Kimkim Trip Reviews for Iceland

4.8
Based on 867 ratings
Read 867 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Iceland on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Tomas was our “ be all end all” guide
Iceland | Jul 19 - Jul 23, 2023

Kim
Kim S.
Cape May, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2023
Tomas was our “ be all end all” guide the entire trip. He had so much knowledge, great personality and stopped places that some of us had heard about but were not in our itinerary. He also picked some great restaurants and rest stops. I was surprisingly delighted with all the food!. It was really a terrific trip. Eric packed a lot of Iceland into 5 days and Tomas was a huge element of making this trip over the top. Read more

Tomas was our “ be all end all” guide the entire trip. He had so much knowledge, great personality and stopped places that some of us had heard about but were not in our itinerary. He also picked some great restaurants and rest stops. I was surprisingly delighted with all the food!. It was really a terrific trip. Eric packed a lot of Iceland into 5 days and Tomas was a huge element of making this trip over the top.

Hotel Reviews
Hótel Klaustur
Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Very nice room and very good drinks and dinner in restaurant. Help was lovely too!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great sheets!
Hotel Odinsve
Reykjavik

We stayed twice. First for two nights and second for one night. Second stay was in a remodeled room. These rooms are small. First room did not have blackout drapes and no bedside charging plugs. Second room had a vet tiny bathroom but black out drapes. ask for a room in the back for a quieter experience. Adjoining restaurant/bar was very good. Included breakfast buffet adequate but no great. Very good location close to shopping, and restaurants. Not a luxury property but clean and good enough.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean but very small room
Activity Reviews
Langjokull Glacier Snowmobiling
Langjokull Glacier Snowmobiling
Iceland

We had fun but the trails are not groomed so very icy and bumpy.

Quality of Experience
Would not personally do this again
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staff was good
Transport
Getting to and from was fine in a large bus
ATV to the Black Beach and Plane Wreck
ATV to the Black Beach and Plane Wreck
Iceland

This was a really fun activity. Black beaches are amazing and the ride too and from had fantastic scenery

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were fun and helpful
Transport
Local specialist: Èric D
Èric
Èric D
Local specialist in France / Iceland | Replied on Jul 25, 2023

Hi Kim!

Thank you for sharing your feedback about the trip. I'm glad you had such a wonderful experience with your guide, and delighted to hear you enjoyed the food and that we could pack so much excitement into just 5 days in Iceland!

All the best,
Èric

A private tour to the South Coast for Gale and her group
Iceland | Jul 19 - Jul 23, 2023

Gale
Gale W.
Cape May, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2023
Our guide was absolutely wonderful, Thomas. He took fabulous care of us. Read more

Our guide was absolutely wonderful, Thomas. He took fabulous care of us.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Odinsve
Reykjavik
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Klaustur
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Blue Lagoon
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Langjokull Glacier Snowmobiling
Langjokull Glacier Snowmobiling
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
ATV to the Black Beach and Plane Wreck
ATV to the Black Beach and Plane Wreck
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching
Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching
Reykjavík
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Èric D
Èric
Èric D
Local specialist in France / Iceland | Replied on Jul 27, 2023

Hi Gale!

Happy to hear you had such an excellent time with Thomas! It does seem like all these months of planning your trip finally paid off. I hope you had a safe trip back home!

All the best,
Èric

A wonderful trip
Iceland | Jul 15 - Jul 22, 2023

Allison
Allison J.
Charleston, SC | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2023

Èric is very kind, communicative, and professional. He helped to put together a very memorable trip to Iceland. For the most part, directions were spot on, and he made some recommendations for activities that a lot of guide books do not.

Local specialist: Èric D
Èric
Èric D
Local specialist in France / Iceland | Replied on Jul 24, 2023

Hi Allison!

