Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour

You get outdoors fast.

This ride in the Hveragerði area is built for real countryside time: you’ll follow Icelandic horses along paths that can cross the river Varmá, pass through a lava field stretch, and finish on good riding trails in meadows south of the farm. Two things I like about the experience are the English-speaking professional guides and the chance to experience the Icelandic horses’ special gait, the tölt. One consideration: the exact best route depends on weather and wind conditions, so the day’s riding plan may shift.

The tour also feels practical, not touristy. You’re picked up from central Reykjavík (with specific bus stop and hotel options), and transfers run at set times (8:00 and 13:00). On the riding side, you’re given helmet and weather protection, and the goal is simple: get you riding confidently while you take in volcanic mountains, farmland views, and the working-agriculture details you can spot as you pass farms.

Key points before you ride Siggi in Hveragerði

• Route flexibility based on wind and weather helps keep the ride smoother and safer when conditions change
• River, lava, and meadows in one outing means you’re not stuck in just one type of terrain
• Practice with the tölt is a highlight, and guides help you settle into the gait
• Full riding safety gear is included (helmet, rain gear, winter overalls) so you’re not shopping for gear on day one
• Reykjavík pickup and drop-off are included with a clearly marked Eldhestar van or bus
• Not for kids under 7, wheelchair users, or riders over 264 lbs (120 kg), so check fit early

Why Hveragerði works so well for horse riding

Hveragerði sits in Iceland’s Capital Region, where you can trade city cafés and museums for open air without a full-day drive. That matters here because this is a shorter tour (about 2 hours total), so you want the time you have to go toward riding, not just getting there.

The setting around the farm is the point. You’ll ride through meadows, farmland areas, and volcanic terrain—views of volcanic mountains are part of the package—while still feeling close enough to civilization that logistics stay easy. In other words, it’s a countryside ride that doesn’t require a long expedition mindset.

Getting from Reykjavík to the farm near Ölfus

This tour is designed around Reykjavík departures. Pickup is included, and the start is organized around a list of convenient stops—everything from major bus stations and known central bus stops to certain hotels.

Practically, here’s what you should plan for:

• You’ll meet the tour vehicle at your selected pickup spot.
• The transport for tours starts at 8:00 and 13:00.
• You’re told to look for a white or grey bus/van with the Eldhestar logo.
• You should wait about 5 minutes early at your pickup location.

You’ll then transfer to the Ölfus area for the guided riding portion. The ride itself is the main event, but this transfer piece keeps the day simple: no rental car, no navigating rural roads in weather that can turn quickly.

The ride route: river Varmá, lava fields, and meadows south of the farm

The most interesting part of this tour is the way the route is planned to match conditions. Instead of pretending the day’s weather won’t matter, the ride uses the best riding routes available depending on weather and wind. That’s the kind of detail that can make your ride feel smooth and enjoyable rather than constantly uncertain.

On a typical outing, you’ll experience a mix of terrain:

• Across the river Varmá (when conditions allow)
• Through a lava field area
• Onto pleasant riding trails in meadows south of the farm

Along the way, you get more than scenery. You pass several farms, and the guides use those sights to give insight into how agriculture developed over the past decades. Even if you’re not the type who reads farm history on vacation, it’s a natural way to connect the landscape you’re riding through with how people actually live here.

What you’ll notice most is variety. One stretch may feel more open and meadow-like, while another feels more rugged and volcanic thanks to the lava terrain. That keeps the 1.5–2 hours of riding from dragging.

Icelandic horses and the tölt: how you actually experience it

This tour is built around Icelandic horses, and the standout is the tölt—their distinctive four-beat gait that’s smoother than typical walking for long stretches.

You’re not just handed a horse and pointed at a field. The tour is guided by professional guides, and the goal is for you to get a real sense of the tölt during the ride. The horses are described as very well trained and careful with riders, and that shows up as a big part of why this tour earns such strong ratings.

Here’s what that means for your expectations:

• You’ll be riding with your guide’s support, not guessing what to do.
• The tölt is something you can learn by feel, and the route is likely designed to give you a chance to experience it.
• Safety and comfort come first, which matters because you’ll be outdoors, moving at a gait that may feel different from what you’re used to.

