Explore Iceland’s hidden gems, meet new people, and learn more about what makes Iceland so special with a guided tour.
I was young once and I walked alone. I thought myself rich when I met another traveler. People’s joy is in other people.”
–Havamal trans. Jackson Crawford
The land of fire and ice is a photographer’s dream. Its black sand beaches, unique rock formations, cascading waterfalls, snowcapped fjords, and emerald green mountains tantalize our eyes and imagination. But there is more to Iceland than its landscapes and the mesmerizing phenomenon known as aurora borealis. A country so rich in epic scenery is also rich in history, culture, and wonderful people. So should you hire a guide for Iceland? Absolutely- YES!
In this post I will explore why you should consider hiring a guide when visiting Iceland.
My first-time visiting Iceland I drove the ring road solo in eight days. I did not hire a guide, nor did I attend any guided tours. It was a magical experience and I saw allot. I fell in love with the land, the scenery, even the sulfuric smell of the Reykjanes air, but I did not experience, and my knowledge was limited to what I read on the posted signs at the stops I visited.
During my second visit I attended a few guided tours of the highlands. As an introvert, socializing and meeting new people sometimes gives me anxiety, so I was hesitant how this would go for me. To my delight, I had a blast. I met new people, travelers and locals alike, and learned so much about the landscapes, the history and the culture. Above all, I had fun, allot more fun than just admiring a beautiful vista alone.
Since then I have visited Iceland three times totaling five times in two years and I can say without a doubt, my most memorable experiences have been during a guided tour. Here are the reasons why you should hire a guide when you visit Iceland:
- You learn something beyond your guide book. Guides are a wealth of knowledge. Visiting another country should be an all five senses experience. You see, you feel, you maybe touch, taste, and hear, and when you don’t learn, you limit your experience of that place. Culture and history are as much as Iceland as waterfalls and fjords are. When you learn about the glacier, how it was formed, the impact it has, and its role, it makes the image that much more interesting and you gain a newfound respect for its beauty, as well as appreciation for sustainability.
- A good guide is FUN. A guide not only teaches you about what you’re looking at, but also makes the tour fun, and who doesn’t want to have fun on vacation?
- Safety. Some of the most beautiful destinations in Iceland are difficult to reach and include passage through some dangerous F roads. Why take a chance when you can sit back, relax, enjoy the scenery and allow a professional do the driving? Iceland’s weather can also change on a whim, and its consoling being with a guide who possesses the knowledge, skills, and training to ensure everyone remains safe in any situation.
- You meet like-minded people. I have made some good friends and acquaintances through guided tours in Iceland, both fellow travelers and guides. This is especially nice if you are considering another trip to Iceland, which I can almost guarantee you will!
- Hidden gems. You can purchase guide books, research online, ask around, but your guides will know the hidden gems and get you there safely. Every highland tour I have been on included a stop at a hidden waterfall or a secret cave I would have never found on my own. Not only did we get to see these places, but our guide spoke about the folklore and significance of each one. So if you want to venture off the beaten path and experience hidden Iceland, hire a guide!
- All your questions are answered, and not just about the tour! This last trip I took a tour to Landmannalaugur with the family owned tour company, Midgard Adventure. Ten of us piled into a super jeep to enjoy the long, but breathtakingly beautiful drive to Landmannalaugur. Landmannalaugur is a unique place in Iceland’s central highland area. The mountains are rich in rhyolite, which creates an other worldly oasis and the surrounding area is a photographer’s delight with its black volcanic vistas and waterfall canyons. On the way our guide told us a little about his sheep farm. The group was intrigued, and before I knew it, they were bombarding him with questions everything from what does the color of the sheep mean, to is there an export demand for wool. Although we were there to see this majestic scenery, we learned so much that day about sheep farming, a lovely surprise lesson and Elvar treated us to several surprise stops that we would never know about! So remember, your guide is a wealth of knowledge, so ask away! You can return home and educate your friends all about the Icelandic sheep farm. 🙂
In closing, when you plan your trip to Iceland make sure you budget some funds for at least a few guided experiences. Research and look at reviews. Most companies offer flexible options for booking and you can find anything from small group experiences to bus excursions from Reykjavik.
My next post will feature the guide spotlight, a family-owned company in the south called Midgard Adventure and why you should hire them for your highlands experience.
You can book the Landmannalaugur tour with Midgard Adventure and see their other options here:
/https://midgardadventure.is/tours/landmannalaugar-tour/
