Iceland from horseback hits different.

This 2-hour ride (approx.) takes you through south Iceland on a sturdy Icelandic horse, guided in English. You’ll go from riding trails and the slopes of Reykjafjall to a geothermal area above Hveragerði, where the ground and scenery are constantly changing. I love that you cover real distance instead of walking the whole time.

Two things I especially like: the free pickup and drop-off means less hassle, and the safety setup is handled for you with helmets and waterproofs included. The guide also shares how Icelandic horses fit into the country’s story, so the ride feels more than just scenic time in the saddle.

One drawback to plan around: this is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t good, the tour may be rescheduled or refunded, so keep your day flexible.

Key things to know before you ride the Siggi Tour

• Helmets and waterproofs are provided, so you can focus on staying warm and balanced instead of figuring out gear.
• English-speaking guiding throughout, including local context about Icelandic horses.
• Hot springs and geothermal terrain above Hveragerði show off how active this region is (especially post-2008).
• You ride more than you hike, which is ideal when your Iceland time is short.
• Weight limit is 120 kg, so check fit early if you’re near that number.
• Group size capped at 50, which usually keeps things organized.

Entering the saddle: what starts at Hótel Eldhestar

Most horse tours feel like an on-ramp to a barn. This one starts more like a mini day trip. Your meeting point is Hótel Eldhestar in Ölfus (816 Sveitarfélagið Ölfus), and the tone is straightforward: gear first, then saddle time.

Even if you’ve ridden before, don’t expect a long lecture. The real work is getting comfortable. You’ll be given helmets and waterproofs, which matters because south Iceland weather can change fast. If it’s windy or misty, those provided layers can be the difference between a memorable ride and a chilled one.

If you’re worried about whether you’ll handle the horse itself, the best sign here is the instruction style. The tour’s reputation leans heavily toward riders of mixed experience being paired and managed well, with staff looking out for people who are newer to horseback riding.

The Icelandic horse advantage (and why your guide matters)

Icelandic horses are built for the country. They’re known for being sturdy, sure-footed, and used to rough terrain. That’s exactly what you want when the trail includes volcanic ground, gravel, and uneven footing where you can’t rely on a perfectly manicured path.

The guide being English-speaking is also a big deal. You’re not just following someone down a trail; you’re learning what you’re seeing and why it’s there. The tour includes talk about the history of Icelandic horses, and that context makes the ride feel connected to Iceland, instead of just moving through it.

A practical tip: when a guide says your job is to relax and follow their cues, take that seriously. Horseback riding gets easier when your body stops fighting the horse’s motion. If you go in thinking you’ll control everything, you’ll tense up. If you go in treating it like a guided conversation with the horse, you’ll enjoy it more.

From Reykjafjall to green forest: the first stretch of the route

The ride’s early segment is designed to get you moving through a mix of terrain without feeling rushed. You start by riding up a hill along excellent riding trails, then you head along the slopes of Reykjafjall and into a green forest area.

That part is special because green forest can feel unusual in Iceland—at least compared to the more common images of black rock and open plains. Here, you get a different texture underfoot and a different type of scenery view when the canopy opens and closes. If you’re the type who gets bored with the same-looking stretches, this variety helps the ride stay interesting.

What you’ll likely notice as you go uphill is how quickly your pace changes. Even on a relatively short tour, the horse’s gait and the trail’s incline can feel like a workout. It’s not an extreme hike, but it’s active enough that you’ll be glad you came prepared to sit comfortably for a while.

Hveragerði’s hot springs area: geothermal color and constant change

After the forest and mountain slopes, you move into one of the main draws: the geothermal zone above Hveragerði. This part of the tour is where the ground looks like it’s working overtime.

You’ll pass many hot springs in that geothermal area, and your guide explains what’s made it so dramatic over time. Hveragerði is often called the hot spring capital of the world, and the area changed notably during the 2008 earthquake. The key idea for you: this isn’t a static tourist spot. The region is constantly changing, so the scenery can feel a bit otherworldly.

What I like about this segment is that it gives you a reason to look around. On many short rides, scenery is scenery. Here, you have active, explained features you can track—steam, colors, and geothermal activity you’re seeing while the guide provides the storyline behind it.

One consideration: geothermal terrain can be misty even when the sky looks clear from a distance. You’ll have waterproofs, but bring your patience for damp air and cooler temperatures near steam. This is one of those moments where being slightly uncomfortable is part of the authenticity.

How long the Siggi Tour really feels (2 hours vs. the route timing)

The tour overview lists the duration as about 2 hours. The ride description also references a longer total time block (about 3 hours) tied to the overall experience window.

