Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour

The most memorable part of this ride is the Icelandic horse itself. These compact, sure-footed horses are known for the tölt, a smooth four-beat gait that feels different from an ordinary walk or trot. The route near Hveragerdi also gives you a close look at lava fields, farms, volcanic mountains, and a small river.

I like the careful horse handling and the practical equipment, including helmets, rain gear, and winter overalls. I also like the mix of scenery: this is not just a fenced riding ring, but a trip through working farmland and open countryside. The main drawback is that the pace depends on the whole group, so experienced riders may get less time at the tölt when beginners are along.

Key points

• Try the tölt: The Icelandic horse’s special gait is a central part of the ride, though group pace affects how much you can use it.
• Ride from Vellir farm: The stable sits shortly after Hveragerdi on Route 1, making this a practical outing from Reykjavík.
• See real farm country: You pass meadows, lava fields, several farms, a small river, and volcanic mountains.
• Weather shapes the route: Guides choose the best available trail based on wind and conditions.
• Useful gear is supplied: Helmets, rain gear, and winter overalls are included.
• Best for ages seven and up: The ride is not suitable for children under seven, wheelchair users, or anyone over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Riding Icelandic Horses Near Hveragerdi

This two-hour outing begins at Vellir, a farm in Ölfus near Hveragerdi. From Reykjavík, drive along Route 1 and watch for the farm on the right shortly after Hveragerdi. You can park by the stables and meet your guide and horse there.

The ride itself lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. That timing matters. You get enough time to settle into the saddle, learn how your horse responds, and ride beyond the immediate farm grounds. It is still short enough to fit into a busy day of sightseeing around southern Iceland.

You need to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. That gives you time to meet the guide, collect equipment, and get ready without turning the beginning of the ride into a scramble. A transfer from and to Reykjavík is included, which adds value if you do not have a rental car.

The English-speaking guide leads the group and chooses the route according to wind and weather. In Iceland, that is not a small detail. Strong wind can change how exposed a trail feels, so the exact route is not fixed in advance. You may follow a different combination of farm tracks, fields, and river paths depending on the day.

What the Icelandic Horse Adds

The Icelandic horse is not simply a smaller version of a familiar riding horse. Its best-known special gait is the tölt, a smooth four-beat movement that can feel remarkably steady for the rider. The guides give you the chance to experience it when conditions and group ability allow.

The tölt is one reason this ride appeals to people who already ride. It offers something specific to Iceland rather than a standard horseback outing that could take place anywhere. Experienced riders may want to ask the guide how much time the route and group will allow for tölt.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is a guided group ride, not a private performance session. The pace must suit the least experienced rider in the group. One experienced rider found the ride slower because first-time riders were included, while another had limited chances to tölt because slower riders were ahead.

That is not a flaw in the horses or guides. It is the tradeoff of a mixed group. Beginners get a calmer, safer introduction, while confident riders may need patience. If the group is small, you may have more flexibility. One outing had only a single rider with the guide, allowing more conversation and a relaxed pace.

From Meadows to Lava Fields

The route passes through the countryside around the farm rather than focusing on one dramatic viewpoint. You ride across meadows, through lava fields, and beside a small river. These settings give you a useful sense of how Iceland’s volcanic ground and farming life sit side by side.

The volcanic mountains provide a strong backdrop, though the views can change sharply with cloud, rain, and wind. On a clear day, the farmland and mountains can be striking. In poor weather, the scenery may feel more subdued. One winter ride was judged well organized and enjoyable, but the surrounding scenery was considered less impressive than expected.

That honest point is worth keeping in mind. This is not a tour built around a famous waterfall or a single grand panorama. The pleasure comes from moving through ordinary countryside on horseback, with volcanic terrain, farms, open fields, and water appearing along the way.

You also pass several farms. The guide can help connect what you see with changes in Icelandic agriculture over recent decades. That makes the ride more than a pretty loop. You get a glimpse of a working region, where horse keeping and farming remain part of daily life.

Rivers, Loose Horses, and Seasonal Conditions

The route can include a river crossing or a ride beside warm water, depending on the chosen trail and conditions. One particularly clear September ride included both a river and a field with around 100 loose horses. That kind of moment can make the trip feel distinctly Icelandic, especially when combined with the tölt and open countryside.

Do not treat that exact scene as guaranteed. The provider selects routes based on weather and wind, so the river, loose-horse field, and other features may vary. The supplied description promises the farm surroundings, meadows, lava fields, a small river, farms, and mountain views, but not one identical path every day.

Summer brings different concerns. Small insects can be irritating, especially on still days. If you are riding in warmer months, a fly bonnet for your horse may be useful if you already own one and if the stable allows it. In winter, rain gear and winter overalls matter more. The included clothing helps, but you should still wear comfortable clothes and sturdy hiking shoes.

Weather can also affect conversation. Wind and rain may make it hard to hear the guide while riding. That does not cancel the experience, but it can reduce the amount of commentary you absorb. The horses and route remain the main attraction.

