Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour

I like this ride for two clear reasons: you get a close look at Icelandic horses, and the route takes you across more than one kind of countryside, from lava fields to farm meadows. The guide also introduces the horses and their distinctive tölt, so the ride is about more than following a trail.

The main consideration is the weather. The route changes with wind and conditions, and the ride itself lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, with Reykjavík transfers adding time to your day. You’ll need to be comfortable on horseback, and the tour is not suitable for children under 7, wheelchair users, or people over 264 pounds (120 kilograms).

• Ride through Ölfus countryside: The route may cross the Varmá river and pass lava fields, meadows, farms and volcanic mountain views.
• Meet Icelandic horses: Your guide can help you get used to the horse and its special tölt gait.
• Weather shapes the route: Wind and conditions determine which trails are best on the day.
• Transport is included: Pickup and drop-off are available at Reykjavík locations, with transport starting at 8:00 and 13:00.
• Riding gear is provided: Helmets, rain gear and winter overalls are included.
• Check the restrictions: Riders must be at least 7 years old, weigh no more than 264 pounds (120 kilograms), and be able to ride without wheelchair access.

Riding from the farm into Ölfus

The ride begins in the countryside around the farm, away from central Reykjavík’s streets and bus stops. Once you’re mounted, the experience shifts to open farmland, gentle trails and views of volcanic mountains. It’s a practical way to see a rural part of Iceland without needing to rent a car or plan your own route.

The exact path depends on weather and wind, so it is best to think of the route as a flexible circuit rather than a fixed string of landmarks. Depending on conditions, you may cross the Varmá river, ride past lava fields, and finish on established paths through meadows south of the farm. That variety gives the ride its appeal: the surroundings change as you move, even though the tour stays close to its starting point.

You may also pass several farms. The guide can use them to explain how agriculture in the area has changed over recent decades. That local detail helps put the view in context. You are not just riding past fields; you are seeing a working rural area and getting a sense of how people have used it over time.

Learning the Icelandic horse’s tölt

A central part of this outing is the chance to experience the Icelandic horse’s tölt. The tour is designed to give you time on pleasant riding paths where you can get used to the horse’s distinctive gait. If you have never ridden an Icelandic horse, this is a useful reason to choose a guided ride over a simple scenic walk.

The horses are a major part of the appeal. The strongest praise for the experience focuses on how well-trained and considerate they are with their riders. That matters if you’re new to horseback riding or feel a little unsure at the start. A horse that takes care with its rider can make it easier to relax and pay attention to the countryside.

Your English-speaking guide also introduces you to the horses and helps you settle into the ride. One of the pleasures of a small-scale countryside activity is that the guide can explain what you are seeing as it comes into view, rather than leaving you to work it out from the saddle. Specific guide names are not provided, so you can’t request a named guide in advance.

Do not expect a riding lesson focused only on technique. The tour combines a guided countryside ride with an introduction to the horses and their gait. Your experience will depend on your comfort on horseback, the conditions, and the route chosen that day.

What the two-hour outing looks like

The tour’s listed duration is two hours, and the riding portion is about 1.5 to 2 hours. Reykjavík transport is included, so the full time commitment will be longer than the time in the saddle. The schedule lists transport departures at 8:00 and 13:00, with pickup at BSÍ main bus station, certain hotels and bus stops.

The first part is the transfer from the city toward Ölfus. Pickup and drop-off options include Reykjavík locations such as BSÍ, Hotel Cabin, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, the bus terminal and several designated bus stops. The available choices are not identical at every booking, so check your selected pickup point and time rather than assuming every stop is available for your date.

Arrive at your pickup location five minutes before the scheduled time. Look for a white or grey vehicle with the Eldhestar logo. That detail is worth remembering: Reykjavík’s numbered bus stops can be easy to mix up, and you do not want to start a countryside ride by watching the transfer vehicle disappear down the road.

After reaching the farm area, you’ll ride with the guide through the selected route. The trails may take you past a river, lava ground, farms and meadows, with mountain views along the way. The order and exact mix of scenery depend on conditions, so a windy day may mean a different route from a calmer one.

At the end, you return to Reykjavík and are dropped at one of the available city locations. The return options include many of the same central stops and hotels as pickup. If you have a tight connection or a fixed afternoon plan, allow room for the transfer rather than treating the two-hour ride duration as the entire excursion.

