Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this ride is the chance to feel the Icelandic horse’s special gait, the tölt, while moving through meadows, lava fields, and volcanic countryside near Ölfus. You are not confined to a riding ring, and the horses are carefully trained to look after their riders.

I like the scenic farm routes and the professional guidance, especially for first-time riders. I also like that the tour includes Reykjavík transport and weather gear. The main drawback is that the route changes with wind and weather, so the exact ride cannot be promised in advance.

Key points to know before you book

• Try the Icelandic horse’s tölt: This smooth gait is one of the main reasons to choose this ride.
• Ride across varied ground: The route can include the Varmá River, lava fields, meadows, farm roads, and open riding paths.
• Pickup is included from Reykjavík: Choose from listed hotels, bus stops, or the BSÍ bus terminal.
• The horses are suited to careful beginners: The horses are trained to take care of their riders, with guides helping you get comfortable.
• Bring practical clothing: Wear hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. Helmets, rain gear, and winter overalls are supplied.
• Plan around a two-hour activity: Riding lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, with transport from Reykjavík at 8:00 or 13:00.

Why the Icelandic horse makes this ride special

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and famous for having gaits beyond the usual walk, trot, and canter. The most useful one to know here is the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that can feel unusually steady when the horse has found its rhythm.

You may not master it right away. That is part of the fun. One of the clearest details from the feedback on this tour is that a rider learned about the horses and gradually became comfortable with the tölt during the outing. Your guide will help you understand what to do, but you should expect a short learning curve.

The horses are also praised for being well trained and careful with their riders. That matters if you are new to horseback riding or have limited experience with Icelandic horses. It does not remove the need to follow instructions, but it makes the experience feel more approachable than a ride built only for confident riders.

The tour is not presented as a fast or demanding horseback excursion. It is a guided countryside ride, with time to take in the surroundings and learn how the horses move. That makes it a good match for you if your goal is to experience Iceland from the saddle rather than cover a large distance.

From Reykjavík to the farm near Ölfus

The day begins with pickup in Reykjavík. Transport is available from BSÍ, selected hotels, and several central bus stops, including Harpa, Lækjargata, Tjörnin, City Hall, Miðbakki, Snorrabraut, Höfðatorg, and other listed locations.

Pickup runs at 8:00 and 13:00. You should arrive at your chosen point five minutes early and look for a white or gray bus or van marked with the Eldhestar logo. This is useful advice in Reykjavík, where several tour vehicles can arrive at the same stop.

The transfer is included in the $132 price, which makes the cost easier to judge. You are not paying for the riding alone. The package also covers return transport, an English-speaking guide, riding equipment, and outdoor clothing for wet or cold conditions.

The exact transfer time is not given, so do not treat the two-hour figure as the total time from your hotel and back. The two-hour duration refers to the activity, with about 1.5 to 2 hours spent riding. If you have a tight connection or another fixed booking, leave plenty of room around the morning or afternoon departure.

Crossing the Varmá River and lava fields

Once you reach the farm area, the route heads into the countryside around Ölfus. Depending on wind and weather, you may cross the Varmá River and ride through a lava field area before reaching the meadows south of the farm.

These changing surfaces give the ride much of its character. The river adds a small sense of adventure, while the lava fields show the rough volcanic ground that shapes so much of Iceland. The meadows offer more open riding paths and a calmer place to focus on the horse.

I like this mix because it gives you several views of rural Iceland in one outing. You are not simply circling the same paddock. You move through farmland, open fields, and volcanic ground, with the route chosen by the guide according to conditions.

That weather-based planning is both a strength and a limitation. Icelandic wind can change what is safe and pleasant for horses and riders. If the wind is strong, the guide may choose a different route than the one you had pictured. The tradeoff is that the ride is adjusted to the day rather than forced into a fixed plan.

Meadows, farms, and volcanic mountain views

The riding paths lead through farmland south of the farm, with views toward volcanic mountains and the surrounding countryside. You also pass several farms, which gives the ride a useful connection to daily life in Iceland.

This part is easy to overlook when choosing a horseback tour. The appeal is not only the horse. You also get a moving view of how agriculture fits into the area, from older farm patterns to more recent changes in rural life. The guide can provide context as you pass the properties and fields.

I would choose this tour if you want a quieter countryside experience after spending time in Reykjavík or visiting major natural sights. The setting gives you open views without turning the ride into a sightseeing bus trip. You see the area at walking or riding pace, which lets the details register.

The weather can also shape how much you enjoy the scenery. Clear conditions should give you better views of the mountains and farms, while rain or wind may make the ride feel more rugged. The supplied rain gear and winter overalls help, but you should still dress for Iceland rather than for a mild city afternoon.

What the two-hour ride feels like

The riding portion lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. That is long enough to settle into the saddle, learn how your horse responds, and try the tölt, without taking up an entire day.

For a beginner, the first part may be about posture, reins, pace, and getting used to the horse’s movement. Once you feel more settled, the guide can help you recognize the tölt and experience its smoother rhythm.

