Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour

Icelandic horses are the main attraction here, but the setting gives the ride its character. You’ll cross the Varmá River, pass through a lava field, and finish on easy riding paths through meadows south of the farm, with volcanic mountains and working farms in view. The chance to feel the horse’s distinctive tölt gait adds something special.

I like the careful, well-trained horses and the way the route changes with wind and weather. I also like that the ride shows you more than postcard scenery: you pass farms and see how agriculture has changed around Ölfus. The main drawback is practical rather than scenic: this is not suitable for children under 7, wheelchair users, or anyone over 264 pounds, and backpacks and professional cameras are not allowed.

Key points about the Ölfus riding route

• The ride includes 1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle, not just a short introductory circuit.
• The route crosses the Varmá River and a lava field, then reaches open meadows and riding paths.
• You may experience the tölt, the smooth, distinctive gait of the Icelandic horse.
• Professional English-speaking guides lead the ride, with routes adjusted for wind and weather.
• Reykjavík transfers are included, with pickup at BSÍ, selected hotels, and city bus stops.
• The horses are well trained, making this a good choice for riders who want a controlled first taste of Icelandic riding.

Why Icelandic horses make this ride different

Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and famous for their extra gaits. The one you are most likely hoping to feel is the tölt, a smooth four-beat movement that can feel more comfortable than a regular trot when the horse has settled into it.

You should not expect a fast, wild gallop. This is a guided countryside ride, and the pace and route depend on conditions. That is a plus if you want to enjoy the scenery without worrying about handling an unfamiliar horse at speed.

The horses receive strong praise for looking after their riders. That matters here because many people booking this experience will be beginners or occasional riders. A steady horse and a guide who can help you get used to the tölt are worth more than a flashy ride that feels rushed.

The ride is also a good fit for someone who wants time in the saddle. With 1.5 to 2 hours of riding included, you get enough time to settle in, learn the basic rhythm, and notice the difference between ordinary walking and the horse’s special gait.

From Reykjavík to the Ölfus farm

The experience begins with a transfer from Reykjavík. Pickup is offered at BSÍ main bus station, Hotel Cabin, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, the Reykjavík bus terminal, and a selection of central bus stops.

The listed stops include Harpa, Lækjargata, Skúlagata, Höfðatorg, Tjörnin, Snorrabraut, Vesturbugt, Miðbakki, Safnahúsið, Rauðarárstígur, Austurbær, and Ráðhúsið City Hall. Since several stops have similar names, check your exact pickup point when booking and be there five minutes early.

Look for a white or gray bus or van with the Eldhestar logo. Transport runs at 8:00 and 13:00, so the timing is fairly simple to plan around. The return transfer uses the same general group of Reykjavík stops.

The transfer is part of the value. At $132 per person, you are not only paying for the riding time. You are also getting transportation out of the city, riding and safety equipment, and an English-speaking guide. If you would otherwise need to arrange a rental car or taxi to reach the farm, the package becomes easier to justify.

Crossing the Varmá River and entering the countryside

Once at the farm, the ride heads into the surrounding countryside. One of the memorable route features is the crossing of the Varmá River, a small but welcome change from riding only on a fenced track.

The exact route is not fixed. Guides choose the best available paths according to wind and weather, which is sensible in Iceland. Strong wind can change how exposed a route feels, and a flexible plan gives the guide room to choose safer and more pleasant riding conditions.

You’ll also pass through an area of lava. Iceland’s volcanic ground can look rough and dark beside the green pasture, giving you a quick sense of how fire and farming share the same country. The route is not just a scenic loop around the stable. It connects several types of countryside in a compact ride.

For me, this mix is one of the experience’s strongest features. You get water, lava, pasture, farms, and mountain views without needing a full-day excursion. The scenery keeps changing enough to hold your attention, but the two-hour length is manageable for a first ride.

Meadows, farms, and volcanic mountain views

After the river and lava field sections, the route reaches good riding paths in the meadows south of the farm. This is where you are most likely to appreciate the broad views and the steady pace.

You’ll see farmland and several nearby farms. That detail gives the ride a useful local angle. Instead of seeing Iceland only as empty volcanic ground, you see how people have worked and settled this part of the country over time.

The guides also offer context about how agriculture has developed over the past decades. This is a small detail, but it helps connect the view to daily life. You are not simply passing green fields. You are seeing a working rural area near Hveragerdi.

Volcanic mountains provide the backdrop, while the paths through the meadows give the horses room to move in a controlled way. If the weather is clear, you should have good views. If the wind is strong or conditions change, the route may be adjusted. That flexibility means the exact scenery is not guaranteed, but it is a better approach than forcing one route in poor conditions.

What the guides and equipment add

The tour includes professional, English-speaking guides. Their role is practical: they help match riders with horses, explain riding and safety procedures, lead the group, and help you understand the tölt.

