Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour

The special appeal here is the chance to ride Icelandic horses in the countryside near Ölfus, not on a fenced-in track. You cross the Varmá River, pass through a lava-field area, and finish on broad riding paths among meadows and farms. The volcanic mountains give the outing a distinctly Icelandic setting.

I like the well-trained horses, which are described as careful with riders, and I like that the route changes with wind and weather. The other big plus is learning to feel the tölt, the Icelandic horse’s distinctive smooth gait. The main consideration is time: only 1.5 to 2 hours are spent riding, and the total outing also includes transport from Reykjavík.

Key points

• Ride across the Varmá River and through lava fields, with routes adjusted to weather and wind.
• Try the Icelandic horse’s tölt, a special gait that you may learn to recognize and use during the ride.
• See working farmland near Ölfus, including meadows, several farms, and volcanic mountains.
• Use included helmets and weather gear, with rain gear and winter overalls available.
• Start from Reykjavík pickup points at 8:00 or 13:00, including BSÍ and selected hotels and bus stops.
• Expect a calm, guided ride, with horses chosen and trained to take care of their riders.

Why This Ride Feels More Icelandic Than a Paddock Loop

Horse riding in Iceland can mean several different things. Some outings stay close to the stable, while others use open countryside. This Siggi ride takes you into the farm’s surroundings, where the scenery changes from meadows to lava fields, riverbank, and farmland.

That variety matters. You are not simply circling a riding arena while looking at the mountains from a distance. You move through the setting itself, passing small rural features that help explain how people use the area. The route can include several farms, giving you a look at agriculture as it has developed over the past decades.

The scenery is not polished or staged. You may see open fields, volcanic mountains, old lava formations, and working farmland in the same outing. That mix gives the ride a stronger sense of place than a short horse photo stop.

The route is also flexible. The guide selects the best available riding paths for the day, based on wind and weather. In Iceland, this is practical rather than decorative. Conditions can change quickly, and a route that is pleasant in one direction may be less comfortable in strong wind.

Meeting the Icelandic Horse

The Icelandic horse is small compared with many riding horses, but it is famous for its sure-footed character and extra gaits. The important one for this tour is the tölt.

The tölt is a smooth, four-beat gait that can feel different from a normal walk or trot. You should not expect to master it instantly. The guide helps you get used to the horse and gives you a chance to feel this special movement on suitable paths.

That part of the ride is one of its best features. You are not only sitting on a horse and looking around. You are learning something specific about Icelandic riding culture and the breed itself. One especially useful detail is that the horses are well trained to take care of their riders, which can make the experience less intimidating if you have limited riding experience.

I would still be honest about your ability when booking. The available information does not describe a separate beginner route or different riding levels, so tell the provider about your experience if you have concerns. The guide leads the outing in English and controls the pace and route.

The Ride Through Ölfus, Step by Step

Reykjavík pickup at 8:00 or 13:00

The outing begins with transport from Reykjavík. Pickup is available from BSÍ main bus station, Hotel Cabin, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, the Reykjavík bus terminal, and a long list of central bus stops. These include Harpa, Lækjargata, Tjörnin, Skúlagata, Höfðatorg, Snorrabraut, Vesturbugt, Miðbakki, Safnahúsið, Rauðarárstígur, Austurbær, and City Hall.

There are two transport windows, 8:00 and 13:00. You should check your exact pickup point and be there five minutes early. Look for a white or gray bus or van with the Eldhestar logo.

This transfer is a real part of the value. You do not need to arrange a separate rental car or find your own way to the farm. It also makes the experience workable for a Reykjavík stay, though the exact driving time is not provided, so do not schedule another fixed activity too tightly around it.

Arrival near the farm

The riding takes place around the farm in the Ölfus area, near Hveragerdi. The setting includes meadows, lava fields, a small river, farmland, and views toward volcanic mountains.

The first minutes are likely about getting organized with the horse and equipment. The included riding and safety equipment covers a helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls. That is helpful in Iceland, where comfort can change with wind and rain even when the calendar says summer.

You should wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes. Backpacks are not allowed, but a small waist bag is permitted. Pack only what you need, and keep anything important in a compact waist bag rather than arriving with a full daypack.

Across the Varmá River

One possible route crosses the Varmá River. This is the kind of small moment that makes the ride feel like an outing in the countryside rather than a standard stable lesson.

The river crossing also shows why the guide chooses the route according to conditions. Water, wind, and trail conditions affect where it makes sense to ride. If the river crossing is not suitable on your day, the route may use another available path. The central promise is the rural ride, not one guaranteed landmark.

Through lava-field country

The lava-field section brings you close to Iceland’s volcanic character. Lava can make the ground look rough and dark, a sharp contrast with the green of the meadows and farmland.

You will want to look beyond the horse’s ears here. The ride gives you views of volcanic mountains and open agricultural land, with the horse providing a slower pace than a bus tour. You have time to notice how the terrain shifts and how farms occupy the more usable ground.

This is also where sturdy footwear helps. Hiking shoes are recommended, and they make more sense than smooth-soled casual shoes if the trail is uneven or damp.

Meadows, farms, and riding paths

The ride ends on good riding paths in the meadows south of the farm. This is likely the most comfortable setting for focusing on the horse’s gait, including the tölt.

Passing several farms adds a useful human detail to the scenery. You get a glimpse of how agriculture fits around volcanic ground, rivers, and open fields. The description points to changes in farming over recent decades, so the guide can connect what you see with the area’s working rural life.

