Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour

This is interesting because you are not just watching Iceland. You are moving through it on an Icelandic horse, learning the tölt, while a guide steers you toward the best conditions for riding. I like the focus on a special horse gait, and I also like the way the tour runs in a very organized, safety-first style with English-speaking support.

The possible drawback? This is a guided group ride, so the pace can feel a bit shaped by who is in the saddle that day, especially if someone is newer and needs extra time. One person even said it felt a little assembly line at moments, even though the horses and organization were great.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• The tölt is a real goal, not a quick demo, with time to practice it during the ride
• Routes change with weather and wind, so expect the scenery, not the exact path, to be the constant
• You’ll see farm life up close, riding past meadows, lava fields, and working farmland
• Safety gear and riding layers are provided, so you can travel lighter from Reykjavík
• A river crossing is part of the experience, and in at least one case it was described as warm
• Bring a fly cap if insects bother you, because small critters can get irritating on calm days

Hveragerði Horse Riding and the Tölt Factor

If you have heard Icelandic horses are different, this is where that matters. The star here is the tölt, a smooth, four-beat gait many riders find more comfortable than a trot. It also feels a lot more Icelandic than a generic horseback ride, because it is part of how these horses work and move.

I like that the tour is built for riding you can actually feel, not just sit through. The route is chosen based on weather and wind, which is smart. In a country where conditions can flip quickly, a guide who chooses calmer terrain first helps you enjoy the ride and not just endure it.

The other big plus is the horses themselves. The feedback I’m using here is consistent: horses are described as well cared for, relaxed, and properly equipped, which matters when you are meeting unfamiliar animals in a real outdoor setting.

Starting at Vellir, Where You Meet Your Horses

Your tour starts at the farm near Hveragerði, with the meeting place listed at Vellir. You are asked to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so the outfitting and checks do not eat into your riding time.

If you are driving from Reykjavík, you will park by the stables and meet your guide there. The instructions are simple: you’re on Road 1, on the right side of the road, shortly after Hveragerði, so you are not hunting for a back road in the dark.

One practical tip from the overall vibe of the experience: get there early and pay attention during the fitting and instructions. Even if you are an experienced rider, a good saddle adjustment and a quick safety briefing make the whole ride feel easier once you are on uneven ground or near water.

What the 2-Hour Experience Really Includes

The full tour is 2 hours, and you should expect about 1.5 to 2 hours of riding. That time split is important because it sets expectations. You are not signing up for a long trek where you barely get time in the saddle. You are getting a solid riding block plus instruction, equipment time, and time for the group to settle.

Also, this is set up as a guided experience with an English-speaking guide, so you are not left to figure things out on your own.

Transfer from Reykjavík is included, which can be a big value boost if you do not want to plan a rental car just for a horse ride. If you do have a car, you can still drive and park right by the stables.

Riding Through Meadows, Lava, and Farms Near Ölfus

Once you are mounted, the ride takes you through a mix of terrain. You’ll pass meadows, lava fields, and a small river. You also ride with views of volcanic mountains and farmland, and you pass several farms that give you context for how agriculture developed over recent decades.

That combination is what makes this feel like more than a ride around one loop. Meadows give you open riding space and a chance to feel the gait. Lava fields add texture underfoot, and they change how the horse steps, so you stay alert without needing to do anything technical. Farms along the route help the countryside feel grounded in daily life rather than just dramatic scenery from a distance.

Now, about the river crossing. The tour description says you pass a small river, and at least one rider mentioned crossing a warm river during the ride. Even if the temperature day-to-day varies, plan mentally for wet surroundings and splashes. Comfort comes from thinking ahead, not from trying to tough it out in the moment.

The Route Depends on Weather and Wind, and That’s a Good Thing

This tour explicitly offers the best riding routes based on weather and wind conditions. That detail matters more than it sounds.

In Iceland, wind can be strong enough to change how safe and enjoyable certain trail choices are. If the guide can swap routes to reduce exposure or avoid the worst conditions, you are more likely to get a smooth ride, a better chance to tölt, and less frustration from rough ground or cold delays.

So instead of expecting the exact same trail every day, expect a consistent type of experience: rural Iceland riding, a mix of terrain, and time to practice the tölt.

If you are the type who cares about “perfect photo stops,” this might feel less precise than a fixed itinerary. But if you care about actually riding well, it’s a smart design.

Tölt Practice: What It Feels Like and How to Get the Most From It

The tölt is the special gait on Icelandic horses, and the tour is set up to give you a real opportunity to experience it. The idea is simple: with the right sections of trail and with horses that are comfortable, you can spend meaningful time in the gait rather than only seeing a quick transition.

From the feedback you are reading into the ride experience, riders were able to tölт for quite a bit. Others even said it was worth it even if they were not experienced riders, which is a good sign for your expectations.

That said, the group can influence how much tölt time you get. One comment noted that riders who moved slower could affect the ability for others to tölт during some parts. Practically, that means you should not plan to treat this as a private coaching session. Treat it as a guided ride where your best moments depend on what the group is doing.

