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

The most interesting part of this ride is the quick change in scenery. From Hótel Eldhestar, you climb toward Reykjafjall mountain, pass through one of Iceland’s uncommon green forests, and reach steaming geothermal ground above Hveragerði.

I like the way the tour works for both first-time riders and experienced riders, and I like that pickup, helmets, and waterproofs are included. You can focus on the horse and the views instead of sorting out extra gear.

One point needs checking before you book: the experience is sold as about two hours, while the route description lists three hours. Ask for the exact riding time and pickup schedule when your booking is confirmed.

Key points at a glance

• Reykjafjall scenery: Ride along mountain slopes, through green forest, and across volcanic ground.
• Geothermal views: See hot springs and colorful earth above Hveragerði, known for its many hot springs.
• Beginner-friendly setup: An English-speaking guide leads the group, and inexperienced riders receive careful instruction and attention.
• Practical gear included: Helmets and waterproof clothing are provided, along with pickup and drop-off.
• Small or large group possibility: The maximum group size is 50 people, so ask about the expected group size for your date.
• Flexible cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund, with weather-related changes handled by the operator.

Riding from Hótel Eldhestar into South Iceland

This is a countryside ride with more variety than a short loop around a stable. You begin at Hótel Eldhestar, at 816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, then follow established riding trails uphill toward Reykjafjall.

The route gives you a good sense of South Iceland in a short time. You move from open volcanic ground to green growth, then toward the hot springs above Hveragerði. I like this mix because the ride is not built around one single viewpoint. The scenery keeps changing as the trail climbs and bends around the mountain.

The Icelandic horse is central to the experience. It is described as sturdy, which matters on a route that includes hills and uneven volcanic ground. Your English-speaking guide leads the ride and explains the history of Icelandic horses along the way. That turns the outing into more than a photo stop with an animal. You get a little context about why these horses matter in Icelandic life and travel.

The ride is designed to cover more ground than you could manage on foot in the same short period. You still move at a horse’s pace, so this is not a fast sightseeing trip. The appeal is the close view of the countryside and the simple rhythm of riding through it.

The climb along Reykjafjall

The first section takes you up a hill on what are described as excellent riding trails. From there, the route follows the slopes of Reykjafjall, giving you higher views over the area around Hveragerði.

This uphill start makes the ride feel like an outing rather than a flat stable circuit. It also means you should be ready for a little movement and changing ground. If you have never ridden before, the guide’s support is important here. The experience information specifically says beginners are taught and looked after, while experienced riders can also enjoy the outing.

You should not expect a private lesson or a long training session. The guide needs to keep a group moving, so instruction is likely focused on the basic skills needed for a safe ride. That works well for a first horseback experience, but someone wanting serious riding practice may find the format limited.

The views from the mountain slopes are one of the stronger reasons to choose this tour. You are not simply looking at Iceland from a coach window. You are out in the open, moving through the countryside with time to notice the ground, the air, and the shape of the hills around you.

Green forest in a country of open volcanic ground

The route passes through a green forest, which is a notable change from the bare volcanic scenes many people associate with Iceland. Forested areas are less common in Iceland than in much of Europe, so this section gives the ride a different feel from a standard lava-field outing.

I like this part because it breaks up the wide, exposed views. One minute you are riding along a mountain slope, and the next you are surrounded by trees and greener ground. The contrast makes the short ride feel fuller.

The forest is not presented as a long hiking stop or a separate attraction. You pass through it on horseback, so the time there depends on the pace of the group. Still, it adds texture to the route and helps explain why this ride is more varied than its two-hour label might suggest.

If you are mainly seeking dramatic black lava and empty plains, the forest section may not be the part you care about most. If you want several types of Icelandic scenery in one outing, it is a real advantage.

Hot springs above Hveragerði

After the forest and mountain trails, the route reaches a colorful geothermal area above Hveragerði. You pass many hot springs, with the ground shaped by heat and volcanic activity.

Hveragerði is known as the hot spring capital of the world. The area changed significantly after an earthquake in 2008 and continues to change. That detail gives the geothermal section some useful context. This is not a static display arranged for visitors. The land is active and can look different over time.

You should expect to view the hot springs from the riding route, not to bathe in them. Nothing in the tour details promises swimming or a hot spring soak. The attraction here is the sight of steaming ground and unusual colors from the back of an Icelandic horse.

The trail continues along volcanic hills above the town. From this height, you can look toward Hveragerði and its setting between Hengill volcano and the broad southern lowlands. The route also offers a view of the Varmá River.

That combination gives you several layers of South Iceland in one glance: geothermal activity close at hand, a town below, a volcano in the wider view, and open lowlands beyond. I consider that good value for a short ride, especially if you are already based in or visiting Reykjavík and want a countryside outing without committing to a full day.

What the guide and included gear mean for you

An English-speaking guide leads the ride and shares information about Icelandic horses. The guide also has the practical job of keeping riders together, helping with basic riding skills, and managing the group on the trail.

