Icelandic Horse Riding Tour in the Red Lava Fields Reykjavik
- Duration2.5 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirm, then pay
- Secure payment
Overview
Meet the Icelandic horse on a gentle two-and-a-half-hour ride through the Red Lava Hills near Reykjavik. Winding trails cross moss-covered lava fields under wide skies, mostly at a relaxed walking pace, with a chance to try the horse's smooth tölt gait if the guide judges everyone ready. Helmets, riding gear, rain wear, winter overalls and a hot drink are included. Choose the option with a transfer from Reykjavik or meet at the stables. Suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Highlights
- Ride Icelandic horses through moss-covered lava fields and red hills
- Try the tölt, the horse's smooth special gait, when the guide allows
- Helmet, riding gear, rain wear and winter overalls provided
- Coffee, tea or hot chocolate included after the ride
- Transfer from Reykjavik in the default option, or meet at the stables
- Suitable for beginners; instructor-led throughout
Full Description
The Icelandic horse
The Icelandic horse is a small, sturdy breed that has lived in Iceland for more than a thousand years. Icelandic law prohibits importing other horses, and a horse that leaves the country can never return, so the breed has stayed pure since the settlement period. Their thick coats, friendly nature and surefooted movement suit the rough terrain.
Unlike most breeds, the Icelandic horse has five gaits, including the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that feels comfortable even for novices. If you have wondered what an Icelandic horse riding tour is like, this is the highlight: the guide lets you try tölt only when all riders are ready, so it is safe and fun.
The Red Lava Hills and moss-covered lava fields
The riding route crosses a landscape formed by past eruptions. The lava fields are covered with soft grey-green moss, and the hills take their name from their reddish volcanic scoria, which glows in low sunlight. Trails wind between the fields and open ground, and on a clear day you can see for many kilometres.
Most of the ride is at a walking pace, so you can look around and take photos. This is horse riding near Reykjavik that feels remote: the scenery is quiet and wild, yet the stables are within reach of the city. The weather changes quickly, so dress in warm layers; rain wear and winter overalls are provided.
At the stables: gear, safety and start times
Everything you need is provided: a helmet, which is mandatory for all riders, plus riding gear, rain wear and winter overalls. Please arrive fifteen minutes early if you drive, since parking is free on site. Typical start times are in the morning and early afternoon, and if you book a transfer, pickup begins thirty minutes before departure.
The ride lasts about two and a half hours. The maximum rider weight is 110 kg, and riders need to be in good physical condition. Shorts, open-toed shoes and backpacks are not allowed. After the ride you can warm up with coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
Getting there from Reykjavik
The stables are on the outskirts of the capital region, roughly a fifteen-minute drive from central Reykjavik, so how to get there is easy by car. If you prefer not to drive, the option with a transfer collects you from designated hotels and bus stops in Reykjavik and brings you back.
The best time for horse riding in Iceland is any time you can get outside, because the horses are used to all seasons. Summer has long daylight, and winter rides have snow and softer light. The tour is a great choice for families with older children who want to meet the horses.
Itinerary
- Pickup in Reykjavik or arrival at the stablesWith the transfer option, pickup starts thirty minutes before departure; otherwise arrive fifteen minutes early.
- Meet the horses and get your gearHelmet, riding clothes, rain wear and winter overalls are fitted and matched to your horse.
- Safety briefing and mountingThe guide explains steering, stopping and how to sit.
- Ride through the lava fieldsFollow trails through moss-covered lava at a relaxed pace, trying the tölt if all riders are ready.
- Views of the Red Lava HillsPause for photos among the red hills and open horizons.
- Hot drink and returnCoffee, tea or hot chocolate at the stables; the whole tour takes about two and a half hours.
What's included
- Horseback riding in the lava fields
- Riding instructor (English)
- Helmet and riding gear
- Coffee, tea or hot chocolate
- Rain wear and winter overalls
- Free parking at the stables
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 3–11
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- A half-day plan — about 2.5 hours
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 4.8/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems or recent surgery
- People with mobility impairments and wheelchair users
- Riders over 110 kg
- People with a low level of fitness
Meeting point
Depending on the option you choose, we collect you from a designated hotel or bus stop in Reykjavik about thirty minutes before the ride, or you meet at the stables. If you drive yourself, arrive fifteen minutes early; there is free parking in front of the stables, about a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Reykjavik.
Important information
- Dress in warm, comfortable layers appropriate to the weather; rain wear and winter overalls are provided
- Shorts, open-toed shoes, backpacks and professional cameras are not allowed
- Helmets are mandatory and provided
- Maximum rider weight is 110 kg; you must be in good physical condition
- With the transfer option, be ready at your pickup point thirty minutes before departure
- Ages: adults 16 and over; children 10 to 15
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Icelandic horse riding tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose, transfer or stables meeting point, and on the number of adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each.
Is hotel pickup included?
It depends on the option. The default option includes a transfer from Reykjavik, while the other meets at the stables and does not include transport.
How long is the tour?
The ride lasts about two and a half hours. With a transfer, allow extra time for the drive from and back to Reykjavik.
Is horse riding suitable for children?
Children aged 10 to 15 can ride with a paid child ticket, and adults are 16 and over. Younger children cannot take part.
What should I wear or bring?
Warm layers, comfortable trousers and closed shoes. Rain wear, winter overalls and helmets are provided. Leave shorts, backpacks and professional cameras behind.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often, if places remain. The booking panel shows the next available dates and start times.
What is the difference between the options?
One option meets at the stables, and the other includes a transfer from Reykjavik. The horse ride is the same.
Do I need riding experience?
No. The ride suits all levels and is mostly at a walking pace. The guide decides whether the group is ready for the tölt.
What is the tölt?
The tölt is a special smooth gait of the Icelandic horse, comfortable for riders. It is offered only if everyone in the group is comfortable.
Is horse riding near Reykjavik worth it?
Yes. You experience a unique breed and a volcanic landscape only a short drive from the city.
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