This 1.5 – 2 hour tour will give you the perfect chance to try out the unique Icelandic horse while enjoying the rugged volcanic terrain just 30 minutes from Reykjavík. This tour caters to all abilities and gives you the chance to try out the smooth Tölt gait if you’re confident enough.
Sólhestar’s experienced horseback riding guides will lead you through the incredible red hills on this serene landscape. This trip is lovingly named the Red Lava Horseback Riding Tour because of the bright red rocks that surround you as you ride. The broken and scarred red sculptures that you pass will make you feel like you are riding on Mars. Depending on the confidence of the group, you may be treated to an extended ride past Rauðavatn (the red lake) with its reddish aquatic perennial plants jutting out of the lake when the water levels are low. Quite the sight! In winter, the lake often freezes and there are often ice skaters and cross country skiers taking advantage of a new flat surface.
Duration
You will ride for around 1.5 – 2 hours on your own horse. The entire duration of the trip (including pick up and drop off in Reykjavík and prep time) is around 2.5 hours. The perfect time scale for a half day out of the city.
This trip runs year round.
If you are self driving and want to meet on location, you can include that when booking. Or reach out to Hidden Iceland by email at info@hiddeniceland.is. You can request a private upgrade via the same channel.
About Sólhestar
Since their founding in 2010, Sólhestar has focused on a personalised feel with safety and quality in mind. They have over 80 horses to choose from and each one is picked with the ability and confidence of the rider in mind. The red hills where Sóhestar ride are popular among Icelanders who ride and hike recreationally there.
Solhestar Horseback riding. Horse close up. Sólhestar 2.
Horse riding
Solhestar Horseback riding. Red Hills. Sólhestar.
Tour Highlights
OPERATES
All year
TOUR TIMES
10:00 AM &
2:00 PM
DURATION
2.5 hours (1.5 hours riding,
1 hour extra if being picked up)
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
Easy – Moderate
GROUP SIZE
Max 16
MINIMUM AGE
10 years old
PRICE – ISK Adult | 15,000 ISK
USD
Approx. $98
EURO / GBP Approx. €87 / £73
Inclusions: All horse riding gear and waterproofs if needed, pick up in Reykjavík Start location: Pick up from various locations in Reykjavík. If you ask for pickup, we will be at your pickup place 60 min before set riding time. If you have your own car, please be at our location 30 min before set riding time. Excluded: Meals
GOOD TO KNOW
Level of difficulty
This tour is considered to be easy to moderate difficulty level. The moderate level is for anyone wanting to go a little faster on the horse. The distance is around 7-9km so you are on the horse for a while. You can ask to return to the stables early if the duration is a little long.
Cancellations due to weather Sometimes this tour is cancelled due to winds in the main area. In such an event you are offered two choices: You can re-book your tour at a later date without any additional costs. Or you can take a full refund.
You will be provided with rain gear if needed and all horse riding safety equipment.
As this tour does run all through the year it’s important to dress appropriately for the season. Bring warm outdoor clothing like a wool or fleece sweater, some warm headgear and gloves. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
This tour is operated by our friends at Sólhestar.