Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour

Ride where lava meets farmland. The Siggi Horse Riding Tour gives you a clear look at Iceland’s countryside from the back of a well-trained Icelandic horse, with routes through meadows, lava fields, and across the Varmá River. I like the chance to try the horse’s smooth tölt, and I like that professional guides focus on both riding and horse care. The main drawback is the short riding time, since the full two-hour booking includes transport from Reykjavík.

This is a practical choice if you want a countryside outing without arranging a rental car or building a full day around it. The route changes with wind and weather, so you should expect a good ride rather than one fixed path. Pickup is limited to set times, and the tour is not suitable for children under seven, wheelchair users, or anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.

Key points to know before booking

• Icelandic horses and the tölt: You get a chance to feel the breed’s special four-beat gait on comfortable riding paths.
• Volcanic countryside near Ölfus: The ride passes lava fields, meadows, farmland, volcanic mountains, and the Varmá River.
• Riding time of 1.5 to 2 hours: The experience is active enough to feel worthwhile, but it is not a full-day horseback trip.
• Professional English-speaking guides: Your guide handles safety, route choices, and basic information about the horses and local farming.
• Reykjavík transfers included: Pickup and return are available from BSÍ bus station, selected hotels, and central bus stops.
• Weather-ready equipment provided: Helmets, rain gear, and winter overalls are included, though you should still bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothing.

Why this countryside ride is worth your time

Horse riding in Iceland is not just a way to pass an afternoon. The Icelandic horse is a major part of the country’s rural life, and this tour gives you a close view of that tradition without requiring previous experience to be stated or assumed. You ride through working countryside rather than simply circling an enclosed riding arena.

The setting near Hveragerdi and Ölfus is especially appealing because several types of Icelandic scenery come together in a compact area. You might cross a small river, pass through rough lava ground, follow paths beside meadows, and look toward volcanic mountains. Farmland adds another layer, with several farms along the route and a chance to see how agriculture has changed over the past decades.

I also like that the route is chosen according to the day’s wind and weather. That means you do not get a rigid trip that ignores local conditions. The tradeoff is that you cannot book this expecting one exact view or one precise sequence of trails.

From Reykjavík pickup to the Ölfus farm

The day begins with transport from Reykjavík. Pickup is offered at 8:00 in the morning or 13:00 in the afternoon, with service from BSÍ main bus station, selected hotels, and a wide group of central bus stops. These include Hotel Cabin, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, Bus Terminal Reykjavík, and stops near Harpa, City Hall, Tjörnin Pond, Lækjargata, Skúlagata, Höfðatorg, Snorrabraut, Miðbakki, and several other central points.

You should be at your chosen pickup point five minutes early. Look for a white or gray vehicle marked with the Eldhestar logo. This detail matters in Reykjavík, where many tours use similar pickup locations and several operators may arrive around the same time.

The transfer is part of the value. At $132 per person, the price is not cheap for a two-hour booking, but you are paying for more than time in the saddle. Transport from and back to Reykjavík, an English-speaking guide, riding equipment, and weather gear are included. If you do not have a rental car, that bundled service saves you from figuring out the road to the farm and arranging a return trip.

The transfer also makes this easier to fit into a Reykjavík stay. You can book the morning departure or afternoon departure, then plan the rest of your day around the return. Check the exact start time when you reserve, since availability controls the departure options.

Getting ready for the horses

At the farm, you receive the safety and riding equipment included in the booking. A helmet is provided, along with rain gear and winter overalls. Those layers are useful in Iceland, where wind can make a mild day feel much colder, especially on horseback.

Bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. Do not arrive with a backpack or professional camera, since both are listed as not allowed. A small waist bag is permitted, so that is the sensible place for essentials such as a phone or a small amount of personal gear.

The equipment policy tells you something useful about the ride. This is an outdoor activity designed around changing Icelandic conditions, not a polished indoor stable visit. You should dress for wind and possible rain, even if Reykjavík looks calm when you leave.

The tour is limited to children aged seven and older. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users or anyone over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. Those restrictions are important to check before booking, since they relate to the riding equipment and the practical demands of mounting and riding.

Crossing the Varmá River and entering the lava fields

The route begins in the scenic surroundings of the farm, with the exact path adjusted for weather and wind. One of the memorable sections can take you across the Varmá River. A small river crossing gives the ride a real countryside feel, and it is a more interesting feature than simply following a fenced track.

From there, the route may lead through a lava field area. Iceland’s volcanic ground can look stark and rough, with dark rock contrasting against the softer greens of nearby meadows. You should not expect a dramatic mountain expedition, but you do get a close view of how volcanic activity shaped the ground around the farms.

The guides choose the safest and most pleasant routes available on the day. Strong wind can affect a horseback ride, so a route change is not a failure of the experience. It is a sign that the operator is paying attention to conditions rather than forcing a fixed plan.

The mix of river, lava, and pasture also helps the ride feel varied. You are not looking at the same type of ground for two hours. The scenery changes in small, steady ways, which suits a relaxed horse ride better than a rushed sightseeing circuit.

