A horse ride in Iceland feels like a cheat code. You get Icelandic horses and the chance to experience the natural gait called tölt, with routes picked around real weather and wind.

I also like that you’re not left to figure things out on your own. You ride with a professional, English-speaking guide, and the trails are chosen for good riding conditions, not just scenery.

One thing to weigh first: this tour isn’t suitable for everyone, including children under 7, wheelchair users, and riders over 264 lbs / 120 kg.

Key highlights at a glance

• Tölt-friendly trails that help you feel what makes Icelandic horses special
• Guided route choice based on weather and wind for smoother riding
• Scenic variety close to the farm, including Varmá river crossings and lava-field riding
• Riding and safety gear included, like helmet plus rain and winter layers
• Reykjavík transfers included, with many pickup and drop-off stops

Reykjavík Pickup: 8:00 or 13:00, With an Eldhestar Van

Your day usually starts in Reykjavík. This tour includes pickup from a long list of stops, including major points like BSÍ (the main bus terminal) and several bus stops across the city, plus some hotels. You’ll see departures tied to two time windows: 8:00 and 13:00.

The practical tip here is simple: arrive at your stop early. The tour info says you should wait about 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, and the transport is a white or grey vehicle with an Eldhestar logo. That matters because pickup locations are spread out, and nobody wants to waste good Icelandic daylight.

Also note the flow of the day. You’ll be picked up in Reykjavík, transferred to Ölfus for the ride, and then returned to Reykjavík to one of several drop-off points. It’s designed for visitors who want an organized outing without renting a car.

Ölfus and the Farm Ride: Varmá River, Lava Fields, and Farm Views

The guided riding portion takes place around the farm area in the countryside near Ölfus. What I like about this setup is that it doesn’t feel like a random “horse ride somewhere.” The route is built to include different kinds of terrain, which also keeps the ride interesting.

You can expect the ride to pass meadows, a lava field area, and a small river crossing. One specific highlight is the area near the Varmá river, plus volcanic mountains views in the distance and farmland scenes as you move along the trails.

There’s another subtle value here: the tour passes several farms, so you get a real-world sense of how agriculture has developed over the past decades. That’s the kind of detail that makes a short tour feel more grounded than just a scenic loop.

One practical consideration: since the “best riding routes” depend on weather and wind, your exact trail may shift. That’s normal in Iceland, and it’s usually a good sign. It means you’re not forcing a ride when conditions would make it uncomfortable or unsafe.

Following the Guide on Good Riding Paths (Not Just Any Trail)

The ride is guided end-to-end, which matters more in Iceland than in many places. Icelandic horses are sure-footed, but you still want proper handling, especially when you’re learning how to balance in motion and coordinate with the horse’s gait.

The guides are described as professional and the English-speaking service is part of the deal. In practice, that means you can ask questions and get directions that match what you’re experiencing right then, not vague tips you have to translate in your head.

I also appreciate that the tour focuses on “pleasant riding trails.” That phrase is doing a lot of work. Short rides that feel rough or overly technical can turn into a workout. Here, the goal is a ride that lets you actually enjoy the experience and stay in sync with the horse rather than white-knuckle the whole time.

Tölt Time: How the Icelandic Gait Fits Into This Ride

This is a big reason to book. The ride offers a real chance to experience the Icelandic horse’s special gait called tölt. You don’t just hear about tölt as a concept. The route is described as giving riders a great opportunity to experience that gait on the trails.

If you’ve never been on an Icelandic horse before, the value is that you get time to settle in. A two-hour outing is long enough to learn what the horse is doing, but short enough that you’re not exhausted if you’re still getting comfortable.

And from the way the horses are described in feedback, they’re well trained to take care of their riders. That’s the kind of reassurance you want when the attraction is motion and balance. Your job is to stay relaxed and follow the guide’s cues, not to manage every movement on your own.

Equipment That Actually Helps: Helmet, Rain Gear, and Warm Layers

You don’t need to show up in gear built for Iceland, because the tour includes equipment and safety items. That includes a helmet and riding and safety equipment like rain gear and winter overalls.

That matters because the weather around Hveragerði and the broader Capital Region can change quickly. Even if you think it’ll be mild, wind and mist can turn a light outing into a chilly one. The included layers take some of that pressure off your packing list.

