Reykjavik: Red Lava Horse Riding Tour

Riding through Iceland’s red lava country is one of those experiences that feels different the moment you saddle up. You are not just watching volcano scenery from a bus window, you are moving through it at horse speed, with instructors like Claudia and Nina helping you find the right pace. My favorite parts were the Icelandic horses (calm, well cared for, and surprisingly fun even for first timers) and the way the route choices match your comfort level. One consideration: this is not a quick walk, you will be on your feet and in cold gear outdoors, so you need decent physical comfort and weather tolerance.

The tour is built for mixed groups, so beginners are not tossed into the deep end. Riders choose between smoother paths around the Redhills or a more advanced route toward Rauðarvatn, and some groups even get tölt practice if conditions allow. The practical drawback is that the restrictions are real: you cannot wear shorts, you should skip professional cameras, and there is a clear weight limit.

Key Points Worth Knowing Before You Go

• Icelandic horse calm: you get matched to your experience level, and the horses are handled like pros.
• Two ride styles: Redhills for a smoother experience, Rauðarvatn for more adventurous pacing.
• You actually ride for 1.5-2 hours: the full tour is 2.5 hours, but most of that time is time on horseback.
• Winter-ready kit included: helmet, wet-weather clothing, and winter jumpsuits help you stay warm.
• Tea and coffee included: a small but welcome reset after the ride.
• Photo stops on red lava rocks: there is time set aside for photos, including help with phone shots in some groups.

Why Riding Red Lava Fields Feels So Iceland

The magic of this tour is simple: the scenery is volcanic, but the experience is physical. Instead of just looking at red lava formations, you ride across the same kind of terrain the island has been reshaping for thousands of years. You will feel the ground under you, smell the cold air, and notice how open the lava fields are.

That is why I love the format. First, you get introduced to friendly Icelandic horses, not wild folklore creatures. They are used to riders, and instructors help you get your bearings fast. Second, the ride gives you choices. You can keep it relaxed, or if you have riding experience, you can push into a faster group or tölt sessions.

The “real talk” part: this is still outdoors in Iceland. If you come dressed like it is a mild day, the wind and wet will remind you who runs the show.

From Reykjavik Pickup to the Stables: Your 2.5 Hours in Context

The tour runs about 2.5 hours total, but the timeline is more useful than the clock. You either get optional hotel pickup from selected places in Reykjavik or you drive yourself to the stables and park for free.

If you choose pickup, you are picked up roughly 30 minutes before the start time, in a small bus or jeep marked with the provider name. Then it is a short drive to the stable area. Most groups build in a little buffer, so you are not sprinting around in gloves trying to be “on time.”

If you drive yourself, aim to arrive about 15 minutes before the riding time. There is free parking in front of the big white stable with a large orange sign, which makes meeting point nerves pretty manageable.

Once you arrive, you do the practical stuff before the fun stuff:

• Get your helmet (required)
• Dress into provided rain gear and winter jumpsuits if you need them
• Meet your instructor and get paired with your horse

Plan for setup time. Even with a smooth operation, this is still Iceland, so the cold and wind mean you spend more time getting layered than you might on a summer tour.

Gear, Helmets, and Horse Matching: Safety Without Killing the Fun

This is one of those tours where safety equipment is not an afterthought. Everyone wears a helmet while riding, and you are issued wet-weather clothing and winter jumpsuits when needed. That matters because the ride conditions can turn fast, especially in colder months.

You also have clear rules on what you can bring or wear. Avoid shorts, skip professional cameras, do not bring backpacks, and use closed-toe footwear. If you show up in open-toed shoes, the outfit checks will end your plans immediately.

Horse matching is a big part of why the tour works for so many people. The ride is designed for beginners and more experienced riders, and you are split by experience level. In practice, that means you are not forced to ride at someone else’s comfort. If you are nervous, instructors help you adjust. If you are confident, they give you a path that matches your expectations.

In reviews, I kept seeing the same theme: guides are attentive, and they make sure you are paired with a horse that fits. Names that came up include Claudia, Nina, Patri, and the standout combination of Claudia with Kolgrima leading the vibe for some groups.

Redhills vs Rauðarvatn: How the Route Changes Your Ride

Your ride is typically 5-7 kilometers total, depending on the experience level you choose. The route itself is the heart of the tour, because it is where you trade asphalt convenience for volcanic terrain.

Redhills route for an easier start

If you are a beginner or you want a smoother experience, you will ride along a beautiful, smooth path through the Redhills area. Expect walking pace most of the time, with easy steering and plenty of time to look around.

This is also a good option if you are still learning how your body works in a saddle. Icelandic horses have their own movement style, and a calmer pace makes you learn it without the pressure.

Rauðarvatn route for more advanced riders

For riders with more experience, the tour may shift toward Rauðarvatn. That route is described as an option for more experienced groups, which usually means more active pacing and a bit more room for tölt or faster riding depending on your group and conditions.

If you know you love riding, Rauðarvatn feels like the version of this tour that gives you your money’s worth in motion, not just views.

The pace choice that keeps everyone happy

One thing I like about the tour structure is that “everyone enjoys it” is not a marketing line. You can keep a relaxed pace or choose to go faster. Reviews also mention some groups doing tölt sessions for the fast group. That is a specific Icelandic horse skill, and it is the kind of detail that turns a nice outing into a story you will actually retell.