Do not expect an agricultural tour with formal stops at each farm. The farms are part of the route and the view. The pleasure comes from seeing them as you ride through the area.

What the Two Hours Really Include

The activity is advertised as two hours, with 1.5 to 2 hours of riding included. That distinction matters. Your total outing includes pickup, transport, preparation, and return to Reykjavík, while the time actually on horseback may be closer to the lower end of that range.

For someone who wants a short introduction to Icelandic riding, this is a sensible length. You get enough time to settle in, learn the basics, see several types of countryside, and try the tölt without giving up an entire day.

For an experienced rider hoping for a long, fast trek, it may feel brief. The available details also do not promise extended trotting, cantering, or a particular level of riding speed. Think of this as a guided countryside introduction, not a full-day expedition.

The guide’s presence is important. Routes depend on conditions, and the ride includes equipment and safety support. You can focus on the horse and the views instead of worrying about navigation or choosing a safe trail.

Price and Practical Value at $132

At $132 per person, the price is not a minor add-on, but it includes several costs that can quickly build up on an Iceland trip. You receive 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, an English-speaking guide, helmet, rain gear, winter overalls, and return transport from Reykjavík.

The transport is especially useful if you are staying in the capital and do not have a car. You also avoid having to purchase weather gear just for this one activity. The value is strongest for a first-time rider or a visitor who wants a countryside experience without organizing a separate day trip.

The value is less clear if you already have a car and are looking only for the longest possible time in the saddle. In that case, compare the riding duration and route style with longer farm rides. This tour charges for convenience, guidance, and a scenic route, not simply for minutes on horseback.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. Those policies are helpful in Iceland, where weather can affect outdoor plans, though you should still check the final booking terms before paying.

Who Will Enjoy This Most

I would recommend this ride to you if you want a manageable introduction to Icelandic horses and countryside riding. It suits people who like a guided experience, want transport from Reykjavík, and are curious about the tölt rather than simply looking for a horse photograph.

It is also a good choice for riders who appreciate scenery at a slow pace. The route brings together river, lava, meadows, farms, and mountains, so the ride has more visual variety than a simple loop.

Families should note the age limit. Children under seven cannot join. The activity is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.

You need to be comfortable sitting on a horse for the riding period. The horses are described as well trained and careful, but that does not remove the normal need for balance, attention, and suitable clothing.

What to Wear and What to Leave Behind

Wear comfortable clothes that allow movement. Hiking shoes are the recommended footwear, and the provider supplies rain gear and winter overalls as needed.

Do not bring a backpack. A small waist bag is allowed, which is enough for essential personal items. Professional cameras are not allowed, so plan to use only permitted personal gear and enjoy the ride without a large camera setup.

The equipment policy also tells you something about the outing. This is an active outdoor ride in changing Icelandic conditions, not a short indoor stable visit. Dress for wind and moisture even if Reykjavík looks mild when you leave.

Pickup Points and Return to Reykjavík

The pickup system is broad but needs attention. You can start from BSÍ, selected hotels, the Reykjavík bus terminal, or one of the listed central bus stops. The return service uses the same general network of locations, including City Hall, Harpa, Tjörnin, Lækjargata, Skúlagata, Höfðatorg, Snorrabraut, Vesturbugt, Miðbakki, Safnahúsið, Rauðarárstígur, Austurbær, Hotel Cabin, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, and the bus terminal.

Because there are many stops, check the exact one assigned to your booking. Wait five minutes early, and identify the white or gray Eldhestar vehicle.

The two departure times, 8:00 and 13:00, make it easier to fit the ride around a Reykjavík day. The morning departure leaves more of the day open afterward. The afternoon option may suit you if you want a slower start, but you should allow room for transport delays before any evening plans.

My Take: A Strong Short Ride With One Clear Limitation

The strongest parts are the horses, the varied countryside, and the chance to try the tölt. The route offers more than a stable exercise, while the included gear and transport remove several practical headaches.

The limitation is the short riding time. You should not book this expecting a long wilderness trek or advanced riding session. You should book it for a well-supported introduction to Icelandic horses, with volcanic scenery and working farmland close to Reykjavík.

At 4.8 out of 5 from 13 ratings, the experience has a strong early record. The praise focuses on the horses, the guide, learning about the animals, and getting used to the tölt. Those are exactly the parts I would use to decide.

Book it if you want a convenient half-day-style outing with a real countryside setting and a gentle introduction to Icelandic riding. Skip it if you need wheelchair access, are bringing a professional camera or backpack, fall outside the stated weight or age limits, or want several hours of serious riding.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

The activity lasts two hours overall, with 1.5 to 2 hours of riding included. Check the available starting times when booking.

Where does the ride take place?

The ride takes place in the scenic surroundings of a farm in the Ölfus area near Hveragerdi. Routes can include meadows, lava fields, the Varmá River, farmland, and paths south of the farm.

Is transport from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Pickup and return transport from Reykjavík are included. Pickup is available from BSÍ, selected hotels, the Reykjavík bus terminal, and listed city bus stops.

What pickup times are available?

Transport for the tours begins at 8:00 and 13:00. Wait at your selected pickup location five minutes before the scheduled time.

What equipment is provided?

The tour includes riding and safety equipment, including a helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls.

What should I bring?

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

Can children join the tour?

Children under seven years old cannot participate.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not suitable for people over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.