Horse riding experience at Red Lava Hills in Reykjavik

The striking part of this ride is how quickly Reykjavik gives way to red volcanic earth and old lava formations. You follow a guide through the Red Hills on an Icelandic horse, a small, sure-footed breed known for its smooth tölt gait.

I like two things in particular: the steady, beginner-friendly horses and the chance to see Iceland’s volcanic ground at a pace slow enough to take it in. The ride also lasts a useful 90 minutes to two hours, rather than feeling like a brief photo stop.

The trade-off is the weather, which can make a long ride feel colder and tougher than expected. Warm suits and rain gear are supplied, but bring gloves and dress for the forecast. The route is not recommended for some riders with health or mobility concerns.

At a glance

• Red Hills terrain: Ride among red volcanic earth and lava formations just outside Reykjavik.
• Icelandic horses: Calm, sure-footed horses are matched to riders, and their tölt can feel notably smooth.
• A proper ride: Expect 5 to 7 km on horseback over roughly 90 minutes to two hours.
• Good for first-timers: No riding experience is needed, and instructors guide the group.
• Weather gear included: Winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, and boots are provided. Bring your own gloves.
• Two ways to get there: Meet at the stable and park free, or choose a package that includes hotel pickup.

Leaving Reykjavik for the Red Hills

1 / 7

2 / 7

3 / 7

4 / 7

5 / 7

6 / 7

7 / 7

1 / 7

The stable is at Surtlugata 19, about a short drive from central Reykjavik. It is a practical base for a riding outing: you can join the group without spending half a day travelling to a remote ranch, yet the Red Hills offer a sharp change from the city.

Look for a large white stable with an orange sign. If you are driving, parking is included. The meeting point is not presented as a hotel pickup location, so check which package you booked: the self-drive option requires you to make your own way there, while a separate package includes hotel pickup.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start. That buffer matters because you need time to get fitted with riding gear and prepare to mount. The ride itself is not a quick loop around the stable, and late arrivals or no-shows are not refundable.

👉 See our pick of the 25 Best Guided Tours In Reykjavik

Getting suited up and meeting your horse

Before setting off, you receive the equipment needed for the ride: a helmet, winter jumpsuit, rain clothing, and boots. The stable’s gear helps with Iceland’s changeable weather, but it does not replace sensible layers underneath. Bring gloves, and wear warm clothing rather than shorts or open-toed shoes.

Expect some waiting while the group gets dressed and mounts. That is part of the routine, not wasted riding time, but it is worth allowing for if you are on a tight schedule. Coffee is included; meals and other beverages are not.

The horses are Icelandic, a compact breed known for its steady footing and distinctive tölt. That gait is often described as unusually smooth compared with the more jolting feel of a regular trot. You should not expect a technical riding lesson in the arena. Instead, instructors give practical guidance and lead the group out at a pace suited to the riders.

Riding 5 to 7 km through volcanic ground

The ride covers about 5 to 7 km, with the precise distance depending on rider experience. In the saddle for roughly 90 minutes to two hours, you have time to settle in and notice the terrain instead of simply posing for a picture and heading back.

The Red Hills are shaped by volcanic activity. Their red earth and lava formations give the outing its defining character, and the contrast with Reykjavik’s streets is part of the appeal. You are not travelling far from town, but the ride offers a quieter view of Iceland’s open ground.

The horses generally travel in a line, following the horse ahead. That can be reassuring if you are new to riding: you have a guide and a group structure, rather than being asked to navigate alone. Still, horseback riding is a physical activity, and a calm horse is not the same as a risk-free one. Listen closely to the instructor and tell them if you feel uneasy.

Some riders may be offered a quicker pace, but you do not need to choose it to get value from the outing. If you are nervous or inexperienced, stick to a slower ride. One rider found a faster section uncomfortable, while other beginners found the guided pace easy to manage. The useful rule is simple: be clear about your comfort level and follow the guide’s direction.

Guides, group size, and the beginner question

The activity accepts beginners, and no prior riding experience is required. English-speaking instructors guide the group. A group can include up to 18 participants, with as many as three or four instructors, which allows for more guidance than a single leader managing a large line of riders.

The instruction is practical: you are shown what to do and reminded about posture and safety as the ride progresses. It is sensible to pay attention before mounting, even if you have ridden before. Icelandic horses are docile by reputation, but they are living animals, and each rider still needs to follow instructions.