Thank you for your review and your kind words! It's great to hear you had such a good time and that you enjoyed the suggestions I made on your itinerary. I did have a feeling you'd love Glymur waterfall, and I'm glad I was right on that one! All the best to you and Jen :-)

Èric

an absolutely fantastic trip...
Iceland | Jul 2 - Jul 16, 2023

Ron
Ron S.
Lexington, MA | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023
We had an absolutely fantastic trip, thanks to the dedication and support of Eric and the KimKim operation team throughout the planning process. Their assistance was truly invaluable and made our journey even more enjoyable. What stood out the most were the extra suggestions Eric provided. These suggestions added an Intersting off the beaten path dimension to our trip and enhanced our overall experience. We were thrilled to have followed his recommendations. Though we did encounter a... Read more

We had an absolutely fantastic trip, thanks to the dedication and support of Eric and the KimKim operation team throughout the planning process. Their assistance was truly invaluable and made our journey even more enjoyable.

What stood out the most were the extra suggestions Eric provided. These suggestions added an Intersting off the beaten path dimension to our trip and enhanced our overall experience. We were thrilled to have followed his recommendations.

Though we did encounter a few setbacks with a couple of our hotel reservations, Eric and Michele were there for us during the trip itself. Their prompt and helpful assistance was commendable, and we are genuinely grateful for their support whenever we needed help.

This trip will be etched in our memories forever. We had an incredible time, and we owe a big thank you to Eric and the entire team at KimKim for making it all possible.

Hotel Reviews
Herad - Berjaya Iceland Hotels
Egilsstadir

We spent two nights at Herad - Berjaya Hotel. The hotel room was average, but it pleasantly surprised us with its slightly above-average size and well-appointed amenities, including a nice shower. The location in Egilsstadir, a decent-sized city, proved to be convenient as it had two grocery stores and several restaurants within walking distance from the hotel (or a very short drive). One of the highlights of our stay was the proximity to Vök Baths, just a 15-minute drive away. We indulged in this relaxing experience every night, making it a perfect end-of-the-day treat. Another positive aspect was the availability of an EV charger at the hotel. While you needed to have your own cable, it was a great convenience for electric vehicle . The breakfast buffet at Herad - Berjaya offered a wide selection of items. We particularly enjoyed the good espresso they served, adding a pleasant touch to our mornings. Overall, our stay at Herad - Berjaya Hotel was enjoyable, and the combination of its amenities, location, and EV charger made it a convenient and comfortable choice during our time in Egilsstadir.

Authenticity & Character
Average hotel.
Location
We loved the proximity to Vök Baths
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Helgrindur Guesthouse
Grundarfjörður

Describing this place as a hotel is quite a stretch. It is located on the second floor, above a busy road and a bank, with just five rooms. Unfortunately, it lacked any distinctive character or charm. To add to the disappointment, the management misrepresented the room, and despite our efforts to work with them and address the issue, they proved to be highly unaccommodating, and it even left us questioning their honesty. Given our experience, I strongly advise against choosing this accommodation for your stay. There are much better options available that will provide a more pleasant and genuine hospitality experience.

Authenticity & Character
No character whatsoever
Location
Thebtooms are on the second floor of a bank on a busy road . Nothing could be done to improve
Staff
The staff was unacomodating and dishonest
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was clean and quiet, but we did notice that the bathroom layout was a bit awkward.
Hotel Gullfoss
Tungufell

The Gullfoss Hotel proved to be a conveniently situated accommodation along the Golden Circle, offering a serene setting that granted us swift access at day's end and a hassle-free departure the next morning. The rooms were slightly above the average European size and, though modest in amenities, provided a comfortable stay. Additionally, the breakfast spread was satisfying, boasting a wide array of standard options to choose from.

Authenticity & Character
It's a typical 3+ stars hotel
Location
Convienitly located on the Golden circle
Staff
Cordial service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Katla by Keahotels
Vík

The Katla Hotel offers rooms that match the standard of a mid-level chain hotel, but they could use a bit of tender loving care and come with limited amenities. The dining experience, both breakfast and dinner, lived up to expectations. Being a larger-than-average hotel, it did get a bit crowded, resulting in lines at the buffet. Nevertheless, the food quality was good, slightly above average, as they pleasantly included a selection of typical Icelandic traditional dishes. The hotel boasts a small, hot bath area, as well as a compact gym with a limited range of equipment. On the whole, the hotel seems to align with a three-star rating, but what sets it apart are the enjoyable hot bath facilities and the inclusion of typical Icelandic dishes. Conveniently situated in Vic, the hotel's location proves to be an added advantage.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A bit outside the center of Vic
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Holiday House
Kirkjubaejarklaustur