If you’ve only seen Icelandic horses from photos or videos, this is the chance to understand why the tölt is such a big deal. It’s not just a trivia fact—it changes how the ride feels.

What you’ll do during the 1.5–2 hours in the saddle

The tour runs about 2 hours total, with 1.5–2 hours of riding included in that time. That timing matters because it makes the ride feel “worth it” without turning into a half-day commitment.

The day’s flow looks like this:

• You meet your pickup group in Reykjavík and transfer out.
• You get geared up with the safety equipment.
• You ride with an English-speaking guide through the countryside route.
• You return to Reykjavík for drop-off at one of the listed central locations.

Because weather and wind can shape the exact route, you should expect the ride to be adapted to the day. That isn’t a weakness—it’s the kind of on-the-ground decision-making that helps keep the riding experience comfortable and controlled.

Gear and rules: what to bring (and what not to)

This tour includes a lot of the things that usually make horse rides annoying: you’re provided with riding and safety gear, including a helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls. That’s a big value point because Iceland weather can be unpredictable, even on a day that looks calm when you start.

Still, you need to bring your basics:

• Hiking shoes (you want something with grip)
• Comfortable clothes you can move in

A few rules to note:

• Professional cameras are not allowed.
• Backpacks are not allowed.
• Small waist bags are allowed, which is useful for keys, a phone, and maybe a snack.

If you like keeping your kit light, you’ll appreciate the waist bag allowance. If you were planning to wear a full daypack, plan to leave it behind.

Price and value: why $132 feels reasonable here

At $132 per person, this is not a bargain-basement activity—but it doesn’t feel overpriced for what’s included. Here’s why the cost makes sense in practical terms:

You’re getting:

• Round-trip Reykjavík transfer (pickup and drop-off included)
• An English-speaking guide
• Riding time of about 1.5–2 hours
• Helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls

Horse riding tours can turn expensive when you start adding in gear rentals or when transport is on you. This one folds those essentials into the price. Also, because the ride is guided and tailored to conditions (weather and wind), you’re paying for more than just “sitting on a horse.” You’re paying for route decisions, horse handling, and the tölt-focused experience.

The best way to judge value is whether you’ll actually use the included items. If you’re arriving in Iceland without proper riding layers or you don’t want to deal with last-minute outfit changes, this tour’s gear inclusion makes the price easier to justify.

The best fit: who should book this tour

This ride is a strong choice if you want a guided, shorter outdoor experience in Icelandic countryside without a major time commitment. You’ll like it if:

• You’re curious about Icelandic horses and want help experiencing the tölt
• You want variety in scenery—river, lava terrain, and meadows
• You’d rather rely on professional guides and included safety gear than figure out everything yourself

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 7 years
• Wheelchair users
• People over 264 lbs (120 kg)

Also, bring a mindset that you’ll be outside moving on paths that can be affected by weather. The rain gear and winter overalls help, but you still need to dress for an Iceland day.

Should you book the Siggi Horse Riding Tour in Hveragerði?

I’d book this if your goal is a guided Icelandic horse experience with real riding time, not a short photo stop. The combination of professional guidance, tölt practice, and a route that can include river Varmá and lava field terrain makes it feel like an experience with actual substance.

I’d think twice if you strongly dislike weather uncertainty, since the ride depends on wind and weather for the best route. I’d also check the fitness limits early—this is not a one-size-fits-all activity.

If you’re in Reykjavík and want countryside time that still fits into a tight schedule, this tour is one of the more efficient ways to do it right: get picked up, get geared up, ride, and come back with stories that aren’t just about how pretty it was, but about how Icelandic horses move.

FAQ

How long is the Siggi Horse Riding Tour?

The tour duration is listed as 2 hours total, including 1.5–2 hours of riding.

Does this tour include pickup from Reykjavík?

Yes. Pickup is included, with pickup from BSÍ main bus station, certain hotels, and specific bus stops. The tour runs from Reykjavík with departures at 8:00 and 13:00.

What riding equipment is provided?

You’ll be provided with riding and safety equipment, including a helmet and weather gear such as rain gear and winter overalls.

Are cameras allowed on the tour?

Professional cameras are not allowed, but small personal items aren’t restricted beyond the backpack rule (and small waist bags are allowed).

What should I wear or bring?

Bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. A small waist bag is allowed, but backpacks are not.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.