A ride in Iceland on a horse that moves differently. This Hveragerði Siggi Horse Riding Tour takes you through classic southern Iceland scenery near the farm—meadows, lava field areas, and even across the river Varmá—while an English-speaking guide helps you settle in on the Icelandic horse’s gait, the tölt.

What I like most is the route planning. The tour is designed to use the best riding paths based on weather and wind, so you’re not stuck on an option that feels forced just because it’s planned on a calendar. I also really value the hands-on guidance and well-trained horses; it’s the kind of outing where you’re not just sitting on a horse—you’re learning how to ride it.

One thing to keep in mind: it’s not for everyone. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 7, wheelchair users, or people over 264 lbs (120 kg), and professional cameras and backpacks aren’t allowed.

Key highlights you’ll feel fast

• Icelandic horses + the tölt: You’ll have real chances to experience the special gait.
• Scenery by design: River Varmá, lava field areas, and meadows south of the farm.
• Guides do the heavy lifting: English-speaking professionals guide you the whole way.
• Equipment included: Helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls for cold, wet Iceland days.
• Reykjavík pickup and drop-off: Start and end in the capital area with scheduled transport.

Hveragerði horseback riding: what makes this tour click

This is one of those Iceland trips where the setting does half the work. You’re in the Capital Region, but once you’re out on the trails, it feels like you’ve stepped into a quieter world of volcanic mountains, farmland, and working-looking countryside.

The big win is that the ride is built around real riding routes. Instead of saying you’ll do the same track no matter what, the tour uses the best paths depending on weather and wind conditions. That matters in Iceland, where conditions can change fast, and a good day on horseback can turn into a frustrating one if the route ignores what’s happening outdoors.

Second, you’re not just on a horse. The tour is set up so you can actually get comfortable with how an Icelandic horse moves—especially the tölt. Even if you’re a first-timer, the guidance is focused on helping you match the rhythm.

Finally, the experience includes a scenic mix that’s hard to replicate elsewhere in one short outing: passing meadows, moving through a lava field area, and getting views of volcanic mountains and farmland while you ride. That’s the kind of variety you want in a 2-hour tour.

The 2-hour flow: pickup, ride time, and what you’ll do on the ground

The tour is timed to fit into a Reykjavík day. You’ll join round-trip transport from Reykjavík, with the tour starting at 8:00 or 13:00 (check availability for exact starting times). The schedule is practical if you’re also planning other activities in the capital area.

Pickup: where to meet and what to watch for

Pickup options include BSÍ main bus station plus various city stops and hotels across central Reykjavík. You should head to your specific pickup point and wait about 5 minutes before your scheduled time.

When transport arrives, look for a white or grey bus/van with the Eldhestar logo. This is one of those small details that saves stress in a city where bus stops can feel like a maze.

Ölfus and the riding portion: expect 1.5–2 hours in the saddle

The guided activity is listed as 2 hours total. Inside that, the riding portion is about 1.5 to 2 hours. In other words, you’re not just walking the horses around for a token experience—you’ll actually be out on the trails long enough to feel like you got your money’s worth.

The ride ends on good riding paths in the meadows south of the farm. That final stretch is important. Trails can get tiring and a little monotonous if the route is poorly paced, so choosing pleasant paths toward the end makes the whole tour feel smoother.

Drop-off: you return to Reykjavík

Drop-off mirrors pickup, with multiple central locations listed, so you shouldn’t be stranded far from where you’re staying. It’s a relief in Reykjavík to have the ride end at a recognizable stop rather than hoping you’ll piece together transit after you’re cold and a bit tired.

The trail story: river Varmá, lava fields, farms, and the views

This ride has a clear sense of place. You’ll head out from the farm area and move through countryside features that Iceland does well: water, lava terrain, and open agricultural land.

Here’s what you’ll experience on the route, in the spirit of the tour’s planning:

Crossing the river Varmá and moving through mixed terrain

The tour commonly includes riding across the river Varmá area and moving through a lava field area. That mix is more than scenery. Different ground textures change how the ride feels under you, so it helps the tour feel varied rather than repetitive.

Meadows south of the farm: a calmer finish

You’ll finish on good riding paths in the meadows south of the farm. Meandering through open meadows is where many people relax into the ride, take in the volcanic mountain views, and stop feeling like they’re just concentrating on staying balanced.

Volcanic mountains and farmland views

Along the way, you get views of volcanic mountains and farmland. The tour also passes several farms, which gives you a quick, on-the-ground look at how agriculture developed over the past decades. You get to see it in motion, not just from a roadside pull-off.

That matters because Iceland’s countryside changes fast when you look closely. Passing working farms helps you connect the land to the people who manage it.

Weather and wind can shape the route

The route selection depends on weather and wind. The lesson here is simple: if you see a windy forecast, don’t assume you’ll still get the exact same track everywhere. You will still get the core experience—horses, guidance, and scenic riding—but the specific path can shift for comfort and safety.