What You’ll See on the Ride, and Where Photos Fit In

You are riding through red lava formations and volcanic terrain that feels both alien and familiar, like you stepped onto another planet but still within reach of hot tea after.

Along the way, you get natural riding paths, rocks, moss in some areas, and that distinctive red volcanic texture. The whole setting is dramatic without being chaotic. It is not a theme park set. You are out there where the island’s geology is right in front of you.

Photo time is also built in. Some groups get a stop in front of red lava rocks, with guidance that can include help photographing on your phone. There are also group picture moments, depending on the flow of the ride.

Practical note: you cannot bring professional cameras. If photography matters to you, a phone with a good battery and a warm charger strategy is your friend.

If you want a specific kind of shot, come ready to move your feet. Lava terrain can be uneven. The guides do a good job getting you to a safe position, but you still want to be paying attention rather than staring at your screen.

Cold Weather Reality: Rain Gear and Staying Comfortable

Even if you are visiting in what looks like good weather, Iceland can surprise you. The tour includes wet-weather clothing if required and winter jumpsuits, which takes a big pressure off your packing list.

Still, you should plan your outfit like you are riding through wind. Bring warm clothing and dress weather-appropriate. Gloves matter. Wool socks can help. A hat can make the difference between tolerable and miserable.

A useful practical tip from the experience details: prepare for cold in wintertime, and remember that conditions can be dusty in some seasons, which is why some riders recommend sun glasses. It sounds funny until you are blinking through grit while your horse calmly trots along.

The tone here is worth noticing. Guides keep things comfortable, and the included hot drinks after the ride help you reset when you get back to the stables.

Tea, Coffee, and the Ride Wrap-Up

This tour is not all “go go go.” After you finish your ride, you return to the stables, where you get coffee and tea as a simple final touch. Then you are either driven back to your Reykjavik accommodation or you head home on your own.

There is often time for a goodbye moment with the horses too, which is more meaningful than it sounds. Icelandic horse tours can become emotional in a good way because the animals are calm and clearly handled well. If you are the type who loves saying thank you properly, you’ll appreciate that slower ending.

Price and Value: Is $142 Worth It?

At $142 per person for a 2.5-hour tour, the price is not “cheap,” but it is also not overpriced for what you get in Iceland’s capital region.

Here is what you are paying for, in real terms:

• You ride Icelandic horses for about 1.5-2 hours
• An instructor is included
• Helmets are provided and required
• Wet-weather clothing and winter jumpsuits are included
• Coffee and tea are included
• Free parking is included if you drive
• Hotel pickup and drop-off is available if you select that option

Most tours in Iceland charge more for basic logistics, especially when you add pickup. Here, you are also getting gear that many travelers would otherwise have to rent or buy. That matters if you are visiting in winter and you do not want to carry a huge wardrobe.

So is it worth it? For me, the best way to judge is this: if you want a “I did something” day in Reykjavik, not just a photo day, then riding through red lava terrain with a trained horse is a strong value. If you only want a quick view and you hate cold, you might decide it is not your style.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This tour is built for a range of riding levels. It is suitable for beginners and also for riders who want a more active group. You will be split based on experience, and instructors choose routes like Redhills for smoother riding and Rauðarvatn for more experienced groups.

It also has clear limits:

• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for people with back problems
• Not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users
• Not suitable after recent surgeries
• Weight limit is 110 kg or 242 lb
• You need to be in physical good condition and have a decent level of fitness

If you meet those basics, you are likely to enjoy it even if you are a first-time rider. In the reviews, first timers repeatedly said they felt comfortable after a short period on the horse, once instructions and horse matching clicked.

If you are worried about nerves, that is normal. The guides seem used to it, and the horse pairing helps.

Should You Book the Reykjavik Red Lava Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a memorable, hands-on Iceland experience without needing prior riding skills. You will get real time on horseback, red lava scenery that you cannot replicate from a roadside viewpoint, and gear that helps you stay warm without turning the trip into a packing exercise.

Skip it if you want a totally low-impact outing, because you are riding for 1.5-2 hours and dealing with cold weather outdoors. Also consider skipping if your mobility or health situation makes horseback riding uncomfortable, since the tour is not designed for those needs.

If you are deciding between “easy sightseeing” and “doing something,” this one leans toward doing. The horses and instructors help make it approachable. The lava fields provide the wow. And the tea and coffee at the end give you that satisfied, warm feeling that makes Reykjavik feel less like a city and more like a base camp for wild Iceland.

FAQ

How long do I actually ride on the horse?

The full tour runs about 2.5 hours, and you ride for roughly 1.5-2 hours during that time.

Is hotel pickup in Reykjavik included?

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, you are picked up from selected hotels and pickup points in Reykjavik about 30 minutes before the tour start time.

Where do I meet if I’m driving myself?

Meet at the stable, about 15 minutes before riding time. There is free parking in front of the stable, and it is described as a big white stable with a big orange sign.

What gear is provided and what should I wear?

Helmets are provided and required. If required, you also get wet-weather clothing and winter jumpsuits. Bring warm clothing and wear weather-appropriate, comfortable clothes.

Are the tours suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tour is suitable for beginners and also for more experienced riders. You choose a path suited to your experience, and you may be split into groups.

What items are not allowed during the ride?

Shorts are not allowed, professional cameras are not allowed, backpacks are not allowed, and open-toed shoes are not allowed.