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

Horseback riding in South Iceland is interesting because it lets you move through places most people only see from a road, and on this ride you do it on sturdy Icelandic horses. You will cross rough volcanic ground, pass into greener areas, and end up riding along mountain slopes near Reykjafjall/Reykjafell before you shift your eyes toward geothermal activity above Hveragerði.

What I like most is that you get free pickup and drop-off, so the day feels simpler. I also like that the tour treats safety like a basic requirement, with helmets and waterproofs included, plus an English-speaking guide who explains what you are seeing, including the history of Icelandic horses.

One consideration: this experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled and you will be offered a different date or a full refund, so it helps to have flexible plans for the day.

Key things to know before you ride

• Free pickup and drop-off means less driving and fewer logistics.
• Helmets and waterproofs are provided for a safer, more comfortable ride.
• Green forests plus volcanic terrain makes the scenery feel more varied than you might expect in Iceland.
• Hot springs near Hveragerði connect the ride to real geothermal geology and the area’s ongoing change.
• English-speaking guidance and horse history keeps the ride from being only scenic, it also teaches.
• Different skill levels are handled well, with support for inexperienced riders mentioned in the feedback.

What the Siggi Tour Is Actually Like on the Ground

This is a horseback ride built for real movement, not just a slow walk around a farm. The route is designed to get you across countryside faster than you could on foot, with changing terrain in a short time. Expect the kind of ride where your day starts outdoors, you keep the horses moving through trails, and your surroundings change as you go.

The tour is described as a 1.5 to 2-hour ride and is also listed as about 2 hours. In practice, you should plan for the full outing to feel closer to 2 to 3 hours once you factor in check-in, fitting, and time with the group. That matters if you are building the rest of your South Iceland day.

You do not need to think of this as a technical riding lesson either. The emphasis is on a guided, safe ride with coaching and context. That comes through in the high rating summary, which points to both experienced riders and people who are brand new being looked after.

Hótel Eldhestar Meet Point, Pickup, and What Gear You Should Expect

Your start is at Hótel Eldhestar, 816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, Iceland. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you are not scrambling for a second transfer later.

One of the practical wins here is pickup and drop-off are included. If you are basing yourself near Reykjavík, this reduces the stress of figuring out transport into South Iceland. Even if you are staying in the area already, it still helps because you can show up, get equipped, and focus on riding.

You also get the essentials for Iceland weather and rider safety: helmets and waterproofs are included. That is not just a nice touch. In Iceland, rain and mist can turn a pleasant ride into an uncomfortable one fast, so having the right gear is what keeps the experience enjoyable instead of distracting.

The tour also notes a maximum of 50 travelers. That is large enough that you will feel like part of a group, but it also suggests the operation is structured and not chaotic. The best sign is the feedback that inexperienced riders were taught and looked after, which usually means the staff keeps things organized.

Riding Up Reykjafjall: Trails, Forest Color, and Hot Springs in the Same Session

The core of the experience starts with an active ride right away. After meeting at Hótel Eldhestar and getting sorted, you ride up a hill on good riding trails. From there, the route follows the slopes around Reykjafjall/Reykjafell, then moves into a green forest, which is specifically called out as a rare sight in Iceland.

That part is worth paying attention to, because the emotional payoff of this tour is not only about one view. It is about how quickly Iceland can shift. One moment you are riding through volcanic ground patterns and open terrain, and the next you are in a greener, more sheltered stretch that feels like a different country.

Then comes the geothermal section. As you continue along the volcanic hills above the village of Hveragerði, you pass many hot springs. If you have ever wondered why Iceland feels geologically loud, this is a hands-on way to connect the word geothermal to something you can see while moving past it.

The guide’s context also matters here. The tour description highlights the area’s expansion during an earthquake in 2008 and notes that the geothermal landscape is constantly changing. That gives meaning to what would otherwise just be steaming ground.

Hveragerði Country: Why the Geothermal Area Above Town Feels Personal

Hveragerði is famous for geothermal activity, and this tour approaches it from above, by riding the volcanic hills in the area. That angle changes how you perceive the steam and color. Instead of looking down at a fenced-off spot, you experience it while you ride through the surrounding trails.

The route also places the area between larger geographic features, described as being between volcano Hengill and the wide southern lowlands. Even if you do not memorize every name, the guide’s framing helps you build a mental map of where you are. Iceland becomes easier to understand when you connect place names to what you actually see.

There is also mention of getting views toward Varmá (the wording is truncated, but the name is clearly part of the ride’s scenic highlights). In a short ride, a few well-timed view moments can make the difference between a ride that feels like “movement” and a ride that feels like “I got it.”

Safety and Support: How This Tour Handles First-Time Riders

One of the most praised aspects in the feedback is how the guides manage mixed experience levels. The note that experienced riders were happy and inexperienced riders were taught and looked after is exactly what you want to hear for an Iceland horseback tour.

