Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour

This tour is interesting because it pairs Icelandic horse riding with real countryside variety, all inside a short, manageable time. You head out from Reykjavík, ride through meadows and volcanic terrain near the farm, then get back the same day.

Two things I really like: first, the professional English-speaking guides focus on route choice and your comfort, so you spend less time guessing and more time riding. Second, you get a genuine chance to experience the Icelandic horse’s special gait, the tölt, not just a slow walk-and-photos loop.

One drawback to keep in mind: the route is adjusted based on weather and wind, so the exact trail mix can vary. Also, this ride is not for everyone, including children under 7 and people over 264 lbs (120 kg).

Quick take: what makes the Siggi Horse Riding Tour special

• Icelandic horses with a real shot at experiencing tölt
• Professional guides who choose the best routes for wind and weather
• Scenic riding through meadows, lava field terrain, and river Varmá
• A route that ends on good riding paths in southern meadows near the farm
• Passes several farms, so you see how agriculture developed around here

Where you ride: meadows, lava, and river Varmá near Reykjavík

This is not a flat, one-note trail. The whole point is variety. Starting from the farm area, your route can cross the river Varmá and move through a lava field zone, then transition to calmer riding paths in the meadows south of the farm.

That mix matters for your experience. If you only ride in open pasture, Iceland can feel samey, even when the views are gorgeous. Here, the ground changes. You feel it when the terrain goes from soft meadow riding to more dramatic volcanic texture, and it keeps your attention on the trail instead of boredom.

Along the way, you’re also not riding in total wilderness isolation. The route passes several farms, which gives you an on-the-ground view of agriculture. You can see what fields look like from horseback and get a sense of how farmland fits into a landscape shaped by volcanoes.

And yes, the views of volcanic mountains and farmland are part of the package. You’re riding in an area where the scenery looks like it belongs in a geology textbook, but you experience it at horse height, which is a very different perspective than a car window.

Price and what $132 really covers for a 2-hour ride

At $132 per person for a 2-hour experience, this sits in the mid-range for Iceland activities that include horses. The value comes from what you get bundled, not just the time.

Here’s what’s included:

• Transfer from and to Reykjavík
• An English-speaking guide
• Riding and safety equipment (helmet, rain gear, winter overalls)
• About 1.5 to 2 hours of riding

So you’re paying for more than the horse time. You’re also paying for safe setup, appropriate cold-weather gear, and the logistics of getting you from the city to the farm without a rental car. That can be a big deal in the Capital Region, especially if you’re juggling limited vacation hours.

Is it a long excursion? No. It’s designed to be short enough that you can stack it with other stops in your day. That’s exactly why it works. You get the Iceland horse experience and a countryside ride without surrendering half your trip.

Getting to Ölfus: Reykjavík pickup, timing, and spotting the van

The ride starts in Reykjavík. You’ll use one of many pickup points, including the BSÍ main bus station and select hotels and bus stops. Pickup happens at 8:00 and 13:00, so you can choose the time slot that best fits your schedule.

Look for a white or grey bus/van with the Eldhestar logo. The practical trick here is to arrive early enough that you’re not sprinting across the sidewalk at the last minute. The tour asks you to wait 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time, which is a good rule of thumb in Reykjavík anyway, given how spread out the stops can be.

If you like having clear landmarks, you’ll often see options tied to well-known places like Harpa, the City Hall area (Ráðhúsið), Lækjargata, Tjörnin (the Pond), and stops along Snorrabraut. You can use these as orientation anchors when you plan which pickup point to choose.

After the ride, you’ll return to Reykjavík with drop-off at similar locations. In other words, you’re not left trying to solve transport back on cold Iceland time.

The ride itself: how the 2-hour experience is paced

Your total experience is listed as 2 hours, and the riding portion is about 1.5 to 2 hours. That means there is time for getting suited up, getting briefed, and then settling into the ride.

This is where the gear makes a real difference. You’re provided with:

• A helmet
• Rain gear
• Winter overalls

Even if you’re an experienced traveler who thinks you’re prepared for Iceland, I still like this setup. It lowers the risk of showing up underdressed or missing the one layer that would have made the ride comfortable.

You also get an English-speaking guide, and the guides steer the experience. Your route selection depends on weather and wind conditions, which matters because a windy day can change what feels safe and pleasant on the trail.

So expect a guided ride where the goal is not speed. It’s comfort, route choice, and giving you enough riding time to actually feel like you experienced Icelandic horses, not just mounted them for a minute.

Terrain walkthrough: river Varmá, lava field paths, and meadow endings

The route can include three standout terrain types. First, meadows. These are your visual reset and your breathing space, with open views toward volcanic mountains and farmland.

Second, lava field terrain. This is where the countryside stops being postcard pretty and starts feeling truly Iceland. Lava zones can look rough and dramatic from the ground, and riding through that landscape adds a sense of place that you don’t get from groomed trails near towns.

Third, a small river crossing is part of the experience. You might pass across or near the river area, including the river Varmá when conditions allow. Either way, it’s one of those moments that makes you remember you’re on a living landscape, not an indoor attraction.

The ride then ends on good riding paths in the meadows south of the farm. That ending matters more than you might think. Trails that feel easier near the end help you settle into your seat and focus on the experience, instead of ending the ride exhausted or tense.

