The Siggi Tour from Reykjavík: 1.5 to 2-Hour Ride

The most memorable part of this ride is the mix of scenery packed into a short outing. You leave Hótel Eldhestar, climb along the slopes of Reykjafjall, pass through a green forest, and reach the colorful geothermal hills above Hveragerði. Icelandic horses make the experience feel rooted in the country rather than like a standard countryside ride.

I like the included pickup and drop-off, which saves you from sorting out transport to the stable. I also like the care given to first-time riders: helmets and waterproofs are provided, and the guide leads both experienced riders and beginners at a suitable pace. The main consideration is timing. The tour is advertised at about two hours, while the detailed route information refers to three hours, so confirm the exact schedule when you book.

Key points to know before booking

• Ride near Hveragerði: The route follows Reykjafjall and the hills above the hot-spring town.
• See unusually varied scenery: Expect lava fields, green forest, volcanic slopes, hot springs, and views toward Varmá.
• Good for mixed experience levels: Beginners receive instruction and support, while experienced riders can enjoy established trails.
• Gear is included: Helmets and waterproof clothing are supplied, a useful safeguard in Iceland’s changeable weather.
• Pickup is available: Transport to and from the riding center is included, making this easier to fit into a Reykjavík day.
• Check the timing and weight limit: The stated duration is approximately two hours, and the maximum rider weight is 120 kilograms.

Why this short ride feels distinctly Icelandic

Many horseback outings offer pleasant views. This one gives you several recognizable pieces of South Iceland in a compact route. You ride over volcanic ground, alongside the slopes of Reykjafjall, through a forest, and toward a geothermal area that has changed over time.

That variety matters because Iceland can look spare and open from the road. On horseback, you move at a slower pace and notice smaller details. The route passes hot springs and colorful ground above Hveragerði, a town known for its geothermal activity. You are not simply riding around a fenced field or on one repetitive track.

The horses are Icelandic, a small, sturdy breed suited to the country’s rough conditions. The experience also introduces you to the role these horses have played in Icelandic life. Your English-speaking guide explains their history while leading the ride, so the outing combines scenery with a bit of local context.

I would choose this tour if you want time outdoors but do not want a full-day commitment. At roughly two hours, it can fit beside other South Iceland plans. It is also a practical choice for people who want to try riding without building an entire holiday around it.

Leaving Hótel Eldhestar for Reykjafjall

The ride begins at Hótel Eldhestar, at 816 in the Ölfus municipality. This is both the meeting point and the return point, so you do not need to arrange a second location at the end.

The first section heads uphill on established riding trails. You follow the slopes of Reykjafjall, giving you an early change in elevation and broader views over the area. The route is not just a flat loop, which makes the ride feel more like a journey through the countryside.

For a new rider, the opening climb is useful because it gives you time to settle into the saddle and learn how your horse responds. You should expect the guide to set the rhythm and keep the group together. That structure is reassuring if you have little or no riding experience.

Experienced riders should not dismiss the tour as too gentle. The trails and varied ground offer a proper outing, even though the ride is short. Still, this is not the place to expect a fast, private gallop. The guide’s job is to manage a mixed group safely, and the route is designed for shared participation.

A rare patch of green forest in Iceland

One of the route’s most unusual details is the green forest along the slopes. Iceland is famous for open volcanic ground, moss, cliffs, and broad plains, so a forested section gives the ride a welcome change of tone.

The forest is part of the route rather than a separate stop. You pass through it on horseback, then continue toward the geothermal area above Hveragerði. That progression keeps the scenery changing without requiring a long transfer between sights.

I like this part because it makes the ride feel less predictable. You get the open views associated with South Iceland, but also a sheltered, greener stretch. If you are taking photographs, the forest and mountain slopes should offer more variety than a single wide view.

Do keep expectations realistic. This is a short ride, not a long wilderness expedition. You will see a compact selection of scenery, not every type of Icelandic terrain. The value comes from the range packed into the route.

Hot springs above Hveragerði

The trail continues into a colorful geothermal area above Hveragerði. Hot springs are not just a distant feature here. The route passes many of them, bringing you close to one of the forces that shape this part of South Iceland.

Hveragerði is often called the hot spring capital of the world. Its setting between the Hengill volcano and the broad southern lowlands helps explain the town’s character. The surrounding ground is active and changeable, and the geothermal area expanded dramatically after an earthquake in 2008.

That earthquake detail gives the scenery a useful human timescale. Iceland’s geothermal features are not fixed museum pieces. Paths, pools, and ground conditions can change, so your exact visual experience may vary over time.

The ride follows volcanic hills above the town rather than taking you into a crowded urban area. From there, you have a view toward Varmá and the lowlands. This is a good point to appreciate the position of Hveragerði, with mountain, geothermal ground, and open countryside all close together.

What the route offers, and what it does not

The listed route description is unusually scenic for a short activity. You get a hill climb, forest, hot springs, volcanic hills, and views across the lowlands. That is the strongest reason to choose it over a basic stable ride.

