Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour

Iceland’s best views are often found at walking pace. The Siggi Horse Riding Tour takes you into the countryside near Hveragerdi, where you ride Icelandic horses across meadows, over the Varmá River, and through a lava field. I like the chance to try the horses’ unusual tölt gait, and I like that professional guides provide the riding and safety equipment. The main drawback is the short riding time, which can feel brief once transfers and preparation are included.

This is a countryside outing rather than a grand sightseeing tour. You get volcanic mountains, farmland, farm tracks, and quiet riding paths instead of a long list of major attractions. The route changes with wind and weather, so you should expect a safe, scenic ride rather than a fixed set of landmarks.

What makes this ride worth your time

• The Varmá River crossing adds a small sense of adventure without turning the ride into a demanding expedition.
• The Icelandic horse’s tölt gives you a chance to try a smooth, distinctive gait found in this famous breed.
• Lava fields and meadows show two very different sides of the countryside around Hveragerdi.
• Professional guides help beginners feel more secure and explain the horses along the way.
• Reykjavík pickup and drop-off make this practical if you do not have a rental car.
• Warm clothing and rain gear are included, useful in Iceland’s changeable weather.

From Reykjavík to the Ölfus countryside

The day begins with pickup in Reykjavík at 8:00 or 13:00. You can meet the transfer at BSÍ main bus station, Hotel Cabin, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, or one of several central bus stops. The list includes Harpa, Lækjargata, Tjörnin, City Hall, Skúlagata, Höfðatorg, Snorrabraut, Miðbakki, Safnahúsið, Rauðarárstígur, Austurbær, and Vesturbugt.

That range of pickup points is useful, but it also means you need to check your exact location carefully. Wait five minutes early for a white or grey vehicle marked with the Eldhestar logo. Icelandic weather can make a short wait unpleasant, and the vehicle will not be hard to identify if you are in the right place.

The drive takes you away from Reykjavík toward Ölfus and the farm area near Hveragerdi. This transfer is part of the value of the outing. Without a car, reaching a working horse farm and open riding country can be awkward, while this arrangement keeps the day simple.

The tradeoff is timing. A two-hour activity does not mean two full hours in the saddle from the moment you leave central Reykjavík. The package includes transfer, preparation, and a riding period of about one and a half to two hours. Plan your day with that in mind.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

At the farm, you meet the horses and prepare for the ride with help from the English-speaking guide. Riding and safety equipment is provided, including a helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls. That is especially helpful in Iceland, where a mild morning can quickly turn cold, wet, or windy.

You should bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothing. Do not arrive with a full backpack or professional camera, since those are not allowed on the ride. A small waist bag is permitted, so carry only what you need close to your body.

The horses are the heart of this outing. Icelandic horses are compact, sure-footed animals with a reputation for being well trained. The strongest praise for this ride focuses on horses that look after their riders, an important point if you are new to horseback riding or feel unsure around large animals.

The guide also gives you a chance to learn about the horses, not simply sit in a saddle and follow the group. If you have ridden before, you may appreciate the explanation of the breed and its movement. If you are a beginner, the calm handling and safety briefing matter more than covering a great distance.

Children under seven cannot join, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. A maximum rider weight of 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms, also applies. These restrictions are worth checking before you pay, since they relate to the safety of both rider and horse.

Riding across the Varmá River and lava fields

The exact route depends on wind and weather. That flexibility is sensible in Iceland, where exposed paths can become unpleasant quickly. Instead of promising one rigid track, the guides choose the best available riding route around the farm on the day.

A typical outing takes you across the Varmá River and into a lava field area. These are memorable settings because they show how volcanic forces and farming coexist in this part of Iceland. The dark, rough lava contrasts with open pasture and working farmland.

The river crossing gives the ride a clear moment of progress. You are not simply circling an arena or staying on a flat training track. At the same time, this is not promoted as a high-adrenaline horseback trip. The emphasis is on scenery, good paths, and a comfortable introduction to Icelandic riding.

The lava field section adds texture and character. You might find the footing and route feel more interesting than a standard rural trail, but the guide controls the pace and route according to conditions. If strong wind or poor weather affects the plan, the scenery may change. That is a normal part of riding in Iceland, not a failure of the tour.

Reaching the meadows south of the farm

After the river and lava field sections, the ride finishes on pleasant paths through meadows south of the farm. Here, the views open toward volcanic mountains and farmland. You also pass several farms, which gives the ride a human scale.

This is one of the more useful parts of the outing for anyone interested in Iceland beyond waterfalls and hot springs. You see how agriculture fits around volcanic ground, open fields, and rural roads. The guide can also explain how farming in the area has developed over the past several decades.

The meadows provide a better setting for trying the Icelandic horse’s tölt. This special gait is smoother than the ordinary trot and is one of the main reasons people choose an Icelandic horse ride. You may need a little coaching to find the rhythm, but the guide can help you understand what to do.

Do not expect every rider to spend the whole route in tölt. Your success depends on your riding ability, the horse, the ground, and the group’s pace. Still, the ride offers a genuine opportunity to experience it, which makes this more distinctive than a standard horseback tour.