Icelandic horses and the tölt: what you’re really learning

If you’ve never ridden an Icelandic horse, this is the part that can turn a “fun activity” into a “wow, I get it now” memory.

The tour is specifically set up to help you experience the special gait called tölt. The guidance you get is aimed at getting you used to how that gait feels, and the best rides are the ones where you stop fighting the horse and start moving with it.

That’s also what stood out in the highest-rated parts of the experience: people felt they learned about the horses and managed to get comfortable enough to ride the tölt with confidence. This is not a tour where you’re handed a helmet and left to figure it out.

Why well-trained horses matter on a short tour

On a 2-hour tour, you don’t have time to spend the whole day adapting to confusion—either for you or for the horse. Well-trained horses help you get to the experience faster, which is exactly what you want when your schedule is tight and the weather is doing its own thing.

Included gear: you can show up and be fine

One of the smartest parts of this tour is that it doesn’t make you guess what Iceland riding conditions require.

You’ll receive riding and safety equipment, including:

• Helmet
• Rain gear
• Winter overalls

That means you’re not stuck trying to rent or improvise cold-weather protection the day you ride. It’s a big value point, especially if you’re already spending time shopping for other gear in Iceland.

What you should bring

Bring:

• Hiking shoes
• Comfortable clothes

You can also plan on bringing a layer or two under the overalls, since Iceland weather can swing. The tour provides major outer protection, but what you wear underneath still affects comfort.

What you can’t bring

• Professional cameras aren’t allowed
• Backpacks aren’t allowed

Small details like this matter because nothing kills momentum faster than arriving with the wrong item. The good news: small waist bags are allowed, so you can keep essentials without needing a big pack.

Price and value: is $132 a fair deal?

At $132 per person, the tour sits in the “premium day activity” category, not the low-cost end. The question is whether it delivers what you paid for.

Here’s why it can feel like good value:

• You’re paying for guided riding, not just horse time.
• You get equipment included (helmet, rain gear, winter overalls). That’s often the hidden cost in outdoor activities.
• You get round-trip Reykjavík transfer, saving time and hassle.
• You ride for a real block of time—1.5 to 2 hours in the saddle—plus the full guided experience.

The one “value risk” is that this tour has clear limits. If you fall into categories where it isn’t suitable—kids under 7, wheelchair users, or over 264 lbs (120 kg)—then the price is irrelevant because you can’t book it. Also, if you’re a big photography person, the restriction on professional cameras could be a factor for your expectations.

If you want an Iceland countryside ride with the tölt experience and you don’t want to manage gear and transport separately, the pricing can make sense.

Logistics that actually matter: timing, pickup stops, and comfort

Most people don’t mind transfers—until the details are vague. Here, the key details are specific.

Scheduled pickup times

Transport starts at 8:00 and 13:00. That’s helpful because you can anchor your Reykjavík plan around it. Choose the time that best matches your day’s weather and energy level.

Give yourself a few minutes at the meeting point

You should wait 5 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. If you show up late, you’ll waste the most precious commodity you have in Iceland: daylight and weather stability.

The ride is weather-dependent in route selection

Even though you’re guaranteed a riding experience, the exact route depends on conditions. That’s not a downside—it’s how you avoid a ride that turns unpleasant. Iceland works better when you expect the plan to adapt.

Who should book this

This tour is a great match if you:

• Want a short, structured horseback experience
• Care about scenic countryside riding near Reykjavík
• Want a real chance to experience tölt with guide help
• Prefer included cold-weather gear rather than sourcing it yourself

It’s less of a match if you need wheelchair access or if your group includes kids under 7. It’s also not ideal if you were planning to carry a lot of gear in a backpack or bring a professional camera setup.

Should you book the Siggi Horse Riding Tour in Hveragerði?

I’d book it if you want a focused horseback outing that mixes Icelandic horse skills with a scenic route near the capital. The biggest reasons to commit are the combination of professional guiding, well-trained horses, and the emphasis on experiencing tölt, all packaged with gear and Reykjavík transfers.

Skip it if you’re coming primarily for photography gear or you strongly rely on backpacks. Also take the suitability limits seriously so the experience stays comfortable for you and safe for the horses.

If you want an Iceland ride that feels like it belongs in the countryside—not just a quick activity—this one is worth your shortlist.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for about 2 hours total, with 1.5 to 2 hours of riding.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is available from Reykjavík, including BSÍ main bus station and multiple hotel or bus stop locations. Transport starts at 8:00 or 13:00.

Do I get equipment for the ride?

Yes. You’ll receive riding and safety equipment, including a helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes.

What isn’t allowed during the tour?

Professional cameras and backpacks are not allowed. Small waist bags are allowed.

Is the tour suitable for kids or people with mobility needs?

It isn’t suitable for children under 7, wheelchair users, or people over 264 lbs (120 kg).

Can I cancel?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.