Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour

The special pleasure here is riding an Icelandic horse through lava fields, meadows, and farmland, then feeling the breed’s famous tölt on a good trail. You get countryside scenery without giving up a full day to the outing.

I like the well-trained horses, which are chosen to look after their riders, and I like the practical package: hotel or bus-stop pickup, riding gear, and an English-speaking guide are all covered. The ride is weather-dependent, so the exact route can change with wind and trail conditions. That is sensible in Iceland, but it means you should come ready for a slightly different outing than expected.

Key points to know before booking

• Try the Icelandic horse’s tölt: Your guide may help you experience this smooth, distinctive gait on the open riding paths.
• Ride through Ölfus countryside: The route can include the Varmá River, lava fields, meadows, farms, and views toward volcanic mountains.
• Pickup is included from Reykjavík: Transport runs at 8:00 and 13:00 from BSÍ, selected hotels, and designated bus stops.
• The horses are a major strength: They are described as calm and well-trained, with a focus on taking care of riders.
• You receive useful equipment: A helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls are included, though you should still bring sturdy hiking shoes.
• Plan for a short riding experience: The tour lasts about two hours, with 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle depending on the day’s arrangements.

Riding Icelandic horses in the Ölfus countryside

This is a country ride, not a polished arena demonstration. You leave Reykjavík and head toward Ölfus, where the farm sits among open fields, volcanic ground, and low mountain views.

The route begins in the surroundings of the farm. Depending on weather and wind, you may cross the Varmá River, ride beside or through a lava field area, and continue along paths in the meadows south of the farm.

That changing route is worth understanding before you book. Iceland’s wind can affect both rider comfort and horse safety, so the guide chooses the best available paths on the day. You might not follow one fixed course, but you should get a ride shaped by the actual conditions rather than a forced route.

The scenery has a quiet, working character. You pass farmland and several farms, giving you a look at how agriculture has developed in the area over the past decades. This adds more substance than simply riding in circles for photographs.

The views toward volcanic mountains help place you in Iceland’s geology, while the fields and farm buildings show how people use the land. I like that combination. You get the country’s volcanic character without losing sight of ordinary rural life.

The Icelandic horse and its famous tölt

The Icelandic horse is the heart of the experience. It is a small, sturdy breed with a distinctive way of moving, and the guide introduces you to the animals before or during the ride.

The gait to watch for is the tölt. It is a smooth four-beat gait that can feel different from a regular walk, trot, or canter. You may have a chance to try it on the better riding paths in the meadows, but your guide will decide what is suitable for the horses, the group, and the conditions.

Do not book this expecting a guaranteed fast ride. The supplied information describes a chance to experience the tölt, not a promise that every rider will spend a set amount of time at that gait.

That is a good approach for mixed ability levels. A first-time rider can focus on balance and steering, while someone with more experience can enjoy the horse’s unusual movement. The guide’s job is to keep the ride controlled and comfortable.

The horses receive especially high praise for being well-trained and taking care of their riders. That matters more than speed. A horse that responds calmly gives you room to look around, learn, and enjoy the setting instead of worrying about every step.

What the two-hour itinerary feels like

Your outing begins with pickup in Reykjavík. Available meeting points include BSÍ main bus station, Hotel Cabin, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, the Reykjavík bus terminal, and several central bus stops such as Harpa, Lækjargata, Tjörnin, City Hall, and Skúlagata.

Transport runs at 8:00 and 13:00. Look for a white or gray vehicle with the Eldhestar logo, and wait at your pickup point five minutes before the scheduled time.

The transfer is useful if you are staying in Reykjavík without a rental car. It also removes the need to arrange your own route to Ölfus. On the other hand, the overall outing takes more of your day than the two-hour ride alone, since the included transfer comes before and after the time at the farm.

At Ölfus, the guided riding portion lasts about two hours, with 1.5 to 2 hours of actual riding included. The exact riding time may depend on the day’s plan and conditions.

The route can take you over or near the Varmá River, through lava-field terrain, and onto meadow paths south of the farm. You pass open farmland and several farms along the way.

The return transfer takes you back to the same general set of Reykjavík drop-off points. Drop-offs include BSÍ, Hotel Cabin, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, the Reykjavík bus terminal, and the central bus stops used for pickup.

This is a simple itinerary, but it has a good rhythm: city pickup, a rural riding route, then a return to the capital. You do not need to build a full day around it unless you want to add other plans before or afterward.

Why the route changes with weather and wind

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and wind is especially important when horses and riders are outdoors. The farm chooses the best riding routes available on the day, so the river crossing, lava-field section, or meadow paths may not all be used every time.

