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

The best part of this ride is the quick change of scenery. In about two hours, you can leave Hótel Eldhestar, follow trails beside Reykjafjall, pass through one of Iceland’s unusual green forests, and reach the hot-spring country above Hveragerði. Icelandic horses make this a friendly way to see countryside that would take much longer on foot.

I like the included pickup and drop-off, especially if you are staying in Reykjavík and do not want to sort out rural transport. I also like the practical setup: helmets and waterproof clothing are included, and the guide explains the breed and local area as you ride.

The main point to check is timing. The experience is described as about two hours, while the route details refer to a three-hour stop. Ask for the exact riding time when you book, and allow extra time for pickup, fitting gear, and getting settled on your horse.

Key points to know before booking

• Reykjafjall riding trails: Follow the slopes of the mountain on established horse trails with open views toward Hveragerði and the southern lowlands.
• Green forest in Iceland: Ride through forest, a welcome change from the country’s more familiar lava and open-moor scenery.
• Geothermal hills above Hveragerði: Pass hot springs in an area changed by the 2008 earthquake and still described as constantly changing.
• Comfortable practical setup: Pickup, drop-off, helmets, waterproofs, and an English-speaking guide are included.
• Suitable for beginners and experienced riders: The experience is designed to teach newcomers while keeping experienced riders engaged.
• Important limits: The maximum rider weight is 120 kilograms, and the group can reach 50 people.

Riding an Icelandic horse near Hveragerði

This is not a long wilderness expedition. It is a compact countryside ride that gives you several different views in one outing. You begin at Hótel Eldhestar, in the Ölfus area near Hveragerði, then head onto riding trails that climb toward Reykjafjall.

The Icelandic horse is central to the experience, not just a means of transport. Your English-speaking guide introduces you to the breed’s history while leading the group, giving the ride some local context instead of making it a silent circuit around a stable.

That matters if you are new to horseback riding. The strongest praise for this experience centers on the way beginners are taught and looked after, while experienced riders still have a satisfying outing. You should expect instruction and support rather than being left to manage the horse on your own.

The route also gives you a useful introduction to South Iceland. You see volcanic ground, wooded slopes, geothermal activity, and the broad lowlands around Hveragerði without spending a full day on a larger sightseeing tour.

From Hótel Eldhestar to the slopes of Reykjafjall

The ride starts at Hótel Eldhestar, which is both the meeting point and the return point. If you use the pickup service, your day begins before you reach the stable, but the riding itself starts here with the horse and safety equipment.

After you are fitted with a helmet and waterproof clothing, the group rides uphill along established trails. The first section takes you toward the slopes of Reykjafjall, where the route begins to open up and offer broader views.

This uphill start gives the ride a little more variety than a flat loop. You are not simply circling a paddock. At the same time, the route is still short enough to suit someone who wants a first taste of riding without committing to a full-day program.

The exact pace depends on the group, the horses, and the weather. The information provided does not promise a particular amount of trotting, so do not book this expecting a fast-paced riding lesson. Think of it as a guided scenic ride, with the horse and the surrounding country sharing equal billing.

A rare green forest in a volcanic country

One of the most interesting sections takes you through a green forest. Forest is not the image most people carry of Iceland, so this part changes the feel of the ride. The contrast between trees, volcanic hills, and open views makes the route more varied than a simple ride across bare ground.

I like this section because it shows a less obvious side of Iceland. You are still close to the volcanic character of the region, but the trees soften the view and give the ride a different rhythm.

The forest also helps explain why this experience can work well for mixed interests. You do not need to be deeply interested in horses to enjoy the setting, and you do not need to be a serious sightseer to appreciate the ride itself.

Do keep your expectations realistic. The tour information does not identify the forest by name or promise a long woodland ride. It is one part of a route that also includes hills, hot springs, and open countryside.

Hot springs above Hveragerði

The route then reaches a colorful geothermal area above Hveragerði. You pass many hot springs on volcanic hills overlooking the town, an unusual setting where the ground itself gives the region its character.

Hveragerði is known as the hot spring capital of the world, and its position between Hengill volcano and the southern lowlands helps explain the views from the trail. From horseback, you see the town in relation to the hills and plains rather than encountering it as a separate stop.

The geothermal area changed dramatically after an earthquake in 2008. It is also described as constantly changing, a useful reminder that Iceland’s hot-spring areas are active natural places, not fixed museum displays.

Your guide can add meaning to what you see here by explaining the area and the Icelandic horse. The information does not promise a stop where you get off and inspect the springs, so expect to ride past and view them from the trail.

That distinction is worth noting. If your main goal is to walk among bubbling pools, this is not a replacement for a dedicated geothermal hike. If you want to combine horseback riding with a view of geothermal country, the route gives you that in a compact outing.

Views toward Varmá and the southern lowlands

As the path continues along the volcanic hills, you get views toward Varmá and the wide southern lowlands. These views help tie the individual parts of the ride together. The forest, hot springs, town, mountain, and plains are not isolated sights. They form one connected South Iceland setting.

I find this kind of route more rewarding than a ride that offers only one repeated view. The scenery keeps changing, and the horse gives you a slower, lower viewpoint than you would have from a bus or car.

The ride also lets you cover more ground than walking would allow in the same time. You still have time to notice the details, but you are not limited to the immediate area around the hotel.