This hotel messed up our reservations, and instead of July 6th it booked our reservations for June 6th. we did not use this hotel and where disappointed with this mess up

Location
Quite far from the highway
Hrífunes Guesthouse
Hrífunes

Our stay at Hrifunes Guesthouse was an absolute pleasure. The apartment we stayed in felt like like the personal residence of the owners, Haukur and Hadda. The breathtaking views from the property added to the overall amazing experience. The staff at Hrifunes Guesthouse truly exceeded our expectations, providing us with exceptional last-minute support. When our friends faced a mix-up with their reservations at a nearby guesthouse and had their accommodations canceled just before check-in, we reached out to Hrifunes Guesthouse in a frantic situation. To our relief, they went above and beyond to accommodate our friends within just 30 minutes, saving the day! On top of that, they treated us all to a delicious homemade dinner, creating a memorable dining experience. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the outstanding hospitality and stunning views, made our stay truly unforgettable. Meals were served family-style. The menu offered a diverse selection of dishes, catering to both vegetarians and meat lovers. It's worth noting that Hrifunes Guesthouse is situated quite off the main road, approximately a 15-minute drive on a gravel road. However, the tranquil and picturesque location only adds to the charm of this hidden gem. In conclusion, we wholeheartedly recommend Hrifunes Guesthouse to anyone seeking a cozy retreat with exceptional service, a welcoming ambiance, and the added bonus of mesmerizing views. Our experience was nothing short of fantastic.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful views but off the main road
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Brunnhóll Country Guesthouse
Höfn

This guesthouse was of average quality, and we found out that it was family-owned and managed. Our rooms were tidy and clean, featuring comfortable beds for a good night's rest. However, one downside was the shower /bathroom, which lacked amenities, affecting the overall rating of the hotel. We dined at the hotel for both dinner and breakfast. The dinner options were somewhat limited, but we were pleasantly surprised by the incredibly delicious homemade dandelion ice cream (made from Brunnhóll Country Guesthouse's own cows) . Additionally, we enjoyed the unique VatnaJokull beer, an IPA infused with thyme! As for breakfast, it was average, offering the usual fare without any standout elements. Overall, the guesthouse provided a decent stay with some delightful highlights in the dining experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Conveniently located.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom lacked amenities
Fosshotel Lind
Reykjavík

The Fosshótel Lind boasts a prime location just outside the heart of Reykjavik, making it conveniently accessible to most tourist attractions and shopping areas by foot. One of the highlights of this hotel is its delightful breakfast, which is of exceptional quality. we also liked the espresso / cappuccino . Additionally, the front desk staff are welcoming and amicable, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests. The rooms at Fosshótel Lind are comfortably sized and equipped with amenities that align with the standards of a typical average European hotel. This ensures that guests have a satisfying and comfortable experience during their stay.

Authenticity & Character
It is an average 3 stars hotel
Location
The hotel is in a walking dustance to most Raykjavik'attractions
Staff
Friendly and curtious. Provided helpful advice
Cleanliness & Comfort
One needs to request a daily cleaning service of the room.
Fosshótel Mývatn
Myvatn

Situated in the Myvatn Geothermal area, the Fosshótel Mývatn is a delightful hotel exuding charm. With its mid-century furnishings and decor, it brings a unique touch to the atmosphere. The dining area has been thoughtfully designed to showcase stunning views of the lake. A standout feature is the sauna, adding a touch of relaxation to the stay (unless one would like to experience the Myvatn Geothermal spa) . Moreover, the parking lot boasts a few EV chargers, a definite plus for eco-conscious travelers. The hotel staff, both at the front desk and in the restaurant, consistently provide a warm and helpful experience. The rooms offer sufficient space and comfort, though there's a slight downside – they tend to become overly warm, and regrettably, there's no way to adjust the temperature. Despite this, our stay was thoroughly enjoyable.

