Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour

Icelandic horses make this countryside ride special. I like the chance to ride through meadows, lava fields, and farmland rather than simply circling an arena, and I also like that the route changes with the wind and weather. The farm sits near Hveragerdi, close enough to Reykjavík for an easy half-day outing.

I also appreciate the well-cared-for horses and attentive guides, two points that come through clearly in the experience. The main drawback is that the pace can be very gentle when beginners join the group, so experienced riders may not get as much tölt as they hope.

Key points at a glance

• The Icelandic horse’s tölt: You may get the chance to experience this distinctive gait on open riding trails.
• A changing route: Guides choose the best available path according to wind and weather conditions.
• Farm-country scenery: Expect meadows, lava fields, a small river, volcanic mountains, and working farms.
• Suitable for beginners: The relaxed pace and professional guidance make this approachable for first-time riders.
• Useful inclusions: A helmet, riding equipment, rain gear, winter overalls, and transport from Reykjavík are included.
• A few firm limits: The tour is not suitable for children under seven, wheelchair users, or anyone over 110 kilograms.

From Reykjavík to Vellir farm near Hveragerdi

The riding center is at Vellir in Ölfus, on Route 1 shortly after Hveragerdi when you drive from Reykjavík. You can park beside the stables, meet the guide, and get introduced to the horses there. If you use the included transfer from Reykjavík, you avoid the need to arrange your own transport.

Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before departure. That small margin matters. You will need time to find the stables, meet the guide, and prepare with the riding equipment. This is not an activity where you should arrive at the last second and expect to be on horseback immediately.

The setting gives you a useful taste of southern Iceland without requiring a full-day excursion. Hveragerdi is known for its geothermal surroundings, while the farm area around Vellir offers open countryside, farmland, lava formations, and views toward volcanic mountains. You get a rural outing rather than another stop in Reykjavík’s urban center.

The advertised price is $136 per person. That is a substantial half-day expense, but the cost includes about 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, an English-speaking guide, riding and safety equipment, and transport to and from Reykjavík. If you are already renting a car and staying near Hveragerdi, the value is less about transport and more about the horses, staff, and organized ride.

Getting ready beside the stables

The first part of the experience is practical. You will meet the horses and guide at the farm, receive the required equipment, and prepare for the ride. A helmet is included, as are rain gear and winter overalls when needed.

Wear comfortable clothing and hiking shoes. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and the route is selected partly around wind conditions, so warm and weather-resistant clothing is sensible even if the forecast looks friendly. The supplied riding gear helps, but it is still wise to dress for a cool day outdoors.

Backpacks are not allowed. Small waist bags are permitted, which gives you a place for a phone or a few small personal items without carrying a full pack on horseback. Professional cameras are also not allowed. That rule may disappoint anyone hoping to bring a large photography kit, but it keeps the ride simpler and avoids bulky equipment around the horses.

The operator does not set out to offer a private lesson for every rider. You receive guidance throughout the ride, but the focus is a group countryside outing. That distinction matters most if you already ride regularly and want advanced instruction.

Riding through meadows, lava fields, and farmland

Once the group leaves the farm, the route takes you through the countryside around the stable. You may pass open meadows, lava fields, and a small river. The views include volcanic mountains and working farmland, with several farms along the way.

The farms add an appealing local detail. This is not only a ride past dramatic scenery. The route also gives you a glimpse of how agriculture in the area has developed over the past several decades. You see the countryside as a place where people work, raise animals, and maintain farms, not just as a backdrop for photographs.

The exact path is not fixed. Guides choose among the available riding routes according to weather and wind. That is a sensible Icelandic approach. It means you should not book this expecting one guaranteed viewpoint or one identical sequence of stops. In return, you get a route that is better suited to the day’s conditions.

The scenery can be beautiful, especially when the weather is clear. One September ride included bright sunshine, a river crossing, an area with roughly 100 loose horses, and plenty of tölt. Those details will not necessarily be part of every departure, but they show how varied the outing can become when conditions allow.

At other times, the countryside may feel more modest. One rider found the surroundings pleasant but not especially dramatic, and winter weather can make it difficult to talk while riding. Keep your expectations grounded: this is a farm-country ride near Hveragerdi, not a guaranteed expedition into Iceland’s wildest scenery.

Meeting the Icelandic horse at its own pace

The horses are one of the strongest reasons to choose this activity. They are described as calm, healthy-looking, and well cared for, with appropriate tack and equipment. That matters because the quality of the horse and the care given to it shape the whole outing.

For a first-time rider, a calm horse can make the difference between enjoying the views and spending the whole ride feeling tense. The guides are attentive and professional, and the relaxed nature of the horses makes the experience accessible even if you have little riding experience.

Experienced riders should pay attention to the group makeup. When several beginners are present, the whole group may move slowly. That can reduce your chance to experience the tölt, especially if a less confident rider is directly in front of you. One practical improvement would be to rotate positions or place slower riders at the back, but you should not count on a fast-paced ride.

The best approach is to see the tölt as a welcome opportunity rather than a guarantee. The pleasant trails are chosen partly because they offer room to experience this special Icelandic gait. On some rides, you may tölt for a good stretch. On others, weather, rider ability, or the group order may keep the pace calmer.

