Lava fields, meadows, and a tölt horse ride. You’re out on the Icelandic countryside near Hveragerdi, riding Icelandic horses with pro guides and routes picked around the day’s weather and wind.

I especially like two things: you get clear coaching on how the horses move, so you can actually enjoy the unique gait (tölt), and the ride itself takes you through real variety, including river scenery and lava-field areas. A small consideration is that your exact trail can shift with conditions, so think of this as a best-roads-first experience rather than one fixed photo stop.

Siggi Tour, What You Really Get for Your Time

This is a farm-based ride with guides who know how to match horses to riders and keep things calm, even if it’s your first time on an Icelandic horse. The setting matters, too. You’re not just doing a short loop. The tour is designed so you finish on good riding paths through meadows south of the farm, with volcanic views and farmland along the way.

You’ll also be well looked after. The tour includes helmets, rain gear, and winter overalls, which is a big deal in Iceland where “light drizzle” can change fast.

Key points at a glance

• Guided tölt coaching so you can feel the gait instead of just surviving the saddle
• Weather and wind route planning for smoother riding and better trail choice
• River Varmá and lava-field scenery for a more Iceland-flavored experience
• Professional English-speaking guides who focus on rider confidence and safety
• Pickup and drop-off from Reykjavík so you can ride without arranging transport yourself

Where the Ride Starts: Reykjavík Pickup and the Trip to Ölfus

Plan on pickup from Reykjavík, and keep it simple. The tour includes transfers between Reykjavík and the riding area, with multiple pickup options around the city. You can be picked up at places like BSÍ main bus station and several bus stops, plus certain hotels.

Look for a white or grey bus or van with the Eldhestar logo. And do yourself a favor, arrive a little early and stay visible. The instructions ask you to wait at your pick up location about 5 minutes before your scheduled time. If you’re not there when they arrive, it can turn into a hassle.

The tour time is listed as 2 hours, with 1.5 to 2 hours actually on horseback. In practice, that means you should treat the whole block as a focused activity window, not something you can stretch or tack on to another tour. If you like to travel efficiently in Iceland, this kind of “we handle the logistics” setup is a win.

Why this matters: Iceland is big on “time disappears” once weather shifts. Getting a structured pickup and a guaranteed return time helps you keep the rest of your day realistic.

The Ölfus Riding Block: River, Lava, Farms, and Meadows

Once you’re set up, you’ll ride in the scenic surroundings of the farm. The exact route depends on weather and wind, but the big highlights are consistent: you’ll travel through meadows, cross a small river area, pass through lava-field terrain, and then end on pleasant riding paths in meadows south of the farm.

You’ll also get plenty of views: volcanic mountains and farmland appear along the way, plus you’ll pass several farms. That farm-to-farm feel is more than scenery. It’s a way to understand how agriculture has developed over the past decades, because you can see the working land as you go, not just a “lookout from the car” moment.

Here’s what I’d watch for, if you want to get the most out of the ride:

• River moments: even when the water is small, the crossing or near-river sections can change the horse’s pace, so stay loose and let the horse do the work.
• Lava-field sections: trails through lava areas can be more uneven. That’s part of the Iceland authenticity, and the calm guidance of your horse and guide helps you stay confident.
• Meadow finish: ending on good riding paths in the meadows is a nice psychological trick. It feels like the ride gets better as you get more comfortable.

Possible drawback: Because routes depend on wind and weather, you might not see every single terrain type in the exact same order each day. If your goal is a specific shot, you may be slightly disappointed. If your goal is a good ride in good conditions, it’s a smart approach.

Icelandic Horses and the “Tölt” Gait: How Coaching Changes Everything

The signature of Icelandic horses is their unique movement, especially the tölt. If you’ve only seen Icelandic horse videos, you might assume it’s just faster than walking. On the ground, the experience is more practical. It’s a different rhythm, and your body needs a second to match it.

This tour gives you time and guidance to experience that gait. The coaching is part of why the ride feels smooth rather than stressful. You’re not thrown on a horse and left to guess what to do. Guides focus on rider comfort and control, which helps you stop thinking so hard about balance and start noticing the ride.

From the way the tour is described, the horses are trained for riders, and the route is built for enjoyment. You’ll have the chance to settle into the rhythm, and once you do, the trip becomes less about “staying on” and more about moving with the horse through Iceland’s scenery.

What I like most: The tölt isn’t treated like a gimmick. It’s presented as something you learn to feel during the ride, which makes the whole outing feel more personal and rewarding.

Stop-by-Stop: What Happens at Each Part of the Tour

Stop 1: Pickup around Reykjavík

This “stop” is about starting clean and not losing time. You have 15 pickup location options, including several bus stops and major landmarks in Reykjavík. If you’re staying in the city center, odds are you’ll find something close.

