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

Iceland looks different from horseback. This roughly two-hour ride takes you from Hótel Eldhestar across lava fields, green forest, mountain slopes, and a shifting geothermal area near Hveragerði. I like the varied scenery and the chance to ride an authentic Icelandic horse rather than simply view the countryside from a bus. I also like that pickup, drop-off, helmets, and waterproof clothing are included.

The main point to check is the timing. The tour is presented as approximately two hours, while the detailed schedule shows three hours, so I would confirm the exact duration before booking. The group may also reach as many as 50 people, which could matter if you want a small, quiet riding outing.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride Icelandic horses across several types of terrain: The route includes lava fields, a green forest, mountain slopes, geothermal ground, and views toward the southern lowlands.

• Start and finish at Hótel Eldhestar: Pickup and drop-off are offered, while the stated meeting point is Hótel Eldhestar in Ölfus, near Hveragerði.

• A useful choice for mixed riding ability: Experienced riders can enjoy the setting, while beginners receive instruction and attention from the riding team.

• Safety gear is included: Helmets and waterproof clothing are provided, a practical advantage in Iceland’s changeable weather.

• Learn about Icelandic horses as you ride: An English-speaking guide explains the horses and the local setting, so this is more than a basic saddle ride.

• Allow for weather and booking limits: The ride needs good weather, has a 120-kilogram weight limit, and can include up to 50 people.

Why this short ride works well near Reykjavík

Icelandic horse riding is a useful way to see countryside that can feel spread out when you walk it. From the saddle, you move at the pace of the horse and cover more ground without turning the outing into a strenuous hike.

This route is based at Hótel Eldhestar in South Iceland, close to the town of Hveragerði. That location gives the ride a strong sense of place. You are not simply circling an indoor arena or riding along a single fenced track. The route reaches the slopes of Reykjafjall, follows riding paths through a rare Icelandic forest, and passes geothermal features above the town.

I especially like the range packed into a short outing. You get mountain views, open volcanic ground, trees, hot springs, and a look across the southern lowlands. The scenery changes often enough that the ride should feel like a small tour of the area rather than one repeated view.

The experience also makes sense for a Reykjavík-based day. Pickup is offered, and the ride returns to its starting point. You should still check the pickup details and timing when you reserve, since the supplied information confirms the service but does not provide a Reykjavík pickup schedule.

Meeting the Icelandic horse at Hótel Eldhestar

The ride begins at Hótel Eldhestar, listed at 816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, Iceland. This is both the meeting point and the end point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from the countryside.

Before setting out, you can expect the practical basics to be covered. Helmets and waterproof clothing are included, which saves you from bringing specialized riding gear. You should still dress for Icelandic weather and wear sturdy clothing suitable for sitting in a saddle. The supplied details do not specify footwear, so I would ask the provider if you have concerns about boots or other riding equipment.

The horses are Icelandic horses, a breed closely tied to the country’s farming and travel traditions. The guide explains the history of these horses during the experience. That small amount of background adds meaning to the ride, because you are not treating the horse as a simple vehicle for sightseeing.

The strongest praise for this outing concerns the way the riding team handles different ability levels. Experienced riders are able to enjoy the trip, while inexperienced riders receive instruction and care. That makes the experience a good fit if your group includes both confident riders and people who have never been in a saddle.

I would still be honest about the limits of a short ride. If you already ride regularly, you may want to ask how much of the route is walking, trotting, or another pace. The information confirms a riding adventure, but it does not promise a particular pace or advanced riding session.

Up the slopes of Reykjafjall

The first part of the route climbs a hill along established riding trails. The path follows the slopes of Reykjafjall, giving you an early change in elevation and a wider view than you would have at the hotel.

That climb is useful for getting a feel for the horse and the group. Beginners can settle into the saddle while the guide leads the way. More experienced riders can begin to appreciate the steady Icelandic horse beneath them and the open setting around the trail.