What the scenery gives you

The views here are broad and quiet. You see volcanic mountains in the distance, fields close by, and farms spread through the area. There is no promise of a single dramatic viewpoint, and that is part of the appeal. The ride gives you time to notice the changing ground instead of stopping only for a photograph.

The countryside near Hveragerdi works well for horseback riding because the route includes several kinds of terrain without requiring a full-day commitment. River, lava, meadow, and farm country each bring a different feel. You get a sample of Iceland’s rural character in a manageable outing.

The scenery will not satisfy someone looking for a major geological site with a long explanation and a packed sightseeing schedule. This is a slower activity. You are there to ride, watch the horse work, and enjoy the setting from the saddle.

Photography is also limited. Professional cameras are not allowed, and backpacks cannot be taken along. A phone may be useful if permitted by the guide, but you should not treat this as a photography-focused excursion. Keep your attention on the horse and the trail.

Is $132 a fair price?

At $132 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Iceland. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: Reykjavík transfer, an English-speaking guide, a helmet, rain gear, winter overalls, and roughly one and a half to two hours of riding.

For a visitor without a car, the transfer is a real benefit. You avoid arranging your own transport to Ölfus and do not need to rent a vehicle for a single countryside activity. The equipment also reduces the need to buy or pack special clothing for one ride.

The value is strongest for a first-time rider, a visitor curious about Icelandic horses, or anyone who wants a rural activity that fits around a Reykjavík stay. It is weaker for an experienced rider seeking a long wilderness ride, faster movement, or several hours on remote trails.

Weather also affects the value. The route changes with conditions, so the experience may be less scenic or less varied on a poor-weather day. The guides choose the safest available option, but you should book this for the horses and countryside rather than expecting perfect views.

The free cancellation policy allows you to cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Iceland plans are still shifting.

Who should book the Siggi ride?

I would point this tour toward several types of visitors:

• First-time riders who want professional help and a calm introduction.
• Families with older children, as long as every child is at least seven.
• Couples and solo visitors who want a countryside activity outside Reykjavík.
• Horse lovers interested in the Icelandic breed and its tölt.
• Car-free visitors who value included pickup and return transport.
• People with limited time who cannot fit a longer riding trip into their schedule.

You may want another option if you need wheelchair access, weigh more than 264 pounds, or want to bring a backpack or professional camera. This also is not ideal if you dislike uncertain weather or prefer a guaranteed route with fixed stops.

The ride suits a range of ability levels, but the information provided does not promise a particular pace or riding style. If you are an advanced rider hoping to gallop, ask the operator before booking. The focus here is controlled riding, scenic paths, and learning about the horses.

Timing your Reykjavík day

The morning departure at 8:00 works well if you want the rest of the day free. After returning to Reykjavík, you can still plan city sightseeing or another short activity. The 13:00 departure leaves your morning open, but it will take up much of your afternoon once transport is included.

Pickup and return use the same general network of central locations. Check both the departure point and the return stop when booking, especially if you have a restaurant reservation, airport transfer, or another timed activity afterward.

I would not place a tight connection immediately after the tour. Wind, road conditions, horse preparation, and the group’s pace can all affect the end time. Give yourself breathing room.

Practical advice before you go

Wear comfortable clothes that allow easy movement. Hiking shoes are specifically recommended, and they are a better choice than smooth-soled casual shoes.

Use the supplied rain gear and winter overalls as protection, even if the forecast looks decent. Icelandic weather can change during a short ride, and staying warm makes it easier to enjoy the horse and scenery.

Keep your belongings small. A waist bag is allowed, but backpacks and professional cameras are not. You should also avoid carrying loose items that could fall near the horses.

Arrive at your pickup point five minutes early. Look for the Eldhestar logo on a white or grey bus or van, and keep your phone available in case you need to confirm the meeting point.

Should you book it?

Book the Siggi Horse Riding Tour if you want a friendly, practical introduction to Icelandic horses with countryside scenery and transport from Reykjavík. The well-trained horses, professional guidance, included clothing, and chance to try the tölt give this short outing plenty of substance.

Skip it if you want a long ride, a fixed route, dramatic photo stops, or a more demanding horseback adventure. At $132, the value depends on using the included transfer and equipment. For a first ride through Icelandic meadows, lava, and river country, that package is sensible. Just remember that the saddle time is limited and the final route depends on the weather.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour take place?

The riding takes place in Ölfus, in the countryside near Hveragerdi. The routes pass meadows, lava fields, a small river, farmland, and several farms.

How long does the activity last?

The activity is listed as two hours. The riding portion lasts about one and a half to two hours, with transfer and preparation included in the overall outing.

Is transportation from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from BSÍ main bus station, certain hotels, and listed Reykjavík bus stops are included.

What pickup times are available?

Transport for the tours starts at 8:00 and 13:00. Check availability for the exact starting time and meeting point.

How do I identify the pickup vehicle?

Look for a white or grey bus or van with the Eldhestar logo. You should wait at your pickup point five minutes before the scheduled time.

Is a guide included?

Yes. An English-speaking live guide leads the tour and helps with the riding and safety equipment.

What equipment is provided?

A helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls are provided. Riding equipment is included as part of the tour.

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 join the tour?

Children must be at least seven years old. The activity is not suitable for children under seven.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.