If you want the best shot at tölt:

• listen carefully during the guide’s positioning and cues
• keep your seat stable and relax your hands
• be ready to switch behavior quickly if the group changes pace

Gear and Clothing: What They Provide, What You Should Bring

This tour takes the cold and wet seriously. Included gear covers riding and safety equipment, including a helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls. That is a huge advantage. You do not need to spend extra money on heavy riding layers just for this one activity.

What you should bring:

• Hiking shoes
• Comfortable clothes

You do not need fancy gear beyond that, but you do want shoes that handle uneven ground and can handle mud or damp.

Two rules to keep in mind:

• No professional cameras
• No backpacks

Small waist bags are allowed, which is handy if you want to keep essentials close to your body without swinging a backpack around in wet conditions.

One more comfort tip from real-world experience: consider bringing a fly cap if insects bother you. On a calm day, small bugs can be distracting enough to mess with your focus and your patience.

Price and Value: Is $136 a Fair Deal?

At $136 per person for a 2-hour tour, the value comes from what is included, not just the time.

You’re getting:

• a guided ride with an English-speaking professional guide
• Icelandic horses and riding-specific safety gear
• rain gear and winter overalls (so you avoid extra packing and shopping)
• transfer from and back to Reykjavík

Also, you are paying for quality riding time, not a long bus ride with a short saddle moment. The schedule puts most of the 2 hours into riding, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.

Could it be cheaper? Sure, if you skip equipment and accept a less guided experience. But for Iceland, where cold, wind, and variable terrain are part of the deal, that combo of gear plus guidance plus transfer is what keeps this from feeling overpriced.

The horses also show up as a major value driver in the feedback. When animals are described as well cared for and healthy, it is not just feel-good. It usually means they are easier to ride and more likely to keep you confident on the trail.

Group Ride Reality: Comfort, Pace, and “Assembly Line” Feel

This is a group activity, and that shapes your experience.

Some rides can feel very social and lively. Other days, you might feel like the guide is managing the group like a system, especially if riders are spaced by skill level. One comment described it as slightly assembly line in feel, while still praising the organization and professionalism.

Here’s the way I’d handle that as a rider: decide what you want most. If your top priority is learning and feeling the tölt, show up ready to adapt your pace and take the ride as it comes. If your top priority is total solitude, this is not the format.

Also, expect that the terrain and pacing will guide how often you can tölт. Even if you ride well, the group’s rhythm can affect transitions.

Who Should Book, and Who Should Skip

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• to experience Icelandic horses and the tölt
• a guided ride that prioritizes safety and comfort
• a countryside route with lava fields, farms, and a river crossing
• included gear that makes weather less stressful

It may not be the best choice if:

• you need wheelchair access, since wheelchair users are listed as not suitable
• you are bringing young kids, because children under 7 are listed as not suitable
• your weight is over 243 lbs (110 kg), since people over that limit are listed as not suitable

If you are an experienced rider, you might notice pacing differences when the group includes beginners. But the positive notes about relaxed horses and attentive guiding suggest even non-riders can have a good time.

Quick Practical Checklist Before You Go

This is what I’d do to make the day go smoothly:

• arrive 10 to 15 minutes early at the farm by the stables in Vellir
• wear hiking shoes and comfortable clothes
• skip backpacks, and use a small waist bag if you need one
• plan for rain or wind, even if the forecast looks decent, because routes can change
• pack a fly cap if insects annoy you
• set your expectations for a guided group ride, not a private one

Also, remember you’re riding Icelandic terrain, which can be uneven and wet. The right footwear and a calm mindset matter as much as the horse does.

Should You Book This Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want one of the more direct ways to experience Iceland on horseback. The big reasons are real time in the saddle, a guided route chosen for conditions, and a meaningful chance to feel the tölt. You also get safety gear and weather layers, plus transfer from Reykjavík, which is a practical value boost.

Skip it if you are looking for a fixed, photo-by-photo itinerary, or if you need a highly independent, private riding experience. And if mobility needs, age, or weight limitations apply, this one is not designed for those situations.

If your goal is simply to get on a well cared for Icelandic horse, ride through meadows and lava, and practice that smooth tölt gait, this is the kind of activity that pays you back fast.

FAQ

How long is the Siggi Horse Riding Tour in Hveragerði?

The tour duration is 2 hours, with about 1.5 to 2 hours of riding time.

Where do we meet for the tour, and is pickup from Reykjavík included?

You meet at the farm at Vellir, arriving 10 to 15 minutes early. Transfer from Reykjavík to the meeting area and back is included.

What gear and safety equipment are provided?

The tour includes riding and safety equipment such as a helmet, rain gear, and winter overalls. You should bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes.

Is the tour suitable for kids or wheelchair users?

No. Children under 7 years old are not suitable, and wheelchair users are listed as not suitable.

Is there a weight limit for this tour?

Yes. People over 243 lbs (110 kg) are listed as not suitable.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also offered.