Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Born in Reykjavík, Iceland, and from a young age I was already travelling all over Iceland with my parents.
After a short stint as a driver guide on modified SUVs in 2004, I came back to it full time in 2015 and have been working as one since then.
In 2020, I co-founded Location Scouting Iceland, a company that specializes in finding locations and providing location services for all kinds of productions.
I have been working as a travel planner and a travel specialist since January 2022.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"For the last decade or so I have made it a point to explore locations off the beaten path. This includes but is not limited to the north-west and the east of Iceland (the so-called Westfjörds and Eastfjörds) as well as the central highlands. "
How did you get involved in travel?
""I started travelling with my parents around Iceland at an early age and I guess that's where I picked up the travelling bug. In my early 20s I started travelling around Iceland on my own and with friends. My biggest interest was always finding out what was at the end of the unmarked gravel road. What unexplored treasures would I find that weren't on the map?
In 2004 I worked for one summer as a driver guide on a modified Land Rover Defender for the first time. That's when I started to gain experience in off-road driving on glaciers and mountains. I came back to that job in early 2015 and have been working as a driver guide full time ever since. ""
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
""Travelling around the vast Icelandic highlands, the biggest untouched wilderness in Europe, under the midnight sun is something I'd list as my absolutely favorite pastime, with clients or alone.""
Guðmundur Óli's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Iceland’s interior is by far its most rugged area. The terrain can be tough, and the F-roads are only accessible by jeeps with 4WD (in Winter, only by modified “super jeeps”)....
Glaciers, volcanoes, and geysers are the perfect playground for off-roading in Iceland—and yes, you can drive yourself. Explore Iceland by driving around the country, visiting...
This weeklong trip covers the highlights of the West and remote Westfjords. Travel to some of the lesser-visited areas, with only a fraction of the crowds. Spend a few days in...
Family itineraries
With 10 days in Iceland, you can explore the highlights as a family on an exciting voyage around the famous Golden Circle route or stick to one area, such as Snæfellsnes and...
With a variety of fun and unique outdoor and indoor activities, your kids will love Iceland just as much as you will. Where else can kids take a dip in a natural hot spring,...
Drive Iceland's south coast for a memorable family adventure in just under a week. After getting to know Reykjavik, you'll check off blockbuster natural sites in the Golden...
Luxury itineraries
Take to the skies on this 10-day luxury adventure that introduces you to Iceland's glaciers, volcanoes, and geysers through scenic helicopter trips and bespoke excursions. On a...
Sit back and soak up Iceland's most astonishing landscapes as your private driver loops around the country on this 10-day luxury itinerary. Starting and finishing in the...
Bring your perfect Icelandic vacation to life with this deluxe two-week odyssey that hits all the country's highlights by land and sea. You'll spend your first week aboard a...
Road trip itineraries
With two weeks in Iceland, you can complete the entire Ring Road and add incredible detours. This grand tour will take you to all the best places giving you plenty of time to...
Two of Iceland's more remote and scenically stunning yet lesser-visited regions—Westfjords and North Iceland—are the focus of this scenic 12-day active self-drive adventure,...
Experience many of the quintessential highlights of Iceland on this 12-day active self-drive adventure. Enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear Silfra lake, cycling lava trails by...
Honeymoon itineraries
Favorite experiences
Jeep Tour of Askja Northern Highlands
Deep in Iceland's Northern Highlands is the Askja area, where Mount Herðubreið, a majestic table mountain of a truly peculiar shape, acts as the gateway to the wild region. The peak's dark silhouette is unmistakable, even from very far away. Still, the area's most precious gem is Askja itself,...
Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike
Combine two of the most popular excursions in Iceland: glacier hiking and exploring the electric-blue ice caves. Skaftafell Nature Reserve sits within Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe's largest glacier. So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to experience an incredible journey along...
South Highlands Helicopter Tour
See Iceland from a completely different perspective by flying above the county's serene, diverse, and breathtaking landscape. This half-day journey brings you the ultimate sample of Iceland's natural and cultural highlights. From stunning glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls to marvels of human...
