The Siggi Tour from Reykjavík: 1.5 to 2-Hour Ride

The best part of this ride is the changing scenery under you: lava fields, green forest, and geothermal hills all appear on one route above Hveragerði. You ride a sturdy Icelandic horse rather than simply viewing the countryside from a bus window, and the pace lets you notice the ground, weather, and mountain slopes around you.

I like the free pickup and drop-off, which removes one headache from a Reykjavík day. I also like that the horses and guides are set up for mixed ability levels. The main thing to watch is the timing: the tour is sold as roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, while the detailed route information lists 3 hours, so confirm the exact schedule before you plan another activity.

Key points to know before you book

• Ride above Hveragerði: Follow trails along Reykjafjall with views toward the Varmá area and the southern lowlands.
• A rare Icelandic forest: The route passes through green woodland, an unusual sight in a country better known for open volcanic ground.
• Geothermal scenery: Hot springs and colorful volcanic hills appear near the hot spring town of Hveragerði.
• Beginner-friendly setup: Helmets, waterproof clothing, and an English-speaking guide are included.
• Pickup is included: You can arrange pickup and return service rather than finding your own way to Hótel Eldhestar.
• Check the duration: The headline timing says about two hours, but the detailed route notes say three hours.

A horseback view of South Iceland

Horse riding gives you a slower, lower view of Iceland than a coach tour. You feel the change from open volcanic ground to forest and then to the geothermal area near Hveragerði. That matters here because the attraction is not one famous viewpoint. It is the steady change in scenery along the trail.

The ride begins at Hótel Eldhestar in Ölfus, near Hveragerði. From there, you head up a hill on established riding trails. The route follows the slopes of Reykjafjall, so your first impression is one of height and open country rather than a flat farm track.

I like that the ride uses the horse as a way to cover more ground without turning the outing into a rushed walk. You can look toward the mountain, watch the trail ahead, and learn about Icelandic horses from the guide while the horse does the work.

This is not a stunt ride or a fast gallop across open ground. The supplied details describe a guided countryside ride, making it a good fit if you want contact with Icelandic nature but do not need an adrenaline-heavy activity. Your guide leads the group and helps keep the outing organized for both experienced riders and people who are new to horseback riding.

Reykjafjall trails and the green forest

The first major section runs along Reykjafjall. The mountain gives the route shape, while the riding trails provide a clear path through the countryside. You should expect the horse to handle much of the physical effort, but you will still need to sit comfortably, follow the guide’s directions, and adjust to the movement of the animal.

The forest section is one of the route’s most unusual details. Iceland is often pictured as a treeless country, so riding through green woodland near Hveragerði gives you a different view of the island. The forest is not presented as a grand woodland expedition. Its value is its contrast with the volcanic ground and exposed mountain slopes you see elsewhere on the ride.

For a first-time rider, this portion may feel reassuring. Trees can make the route feel more enclosed than the open hills, though the experience remains outdoors and weather dependent. For an experienced rider, the forest is a pleasant change of setting rather than the main reason to book.

The route description refers to excellent riding trails. That is useful for anyone worried about uneven ground, but it does not mean the ride is effortless. Icelandic weather can change quickly, and the tour still takes place outside on a moving horse. Waterproof clothing is supplied, which helps, but you should still dress for cool, wet conditions.

Hot springs above Hveragerði

After the hill and forest, the route reaches the geothermal area above Hveragerði. You pass hot springs among colorful volcanic hills, giving the ride a strong sense of place. This is where the trip becomes more than a standard horseback outing.

Hveragerði is known as the hot spring capital of the world. The town sits between Hengill volcano and the broad plains of South Iceland, and the trails above it offer a high view back toward the settlement and the lowlands.

The geothermal area changed dramatically after an earthquake in 2008 and continues to change. That detail helps explain why the ground here is not static scenery. The hot springs and volcanic features are part of an active setting, not just decorative spots beside a trail.

I would pay attention to the guide during this section. The ride includes information about the history of Icelandic horses, but the geothermal surroundings also give the guide a natural chance to explain what you are seeing. The exact amount of commentary can vary, yet the English-speaking guide is there to lead the group and provide context.

You may not stop for a long hot spring walk, so do not book this as a replacement for a dedicated geothermal hike. Instead, think of the springs as one part of a broader route that combines horses, mountain trails, forest, and volcanic ground.

Views toward Varmá and the southern lowlands

The path continues along the volcanic hills above Hveragerði. From this higher ground, the route includes a view of Varmá and the wide southern plains. These views give you a better sense of how the town fits into its setting, with Hengill behind it and open lowlands stretching away.

A horseback ride changes the way you experience a view. You are not simply stepping off a bus for five minutes, taking a photograph, and moving on. You remain on the trail, with the horse setting the rhythm. That can make the countryside feel more connected, though it also means you cannot choose every pause or viewpoint yourself.

The activity ends back at the meeting point, Hótel Eldhestar. That makes the outing easy to pair with a stay at the hotel or with a scheduled pickup from Reykjavík. If you are building a tightly timed day, allow extra room around the ride because the supplied information gives two different duration estimates.

Icelandic horses and the riding level

Icelandic horses are a central part of this experience, not just transportation. The guide explains their history, giving you some cultural context as you ride. The tour is designed for a mix of riders, and the available information specifically notes that experienced riders can take part while inexperienced riders are taught and looked after.