Authenticity & Character
The dining area is thoughtfully designed, offering fantastic views of the lake
Location
Nicely situated to blend with the surrounding area
Staff
The hotel staff, both at the front desk and in the restaurant, consistently provide a warm and helpful experience
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mork Superior Cottages
Hvammstangi

A stunning guesthouse located slightly north of Hvammstangi, both the interior and exterior are truly captivating. The bed (and the sofa) was exceptionally comfortable, and the cleanliness and spaciousness of the place, including the generously-sized bathroom, were notable. The room and porch offered breathtaking views, adding to the overall experience. We were pleasantly surprised by the breakfast, neatly arranged in the room's refrigerator upon our arrival. The variety and quality of the spread left a strong impression. I wholeheartedly recommend this guesthouse.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Guesthouse Storu-Laugar
Laugar

We found the Guesthouse Storu-Laugar to be a pleasant choice for accommodation. The service was friendly and accommodating. The room came with breakfast, which was satisfactory (Dinner could be requested in advance). The only peculiar aspect was the layout – the bedroom was in one building while the breakfast room was 150 meters away in another building , which was inconvenient in the morning . The natural hot tub, while resembling a cement trough with hot spring water, offered stunning countryside views. It provided a delightful way to wrap up the day.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean. A bit awkward design with the bedroom in one building while the breakfast place 100 meter away.
Hestaland Guesthouse

The Hestaland Guesthouse is a haven for those with an affection for horses, as the name "Hestaland" implies. Nestled within a horse ranch, it attracted guests who were either on their way to or returning from horse tours – a trend we noticed except for our own group. The porch held a jacuzzi, warm though not steaming hot. Unfortunately, we couldn't adjust the temperature, prompting us to visit the wonderful Krauma thermal spa for a more satisfying soak. Another option was the Borgarnes Swimming Pool, which proved to be a budget-friendly alternative. Inside, an open kitchen served as a gathering spot, providing a limited breakfast and space for some guests to enjoy their takeout dinners. However, our room was particularly compact, and the bathroom mirrored this size constraint. The challenge was keeping the bathroom floor dry, a task that proved rather difficult.

Authenticity & Character
If one loves horses -- this is a place to be
Location
Horse land -- for horse lovers
Staff
We were able to get our cloth washed by the staff which was a plus.
Cleanliness & Comfort
very clean BUT too tight
Hotel Holt—The Art Hotel
Reykjavík

Hotel Holt in Reykjavík is conveniently accessible by car. We arrived early and were pleased to find free parking available at the hotel's lot. The hotel's location is just a short stroll away from the city center and Reykjavik's main attractions, including restaurants and bars. A standout feature of the hotel is its original collection of artwork, thoughtfully curated by the owner. This added a charming and unique touch, reminiscent of times gone by (given that the hotel was constructed in the 1960s). The breakfast provided was truly exceptional, ranking among the best we experienced during our two-week trip. Our room was clean and offered nice amenities, including an artistic espresso machine. However, it was evident that the room's was dated, and some maintenance work could enhance the overall experience. The front desk staff were friendly and welcoming, contributing to a positive stay.

Authenticity & Character
Fantastic original art
Location
Easily accessible by car with free hotel's parking (if one arrives early)
Staff
Very friendly and welcoming
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean & comfortable but the room needs serious TLC
Activity Reviews
Rye Bread tour (Geothermal bakery)
Iceland

This tour was educational and enjoyable. However, it was a bit crowded, which made the experience less personal. Still, the Fontana Geothermal Baths that followed were a great treat.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fontana Geothermal Baths
Fontana Geothermal Baths
Iceland

This experience was a nice treat after the Rye Bread tour. It was relaxing and fun. Really enjoyed the hot springs.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Skaftafell Blue Ice Experience
Skaftafell Blue Ice Experience
Iceland

This experience was fantastic and exceeded expectations. The tour guide was excellent, energetic, and provided informative geological and historical insights. This wasn't just a hike, it was a truly informative experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Geothermal Vok Baths
The Geothermal Vok Baths
Iceland

This was one of the four different baths we visited. Each of them was unique and provided a relaxing experience. Really enjoyed these baths.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Nature Baths
Lake Mývatn

This was another lovely spa experience. Enjoyed the uniqueness of each spa visited.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Katla Ice Cave Superjeep tour
Katla Ice Cave Superjeep tour
Iceland

This tour was oversold and under-delivered. The promised super jeep was simply two old-fashioned vans, one of which broke down and had to be towed both ways. The tour was overcrowded with 25 people (and not 12-15 as promised), making the tour more cumbersome and slow. However, the tour guide was decent and we somehow got what we expected from him.

