Horseback Riding in Lava Fields from Reykjavik: Icelandic Horses

Red lava hills, small groups, routes for beginners and experienced riders

Horseback riding in lava fields near Reykjavik takes you through volcanic terrain on Icelandic horses matched to your skill level, with a professional English-speaking guide, pickup from your hotel or bus terminal, and rain clothing and helmet provided. The tour covers 5–7 km depending on the group's experience, with two route options: a smooth riding path along the red hills or a more challenging route by Rauðarvatn, where Iceland's first forestry efforts began in the early 20th century. Total time is 2.5 hours, with 1.5–2 hours spent riding.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horse riding tour in lava fields

• Get ready with rain clothing and overalls
• Find the perfect horse match
• See lava hills and learn volcano history
• Visit Rauðavatn forestry site
• Ride 5-7 km on natural paths

The Experience

You start by getting fitted with a horse that matches your experience level, along with rain clothing, a winter jumpsuit and a helmet. The guides work with small groups and adjust the route based on whether you're a beginner or have ridden before, so the day doesn't feel like you're holding anyone back or being held back yourself.

The landscape itself is the point: red volcanic hills, lava formations shaped by a volcano that erupted 5,000 years ago, and the natural riding paths that wind through them. At Rauðarvatn, you'll pass the site where Iceland's first forestry plantings took root in the early 1900s—a small historical detail that sits quietly in the middle of the raw terrain. The Icelandic horses are built for this ground and for riders of different abilities; they're calm and steady rather than spirited.

Pickup is included from your hotel, guesthouse or the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik, which is only 15 minutes from the riding area. Coffee or tea is offered after the ride. The whole outing runs 2.5 hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your hotel, guesthouse or BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik.
• a horse matched to your riding level.
• helmet, rain clothing and winter jumpsuit.
• coffee and tea after the ride.
• a professional English-speaking guide leading a small group.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by solhestar

Is this one for you?Your guides match you with the right horse and handle all logistics, so you just show up and ride through lava fields at a pace that works for your experience.

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Top questions

Can I book this tour if I've never ridden a horse before?

Yes. The guides match you with a horse suited to beginners and choose the smooth riding path along the red hills if your group is new to riding. The route and pace adjust to your experience level.

What's the difference between the two riding routes?

The smooth path runs along the red hills and suits all riders. The route by Rauðarvatn is more challenging and is chosen when the group has more experience. Both pass through the same lava field landscape.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the riding area?

No. Pickup from your hotel, guesthouse or the BSI bus terminal in Reykjavik is included. You can also choose to meet at the location and drive yourself if you prefer.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Rain clothing and a winter jumpsuit are provided, so you're covered for Iceland's changeable conditions. The tour runs in most weather.

How long do I actually spend in the saddle?

The total tour is 2.5 hours. You'll ride for 1.5–2 hours of that, with the rest spent getting ready, being matched with your horse and having coffee or tea afterward.