You get structure and support instead of being thrown into the deep end. That is especially important if you are the kind of person who wants to enjoy the ride without constantly thinking about balance, pace, or what to do with your hands. A good operation reduces the mental load so you can focus on the scenery and the guide’s explanations.

The safety foundation is straightforward: helmets and waterproofs are included, and the description frames the experience as safe. Plus, there is a weight limit of 120 kg. If you are above that, you should treat the tour as not suitable, even if you ride well on your own.

Finally, the tour states that most travelers can participate. That is a broad statement, but it tells you it is not built exclusively for advanced riders. If you want an Iceland horse ride without needing a background in riding, this is the right category to look at.

The English-Speaking Guide and the Icelandic Horse Story

The ride is not only about views. Your guide walks you through what you are seeing and shares the history of Icelandic horses. For many people, that history piece is the difference between a fun photo stop and an experience that sticks.

On tours like this, the guide’s job is also practical. They set pace, keep everyone moving in a way that works for the group, and help riders adjust quickly. Since the feedback specifically calls out how inexperienced riders were supported, you can reasonably expect the guide to keep communication clear and hands-on when needed.

There are no extra gimmicks mentioned. The value is in a focused ride plus real context: geothermal activity, terrain, and the horse culture that makes Iceland riding distinct.

Timing, Group Size, and How to Plan Your Day

Let’s talk logistics without turning it into paperwork. The Siggi Tour is about 2 hours and is also listed as 3 hours depending on how the outing is measured. The safer planning move is this: schedule the rest of your day as if you might need extra time for fitting, getting there, and ending back where you started.

The tour also notes a maximum of 50 travelers. That is not a small group, but it is not enormous either. What you should care about is that you will likely experience the ride as a shared flow, guided start to finish, rather than a private track.

And because this is Iceland, start times and weather can shape your experience. The tour requires good weather, so if you are in South Iceland for just one day, this is something to consider when you choose which activity has the backup plan.

Price and Value: Is $134.15 Worth It?

At $134.15 per person, this is not the cheapest thing you can do in Iceland. So here is how I would judge value in a practical way.

You are paying for:

• a guided ride on an Icelandic horse
• pickup and drop-off included
• helmets and waterproofs provided
• instruction and interpretation during the ride

When you pencil it out like that, the price starts to make sense. A lot of Iceland tours charge for transportation, and then charge again for gear. Here, transportation and key safety items are part of the experience, so the price is bundled.

The ride length also helps. Two hours in Iceland weather on a horse, with gear included, is time you can feel. If you were going to spend that same time driving around and searching for viewpoints, you would still need to handle the practical stuff. This turns it into one guided flow.

One more hint: it is commonly booked 41 days in advance on average. That usually means demand is steady, not an obscure sidetrack, so you will get more value if you secure your spot early and plan around the weather.

Weather Matters More Than Your Itinerary

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

So here is the practical advice: do not stack three weather-dependent activities in a single short window on the same day. Give yourself at least one flexible slot. Also, remember that “poor weather” in Iceland can mean wind, rain, or visibility, and that is enough to change plans quickly.

The good news is that the tour is designed to use provided waterproofs and helmets. With correct gear, light rain might be manageable. But if conditions are truly unsafe, you want the operator to stop the ride rather than push through.

Who Should Book the Siggi Tour and Who Might Skip It

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a guided horseback ride that covers more ground than walking
• the combination of countryside, forest, and geothermal sights
• a ride that supports different riding comfort levels
• the convenience of pickup and drop-off plus included gear

It may not be ideal if:

• you are strictly sensitive to weather changes and cannot adjust plans
• you are over the 120 kg weight limit
• you are looking for a full-day, deep sightseeing program instead of a shorter ride focused on riding and interpretation

It is also a good choice for couples or solo travelers who want an active experience. And if you are traveling with a service animal, the tour states service animals are allowed.

Should You Book This Siggi Tour From Reykjavík?

If you are trying to fit real South Iceland into limited time, this is the kind of activity that makes sense. You get a guided Icelandic horse ride, included pickup and drop-off, and you move through multiple types of terrain in one session, including the surprising green forest and the geothermal area above Hveragerði.

The biggest reason to book is the practical mix: safety gear included, coaching that works for inexperienced riders, and a guide who adds meaning with horse history. The main reason to hesitate is weather dependence. If you can build flexibility into your days, I would book.

FAQ

How long is the Siggi Tour?

The tour is listed as about 2 hours, and it is also shown with a 3-hour duration in the activity details. Plan on roughly 2 to 3 hours total time with the group.

Is pickup offered for this tour?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included.

What equipment is provided for riding?

Helmets and waterproofs are included as part of the experience.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

The tour starts at Hótel Eldhestar (816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, Iceland) and ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the weight limit for riders?

The weight limit is 120 kg.

How many people can be in the group?

The tour lists a maximum of 50 travelers.

Does the tour run in poor weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.