If you are anxious, say so plainly. The guide can take your comfort level into account, and a slow pace is a sound choice for a first ride. If you are an experienced rider, keep in mind that this is a shared group outing, not a private trek where you set the route and speed.

Weather, comfort, and what to pack

Iceland’s weather is part of the outing, not a minor footnote. Rain, wind, and cold can make a two-hour ride feel longer, especially when you are exposed outdoors. The supplied winter suits and rain clothing are a real advantage, but reviews of the ride repeatedly underline the need for warm clothing and gloves.

Pack a camera if you want photos, but leave backpacks and professional cameras behind. Instructors may help take pictures at scenic points, though you should not count on a photographer documenting the whole ride. The official advice is to bring a camera and gloves, dress for the weather, and avoid shorts and open-toed shoes.

There is coffee after the ride. That small comfort matters on a cold day, but do not treat it as a meal or assume other drinks are included. Meals, beverages beyond what is provided, and personal expenses are excluded.

Is the price fair for a Reykjavik ride?

The experience is priced from about $146.35 in the headline information, while the package options give starting figures of US$133.05 for the join-in ride without hotel pickup and US$150.55 with pickup. Those amounts do not line up exactly, so check the current price and inclusions for your date before booking. The key cost difference is transport: the cheaper option means getting yourself to Surtlugata, while pickup costs more but removes that step.

For the price, you get a guided ride of substantial length, a horse, riding gear, and coffee. Parking is included for those driving. That makes the value strongest if you want the riding itself and would otherwise pay separately for transport or equipment.

It is less compelling if you want a fast-paced horseback adventure, a private guide, or a full-day excursion with meals. This is a group ride near the capital, built around a steady route through volcanic terrain. Its appeal is the combination of accessible location, Icelandic horses, and time outdoors, not a long expedition.

Who should book this ride?

This outing fits first-time riders who want to try horseback riding without committing to a demanding trek. It also suits visitors who want an outdoor activity close to Reykjavik and are curious about Iceland’s horses and volcanic ground. Families can book for children aged 10 and up, but anyone aged 10 to 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Those aged 16 and older pay the adult rate.

It is not recommended for pregnant people, people with back problems, mobility impairments, recent surgery, a low level of fitness, or anyone over 110 kg. The activity is not wheelchair-accessible. These limits are worth taking seriously: the ride lasts a long time to be seated in the saddle, and the route is outdoors.

The overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 30 reviews, with praise especially consistent around the gentle horses, scenery, beginner suitability, and helpful instruction. That is encouraging, but your own comfort and expectations matter more than a score. Choose this for a calm, scenic ride, not for speed or a guaranteed sunny day.

Should you book the Red Hills ride?

Book it if you want a memorable way to spend a couple of hours outside Reykjavik and are happy to ride at a measured group pace. The smooth tölt, steady horses, and red volcanic ground make this more distinctive than a generic trail ride, while the provided gear lowers the amount you need to bring.

Think twice if you dislike cold or wet weather, need step-free access, or have one of the listed health restrictions. For most suitable riders, the self-drive package offers the better value if getting to the stable is easy; pay extra for pickup if transport convenience is important. Pack gloves, arrive early, and choose the slower pace if that is what lets you enjoy the ride.

FAQ

How long is the horse ride?

The horseback portion lasts about 90 minutes to two hours and covers roughly 5 to 7 km, depending on rider experience.

Do I need riding experience?

No. Beginners can participate, and an English-speaking instructor guides the group.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes an English-speaking instructor, the horseback ride, winter jumpsuits, rain clothing, boots, coffee, and parking. Hotel pickup is included only with the pickup package.

Is hotel pickup included?

Only if you book the join-in experience with hotel pickup. The self-drive option meets at Sólhestar Horse rental Reykjavik, at Surtlugata 19.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear warm clothing suited to the weather, and bring gloves and a camera. Shorts and open-toed shoes are not allowed. Backpacks and professional cameras are not allowed.

How old do participants need to be?

Participants must be at least 10. Children aged 10 to 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Participants aged 16 and older pay the adult rate.

Is the ride suitable for everyone?

No. It is not recommended for pregnant people, people with back problems, mobility impairments, recent surgery, a low level of fitness, or anyone over 110 kg. It is not wheelchair-accessible.

Where do I meet the group, and when should I arrive?

Meet at Sólhestar Horse rental Reykjavik, Surtlugata 19, 110 Reykjavik. Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start and look for the large white stable with an orange sign.