The route description includes three hours for the stop, while the overall experience is advertised as about two hours. This may reflect a difference between the full activity block and the riding portion, or it may be a scheduling detail. Confirm the timing before you plan another activity immediately afterward.

How the riding suits different skill levels

This outing appears designed to welcome both experienced riders and people who have never ridden before. That balance is important. A beginner needs clear instruction, a calm introduction, and someone watching out for safety. An experienced rider needs more than a basic lesson in a small enclosed area.

The strongest praise focuses on both groups being well served. Beginners are taught and cared for, while experienced riders are able to enjoy the countryside from the saddle. That makes this a good choice for couples, families, or small groups with different riding backgrounds.

Still, you should be honest about your comfort level when booking. The provided information does not explain the exact riding requirements, how much trotting is included, or how horses are assigned. If you have a serious concern about riding, ask the operator before payment.

The 120-kilogram weight limit is firm and should be checked before booking. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the weight restriction is the clearest physical condition given for the activity.

Weather, waterproofs, and comfort

South Iceland weather can change, so the included waterproofs are more than a minor extra. They reduce the need to pack specialist riding rainwear and make the experience easier for visitors who are fitting the ride into a wider Iceland trip.

A helmet is included as well. Along with the guide-led format, this gives the outing a sensible safety structure, particularly for first-time riders.

The experience requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is useful protection, but it also means you should avoid building an inflexible schedule around this ride if the forecast looks poor.

The activity ends back at Hótel Eldhestar. Pickup and drop-off are included, which makes the tour more practical for people based in Reykjavík or elsewhere without a car. The supplied information does not list every pickup location or the pickup time, so confirm those details after booking.

Is $134.15 a fair price?

At $134.15 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Iceland. The value comes from the combination of transport, horse, guide, safety equipment, waterproofs, and access to countryside that is difficult to experience in the same way on foot.

If you already have a rental car, riding gear, and experience with Icelandic horses, the price may feel high for a short outing. If you are staying in Reykjavík and would otherwise need to arrange transport, rent waterproofs, and find a separate riding center, the package becomes easier to justify.

You are also paying for variety. The ride includes mountain slopes, forest, lava country, hot springs, and views toward Hveragerði. A short duration does not mean a thin experience if you value several distinct settings in one route.

I would compare the cost with your priorities. Horse lovers may find it worth making room for. Someone focused only on famous waterfalls or major geological sights may prefer to put the money toward a longer South Coast excursion.

The activity is commonly booked well in advance, with an average of 41 days. That suggests planning ahead is sensible, especially if your Iceland dates are fixed. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability, so do not assume your place is final until you receive it.

Group size and the feel of the ride

The maximum group size is 50 people. That is a large possible group for a horseback outing, and it is the main social consideration to weigh before booking.

A group of that size can make the experience feel less private and may affect the pace. It can also make the ride more suitable for organized parties and families who want a structured activity rather than a private guide.

The guide leads the group in English and provides information about Icelandic horses and the area. The available details do not promise a private ride, a small group, or a named guide, so book this for the route and format rather than for personal guiding.

The positive point is that the outing has a clear beginning and end at the same place. You are not required to navigate, handle transfers between multiple sites, or find your way back after riding.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to you if you want a manageable horseback experience with real scenery rather than a short stable-yard lesson. It works particularly well for first-time riders who want instruction, equipment, and a guide included.

It also suits experienced riders who want to see Iceland from the saddle without spending an entire day on horseback. The mix of forest, volcanic hills, hot springs, and lowland views gives the route enough variety for a short trip.

This may not be the right choice if you want a private ride, a guaranteed fast pace, or a dedicated walk through the geothermal area. The group may be large, the duration needs clarification, and the tour depends on suitable weather.

Book at least a few weeks ahead if possible. Before confirming, ask about the exact riding duration, pickup point and time, group size for your date, and the amount of trotting expected.

Should you book the Siggi Tour?

You should book this ride if you want an easy, well-supported way to experience South Iceland on horseback. The included pickup, waterproofs, helmets, and English-speaking guide remove much of the planning work, while the route offers more than one type of scenery.

I especially like the combination of beginner support and genuine countryside riding. The geothermal hills above Hveragerði and the unusual forest near Reykjafjall give the outing a clear sense of place.

I would hesitate only if two hours feels too short for the price, if a group of up to 50 sounds uncomfortable, or if you need a tightly timed itinerary. Confirm the timing because the supplied schedule contains a two-hour estimate and a three-hour route entry.

For most visitors who want to try Icelandic horseback riding without taking on a full-day commitment, this is a practical choice. Pack your patience for changing weather, check the 120-kilogram limit, and leave room in your schedule for the ride to run longer than the basic estimate.

FAQ

Where does the ride start?

The ride starts at Hótel Eldhestar, at 816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, Iceland.

Where does the activity end?

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

Is pickup available?

Yes. Free pickup and drop-off are included, though you should confirm the exact pickup location and time after booking.

How long does the ride last?

The experience is listed as approximately two hours. The route information also includes a three-hour stop, so confirm the exact activity and riding duration before booking.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes. An English-speaking guide leads the ride and explains the history of Icelandic horses.

Are helmets and waterproof clothing included?

Yes. Helmets and waterproofs are provided as part of the experience.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 120 kilograms.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.