If you love scenery, keep your eyes up as often as you can while staying safe. You’ll see volcanic mountains and farmland, plus multiple farms along the way. That farm-to-farm view gives context. It helps you connect the landscape to the human work happening in it.

The tölt moment: learning to ride an Icelandic gait with help

If the Icelandic horse’s tölt is on your must-do list, this tour is built for that. It’s explicitly part of the experience, and the ride trails are chosen with the practical goal of keeping you on good routes while you learn.

What makes a difference is the guide support. The horses are trained to take care of their riders, which means you can focus on feeling confident rather than fighting the basics of balance and rhythm the entire time.

In practical terms, if you’re new to riding Icelandic horses, you should expect a short learning curve. You may spend a little time adjusting to how the gait feels under you. The good news is that the ride is guided, and you get the chance to get used to the tölt during the experience, not just at the very start or during a brief clip.

This is also where Icelandic horses feel different from many other riding experiences. You’re not just sitting on a horse. You’re experiencing an Iceland-specific riding style.

Guides, safety, and why this feels controlled without feeling stiff

You’ll be guided by professional guides, and that shows up in the flow of the ride. You’re not left to figure out route decisions or handling. Instead, the guides choose the best riding routes based on weather and wind.

That matters because Iceland weather can change fast. A windy day can make open paths uncomfortable, and the guide planning helps keep the ride enjoyable. It’s also why the route can vary slightly from day to day.

Safety equipment is handled for you with helmet and cold-weather layers. And the horses are described as very well trained for taking care of riders, which is what you want if you’re not sure how your body will feel after time in a saddle.

At the same time, you’re outdoors in real terrain. This isn’t a controlled arena ride. The goal isn’t to make you feel like you’re in a classroom. It’s to help you handle Iceland conditions enough to enjoy the ride.

What to bring: shoes, layers, and the small stuff that makes it easier

Iceland riding is mostly a clothing game. The good part is you’ll get rain gear and winter overalls, so you’re not fully on your own.

Still, bring:

• Hiking shoes (important for gripping and stability)
• Comfortable clothes you can move in under the provided overalls

A couple of rules are also worth noting:

• No professional cameras
• No backpacks
• Small waist bags are allowed

That backpack rule sounds minor, but it’s worth taking seriously. It’s about safety and balance. A waist bag is easier to secure and won’t swing around while you’re mounted.

Also, you might want to bring a simple layer under the provided gear, since the outdoor conditions can change quickly. But since the provided layers cover most of your cold needs, you don’t have to overthink it like you do for some other winter activities.

Who should book the Siggi tour, and who should skip it

This tour is a great fit if:

• You want to ride Icelandic horses in a scenic setting without spending a full day on transport
• You’re excited about the chance to experience tölt with guide support
• You like countryside riding that includes lava terrain and rivers, not just a single flat pasture

It may not be a match if:

• You need wheelchair accessibility, because it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• You’re traveling with children under 7 years
• You’re above the 264 lbs (120 kg) weight limit

If you’re a healthy adult rider who can handle a cold-weather saddle day, you’re probably in the sweet spot. If you’re unsure, look at the restrictions and plan around them early, so you don’t end up deciding last minute in Reykjavík.

Should you book Hveragerdi and the Siggi Horse Riding Tour?

I’d book this if you want a practical, value-focused horse experience that gets you out of Reykjavík and onto real volcanic-and-farm terrain. The combination of included transfers, guided riding, and provided cold-weather gear is exactly what makes this feel easy to plan.

You should book with confidence if:

• You want a guided ride on a trained Icelandic horse
• You care about experiencing tölt, not just a basic walk
• You like routes that change between meadows, lava terrain, and river areas

I’d hesitate only if you know you strongly dislike weather-based route changes, or if your plans rely on perfect conditions and fixed scenery. Since the route is chosen based on wind and weather, the day you ride shapes what you see.

If you’re ready for a short but genuinely Iceland-style ride, this is a solid choice. It’s the kind of tour that makes you feel like you traveled, not just toured, even if you only have a couple of hours to spare.

FAQ

How long is the Siggi Horse Riding Tour?

The tour duration is listed as 2 hours, with about 1.5 to 2 hours of riding time.

What’s included with the ticket price?

Your experience includes English-speaking guidance, riding and safety equipment (helmet, rain gear, winter overalls), and transfer to and from Reykjavík.

Do I get picked up in Reykjavík?

Yes. Pickup is included, with stops at BSÍ main bus station, certain hotels, and bus stops. Pickup is at 8:00 and 13:00 depending on the scheduled time.

Where does the tour ride take place?

You ride in the scenic surroundings of the farm in the Capital Region area, including possible routes across the river Varmá, through a lava field area, and through meadows south of the farm.

Is the Icelandic horse gait called tölt part of the experience?

Yes. The ride offers an opportunity to experience the Icelandic horse’s special gait, the tölt.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes.

Are cameras allowed?

Professional cameras are not allowed.

Are backpacks allowed?

Backpacks are not allowed, but small waist bags are allowed.

Is it suitable for children, wheelchair users, and heavier riders?

It is not suitable for children under 7, not suitable for wheelchair users, and not suitable for people over 264 lbs (120 kg).