The tradeoff is that the route description does not promise a long list of separate stops or extended time at each feature. You are riding through the area, not touring it on foot with long explanations at every spring. If you want to study geothermal activity closely, a walking excursion would give you more time in one place.

You also need to watch the timing. The tour summary describes a ride of about two hours, while the detailed itinerary states three hours. This may reflect different descriptions of the riding time and total visit, but the supplied information does not explain the difference. Ask for the current duration before finalizing plans, especially if you have another booking afterward.

Beginner-friendly support and riding equipment

The ride is designed to work for a wide range of ability levels. Most people can participate, and the guide teaches and looks after inexperienced riders while allowing experienced riders to enjoy the route.

That balance is important. A horseback ride can be intimidating if you have never handled a horse, especially in unfamiliar terrain. The combination of a guide, established trails, helmets, and a controlled group setting gives beginners a clear starting point.

Waterproof clothing is included. In Iceland, that is more than a small extra. The weather can affect comfort quickly, and having protective clothing supplied means you do not need a full riding wardrobe to take part. You should still dress sensibly beneath the outer layer, since the ride takes place outdoors.

The maximum rider weight is 120 kilograms. This is a firm practical limit to check before paying. Service animals are allowed, but the activity is still a horseback ride with live animals and outdoor conditions, so you should consider your own comfort and ability to take part safely.

Price, pickup, and overall value

At $134.15 per person, this is not a bargain-basement activity. Its value depends on what you would otherwise need to arrange. Pickup and drop-off are included, along with the horse, English-speaking guide, helmet, and waterproof clothing.

That package can make the price reasonable for a visitor based in Reykjavík who wants a straightforward outing. You are paying for the riding experience and the practical details around it, not just time on a horse. Transport is especially useful if you do not have a rental car or do not want to navigate to the stable yourself.

The short length also helps with planning. You can fit the ride into a day focused on South Iceland, though you should leave room for the uncertain duration noted above. The experience is best viewed as one strong activity within a larger day, not as the entire day’s program.

The group maximum is 50 people. That is a fairly large possible group, although the actual riding group may be smaller. If you prefer a private or highly personal ride, ask about group arrangements before booking. The information provided does not promise a small group.

The tour is commonly booked well ahead, with an average booking time of 41 days. That suggests you should not assume a last-minute place, particularly during busy periods. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Who should book this ride

I would recommend it to a first-time rider who wants a supported introduction to Icelandic horses. The guide’s instruction, supplied safety gear, and mixed-ability approach make it less demanding than arranging an independent riding experience.

It also suits an experienced rider who wants scenery rather than a technical lesson. The route offers enough changes in ground and setting to keep a short ride interesting, though you should not expect a fast or advanced session.

Families and mixed groups may find the format useful because most people can participate. Still, the weight limit applies, and the activity requires each participant to be comfortable taking part in an outdoor horseback ride. The supplied information does not give a minimum age, so ask before booking for young children.

I would be less likely to choose it if your main goal is a long ride, private instruction, or an intense riding experience. The attraction is the setting and the easy logistics, not speed or a large amount of saddle time.

Weather, cancellations, and the practical call

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Less than 24 hours is too late for a refund or changes.

That policy gives you some protection, but Iceland’s weather can still affect your plans. Keep the day flexible if possible, particularly if this ride is tied to other outdoor activities.

Pickup is offered, and the ride begins and ends at Hótel Eldhestar. Bring your booking confirmation on your mobile device, since the ticket is mobile. Make sure your booking reflects the correct meeting details and ask about pickup timing if you are staying in Reykjavík.

The experience receives a 4.7 rating, with 93 percent recommendation, from 27 ratings. The strongest praise focuses on how well the staff handle both experienced riders and beginners. That is the key point to carry into your decision: this is built to make a scenic Icelandic ride accessible, not to test your riding skills.

Should you book the Siggi Tour?

Book it if you want a well-supported ride through varied South Iceland scenery, especially if you are new to horseback riding. The combination of Icelandic horses, Reykjafjall, forest, hot springs, and pickup gives you a lot in a short outing.

Think twice if you need a guaranteed two-hour schedule, a small private group, or a longer ride. Confirm the duration because the supplied descriptions differ, check the 120 kilogram limit, and make sure the weather policy works with your plans. For most visitors seeking an easy introduction to Icelandic horses near Hveragerði, the scenery and included equipment make the $134.15 cost fair.

FAQ

Where does the Siggi Tour start?

The tour starts at Hótel Eldhestar, located at 816 in Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, Iceland.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Hótel Eldhestar.

How long does the horseback ride last?

The tour summary describes the experience as approximately two hours. The detailed route information refers to three hours, so confirm the current timing when booking.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Free pickup and drop-off are included.

Is riding equipment provided?

Yes. Helmets and waterproof clothing are included.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The guide provides instruction and looks after inexperienced riders, while experienced riders can also participate.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The maximum rider weight is 120 kilograms.