The key detail is simple: match the pickup time, find the right spot, and watch for the white or grey vehicle with the Eldhestar logo. This tour is designed so you don’t need to figure out buses or local transport mid-day.

Downside to know: If you plan to wander far from your pickup point before the scheduled time, you may scramble. Iceland tours go on time.

Stop 2: Ölfus guided horseback riding

This is the real event. You ride for about 1.5 to 2 hours, guided by an English-speaking professional. The trails are chosen for the day’s wind and weather, and that affects how the route feels under you.

Expect a mix of:

• meadows and farmland views
• a small river area
• lava-field terrain
• a finish on good riding paths in meadows south of the farm

Along the way, you’ll pass multiple farms, which is a good chance to connect what you’re seeing on the ground with how people farmed and expanded practices over time.

Stop 3: Drop-off back to Reykjavík

The tour ends with drop-offs at 15 options around Reykjavík, including the central areas. You return to your starting side of the city, so you’re not forced to solve a late-day transit puzzle.

Tip: When the day is cold or windy, you’ll feel it more after you’ve been outside in riding gear. Having a guaranteed return makes that part easier.

Price and Value: Is $132 Worth It?

At $132 per person for a roughly 2-hour experience, the price can look steep until you break down what’s included. You’re paying for:

• professional English-speaking guidance
• Icelandic horses
• safety and riding equipment, including helmet and full weather layers (rain gear and winter overalls)
• transfer from and back to Reykjavík
• 1.5 to 2 hours actually riding

That mix is where the value sits. In Iceland, gear can cost real money, and transport between Reykjavík and rural riding areas is not always convenient on your own. Here, the tour packages those pieces together. The result is that you spend less time planning, and more time focused on the part you actually came for: riding.

My take: If you want an authentic Iceland countryside ride without adding logistics stress, $132 feels fair. If you’re on a super tight budget, you might compare against self-drive horseback options, but you’ll likely trade off convenience.

Also consider group comfort and guidance. The tour is built around professional guidance and trained horses for rider confidence. That’s the difference between a fun outing and a frustrating one.

What to Wear and Bring, Plus the Camera and Backpack Rules

The tour gives you key gear, but you still need to dress right. Here’s what you should bring:

• hiking shoes
• comfortable clothes

The tour provides:

• helmet
• rain gear
• winter overalls

That matters because in Iceland, your comfort depends on staying warm and dry. If you show up in sneakers that slip or don’t grip well, the whole ride can feel less secure. Proper shoe traction makes a difference on uneven trails.

A couple of rules are worth noting:

• professional cameras are not allowed
• backpacks are not allowed
• small waist bags are allowed

Practical advice: Bring a small waist bag if you want essentials like a phone or keys. Keep hands free. On horseback, anything you carry loosely becomes annoying quickly.

Who Should Book, and Who Should Skip

This is a great fit if you want scenic Iceland riding with guidance, and if you’re curious about the tölt gait. It’s also a smart choice if you don’t want to arrange transport from Reykjavík, because pickup and drop-off are part of the experience.

You should consider skipping if:

• you’re under 7 years old (not suitable)
• you use a wheelchair (not suitable)
• you weigh over 264 lbs (120 kg) (not suitable)

If you’re a first-timer: Don’t overthink it. The tour structure and trained horses are designed to help you settle in and get moving. The coaching you get on the gait is the kind of thing that turns a “bucket list” ride into a ride you actually remember for the right reasons.

Should You Book the Hveragerdi Siggi Horse Riding Tour?

If you want a guided Icelandic horse experience that combines real countryside variety, I’d book this. The value is strong because gear and transfers are included, and the ride is built around the tölt experience rather than just a short trail pass. The mix of river scenery, lava-field riding, and meadow finishes is exactly the kind of “Iceland in motion” you can’t easily recreate on your own.

Book it if:

• you’re staying in Reykjavík and want pickup and drop-off handled
• you want to experience Icelandic horse movement with guidance
• you like countryside views and working farms, not just sightseeing

Skip it if:

• you need a guaranteed fixed route regardless of wind and weather
• you’re uncomfortable riding on uneven terrain
• you fall outside the stated age, weight, or accessibility limits

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.

Where does pickup happen in Reykjavík?

Pickup is available from several locations around Reykjavík, including BSÍ main bus station and many bus stops and select hotels.

Is transfer from and back to Reykjavík included?

Yes. Transfer from and to Reykjavík is included.

What type of riding will I do?

You’ll ride in the scenic surroundings of the farm, passing meadows, lava field areas, and a small river, and ending on riding paths in meadows south of the farm.

Are there English-speaking guides?

Yes, the guide is listed as English speaking.

What riding gear is included?

Helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls are included, along with safety equipment and riding and safety gear.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes.

Are cameras or backpacks allowed?

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

What are the age and weight limits?

The tour is not suitable for children under 7 years old and not suitable for people over 264 lbs (120 kg).

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.