Quality of Experience
badly maintained vehicles . Uncomfortable. unsafe
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The vehicles are of poor quality, inadequately maintained, and outdated.
Reykjavik Food Walk
Reykjavík

The food tour was delightful, involving visits to several restaurants where we indulged in delicious Icelandic dishes. The explanations provided were informative, and there was an ample amount of food to savor. However, the group turned out to be larger than expected, which made it a bit challenging to hear the guide clearly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Èric D
Èric
Èric D
Local specialist in France / Iceland | Replied on Jul 25, 2023
Hi Ron! Thank you so much for your glowing review! It was an absolute pleasure assisting you throughout the planning process and making sure your trip was nothing short of fantastic. I'm thrilled to hear that the extra suggestions I provided added a unique and off-the-beaten-path dimension to your journey, making it even more enjoyable. I certainly hope they opened up some opportunities for painting and photographing! :-) I apologize for the setbacks with some of the hotel reservations, but... Read more

Hi Ron!

Thank you so much for your glowing review! It was an absolute pleasure assisting you throughout the planning process and making sure your trip was nothing short of fantastic. I'm thrilled to hear that the extra suggestions I provided added a unique and off-the-beaten-path dimension to your journey, making it even more enjoyable. I certainly hope they opened up some opportunities for painting and photographing! :-)

I apologize for the setbacks with some of the hotel reservations, but I'm glad that we were able to sort them out. Your kind words and appreciation mean a lot to the entire team, and rest assured we'll take your specific reviews about hotels very much into account for future reservations.

It warms my heart to know that this trip will be in your memories forever, and I'm honored to have been a part of creating such an incredible experience for you.

All the best to you, John, Mary Rose, Brenda, Craig and Zaurie!
Èric

Gummi is the best!!!!
Iceland | Jul 12 - Jul 20, 2023

Ray
Ray M.
Weymouth, MA | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023
Gummi is the best! He is the person you want to organize your trip to Iceland! He is knowledgeable, resourceful, and has an insider’s view on how to enjoy what is a truly remarkable country. And he has a great sense of humor. But, most importantly, he listened to what I wanted for my second trip —- and delivered. I can’t imagine using anyone else when I plan my next trip. Read more

Gummi is the best! He is the person you want to organize your trip to Iceland! He is knowledgeable, resourceful, and has an insider’s view on how to enjoy what is a truly remarkable country. And he has a great sense of humor. But, most importantly, he listened to what I wanted for my second trip —- and delivered. I can’t imagine using anyone else when I plan my next trip.

Hotel Reviews
Fosshotel Eastfjords
Fáskrúðsfjörður

Of all the hotels we stayed at in Iceland this was the worst. By far. The rooms have very low ceilings, the beds had dirt and sand in them, and the front desk staff was cold and unhelpful. Avoid this place

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Skalatjorn
Selfoss

This was our favorite hotel! The proprietor is warm and friendly, the rooms were Nice and clean. Take the goat tour

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 24, 2023

Thank you for the amazing review Ray. I'm so glad to know you and Gillian had such a wonderful trip.
I'm sorry to hear about Fosshótel Eastfjords though. I'm surprised because we do a lot of business with Fosshótel (and I have personally stayed in most of them - but not this one) and they have a very good reputation.
Anyway, I see you didn't let that affect your wonderful time in Iceland, and next time we go even more off the beaten path as we already talked about. I've got ideas, so let's stay in touch!
Gummi

Duncan made us feel well taken care of and th...
Iceland | Jul 6 - Jul 15, 2023

carol
carol c.
Centennial, CO | Reviewed on Jul 21, 2023
Duncan made us feel well taken care of and the itinerary was fantastic. I was a little concerned about accommodations but we stayed in nothing but lovely places and the food all over Iceland was delicious. A beautiful country and the self drive option is the way to go! Read more

Duncan made us feel well taken care of and the itinerary was fantastic. I was a little concerned about accommodations but we stayed in nothing but lovely places and the food all over Iceland was delicious. A beautiful country and the self drive option is the way to go!