Hiking the Thórsmörk Valley
The Thórsmörk Valley, named after Thor, the Nordic God of Thunder, was carved by glacial river floods from volcanic eruptions under the area's glaciers. It sits just west of Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier, and about 45 minutes from the town of Vík on Iceland's South Coast. As you hike...
Recent trip reviews for Guðmundur Óli
Where do I even start?! Amazing Family Trip to Iceland!
Iceland
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May 29 - Jun 4, 2026
Thank you for the kind review Megan
I'm so happy to read that the trip was such a success, despite that little tummy ache.
Haha yes it was such a nice coincidence to run into you guys at Efstidalur!
I do hope you'll visit us soon again 😊
All the best
Gummi
Immerse Yourself in Iceland
Iceland
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Jun 17 - Jun 24, 2026
Iceland is a magical place unlike... Read more
Thank you for the kind review Janice
I am so happy that everything went as well as possible after the delayed flight and the logistical problems the delay caused.
I do hope we'll see you in Iceland soon again, there's still a lot to do, see and discover :)
All the best
Gummi
Return Trip to Iceland
Iceland
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Jun 19 - Jun 29, 2026
Thank you for the kind review Zoe.
I am happy to read that the trip went well, but I see I might have to follow up on some of the hotels. I am curious to know what changed at Hotel Viking. Do you think it's just the luck of the draw, or has the quality of their service declined?
I agree that Fosshotel Eastfjörds is amazing!
Trip planning and execution was flawless. I...
Iceland
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Jun 19 - Jun 28, 2026
Trip planning and execution was flawless. It was a tremendous adventure, and Gummi's knowledge and expertise made it all the more special. We will recommend Kimkim and Gummi to anyone and everyone who asks about traveling to Iceland.
Thank you for the kind review Howy!
As I told Patty, It was such an honor and a pleasure to get to know you all and to show you around Iceland! Som many interesting conversations in the car, it really felt like cruising around with friends.
I do hope I'll see you all again! Take care and stay in touch!
Your friend up North
Gummi
Trip of a lifetime!!
Iceland
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Jun 19 - Jun 28, 2026
Thank you for the kind review Patty!
It was such an honor and a pleasure to get to know you all and to show you around Iceland
I do hope I'll see you all again! Take care and stay in touch!
Your friend up North
Gummi
Fantastic family adventure in iceland !
Iceland
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Jun 14 - Jun 22, 2026
From the Blue Lagoon to the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, the basalt cliffs of Snæfellsnes, the waterfalls of the Golden Circle, whale watching in Faxaflói Bay, exploring Jökulsárlón... Read more
Thank you for the kind review Bassam!
I am so happy to read that your trip was such a success and that everything went smoothly.
I do hope you'll visit us again soon!
All the best
Gummi
Wonderful trip
Iceland
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Jun 16 - Jun 21, 2026
Big ‘Thank you’ to the kimkim team and especially to our trip organizer/guide Gummy! Our vacation was very well planned and everyone really enjoyed it.
Thank you for the kind review Maria!
I'm so happy to hear you had such a great vacation!
Give my best to David and the girls!
All the best
Gummi
Family Fun in Iceland
Iceland
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Jun 14 - Jun 21, 2026
Thank you for the kind review Stephanie
I'm sad and surprised to read that Center Hotel Arnarhvoll was such a let-down.
I know it doesn't change your experience, but I will definitely follow up on this and send them a formal complaint.
I'm happy everything else went well though and I do hope you'll visit us soon again :)
All the best
Gummi
Gummy’s Iceland
Iceland
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May 28 - Jun 7, 2026
We loved that, Gummy, being a local, shared his passion for Iceland. The information and insights he provided were excellent. He recognized and catered to our interests and needs. We enjoyed all of our activities - it’s hard to pick a favorite.
Thank you for the kind review Esther!
We sure had fun, right?
I hope you guys are missing me s little, but not too much haha!
Give my best to John and the gang!
Gummi
There wasn’t a detail left untouched…
Iceland
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May 23 - Jun 7, 2026
Thank you for the kind review, Ann. I'm happy to know your trip was such a success and that you were happy with everything :)
The Icelandic weather sure can be unpredictable :D
I so hope we'll see you in Iceland soon again!
All the best
Gummi