Meadows, farms, and volcanic mountain views

After the river and lava sections, you ride on good paths in the meadows south of the farm. These trails provide the best chance to settle into the rhythm of the horse. The open farmland gives you wider views, while the volcanic mountains provide a strong Icelandic backdrop.

Several farms sit along the route. That makes this more than a scenic ride. You get a simple introduction to the area’s working countryside and to the way farming has developed over recent decades. The guide can provide context in English, helping you connect the fields and farm buildings with the region’s rural life.

I like this part of the tour because the scenery is not presented as a distant picture through a bus window. You move through it at walking and riding pace. You have time to notice the path, the farms, the fields, and the changing views without trying to photograph every second.

The experience may suit you best if you want a gentle outdoor activity with a sense of place. If your main goal is a fast ride, a long gallop, or a demanding equestrian workout, this is probably not the right match. The available information emphasizes scenic riding paths and the tölt, not speed or advanced riding.

Learning the Icelandic horse’s special gait

The Icelandic horse is the star of the trip. The most distinctive feature is the tölt, a special gait associated with this breed. It is often described as smooth, and the route’s pleasant riding paths give you a chance to feel it when conditions and rider ability allow.

You should keep your expectations realistic. A short guided outing is not a formal riding lesson devoted entirely to mastering the tölt. Still, the guides can help you get used to the motion, and a previous rider described learning a lot about the horses while becoming comfortable with the gait.

The horses also receive strong praise for being well trained and careful with riders. That is especially important if you are new to Icelandic horses or have not ridden recently. A calm, well-trained horse lets you pay attention to the countryside instead of worrying about every movement.

Your guide’s role matters here. The guide is not only leading the group but also helping you understand the horses and ride safely. You can expect instruction connected to the route and the animals, rather than a silent transfer from stable to trail.

What the two-hour schedule really includes

The booking lasts two hours, with 1.5 to 2 hours of riding included. The exact riding time may depend on the day’s route and conditions. Since the transfer from Reykjavík is also part of the wider outing, you should not read the two-hour duration as two full hours of continuous riding from the moment you leave the city.

That is the main limitation for the price. At $132, the cost is on the high side if you measure only saddle time. The value improves if you need transport, equipment, and a guide, or if this is your main chance to experience Icelandic horses during a short Reykjavík stay.

The duration also has advantages. A two-hour format is easier on your legs and less demanding than a full-day ride. It leaves room for other plans, and it is a sensible first step if you are unsure how comfortable you will be on horseback.

You should allow extra time around the scheduled pickup and return. The listed activity duration does not replace the practical time needed to wait for transport, get fitted with equipment, and move between Reykjavík and the farm.

Who should book this ride

I would point this tour toward adults and families with children aged seven or older who want a guided countryside outing. It works particularly well for people staying in Reykjavík without a car, because the included transfer removes a major planning problem.

It also suits riders who value scenery, calm horses, and a small taste of Icelandic rural life. The horse’s careful training is a real plus if you are a beginner or simply want a low-pressure outing.

You may want to choose another activity if you need wheelchair access, if you weigh more than 264 pounds, or if you are bringing a backpack or professional camera. The tour also may disappoint experienced riders looking for a long, fast, or technically challenging route.

Weather is another factor to accept. The operator chooses the route based on wind and conditions, and Iceland can change quickly. Bring the recommended clothing and treat the route as flexible.

Is $132 a fair price?

The answer depends on what you need. If you already have a car, riding clothes, and access to another stable, the price may feel steep for a two-hour experience. If you are based in Reykjavík and want the complete package, the calculation looks better.

Your fee covers 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, an English-speaking guide, helmet, rain gear, winter overalls, and round-trip transport. You also get a route that includes several different types of countryside, plus a chance to experience the tölt and learn about the horses.

The strongest value comes from convenience and access. You do not need to rent a car for one activity, buy special weather gear, or find your way to the farm. For a first Icelandic horse experience, those included elements make the tour easier to arrange and less risky in changeable weather.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure adds useful flexibility. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Reykjavík plans are still moving around.

Should you book the Siggi Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a manageable introduction to Icelandic horses, scenic farmland, volcanic ground, and the tölt, especially if you are staying in Reykjavík without a car. The carefully trained horses, professional guides, included safety gear, and straightforward transfers make this a sensible choice for a first ride.

Think twice if you want a long saddle outing, a high-speed adventure, or complete control over the route. The weather may change the path, the riding time is limited, and the price asks you to value transport and guidance as much as the hours on horseback.

For the right rider, this is a pleasant way to meet Iceland’s countryside at ground level, with enough variety to make a short tour feel like a real outing rather than a quick photo stop.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding activity last?

The booking lasts two hours, and the riding portion is listed as 1.5 to 2 hours. Check availability for the current starting times.

Is transportation from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Pickup and return transport are included from BSÍ main bus station, selected hotels, and designated Reykjavík bus stops.

What equipment is provided?

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

Can I bring a backpack or professional camera?

Backpacks and professional cameras are not allowed. A small waist bag is permitted.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is not suitable for children under seven years old.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.