Why the tölt is worth looking forward to

The Icelandic horse is known for the tölt, a distinctive gait that gives this ride its special character. The tour specifically uses the countryside trails as a chance to try it, rather than keeping you at a walk around the stable.

If you have never ridden an Icelandic horse before, this is the feature that gives the outing more purpose than a standard horseback ride. You are not only sitting on a horse while admiring the views. You are also getting a small introduction to one of Iceland’s best-known equestrian traditions.

Still, your experience will depend on the group. Several comments point to the same issue: beginners can keep the entire line at a slower pace, making it harder for confident riders to tölt. If the gait is your main reason for booking, tell the guide about your riding background and ask how the group will be arranged.

The ride is likely to suit you best if you are happy with a calm outing that may include brief periods of faster movement. It is less suitable if you want a long, energetic ride with lots of independent control.

Rivers, loose horses, and changing conditions

The route may include a river or stream crossing, depending on the chosen path and weather. One outing passed a warm river, while the standard description refers to a small river. Since routes change, you should treat any water crossing as a possible feature rather than a fixed part of the schedule.

A particularly memorable version of the ride passed through an area with around 100 loose horses. That kind of moment gives you a stronger sense of Icelandic horse culture and farm life than a simple point-to-point ride. It also shows why route flexibility can be a benefit.

Weather remains the deciding factor. Wind can affect which trails are comfortable and safe, while rain or winter cold can make conversation difficult. The operator supplies rain gear and winter overalls, which is helpful, but you should still expect to spend most of two hours outdoors in exposed conditions.

In warmer months, small insects may be irritating. Bring the clothing you need for the day, and consider a fly veil for the horse if you already use one. Do not assume the farm will provide every personal comfort item.

A two-hour outing with a relaxed rhythm

The official duration is two hours, with about 1.5 to 2 hours spent riding. The difference allows time for preparation, fitting equipment, and getting the group organized. This is a useful length for most people. It gives you enough time to settle into the horse without taking up an entire day of your Iceland itinerary.

The schedule also leaves room for a separate activity in Reykjavík or along the south coast. You could pair the ride with time in Hveragerdi, but the activity itself already provides a clear half-day plan when transport is included.

The pace is likely to feel easy rather than rushed. That is good news for beginners, families with older children, and anyone who wants to focus on scenery. It may feel too slow for advanced riders, especially when the group contains people who have never been on a horse.

Children must be at least seven years old. The upper weight limit is 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. These are important booking checks, not minor footnotes.

Who will get the most from this ride?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want a manageable introduction to Icelandic horses, enjoy open countryside, and prefer a guided activity with equipment provided. It is especially practical if you are staying in Reykjavík and do not want to arrange a separate rental car for the ride.

Beginners should feel comfortable choosing it. The horses are known for their calm manner, and the guides provide support in English. You should still be prepared for outdoor weather and follow the guide’s instructions around the horses.

Families can consider it for children aged seven and older, provided everyone meets the physical requirements. The ride is not designed for wheelchair users, and the weight limit is firm.

Experienced riders need to decide how much they value the Icelandic horse and the scenery. If you want to tölt and enjoy a rural ride, this can be rewarding. If you want speed, technical riding, or a private session tailored to your ability, the group format may frustrate you.

Booking value, flexibility, and practical limits

The $136 price makes the most sense when you use the included Reykjavík transfer and equipment. You are paying for a guided ride, the horses, safety gear, weather gear, and the convenience of a planned countryside outing. If you are already near Hveragerdi with a car, you may think the price is high, but the organized experience still saves you from arranging horses, tack, route planning, and supervision yourself.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your Iceland plans depend on changing weather or transport arrangements. Availability and start times vary, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around it.

The English-speaking guide is the only listed language. That should suit most international visitors who want clear instructions while riding.

Should you book the Siggi Horse Riding Tour?

Book this ride if you want a friendly, well-organized introduction to Icelandic horses, with a real chance to try the tölt and see farm country near Hveragerdi. The calm horses, careful guides, included gear, and Reykjavík transfer make it a practical choice.

Think twice if you are an experienced rider seeking speed or a private, technically demanding lesson. Group pace can be slow, and the scenery depends heavily on the weather. For most beginners and casual riders, though, the combination of horses, lava fields, farmland, and flexible routes offers good value for a memorable two hours.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour start?

The tour starts at Vellir farm in Ölfus. From Reykjavík, the farm is on the right side of Route 1 shortly after Hveragerdi.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at the farm 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Is transport from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Transfer to and from Reykjavík is included.

How long is the tour?

The activity lasts two hours, with about 1.5 to 2 hours of riding.

What equipment is provided?

A helmet, riding and safety equipment, rain gear, and winter overalls are provided.

What should I wear?

Bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. Weather-resistant clothing is useful because the ride takes place outdoors and the route depends on wind and weather.

Can I bring a backpack?

No. Backpacks are not allowed, but small waist bags are permitted.

Can children join the ride?

Children must be at least seven years old to take part.

Can I cancel the booking?

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