You should not assume that every minute will be spent at the tölt. The pace depends on the horse, the group, the route, and the guide’s judgment. The tour’s appeal is the chance to experience the gait in a real countryside setting, not a promise of nonstop tölt riding.

The feedback gives useful clues about the experience. The horses are described as lovely, and their training is praised for helping riders feel safe. The strongest recurring appeal is the horses themselves, followed by the chance to learn about them and get used to the tölt.

That combination makes the ride suitable for a mixed group, as long as everyone can follow instructions and manage a horse from the saddle. It is not suitable for children under seven, wheelchair users, or anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.

Clothing, equipment, and what you can carry

The farm provides riding and safety equipment, including a helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls. You still need to bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothing.

Hiking shoes are a better choice than soft sneakers because you are going into a rural setting and may encounter uneven ground. Wear layers so you can adjust as the weather changes. The supplied outer clothing is helpful, but it should not replace sensible base layers.

Backpacks are not allowed. Small waist bags are permitted, so carry only the basics, such as a phone, room key, and a small amount of personal medication. Professional cameras are also not allowed, which is important if you were planning a dedicated photography outing.

You can still enjoy the views without carrying a large camera bag. Keep your hands free and your belongings close to your body. Riding is easier when you are not managing extra gear.

Is $132 a fair price?

At $132 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Iceland. I would judge the price against what is included rather than against the riding time alone.

The fee covers the riding experience, an English-speaking guide, safety equipment, protective clothing, and transportation from Reykjavík and back. For you, that removes the need to arrange a rental car or find your own way to the farm. It also means you do not need to pack specialized rain gear or winter riding overalls.

The value is strongest if you are staying in Reykjavík and want a straightforward countryside activity. The price is less appealing if you already have a car, outdoor clothing, and a way to reach Ölfus independently, though the convenience of an organized ride still has value.

The route variety also helps justify the cost. You are paying for a guided experience through river, lava, meadow, and farm terrain, not simply for access to a horse. Just keep your expectations realistic: the ride is about two hours, and the conditions may change the exact route.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend it to you if you want to meet Icelandic horses, see rural surroundings near Reykjavík, and try a new riding gait with help from a guide. It works particularly well for beginners who want a carefully managed introduction rather than an independent horseback outing.

It also suits experienced riders who are curious about the tölt. You may already know how to ride, but the Icelandic horse’s movement is different enough to make the experience worthwhile.

Families need to check the age rule carefully. Children under seven cannot join, and every rider must be able to participate from horseback. The weight limit is 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms, and the activity is not accessible for wheelchair users.

I would think twice if you want a private ride, a long-distance trek, or a guaranteed route through a particular feature. The weather controls the itinerary, and the experience is built around a group-friendly guided ride.

Practical booking advice for Reykjavík pickup

Choose your pickup point carefully and confirm it before the day of the tour. The available options include major hotels, the BSÍ bus terminal, and central stops near Harpa, City Hall, the Culture House, Tjörnin, and other Reykjavík locations.

Be at the stop five minutes before the scheduled time. The vehicle should carry the Eldhestar logo, and it may be white or gray. This small detail can save you confusion at a busy downtown stop.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

The two available transport times are 8:00 and 13:00. Check the current starting times before booking, then leave enough space afterward for the return transfer. The ride itself is two hours, but the complete outing includes transport between Reykjavík and Ölfus.

Should you book The Siggi Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a practical introduction to Icelandic horses with scenery beyond a stable yard. The horses, the chance to try the tölt, and the mix of river, lava, meadow, and farm paths are the main reasons to choose it.

The $132 price makes the most sense when you value Reykjavík pickup, supplied outdoor gear, and a guide who helps you understand the horses. Skip it if you want a private experience, a long trek, or full control over the route.

For most first-time riders, this is a sensible way to spend half a day in the Icelandic countryside. Keep your clothing practical, carry only a small waist bag, and treat the route as weather-dependent. That is the best way to enjoy what this ride actually offers.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding activity?

The full activity lasts two hours, with approximately 1.5 to 2 hours spent riding.

What time does pickup take place?

Pickup transport for the tours starts at 8:00 and 13:00. Check availability for the exact starting time offered on your date.

Where can I be picked up in Reykjavík?

Pickup is available from BSÍ bus terminal, selected hotels, and listed bus stops, including Harpa, Lækjargata, Tjörnin, City Hall, Miðbakki, Snorrabraut, Höfðatorg, and others.

How do I identify the pickup vehicle?

Look for a white or gray bus or van with the Eldhestar logo. Arrive at your pickup point five minutes before the scheduled time.

What will I see during the ride?

The route may include the Varmá River, lava fields, meadows, farms, good riding paths, volcanic mountains, and farmland. The exact route depends on wind and weather conditions.

Can I try the Icelandic horse’s tölt?

Yes. The ride gives you an opportunity to experience the Icelandic horse’s tölt, with guidance from the professional English-speaking guide.

What equipment is included?

A helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls are included, along with the horse and riding equipment.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. Backpacks and professional cameras are not allowed, but small waist bags are permitted.

Can children or wheelchair users join?

Children under seven cannot join, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. The maximum stated rider weight is 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.