Why the changing route can be a plus

In Iceland, wind and weather can shape what is comfortable and sensible outdoors. Here, the guide chooses from the best riding routes available on the day, rather than promising one exact trail regardless of conditions. That flexibility can mean a safer, more pleasant ride, though it also means you should not book with one specific crossing or view as a must-see.

The route’s mix of terrain is a strength. A river crossing, if conditions allow, gives the ride a different feel from open meadow paths. Lava fields add a reminder of the volcanic ground beneath the farms, while the meadows south of the farm offer established riding paths for the latter part of the outing.

The views of volcanic mountains and farmland are part of the experience, but the ride is not presented as a dramatic wilderness expedition. You are exploring the farm’s surroundings and a rural area where agriculture remains visible. If you want a guided introduction to countryside and horses, that is a good fit. If you’re looking for a long-distance trek or a remote backcountry ride, this shorter outing may not be enough.

What the price includes

At $132 per person, the price includes 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, an English-speaking guide, riding and safety equipment, and transport from and back to Reykjavík. The practical value comes from having the horse, gear, guide and city transfer arranged together. You do not need to organize a separate trip to the farm or bring your own helmet and weather gear.

The price makes most sense if you want a guided horseback ride and need transport from the capital. If you already have your own way to Ölfus, the included transfer may be less valuable to you, but the ride still includes the guide and equipment. The experience is not a full-day excursion, so it can fit into a day with other plans, provided you account for the extra travel time.

You can reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility while planning. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the current booking details for the departure time and pickup option that suit you.

What to wear and what to leave behind

Bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. The tour provides a helmet, rain gear and winter overalls, so you do not need to supply those items yourself. Still, comfortable clothing matters: you’ll be outside and on horseback, and the route and conditions can change.

Backpacks and professional cameras are not allowed. Small waist bags are permitted, which is a useful option for carrying a phone or a few small essentials without bringing a full pack. Keep your belongings simple and follow the equipment restrictions so they do not get in the way while riding.

The tour is not suitable for children under 7, wheelchair users, or people over 264 pounds (120 kilograms). These limits are important to check before booking, not something to sort out at the farm. If anyone in your group has concerns about riding or the physical requirements, confirm suitability before reserving.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I’d recommend this tour to you if you want a manageable introduction to Icelandic horseback riding, especially if you’re curious about the local horse and its tölt. The guided format and supplied safety gear make the practical side simpler, while the route offers a taste of farms, meadows, lava fields and mountain views.

It also suits visitors staying in Reykjavík who would rather not arrange their own transport to the countryside. The included pickup and return service is a real convenience, especially when you are planning around a short stay. Just remember that the transfer adds time beyond the riding portion.

This is less suited to anyone who wants a guaranteed route, a long ride, or a fully accessible activity. Weather affects the path, and the eligibility limits are firm. If you’re comfortable with those conditions and want a guided ride with well-trained Icelandic horses, this is a sensible way to get out of the city and into the countryside.

Should you book the Siggi Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want to ride an Icelandic horse, learn about the tölt, and see Ölfus on a guided trail without arranging your own transport. The combination of horses, rural scenery and included gear gives the two-hour ride a clear purpose, and the guide’s role adds useful context along the way.

Skip it if you need a fixed itinerary, cannot meet the stated rider restrictions, or want a full day in the saddle. Before booking, check your pickup location, departure time and clothing plan. If those details work for you, this is a practical countryside outing with a memorable focus: time on a well-trained Icelandic horse.

FAQ

How long is the ride?

The riding portion lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. The tour duration is listed as two hours, and the Reykjavík transfers add extra time to the outing.

Where does the ride take place?

The ride takes place in the countryside around the farm in Ölfus. Depending on conditions, the route may pass meadows, lava fields, a small river and farms.

Will I ride across the Varmá river?

The route may cross the Varmá river, but the exact trail depends on weather and wind conditions.

What is the Icelandic horse’s tölt?

The tölt is a special gait of the Icelandic horse that you may experience on the pleasant riding trails.

Is transport from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Transfer from and back to Reykjavík is included, with pickup available at BSÍ, certain hotels and designated bus stops.

What time does the transport depart?

Transport for the tours starts at 8:00 and 13:00. Check availability for the starting time offered on your date.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. Helmets, rain gear and winter overalls are provided.

Are there restrictions on what I can bring?

Backpacks and professional cameras are not allowed. Small waist bags are permitted.

Can children or wheelchair users join?

The tour is not suitable for children under 7 or wheelchair users. It is also not suitable for people over 264 pounds (120 kilograms).