That makes this a sensible choice if your group has uneven riding ability. One person can have riding experience while another is trying a horse for the first time. The guide’s role is important here, since a mixed group needs clear instruction and a steady pace.

Still, do not confuse beginner-friendly with completely passive. Most riders can participate, but you are taking part in an outdoor activity that requires you to follow instructions and remain comfortable around a horse. If you are nervous, tell the guide at the start so expectations are clear.

The 120 kilogram weight limit is firm practical information. Check it before booking, especially if the reservation includes several people. Service animals are allowed, and the activity information says most people can participate, but it does not provide a detailed list of medical or mobility restrictions.

What the included equipment means

Helmets and waterproof clothing are included. That saves you from packing specialist riding equipment and is particularly useful in Iceland, where rain and wind can make an otherwise pleasant outing uncomfortable.

You should still wear suitable layers underneath the supplied waterproofs. The information does not specify the type of footwear provided, so do not assume boots are included. Ask the provider if footwear is a concern.

A helmet is a basic safety item, but its inclusion also signals that this is a structured riding activity rather than an informal walk beside a horse. The guide leads the group, and the maximum group size is listed as 50 people.

A maximum of 50 is larger than some small-group riding outings. The actual feel of the ride will depend on the number booked that day and how the group is organized. If you want a quiet, highly personal ride, ask about the expected group size before paying. If you mainly want a guided introduction to Icelandic horses and the countryside, the larger possible capacity may not be a deal breaker.

Pickup from Reykjavík and the meeting point

Free pickup and drop-off are included, which is one of the strongest practical advantages. You avoid arranging a separate transfer to Hótel Eldhestar at 816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, Iceland.

The stated start and end point is Hótel Eldhestar, and the activity returns there. The pickup offer is useful for anyone staying in Reykjavík without a rental car, but you should confirm the pickup time and location after booking. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The exact driving time from your accommodation is not provided, so do not build your day around a guessed transfer length. The safest plan is to keep the rest of your schedule flexible, especially because the ride itself has conflicting duration information.

Is $134.15 a fair price?

At $134.15 per person, this is not a cheap add-on. The value comes from the combination of horse, guide, riding trails, safety equipment, waterproof clothing, and transportation from Reykjavík.

A simple countryside walk would cost less, but it would not cover the same amount of ground or offer the same way into the Icelandic horse tradition. A self-drive visit could also reduce the transport cost, but then you would need to arrange the journey yourself and would not receive the guided riding experience.

I think the price makes the most sense if you want an active half-day-style outing and do not have a car. Free pickup and return add real value, while the included equipment means fewer items to rent or buy.

The price is harder to justify if you are already booking several costly Iceland activities and mainly want a quick photo with a horse. This ride is best for someone who wants the route itself: mountain slopes, forest, hot springs, and views above Hveragerði.

The experience has a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 27 ratings, with 93 percent recommending it. That is a strong signal, and the most useful praise is practical: experienced riders can enjoy the route while beginners receive instruction and care. I would still weigh the duration uncertainty and possible group size before booking.

Weather, cancellation, and planning advice

This activity requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, so check the forecast and your wider itinerary early.

Weather matters for more than comfort. Rain, wind, and poor visibility can affect the riding conditions and reduce the views toward Hveragerði, Varmá, and the southern plains. The supplied waterproofs help, but they do not turn a wet Icelandic day into a dry one.

I would avoid scheduling this immediately before an airport transfer or another fixed tour. The headline duration is about two hours, but the route details list three hours. That difference is large enough to affect a full day plan.

Who will enjoy the Siggi Tour most?

This ride suits you if you want to experience South Iceland at a gentle outdoor pace and you like the idea of seeing more than one type of scenery in a single outing. It also works well for a group with mixed riding backgrounds.

It is especially useful for:

• First-time riders who want instruction and a guide
• Experienced riders who prefer a scenic Icelandic route over a short stable ride
• Visitors without a rental car, thanks to pickup and drop-off
• People interested in Icelandic horses and their place in local culture
• Anyone looking for a countryside activity near Hveragerði

You may want another activity if you dislike riding animals, need a very short and exact schedule, or want a long geothermal hike with extended time at the hot springs. The geothermal section is part of the horse route, not a separate walking excursion.

Should you book this ride?

Book it if you want an active way to see the countryside around Hveragerði and value the convenience of transport from Reykjavík. The route has genuine variety, from Reykjafjall and forest to hot springs, volcanic hills, and views over Varmá and the southern lowlands.

I would be careful if timing matters. Confirm whether your departure is planned for about two hours or closer to three, and ask about the expected group size if a small ride is important to you.

For beginners, the strongest reason to book is the reported care and instruction. For experienced riders, the appeal is the setting and the chance to ride an Icelandic horse through scenery that changes throughout the route. At $134.15, it is a worthwhile splurge when the horse, equipment, guide, and transport all solve practical problems for you.

FAQ

How long is the Siggi Tour?

The tour is promoted as a 1.5 to 2-hour ride, with an approximate duration of two hours. The detailed route information lists 3 hours, so confirm the exact timing before booking other activities.

Where does the ride start and finish?

The ride starts and ends at Hótel Eldhestar, 816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, Iceland.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Free pickup and drop-off are included.

What equipment is provided?

Helmets and waterproof clothing are included.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is set up for both experienced and inexperienced riders, and the guide provides instruction and care for beginners.

What is the weight limit?

The weight limit is 120 kilograms.

How many people can join the activity?

The maximum group size is 50 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.