence issues, the best move is to say so early. Icelandic horses are strong and sure-footed, but balance problems can turn even an easy ride stressful. One rider chose to sit out after starting because her knee surgery made her feel unsafe—staff were supportive and handled it without drama.

Weight limit is listed at 110 kg. If you’re near that limit, confirm your fit before booking. If you have mobility limitations, treat this as an active outing and plan around how you’ll mount, sit, and dismount comfortably.

Value check: what $139.13 buys you in Iceland time

At $139.13 per person for about 2.5 hours, you’re paying for three things that matter: time in the saddle, real staff attention, and horses that are suited to different riders.

In a place where many experiences are either short or feel like a transfer between scenic pull-offs, the riding time is the payoff. You’re out long enough to learn the basics, enjoy the environment, and actually experience something Iceland-specific beyond a viewpoint photo.

Small-group format (max 15) also improves value. You’re less likely to feel like a number, especially during outfit help and while getting used to steering and rhythm.

The added pickup option is also part of the value equation. If you’re staying in Reykjavik and you don’t want to manage timing and transport, door-to-door style pickup can turn this into an easy yes instead of a logistics project.

Should you book this Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want an Iceland experience that feels hands-on, not just sightseeing. The biggest reasons to say yes are the quick confidence boost from staff, the chance to experience the Icelandic horse gait (tölt), and the fact that the ride is built around different ability levels.

Skip or reconsider if you’re traveling during a period of likely ice or you know you’ll struggle with cold, wet conditions. Since you’re riding outdoors and the tour depends on good weather, take the season seriously. If the trail is icy, pace and safety matter more than checking a box.

If you do book, come dressed to handle wind and rain, and speak up about your comfort level right away at Solhestar. That’s how you get the best pairing and the smoothest ride.

FAQ

How long is the tour, and how much time will I ride?

The total tour duration is about 2.5 hours, with about 1.5 to 2 hours of riding time.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is pickup available from Reykjavik?

Yes, pickup is available as an upgrade, including pickup from Reykjavik hotels, guesthouses, or the BSI bus terminal. Pickup starts about 30 minutes before departure.

Do they offer instruction for beginners?

Yes. This is a beginner-friendly tour, and guides provide help and support while you get ready and while you ride.

Can experienced riders choose different routes?

Yes. At Hólmsheiði, routes can vary depending on the experience of the riders, including a smooth path along the red hills or a route by Rauðarvatn.

What are the group size and weight limit?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers, and the maximum weight is 110 kg.

What should I wear for this ride?

Wear warm, weather-ready clothing. Rain clothing and winter overalls are offered during the tour preparation, and good socks are recommended by past riders.

What happens if weather is poor?

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