The strongest appeal for a beginner is the structure. You are not expected to arrive as a skilled rider. The experience specifically accommodates people with little or no riding experience, and the description emphasizes that beginners are taught and cared for. Experienced riders can join too, so the tour is not limited to children or complete novices.

Your safety gear includes a helmet and waterproof clothing. That is especially useful in South Iceland, where conditions can change quickly. You should still dress for outdoor activity and wear suitable layers, since waterproof outerwear does not replace warm clothing underneath.

The 120 kg weight limit is important. Check it before booking rather than waiting until arrival. Most people can participate, but horseback riding naturally has more restrictions than a standard walking tour.

Service animals are allowed, according to the tour information. If that matters to you, include the detail when arranging your booking so the operator can confirm the practical setup.

Is the roughly $134 price good value?

At $134.15 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the countryside. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: the horse, guide, riding route, pickup and drop-off, helmet, and waterproof clothing.

You are paying for a guided activity rather than transport to a viewpoint. The horse carries you through several types of scenery, and the guide provides basic support and information about Icelandic horses. For a first riding experience, that convenience can be worth more than finding a cheaper option that leaves transport or gear to you.

The value depends heavily on the actual riding time. The tour is described in the main details as lasting about two hours, but the route information shows three hours. That could reflect an approximate schedule, preparation time, or a difference in how the outing is recorded. I would ask the provider to confirm the time you will spend on the horse before paying.

Pickup is another part of the value. If you are staying in Reykjavík, the included transfer can save you the trouble of arranging your own way to Hótel Eldhestar. The provided information confirms pickup and drop-off, but it does not give a list of pickup points or a transfer duration. Confirm those details with the operator.

The activity is booked an average of 41 days ahead, so leaving this until the last minute may not work for your preferred date. That booking pattern also suggests you should arrange it early during a busy Iceland visit.

Group size, pace, and the kind of day to expect

The maximum group size is 50 people. That is a sizable upper limit for a horseback ride, though the actual number on your date may be smaller. A large group can affect how much individual attention you receive and how quickly the ride moves.

Beginners should ask about the expected group size if personal instruction is a major reason for booking. The experience is set up to support inexperienced riders, but a large group naturally gives the guide more people to manage.

Experienced riders may appreciate having a chance to ride through varied country without arranging a private route. At the same time, the tour is not presented as a technical riding excursion. There is no promise of advanced riding, a fast pace, or a private guide. You should choose it for scenery, basic riding, and the Icelandic horse experience.

The weather rule also matters. This activity requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. Keep some flexibility in your schedule if possible, especially if this is one of the main outdoor activities during your stay.

The main strengths and limits

The best feature is the variety packed into a short outing. You get mountain trails, forest, lava and volcanic ground, hot springs, views toward Hengill, and a look across the southern lowlands.

The second major strength is the beginner-friendly approach. You do not need advanced riding experience, and the equipment and pickup reduce the number of details you must handle yourself.

The limits are just as clear. You may be riding with a group of up to 50 people, and the precise duration needs clarification. The experience also depends on weather, so it is not as fixed as an indoor attraction.

The geothermal section is for viewing, not bathing, based on the details provided. If your main goal is to soak in a hot spring, choose a separate activity. If you want to pass through an active geothermal area on horseback, this route fits better.

Who should book this Icelandic horse ride?

I would recommend it to you if you want a manageable outdoor activity near Reykjavík with real scenery and a gentle introduction to Icelandic horseback riding. It suits first-time riders, couples, families, and experienced riders who want a scenic outing rather than a demanding expedition.

It is also a good choice if you value convenience. Pickup, drop-off, helmets, and waterproofs are included, and the meeting point is clearly given at Hótel Eldhestar.

I would think twice if you dislike group activities, need a guaranteed private lesson, or want a precise two-hour schedule with no uncertainty. I would also confirm the duration if your day is tightly planned.

The current score is 4.7 from 27 ratings, with 93 percent recommending the activity. The most useful practical takeaway is that experienced riders can enjoy it while beginners receive careful help. That balance is not always easy to find in a group riding experience.

Should you book the Siggi Tour?

Book it if you want to see South Iceland from horseback and value a route with more than one type of scenery. The forest, hot springs, volcanic hills, and views from Reykjafjall give this short ride a clear sense of place.

Before booking, confirm the exact riding duration, expected group size, pickup details, and weather backup. If those points work for your schedule, the included gear and transport make the $134.15 price reasonable for a guided outing.

FAQ

Where does the ride begin and end?

The ride begins at Hótel Eldhestar, 816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus, Iceland. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour is described as approximately two hours, while the detailed route information lists three hours. Confirm the exact schedule with the provider before booking.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Free pickup and drop-off are included, though specific pickup locations and times should be confirmed when your booking is arranged.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. Most people can participate, and the experience is designed to teach and support inexperienced riders. Experienced riders can also join.

What equipment is provided?

Helmets and waterproof clothing are included. The tour is also led by an English-speaking guide.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.