A horse ride through South Iceland sounds like a postcard. What makes the Siggi Tour worth your time is that you cover real ground on an Icelandic horse, moving from forest trail to hot-spring country without doing the hiking part. You’ll get a front-row view of the Reykjafjall slopes and geothermal scenes near Hveragerði as you follow an English-speaking guide.

I also like that this is built for mixed riding levels. You’ll wear helmets and waterproof gear, and the guide-led handling helps both confident riders and first-timers feel looked after. The one thing to consider is that you’re riding in the open and the tour needs good weather, plus there’s a 120 kg weight limit.

Key things I’d circle on the Siggi Tour

• Free pickup and drop-off so you spend less time figuring out logistics
• Helmets and waterproofs included for comfort when the weather turns
• An English-speaking guide who explains Icelandic horse history
• Route through Reykjafjall slopes and a green forest (rare sight in Iceland)
• Geothermal hot springs near Hveragerði, shaped by the 2008 earthquake

A short ride that makes South Iceland feel close

This is a country-sidehorse tour, but it’s not the slow, show-and-tell kind. The goal is simple: you get out of Reykjavík-area bases, then ride through terrain you’d struggle to cover on foot in the same amount of time. Think lava fields, green forest pockets, and the slopes around Reykjafjall, all experienced from the saddle.

What I like most is the way the scenery changes in a compact window. One stretch can feel like quiet forest trail, then you’re moving toward the color and steam of geothermal country above Hveragerði. For many visitors, that mix is exactly what you came for: Iceland variety without needing a full day tour.

Also, the small-group cap of 50 people helps the experience feel more personal than some big-van excursions. Even if you’re not an expert rider, you’re not swallowed up by crowds.

Price and time: what you’re paying for

At $134.15 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But you are paying for three things that add real value: trained horses, guided handling, and riding gear that isn’t something you have to source yourself.

Duration is listed at about 2 hours, and the overall schedule tied to the main start point can run closer to 3 hours depending on timing and conditions. Either way, plan for a half-day commitment rather than a quick two-hour window you can stack with another hard activity right after.

If you’re deciding whether it’s worth it, ask yourself what you want from Iceland in one sitting. If your priority is getting moving and seeing multiple environments, the cost starts to make sense. If you only want a short scenic moment and don’t care about riding, a viewpoint bus tour may feel cheaper and more direct.

Getting going at Hótel Eldhestar (and what to expect right away)

The ride starts at Hótel Eldhestar, at 816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, Iceland. You’ll mount there, get your gear sorted, and head out with the group led by your English-speaking guide.

This is also where you’ll feel how the tour handles different comfort levels. The experience is designed so that people with riding experience and those who are brand-new can both be supported. I’d treat that as a green flag if you’re nervous about being the only beginner in the group.

You’ll be given helmets and waterproofs, which matters more than it sounds. Rain and wind happen in Iceland, even when the rest of the day looks fine. Having the right gear included lets you focus on learning the basics—how to sit, balance, and follow cues—without turning the activity into a clothing management puzzle.

Stop 1: Reykjafjall trails, green forest, and geothermal steam above Hveragerði

The outing centers on one main ride area, with the tour beginning and ending back at the Eldhestar meeting point. The action starts with an uphill ride on excellent riding trails, then transitions into a mix of slopes, forest, and geothermal country.

Up the hill, then along Reykjafjall

Right away, expect a ride that builds momentum. You first go up a hill along established trails on the slopes of Reykjafjall. This is one of those parts where the horse does a lot of work for you, so even if you’re still learning your seat, you can take in the view instead of worrying about footing.

Through a rare green forest pocket

Then comes a highlight: a green forest, described as a rare sight in Iceland. Iceland is often associated with stark volcanic scenery, so seeing real greenery from the saddle can feel like a surprise turn in the day. It’s also a nice break from the open wind of volcanic ground.

What I appreciate here is how the forest changes the sound and mood. Instead of wide-open weather, it’s more sheltered, and that can make the ride feel less intense.

Passing hot springs in colorful geothermal country

As you move onward, you pass many hot springs in an impressive geothermal area just above Hveragerði. This small town is known as the hot spring capital of the world, and the ride gives you a front-row view of why.

Here’s the real-world context worth paying attention to: the geothermal landscape expanded dramatically during the 2008 earthquake, and it keeps changing. When you’re on horseback, you’re not just looking at a static monument—you’re seeing an environment that behaves like a living system.

