Horseback Riding on Red Lava in Reykjavik
Horseback Riding on Red Lava in Reykjavik
You haven’t truly been to Iceland until you’ve trotted through a lava field on a horse with bangs better than yours. Reykjavik may be known for its cool cafés, cozy sweaters, and Björk sightings, but just beyond the city lies something unforgettable: horseback riding across actual red lava. And not, this is not lava-lava, thankfully—no one’s getting toasted marshmallow legs here. What we’re talking about is the ancient kind: solidified, otherworldly, Mars-looking stuff. And guess what? The horses are just as magical so you can look forward to something out of this world.
Meet the Icelandic Horse: Short, Sassy, and Proud
Don’t let the height fool you. Icelandic horses may be compact, but they’ve got enough personality to make a diva blush. These guys have been trotting around the island since Viking times and come with their own special gear: the “tölt.” It’s a gait so smooth you could drink coffee in the saddle without spilling a drop. (Seriously, someone’s probably tried.)
And before you ask: No, they’re not ponies. Call them that and watch an entire tour group gasp in horror.
The Red Lava Field: Like Riding Through a Sci-Fi Movie
Just 30 minutes outside of Reykjavik, things start looking weird—in the best way. The red lava field near Hafnarfjörður (try saying that three times fast) is the result of ancient volcanic activity. The ground is dusty-red, rusty-black, and very much giving “post-apocalyptic vacation” vibes. There are jagged rocks, moss that looks suspiciously like broccoli, and trails that feel like they were carved out by a dragon with a creative streak.
This isn’t your standard “gallop through the meadow” experience. It’s more like, “Whoa, am I in a fantasy novel?” And yes, people have been known to hum the Game of Thrones theme while riding. No judgment.
A Little Bump, A Lot of Laughs
For those not used to horseback riding, the first five minutes will involve a lot of nervous laughter, wiggling in the saddle, and desperately trying to remember which end of the horse is the front. But the guides? Absolute gems. They’re part equestrian experts, part comedians, and 100% patient—even when someone (there’s always one) asks if the horses speak Icelandic.
And don’t worry if your horse starts snacking on lava moss mid-ride. That’s just part of the experience. Apparently, it’s delicious. For them, not you.
Why It’s Worth Every Wobble
Between the fresh air, the surreal landscape, and the constant realization that you’re literally riding over ancient lava on a Viking horse, this might just be the most bizarrely joyful thing you do in Reykjavik. Plus, nothing bonds a group of strangers faster than sharing helmet hair and the collective panic of a horse deciding to trot when no one was ready.
Final Thought: Book the Ride, Bring the Camera, Ditch the Dignity
Is it majestic? Absolutely. Is it slightly ridiculous? Also yes. But that’s the magic of Reykjavik’s red lava horseback rides—unexpected, unforgettable, and a little bit weird. Just like Iceland itself.