How the Group Pace Affects Your Ride

The tour suits both newcomers and riders with experience, but the two groups may want different things. First-time riders receive a calm introduction, and the horses are described as relaxed, healthy-looking, and well cared for. That creates a reassuring setting for someone who is curious about riding but does not want a demanding outing.

Experienced riders may hope for more freedom and speed. The guide remains responsible for the entire group, so you should expect an organized line and a controlled pace. If someone ahead is not ready to tölt, you may need to wait.

I would ask about group composition before setting high expectations for the tölt. You can also tell the guide about your riding background at the start. The guide may be able to position riders sensibly or allow some changes when conditions permit, but the ride still has to work for everyone.

The organization is a clear strength. The horses are matched with riders, safety equipment is provided, and the guide stays attentive. A calm, structured approach is especially useful in Iceland, where wind, wet ground, and changing visibility can affect the route.

Horses, Equipment, and Comfort

The horses are the heart of the outing, and their care matters. The available feedback describes them as well groomed, healthy, relaxed, and content. Their tack was also described as clean and appropriately fitted. Those are important signs for anyone who wants to ride responsibly.

You receive a riding helmet and, when needed, rain gear or winter overalls. Wear comfortable clothing underneath. Hiking shoes are requested, so leave fashion footwear in the car. Icelandic weather can shift quickly, and a damp two-hour ride feels much longer if your clothes are not practical.

Backpacks are not allowed. Small waist bags are permitted, giving you a way to carry a few essentials without putting a large pack in the saddle or getting in the guide’s way. Professional cameras are also not allowed. Bring a phone only if it can be carried safely in an approved small waist bag.

This rule may disappoint serious photographers. It also keeps riders from managing bulky gear while handling reins and following the group. The best approach is to enjoy the ride first and use a small camera or phone only when it is safe and permitted.

Is $136 a Fair Price?

At $136 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Iceland. The price makes more sense when you count the 1.5 to 2 hours of riding, an English-speaking guide, riding and safety gear, and transfer service from and to Reykjavík.

The value is strongest for visitors who would otherwise need to arrange transport to a rural stable. If you have a rental car, the drive to Vellir is simple enough, and the included transfer becomes less important. If you are staying in Reykjavík and want a straightforward horseback outing without planning the transport yourself, it adds useful convenience.

You are also paying for a properly managed experience with horses, equipment, and route planning. The provider does not promise the same trail every time, since wind and weather guide the decision. That flexibility is practical, but it means you should not pay expecting one fixed viewpoint or a guaranteed river crossing.

For riders who want a private lesson, advanced training, or a long wilderness ride, the price may not feel right. For a first taste of Icelandic horses with transport and clothing included, it is a reasonable midrange choice.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would recommend this ride to first-time riders who want a gentle introduction to Icelandic horses. The guides are attentive, the horses are calm, and the equipment reduces the worry of packing specialist riding gear.

It also suits casual riders who care more about seeing rural Iceland from the saddle than about speed. You pass farms, fields, lava, mountains, and water in one outing. That variety gives the ride a stronger local character than an enclosed arena session.

Experienced riders can enjoy it too, especially if the group is small or includes people with similar ability. Ask about the likely pace and the chance to tölt before you book. If you need a fast or technically demanding ride, this may feel restrained.

The age limit is important. Children under seven cannot take part. The experience is also not suitable for wheelchair users or anyone over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms. Those restrictions are part of the stable’s safety requirements, so check them honestly before reserving.

Booking Details That Matter

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when Icelandic weather may affect your plans.

Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date. The tour is conducted in English. If you drive, arrive at the farm 10 to 15 minutes early and park near the stables.

Bring hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. Do not bring a backpack or professional camera. A small waist bag is allowed, but keep it compact and secure.

My Take: Book It for the Horses and Rural Setting

Book this tour if you want a well-organized introduction to Icelandic horses, a chance to try the tölt, and a look at farmland and volcanic countryside near Hveragerdi. The calm horses, attentive guides, included equipment, and Reykjavík transfer make it an easy choice for many visitors.

Think twice if your main goal is dramatic scenery, a private ride, or sustained fast riding. The route changes with weather, and a mixed group can keep the pace slow. For most people, though, the chance to ride a tölt-capable Icelandic horse through fields, lava, and farm country is a fair use of two hours and $136.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride begin?

The ride begins at Vellir farm in Ölfus, near Hveragerdi. 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.

How long do I spend riding?

The riding portion lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. The full activity is listed as two hours.

Is transport from Reykjavík included?

Yes. Transfer from and to Reykjavík is included.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. An English-speaking guide leads the tour.

Can I try the Icelandic horse’s tölt?

Yes. The route provides an opportunity to experience the tölt, although the amount of time available depends on weather, trail conditions, and the pace of the group.

What equipment is provided?

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

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes.

Can I bring a backpack or professional camera?

No. Backpacks and professional cameras are not allowed. A small waist bag is permitted.

Who cannot take this tour?

The ride is not suitable for children under seven, wheelchair users, or people over 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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