Hotel Reviews
Fosshotel Stykkisholmur
Stykkishólmur

Very nice accommodation, restaurant dinner was first rate

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Húsavík Cape Hotel
Husavik

My favorite. We had a corner room with bay views, lovely. Gentleman at the front desk was so delightful! A fun touch was the Eurovision exhibit. Not far from the Geoseas for a lovely soak in the evening!

Authenticity & Character
Simple classy decor
Location
Staff
Front desk and a delightful chef!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Laxá
Myvatn
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Latrabjarg
Vesturbyggð

Seemed family run and the couple were so lovely! Food good, beds comfy!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Storm Hotel by Keahotels
Reykjavík
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Jul 24, 2023

Thanks so much for your positive review Carol, I'm so gald you enjoyed it, particularly after your fall. You have a great attitude and it was a pleasure working you. Looking forward to welcoming you back to Iceland sometime in the future.

Trip driving the Ring Road around Iceland.
Iceland | Jul 7 - Jul 18, 2023

Nels
Nels M.
Shaw, DC | Reviewed on Jul 20, 2023
Duncan did a great job of planning our driving times and giving us so many options on sights and hiking. The hotels were nice and very accommodating. We enjoyed having the breakfasts included, made for a good send off every day.
The sights were amazing. The activities he planned for us were great, the 3 water parks were so relaxing, the walking on a glacier was a first for us, the zodiac boat ride with the icebergs was fantastic.
All the hiking we did each day was an experience in sights...
Read more

Duncan did a great job of planning our driving times and giving us so many options on sights and hiking. The hotels were nice and very accommodating. We enjoyed having the breakfasts included, made for a good send off every day.
The sights were amazing. The activities he planned for us were great, the 3 water parks were so relaxing, the walking on a glacier was a first for us, the zodiac boat ride with the icebergs was fantastic.
All the hiking we did each day was an experience in sights and endurance that we enjoyed.
The restaurants and also the different foods was something that gave us a great understanding of what Iceland had to offer.
I just have to close by saying Duncan listened to what would work for us and he came through with a home run. We would definitely use KimKim again and ask for Duncan.

Hotel Reviews
Skuggi Hotel Reykjavík by Keahotels
Reykjavík

It was a decent place for me to sleep and eat. The staff was helpful and the check-in process was smooth. The breakfasts were enjoyable and the location was convenient. Overall, it was comfortable and met our needs.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Langaholt
Stadarstadur

It was a satisfactory stay. The hotel staff was accommodating and the check-in process was seamless. The hotel met my expectations for a one-night stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Birkilauf Guesthouse
Lake Myvatn

This was a bit different as it was a shared kitchen and living space which was a new experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Iceland

This was a highlight of the trip. The hike was arranged well and we started at the time it was scheduled. The guides were friendly and answered all our questions.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Nature Baths
Lake Mývatn

The nature baths were calming and enjoyable. The weather was good which made the experience even more enjoyable

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blue Lagoon
Iceland

It was a relaxing activity right after a long flight. I had a good time and slept well after.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour
Iceland

This was an amazing experience. The tour was well-organized.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Jul 21, 2023

Hi Nels, thanks so much for your great review, it's much appreciated. I'm so glad your trip went well, and the you were able to get a really good taste of Iceland's wonders. I wish you smooth and rewarding travels in the future.

Outstanding Itinerary
Iceland | Jul 7 - Jul 18, 2023

R
Robert K.
Janesville, WI | Reviewed on Jul 20, 2023
We were very pleased with the entire trip. The itinerary worked out just perfectly. The pre-booked activities were excellent, especially the zodiac ride, glacier hike and the Sky Lagoon. Duncan’s suggestions for hikes and points of interest were very helpful; we did many of them. The accommodations were very good with the exception of Heradsskolinn Guest House. So very glad that we booked with Duncan and Kimkim and would recommend the company to others. Read more

We were very pleased with the entire trip. The itinerary worked out just perfectly. The pre-booked activities were excellent, especially the zodiac ride, glacier hike and the Sky Lagoon. Duncan’s suggestions for hikes and points of interest were very helpful; we did many of them. The accommodations were very good with the exception of Heradsskolinn Guest House.