The scenery here is not polished or arranged for sightseeing. You are riding through the countryside, with volcanic ground and mountain slopes shaping the view. That gives the experience a more genuine feel than a short ride designed only for a photo stop.

Because the route includes hills, you should consider your comfort in a saddle before booking. The activity states that most people can participate, but it also sets a 120-kilogram weight limit. If you have a physical concern, contact the provider before you pay rather than assuming the general participation statement covers your situation.

Through the green forest, a rare Icelandic sight

The route continues through a green forest. In a country better known for lava, open plains, glaciers, and treeless mountain views, this section gives the ride an unexpected change of mood.

The forest matters because it breaks up the open volcanic scenery. You move from exposed slopes into a more enclosed setting, then later return to views over the town and the lowlands. That contrast is one of the most appealing parts of the route.

I would not book this ride expecting a long forest trek. The supplied details identify the forest as one part of a larger route, not the sole focus. Think of it as a memorable section within a compact countryside ride.

The guide’s presence also helps here. An English-speaking guide leads the group and provides information about the Icelandic horses and the area. You can enjoy the scenery while receiving enough context to understand why the route looks the way it does.

Hot springs above Hveragerði

After the forest and mountain trails, the route reaches an impressive geothermal area above Hveragerði. You pass many hot springs in a setting shaped by volcanic activity.

Hveragerði is known as the hot spring capital of the world, and the town’s location helps explain the route. It sits between the volcano Hengill and the broad plains of South Iceland, with geothermal ground close to town.

The area also changed dramatically after an earthquake in 2008 and continues to change. That detail gives the hot springs more weight than a quick scenic stop. The ground here is part of an active geological setting, not just a decorative patch of steam and color.

You should follow the guide’s instructions carefully in this section. The supplied information does not describe a separate walking route or close-up bathing stop, so I would expect to see the geothermal area from the riding path rather than treat it as an independent visit.

This is also a good reason to have waterproof clothing available. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and a geothermal route does not guarantee warm or dry conditions. The inclusion of waterproofs removes one practical worry, though it does not make the weather predictable.

Views over Varmá and the southern lowlands

The path continues along volcanic hills above Hveragerði. From here, you get a view toward Varmá and across the broad southern lowlands.

This section gives the ride its sense of scale. The early trail takes you up the mountain slopes, the forest brings you into a smaller setting, and the volcanic hills open the view again. I like this progression because it gives you several ways to read the area: as a geothermal zone, a farming region, a volcanic setting, and a town below the mountain.

The route’s location between Hengill and the southern plains also adds useful geographic context. You are not looking at scenery without a name. The guide can connect the mountain, the town, the hot springs, and the lowlands into one story while you ride.

Views are weather-dependent, of course. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but you should keep some flexibility in your schedule if this ride is an important part of your Iceland trip.

Is $134.15 a fair price?

At $134.15 per person, this is not a cheap add-on, but the value depends on what you would otherwise need to arrange. Pickup and drop-off are offered, helmets and waterproof clothing are included, and you receive a guided ride through several distinct settings.

The price also covers more than a short horse loop. You are paying for access to riding trails around Reykjafjall, the forest, the geothermal area above Hveragerði, and the volcanic hills overlooking the town. An English-speaking guide adds instruction and local context, which is particularly useful if you have little riding experience.

The value is strongest for someone who wants an active countryside experience without committing to a full-day excursion. A two-hour ride can fit beside other South Iceland plans, though you should verify the duration because the detailed timing also displays three hours.

The price is less attractive if you are seeking a private ride, a very small group, or advanced riding instruction. The activity can include up to 50 people, and no private format is stated. A larger maximum group does not prove that every departure will be full, but it means you should not assume a quiet one-to-one outing.

I would also compare the cost against your transport plans. If you already have a rental car and will be near Hveragerði, the transport benefit matters less. If you are staying in Reykjavík and want pickup arranged, the included transfer can make the overall cost easier to justify.