That guidance is especially useful if you have ridden before but have little experience with Icelandic horses. Even confident riders need to learn how this breed moves. One rider specifically described learning a lot about the horses and getting used to the tölt, which is a good indication of what the instruction adds.

A helmet is included, along with rain gear and winter overalls. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, so this equipment reduces the risk of having to pack a full outdoor wardrobe for a two-hour activity.

You should still wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes. Your shoes should be practical rather than fashionable, since you need to walk around the farm and use the stirrups safely. Small waist bags are allowed, but backpacks are not. Professional cameras are also not allowed, so plan to enjoy the ride rather than manage bulky photo equipment.

How the $132 price compares in practical terms

At $132, this is not the cheapest activity you can add to a Reykjavík itinerary. The price makes more sense when you count the included pieces: 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, a guide, helmet and protective clothing, and transportation from and back to Reykjavík.

The route also offers more variety than a basic paddock session. You may cross a river, ride beside lava fields, follow meadow paths, and see farms and volcanic mountains. That makes the fee easier to defend for someone who wants a real countryside outing rather than a short horse introduction.

Still, the value depends on what you want. If you already have access to a car and mainly want a brief photo opportunity with horses, this may feel expensive. If you want a guided ride with transport and equipment handled for you, the package is more convenient.

The reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some planning flexibility, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Those terms are useful in Iceland, where weather can affect plans, though you should still check the exact booking conditions at the time you reserve.

Who should book this Icelandic horse ride

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a guided and controlled introduction
• Experienced riders curious about the Icelandic horse and tölt
• Couples or small groups looking for a countryside activity outside Reykjavík
• Visitors who do not want to rent a car for a farm visit
• Anyone who values scenery, local agriculture, and time outdoors as much as the riding itself

It is less suitable if you want a fast ride, a long-distance trek, or a private experience. The supplied details do not promise a private group or a particular riding speed, so you should book with the expectation of a guided group outing.

The age limit is clear: children under 7 cannot participate. The activity is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms. Those restrictions are important to check before paying.

Timing your day around the 8:00 and 13:00 departures

The morning and afternoon departures make the tour easy to fit into a Reykjavík schedule. The 8:00 pickup gives you a full afternoon afterward, while the 13:00 option lets you have a relaxed morning before heading to the farm.

Remember that the stated two-hour duration refers to the activity, not necessarily the full time from your Reykjavík pickup to your return. The transfer is included, but the total day will be longer than two hours.

If you are pairing this with another timed excursion, leave room between activities. Weather, road conditions, pickup points, and the time needed to get riders ready can all affect the day. I would avoid scheduling a major attraction immediately after the expected return.

The strongest reason to go

The best reason to choose this ride is the combination of well-trained Icelandic horses and varied countryside. The horses are not simply there as decoration. You have time to learn about them, ride them across several kinds of terrain, and try the tölt with guidance.

The second strong reason is the sense of place. Crossing the Varmá River and riding near lava fields connects the activity to Iceland’s volcanic setting, while the farms and meadows show the human side of Ölfus.

You will need to accept some uncertainty in the route because the guide may alter it for wind and weather. I see that as a practical strength, not a weakness, but it means you should not book expecting one exact sequence of views.

Should you book the Siggi Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a manageable two-hour ride on Icelandic horses, especially if you are interested in trying the tölt and seeing countryside beyond Reykjavík. The included equipment and transfers make it a convenient choice, and the mix of river, lava, meadows, farms, and mountains gives the outing real variety.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, want a fast or private ride, plan to carry a backpack or professional camera, or fall outside the age and weight limits. For everyone else, the $132 price is reasonable when you value transport, instruction, safety gear, and a genuine rural setting in one package.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour take place?

The ride takes place in Ölfus, in the countryside around the farm near Hveragerdi. The route includes meadows, a lava field, the Varmá River, farms, and views of volcanic mountains.

How long is the riding portion?

The riding portion lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. The full outing takes longer because pickup and return transport from Reykjavík are included.

Is transportation from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from BSÍ main bus station, selected hotels, and listed Reykjavík bus stops.

What time does pickup run?

Transport for the tours runs at 8:00 and 13:00. You should wait at your chosen pickup point five minutes before the scheduled time.

How do I identify the pickup vehicle?

Look for a white or gray bus or van with the Eldhestar logo.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour includes an English-speaking live guide.

Will I get to ride at the tölt gait?

The route provides a good opportunity to experience the Icelandic horse’s tölt. The exact riding experience depends on the horse, guide, and conditions.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes. A helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls are provided.

Can I bring a backpack or camera?

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

Who cannot participate?

The tour is not suitable for children under 7, wheelchair users, or people over 264 pounds, or 120 kilograms.