Eldhestar Siggi Ride, Pickup

Hveragerdi: The Siggi Horse Riding Tour runs through Eldhestar Volcano Horses. Rated 4.5 across 47 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $135.

Overview

This two hour ride from the Eldhestar Volcano Horses farm at Vellir, just past Hveragerdi, takes riders across the river Varma and into a lava field area before finishing on riding paths through the meadows south of the farm. The exact route is chosen on the day depending on weather and wind conditions. Along the way the trail passes farmland and volcanic mountains, and guides point out how farming in the district has changed over recent decades.

The other point of the tour is the Icelandic horse itself. The trails give riders a real chance to feel the tölt, the breed's distinctive smooth gait. Reviewers often single out the river crossing as the best moment of the ride, and one reviewer described getting plenty of trot and tölt because her small group had no beginners.

It suits first timers and riders with a child as young as seven, as one family described, but also people who already ride and want to try the tölt properly. Mixed ability groups are handled by the guide, though one reviewer said a beginner only group would have suited them better. Helmets, rain gear and winter overalls are provided, and transfers from Reykjavik are part of the package.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup in ReykjavikPickup is at 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM, sharp, for those using the Reykjavik transfer.
2. Arrive at Vellir farmArrive at the farm 10 to 15 minutes before the start time. If driving independently from Reykjavik, the farm sits on the right side of road number 1 shortly after Hveragerdi, with parking by the stables. Self arrivals start at 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM.
3. Meet guide and horsesRiders meet their guide and horses at the stables, and helmets, rain gear or winter overalls are handed out.
4. Ölfus guided rideThe 2 hour guided tour crosses the river Varma, passes through a lava field area and continues on riding paths through the meadows south of the farm, with views of volcanic mountains and passing farms.
5. Return and transferThe ride ends back at the stables, and transfer passengers are driven back to Reykjavik.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this ride goes, from what you wear to how the group is mixed.

• What to wear. The listing asks for hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. Rain gear and winter overalls are supplied, so the main job of your own clothing is to work under the provided layers.
• Mixed ability groups. Riders of different levels often share one group. One reviewer would have preferred beginners to ride separately, though another said the instructor handled the group's different abilities well, and one reviewer noted being asked about previous experience before being matched with a horse.
• The tölt. The trails are chosen partly to let riders experience the tölt. Reviewers repeatedly describe it as a highlight, including the faster tölt, so it is a real feature of the ride rather than a brief demo.
• The river crossing. Crossing the river Varma comes up again and again in reviews, often named the best part of the tour. Expect to get the horse through moving water rather than only dry paths.
• Photos and bags. Professional cameras and backpacks are not allowed, though small waist bags are. Plan on a phone or simple camera that fits in a pocket.
• No food provided. Nothing in the inclusions covers food or drink, so eat before pickup or bring something in a permitted waist bag. With a 8:00 AM pickup, an early breakfast matters.

Common issues. One reviewer felt the ride was a bit assembly line, and another wished beginners rode separately. One reviewer found the outward transfer slow, over an hour, because returning passengers were collected first, and found the stated short drive time misleading. The listing itself notes the route depends on weather and wind, so the scenery covered varies. Windy weather made conversation hard for one group.

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