What the ability level really means

The experience is designed to welcome both experienced and inexperienced riders. The most useful practical detail is that confident riders can enjoy the outing while beginners are taught and looked after properly.

That makes this a strong group choice. You do not need every person in your party to have the same riding background. A beginner can receive help, while a regular rider still gets a countryside route rather than a lesson confined to one small area.

The general wording says most people can participate, but the weight limit is 120 kilograms. Service animals are allowed. If you need a particular accommodation beyond that, ask the provider before booking because the supplied details do not explain how horses, mounting, or other physical needs are handled.

I would also think about your comfort with weather and outdoor movement. Waterproofs and helmets are included, but this remains an open-air activity on hills and volcanic ground. It is a better fit for someone who wants to be outside than for someone seeking a fully sheltered sightseeing experience.

Group size, timing, and pickup

The activity has a maximum capacity of 50 people. That is a fairly large upper limit for a horseback outing, so group size is one of the first things I would clarify if atmosphere matters to you.

A larger group may make the ride feel more social and may work well for families, friends, or organized parties. It can also mean less flexibility in the pace and fewer quiet moments. The provided information does not state the usual departure size, so do not confuse the maximum with the guaranteed number on your date.

The listed duration is approximately two hours, while the detailed itinerary displays three hours. That difference may reflect riding time versus the full time at the stable, but the reason is not specified. Ask for the exact pickup, arrival, and return timing if you are connecting this with another booking.

Pickup and drop-off are offered, and the ride ends back at Hótel Eldhestar. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. I would avoid placing a tight, nonrefundable activity immediately afterward until the time is confirmed.

Weather and cancellation flexibility

Icelandic weather can change the feel of an outdoor ride quickly, so the weather rule matters. The experience requires good conditions, and if poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff follows local time.

That is a reasonable arrangement for an activity affected by weather. I would still watch the forecast and keep your schedule flexible. If the ride is canceled, a new date is useful only if you have enough room in your Iceland itinerary.

Who should book the Siggi Tour?

I would recommend this ride to you if you want to experience Icelandic horses, prefer a guided activity, and like the idea of seeing several types of scenery in one short outing. It is especially practical for mixed groups, since beginners receive support and experienced riders can still enjoy the route.

It also suits you if pickup is important, if you want helmets and waterproofs supplied, or if you are staying near Reykjavík and want a South Iceland activity with transport available.

I would hesitate if you want a private ride, a guaranteed small group, or a clearly defined two-hour schedule. I would also think twice if you are uncomfortable with hills, changeable weather, or the stated 120-kilogram limit.

The best way to decide is to contact Eldhestar before booking with three questions: What is the actual total duration, how large is the group on your date, and what pickup times are available? Those answers will tell you more about the practical value than the price alone.

Final verdict: a strong short introduction to Icelandic riding

I like this experience because it gives you real variety in a manageable time. You ride an Icelandic horse along Reykjafjall, pass through a green forest, see geothermal ground above Hveragerði, and look across Varmá and the southern plains.

The careful support for inexperienced riders is its biggest strength. The main cautions are the possible three-hour timing, the maximum group size of 50, and the need for suitable weather. If those points fit your plans, the $134.15 price is reasonable for a guided countryside ride with transport and equipment included.

FAQ

Where does the Siggi Tour start?

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

Where does the ride finish?

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

How long does the tour last?

The tour is described as approximately two hours, but the detailed timing also shows three hours. Confirm the exact duration before booking.

Is pickup from Reykjavík available?

Pickup and drop-off are offered. The supplied information does not provide exact Reykjavík pickup times, so confirm the schedule with Eldhestar.

What scenery will I see?

The route includes lava fields, the slopes of Reykjafjall, a green forest, hot springs, volcanic hills above Hveragerði, views of Varmá, and the southern lowlands.

Are helmets and waterproof clothing included?

Yes. Helmets and waterproof clothing are included with the experience.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. Most people can participate, and the riding team provides instruction and care for inexperienced riders while experienced riders can also enjoy the outing.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the provider to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.