The route’s geography: Hengill, plains, and vantage points

The ride continues along volcanic hills above Hveragerði, with the town positioned between volcano Hengill and the wide plains of the southern lowlands. That kind of geography helps explain why the area can feel both dramatic and calm: you get wide views, but also stretches where the ground and trail guide your pace.

Even if you don’t catch every detail with your eyes while riding, you’ll feel the shift as you move from sheltered trail to open sightlines. That’s the advantage of covering ground on horseback: you experience those transitions rather than just observing them from a single viewpoint.

What helmets and waterproofs really do for your ride

In Iceland, weather can change without much warning. That’s exactly why I’m happy when a tour includes helmets and waterproofs. It removes a big uncertainty for you.

With gear handled, you can:

• stay focused on the ride and your balance
• keep warmth and dryness reasonable even with wind or drizzle
• concentrate on listening to the guide rather than rushing to adjust your layers

It also helps beginners. When you’re learning something new, being cold or soaked makes everything harder. The included waterproofs reduce that risk, so the activity stays enjoyable instead of uncomfortable.

Safety, skill levels, and how the tour supports first-timers

This is a big one. Horseback riding tours often attract a mix of riders, from experienced to first-timers. What you want is support that’s practical and calm.

From the experience feedback, the guide-led team does a solid job with both ends of the spectrum: experienced riders are kept happy, and inexperienced riders are taught and looked after. That matters because good riding guidance isn’t only about controlling the horse. It’s about helping you understand what the cues mean and where to place your attention.

So if you’ve never ridden before, don’t assume you’ll be left behind. The tour format clearly aims to keep everyone involved.

At the same time, there are real limits. The weight limit is 120 kg. If you’re near or above that, you should check before booking so you don’t risk disappointment later.

Group size, ticket style, and planning your day

The tour caps at 50 travelers, which is fairly roomy for a horseback activity, but still far from the chaotic end of the spectrum. In practice, what that means is you’ll likely spend more time with your guide and group than you would in a massive bus crowd.

You’ll use a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received within 48 hours, based on availability. If you’re building your schedule tightly, that 48-hour window helps you plan with fewer unknowns.

Pickup is offered, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. That round-trip setup is a big quality-of-life perk in Iceland, where driving and parking decisions can eat time fast.

One more practical detail: service animals are allowed. If that’s part of your travel plan, it’s good to have it stated up front.

Weather is the deciding factor for this one

This outing requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s not just fine print. It’s the core of what makes a horse ride work.

If you’re visiting in shoulder season or you’re getting unpredictable forecasts, be ready for a plan shift. Keep one flexible day in your itinerary if you can, especially if you really want this exact ride and not a general South Iceland alternative.

Who should book this Siggi Tour—and who might prefer something else

This is a great choice if you want:

• a guided horseback experience without doing a full-day hike
• hands-on support if you’re new to riding
• a route that includes forest and geothermal hot-spring scenery in one package
• an activity with included waterproofs and helmets

It’s likely less ideal if:

• you’re strongly weather-dependent and hate uncertainty
• you don’t meet the 120 kg weight limit
• you want something more independent where you control every minute without a group pace

If you’re balancing a short Iceland stay, this fits nicely because it targets key South Iceland environments in a compact time slot.

Should you book the Siggi Tour from Reykjavík?

I’d book it if you’re excited by the idea of riding through Reykjafjall country and seeing the hot springs above Hveragerði from horseback. The price is mid-range for Iceland, but it covers the essentials that matter for riding: trained horses, a guide, and the protective gear that keeps the experience comfortable.

Choose it when your plan includes one day you can stay flexible for weather. If you arrive prepared—warm layers under the included waterproof gear and a realistic mindset about riding basics—you’ll get a smooth, guided experience that feels active, not staged.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’re a first-time rider. I can suggest what to pair it with in South Iceland so your day flows.

FAQ

How long is the Siggi Tour horseback ride?

The tour is advertised as about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Hótel Eldhestar (816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, Iceland) and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and drop-off is included.

What’s included for safety and comfort?

Helmets and waterproofs are included.

Do I need to be an experienced rider?

Most travelers can participate, and the experience is designed to support both experienced and inexperienced riders.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes, the weight limit is 120 kg.

Does the tour run in any weather?

It requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

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