So here’s how I’d plan: think of the riding as roughly in the 2-hour range, but expect the full outing might stretch closer to 3 hours once you factor in equipment time and the movement to and from the meeting point area. If you’re trying to stack multiple activities the same day, give yourself buffer time.

This is also where your day planning matters most. If you’re pairing this ride with something like a drive to waterfalls or a geothermal attraction, schedule your “must-do” for before or after in a way that protects you from delays. Weather can also affect timing.

Pickup, drop-off, and the convenience you’ll actually notice

One of the biggest practical wins here is free pickup and drop-off. That changes the math. Without it, you’d be spending time coordinating transport, parking, and getting everyone into the right location. With it, you show up, get kitted out, and ride.

Your mobile ticket also keeps things simple. You’re not juggling paper, and you’re not trying to find Wi-Fi at a critical moment. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking (subject to availability), so if your plans are tight, this timing is worth noting.

The tour caps at 50 travelers, which is big enough to run smoothly but small enough that you usually shouldn’t feel like a cattle line. You’ll still want to arrive on time because once helmets and waterproofs are distributed, groups need to move efficiently.

Safety and comfort: helmets, waterproofs, and what you should wear

Helmets and waterproofs being included is a smart baseline. You’re not choosing between fashion and function. The tour is built around you staying safe and dry enough to enjoy the time.

You should still plan your clothing like Iceland weather is always one gust away from getting sharper:

• Wear warm layers you can move in.
• Closed-toe footwear with a solid grip helps you feel secure while mounting and staying balanced.
• If you run cold easily, consider extra insulation. You’re sitting for stretches, and steam areas can feel chilly.

If you’re bringing glasses or contacts, keep them secured. Wind and mist happen. The ride is short, but comfort matters when you’re trying to take in the geothermal and forest scenery instead of adjusting constantly.

Who the Siggi Tour fits best

This is a great choice if you want:

• a horse experience without needing advanced riding skills
• Iceland scenery that goes beyond lava views alone
• a guide who explains what you’re seeing, not just where to look

It also suits people who want a controlled, safety-forward setting. The tour includes helmets and waterproofs, and the operation has a strong reputation for caring instruction—especially when riders have different levels of experience.

Here’s who should think twice:

• If you’re near the 120 kg weight limit, check fit early so there’s no last-minute disappointment.
• If you can’t handle weather uncertainty, know this activity requires good weather.

Price and value: is $134.15 worth it?

At $134.15 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement activity. But it also isn’t a random “walk in nature” experience. You’re paying for several concrete pieces of value:

• an Icelandic horse and trained staff managing the ride
• included safety gear (helmets and waterproofs)
• an English-speaking guide
• free pickup and drop-off, which can cost real time and money if you had to arrange it yourself
• access to a route that combines mountain slopes, forest, and geothermal hot springs in one outing

So the real value question for you is not just price. It’s how much you want a guided horse experience versus building your own day. If your schedule is tight and you want a packed, meaningful slice of south Iceland, this price starts to make sense fast.

On the other hand, if you already have a horse experience lined up elsewhere or you’re traveling on a strict budget, you might decide the cost doesn’t fit your priorities. That’s a personal call. But for most people aiming for a memorable Iceland activity without complexity, it’s a fair deal.

Ratings, reputation, and what that means for your expectations

The tour scores a 4.7 rating with 93% recommended, based on 27 reviews. That’s strong, and the standout theme is about the ride feeling safe and managed for mixed experience levels—experienced riders are treated well, and newer riders aren’t left behind.

I treat that as a good sign for how the staff handles real-world differences in confidence and comfort. If you’re a nervous rider, you’re not showing up to a free-for-all. You’re going to a setup that expects varying skill levels.

Should you book the Siggi Tour from Reykjavík?

If you want one of your south Iceland days to include actual saddle time—and you like scenery that changes from trails to forest to geothermal hot springs—this is a smart booking.

Book it if:

• you want pickup and don’t want to manage transport
• you appreciate included safety gear and clear guidance
• you want a short outing that still packs in different scenery types

Skip it or wait if:

• your schedule is too rigid for a weather-dependent activity
• you’re worried about the 120 kg weight limit
• you want a longer, slower adventure rather than a focused guided ride

If you can keep your day flexible and you’re open to getting a little damp and a little cold in geothermal air, the Siggi Tour is the kind of Iceland experience that feels practical while still being genuinely memorable.

FAQ

How long is the Siggi Tour?

The tour is listed at about 2 hours. The ride description also references a longer overall time window of about 3 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Free pickup and drop-off are included.

What safety gear is provided?

Helmets and waterproofs are included for the ride.

Is there an age or weight limit?

The tour has a weight limit of 120 kg. Most people can participate.

How big are the groups?

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.

What happens if weather is poor, or if I cancel?

The activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellation within 24 hours of the start time isn’t refunded.

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