What you should bring is equally specific:

• Hiking shoes (closed, grippy, and comfortable)
• Comfortable clothing you can move in

Also, pack smarter for the rules. Professional cameras are not allowed, and backpacks aren’t allowed. Small waist bags are allowed, which is a nice compromise. You can carry a phone, a bit of cash, and a small essential without turning your gear into a safety problem.

Duration and Pace: 1.5 to 2 Hours Riding Inside a 2-Hour Experience Window

The total experience is listed as 2 hours, while the riding time is typically about 1.5 to 2 hours. That’s a good ratio for most visitors: enough time to feel like you really rode, but not so long that you lose the rest of the day to planning and recovery.

This matters if your Iceland itinerary is tight. A lot of people squeeze Hveragerði into a broader route around Reykjavík and the Golden Circle area. A clearly timed horse ride helps you keep your schedule intact.

The pace is also connected to weather and wind. The guides choose the best riding routes for conditions, so the ride stays enjoyable rather than turning into a problem-solving session.

Price and Value: What $132 Gets You (and What It Doesn’t)

At $132 per person, this tour sits in the mid-range for Iceland horse riding. The real question is value: what’s included that you’d otherwise pay for or arrange yourself.

Here’s what you get for the price:

• English-speaking guide
• Riding and safety equipment (helmet, rain gear, winter overalls)
• About 1.5 to 2 hours of riding time
• Transfer from/to Reykjavík with multiple pickup and drop-off options

If you were driving yourself, you’d still face the cost of transport and the time friction of finding the right base area, plus you might still need proper riding layers. With this, those logistics are handled for you.

What you should factor in is your own clothing and shoes. You also can’t bring professional cameras or backpacks, which may affect what you want to carry and photograph. If you’re the kind of rider who loves to bring a big camera bag, this might feel a bit restrictive.

Overall, the value is strong if you want a guided, weather-smart ride with actual included gear, without turning your day into a transportation project.

Who This Siggi Horse Riding Tour Fits Best

This one is best for adults and older kids who can handle being outdoors and moving in cold, windy conditions. It’s not suitable for children under 7, wheelchair users, or riders over 264 lbs / 120 kg.

It also makes sense for you if you want a guided introduction to Icelandic horses rather than a long, advanced riding excursion. The route is designed for pleasant riding trails, with enough variety to feel like you’re seeing countryside details rather than looping around one patch of ground.

You’ll probably enjoy it most if you:

• Want to experience tölt without needing prior riding experience
• Prefer an organized Reykjavík pickup and return
• Like countryside views and farmland context, not just a quick photo stop

And you might want to skip or choose something else if you’re looking for a purely independent activity or you need access accommodations not covered by the current suitability limits.

Small Practical Tips That Make the Ride Smoother

If you want this to feel easy from start to finish, focus on a few basics.

First, show up with the right footwear. Hiking shoes help with traction and comfort, especially if the ground is damp or uneven around rivers and lava terrain. Comfortable clothing matters too, even with winter overalls provided.

Second, keep your carry simple. Since backpacks aren’t allowed and only small waist bags are allowed, plan to travel light. Think: phone, maybe a small wallet, a layer you can spare if you get warm, and that’s it.

Third, be ready for weather-related route changes. That’s not a failure. It’s part of how the tour keeps the ride enjoyable and safe. The goal is good riding routes under the conditions that day.

Should You Book This Tour in Hveragerði?

Book it if you want an efficient, guided Iceland horse experience with real variety: river and lava-field riding, farmland views, and a genuine chance to feel tölt. The included equipment and Reykjavík transfers remove the biggest friction points, and the structure is friendly for most first-time riders.

Skip it if any of the tour’s suitability limits are an issue for you, or if you need to bring a backpack or professional camera. Also, if you’re the type who hates outdoor riding in changing weather, you might feel frustrated even though the guides choose routes based on wind and conditions.

If your goal is a short but meaningful countryside ride with Icelandic horses, this one is a solid choice in the Hveragerði area.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding tour?

The tour duration is listed as 2 hours. Riding time is typically about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is pickup from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Pickup is included from BSÍ main bus station, certain hotels, and bus stops around Reykjavík, with pickups at 8:00 and 13:00.

What does the tour include for riding and safety?

You get an English-speaking guide plus riding and safety equipment, including a helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls.

Where does the tour riding take place?

The guided ride happens in the scenic surroundings of the farm in Ölfus area, including places like the Varmá river area, lava-field terrain, meadows, and farm areas with volcanic mountain views.

Are children allowed on this tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 7 years old.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. A small waist bag is allowed.

Is there a cancellation policy?

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