Think of this as a safety feature rather than a weakness. The guide can select trails that suit the conditions instead of treating the advertised route as a rigid checklist.

You should still dress for exposure. Hiking shoes and comfortable clothes are required advice for good reason. Helmets, rain gear, and winter overalls are supplied, so you do not need to bring all of that protective equipment yourself.

The clothing does not make ordinary footwear suitable. Hiking shoes give you a firmer base and are a better choice than casual sneakers. Small waist bags are allowed, but backpacks are not.

Professional cameras are also not allowed. That may disappoint photographers, especially with volcanic mountains and open farmland in view. A small waist bag is the practical compromise for essentials.

The value of the $132 price

At $132 per person, this is not a cheap short activity. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: Reykjavík transfer, 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, an English-speaking guide, a helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls.

You are also paying for access to a farm-based route outside the capital, not simply a brief horse encounter in the city. The countryside setting, the guided instruction, and the chance to experience the tölt give the outing more weight than a basic photo stop.

I would judge the value by your plans. If you already have a rental car and are spending time around Ölfus, the included transfer may be less important to you. If you are based in Reykjavík and want a straightforward way to reach the countryside, the transport saves planning and driving time.

The two-hour duration also helps the price feel manageable. You get a proper ride without giving up an entire day for a single activity. Still, people seeking a long horseback journey should know this is a compact excursion.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This tour suits first-time riders and people with some riding experience who want to try an Icelandic horse. The calm, well-trained horses are a strong point for anyone who wants a guided introduction rather than an independent ride.

It also works well for visitors who want to see a quieter side of Iceland. The farms, meadows, lava fields, and river area provide a closer look at the countryside than a quick roadside photo stop.

The outing is not suitable for children under seven, wheelchair users, or people over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. Those limits are important to check before paying.

You should also be comfortable spending time outdoors and following riding instructions. The route may include uneven volcanic ground and changing weather, even though the exact course is selected with conditions in mind.

This is less suitable if your main goal is speed, a long trek, or a guaranteed tölt session. It is better for a scenic, guided introduction to the horses and the area.

Small details that improve the ride

Wear comfortable clothes under the supplied outer layers. Icelandic weather can make the same route feel warm, wet, or cold during one outing, so flexible clothing is useful.

Bring hiking shoes, not soft casual footwear. Keep belongings to a small waist bag, since backpacks are not allowed and professional cameras cannot be taken along.

Arrive at your pickup point five minutes early. The vehicle has an Eldhestar logo, and knowing that detail makes the Reykjavík pickup less stressful.

If you are unsure about riding ability, remember that the tour is led by a professional English-speaking guide. The guide also decides which trails and riding speeds fit the conditions.

The experience has a strong safety focus without stripping away the fun. You learn about the horses, get used to the movement, and may progress to the tölt when appropriate.

Booking flexibility and practical limits

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland schedule depends on weather or other plans.

The listed duration is two hours, but the riding itself is given as 1.5 to 2 hours. Allow extra time for the Reykjavík transfer in both directions.

Pickup and drop-off locations are concentrated around Reykjavík’s hotels, bus terminal, and central bus stops. Check the available meeting point carefully when booking, since the exact pickup you need may depend on where you are staying.

The tour is offered in English. If you need another language, this experience may not fit your needs.

Should you book The Siggi Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a convenient countryside ride, a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses, and a chance to try the tölt without arranging a car or a full-day excursion. The farm setting, volcanic ground, rural views, and well-trained horses give the two-hour ride a clear sense of place.

The $132 price is easiest to justify when you use the included Reykjavík transport and riding equipment. I would choose it for a first Icelandic horse experience or for a relaxed half-day plan from the capital.

Skip it if you want a long-distance horseback trek, a guaranteed fast ride, or a fixed route regardless of weather. For most people who want a safe, scenic introduction to Icelandic riding, this is a practical and appealing choice.

FAQ

Where does The Siggi Horse Riding Tour take place?

The riding takes place in Ölfus, in the countryside around the farm. Possible scenery includes the Varmá River, lava fields, meadows, farmland, farms, and views toward volcanic mountains.

Is transportation from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from BSÍ main bus station, selected hotels, and designated Reykjavík bus stops. Transport runs at 8:00 and 13:00.

How long does the experience last?

The listed activity duration is two hours. The included riding time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, with additional time needed for transport from and back to Reykjavík.

What equipment is provided?

A helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls are provided. You should bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes.

Can I bring a backpack or professional camera?

No backpacks or professional cameras are allowed. Small waist bags are allowed for essential items.

Who cannot take this tour?

The experience is not suitable for children under seven, wheelchair users, or people over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.