So very glad that we booked with Duncan and Kimkim and would recommend the company to others.

Hotel Reviews
Skuggi Hotel Reykjavík by Keahotels
Reykjavík
Authenticity & Character
Modern and a bit sterile
Location
Easy walking to restaurants and attractions
Staff
All good
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Langaholt
Stadarstadur

A bit tired and in need of update

Authenticity & Character
A bit run down and the dining was poor
Location
Nice views, and enjoyed the golf course
Staff
Very helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms and public places were clean
Hótel Valaskjálf
Egilsstadir
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Gauksmyri Guesthouse
Gauksmyri
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshótel Vatnajökull
Lindarbakki
Authenticity & Character
Location
Very pastoral and quiet
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Kría
Vík
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Héradsskólinn Historic Guesthouse
Laugarvatn

Worst accommodations on our trip. Restaurant was overwhelmed and food poor. No shower in room, tub only. Made us remove our shoes at the door. Staff was over whelmed and confused.

Authenticity & Character
Too authentic! Like staying in a dormitory. Uncomfortable and in need of update.
Location
Staff
Confused and under staffed
Cleanliness & Comfort
Overcrowded, and noisy
Activity Reviews
Blue Lagoon
Iceland

Too crowded and a bit tired.

Quality of Experience
Vatnshellir lava cave tour
Vatnshellir lava cave tour
Iceland

Very informative and an excellent guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Nature Baths
Lake Mývatn

Very enjoyable and organized.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour
Iceland

One of the trip highlights! Very well organized with excellent staff and a super guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Iceland

Terrific experience!! Great staff and guide, very conscientious. A real highlight of our trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Jul 21, 2023

Hi Robert, thanks so much, I appreciate your positive review, and am really happy things worked out well for you. It's very useful to hear which aspects of your trip were highlights, and it would be equally useful if you could share your experience at the Heradsskolinn Guest House so that we could learn for the future.

We had a great trip to Iceland and would love...
Iceland | Jul 7 - Jul 15, 2023

T
Tiffany H.
Northern Cambria, PA | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2023

We had a great trip to Iceland and would love to come back! Emanuela reached out before and during our trip to make sure everything was going smoothly. Fortunately we didn’t need any assistance but I’m confident it would have been promptly provided if we had needed it. Just FYI, the monster bounce house and zip line are no longer at Perlan in Reykjavik.

Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 20, 2023

Hi Tiffany,
thank you for taking the time to write this beautiful review of your trip and for the if provided.
Very happy you had a wonderful time with your family and that everything went smoothly.

It has been wonderful to stay in touch with you.

All the best for now and I hope to have you back here again, one day!
Emanuela

This trip was excellent and eric made sure th...
Iceland | Jul 2 - Jul 16, 2023

M
Mary Rose S.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023

This trip was excellent and eric made sure that we were well taken care of - with accommodations and reservations to attractions waiting for us in advance of our trip and suggestions for some off-beat places to see. We had a few hiccups with accommodations, but they were dealt with quickly by the staff and every effort was made to solve the problem. Once you leave the main tourist trail, it is hard to know where to sleep, eat and tour. KimKim's suggestions were much appreciated.

Local specialist: Èric D
Èric
Èric D
Local specialist in France / Iceland | Replied on Jul 19, 2023

Hi Mary Rose!

Thank you so much for your review and your kind words! I hope you had an unforgettable time in Iceland (and also an amazing horse retreat with Brenda!). Little hiccups do happen during long and complex trips, but we strive to be there at all times when you're travelling and sort them out quickly for you. I'm delighted to hear you liked the itinerary that we put together with Ron along these last months, and I wish you the very best!

Èric

Midsummer Iceland Hiking in Southwest/ Golden Circle/ Mount Hekla
Iceland | Jul 1 - Jul 9, 2023

Grace
Grace G.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Jul 16, 2023
A beautiful trip well balanced between planned activities and free exploring. Reykjavic food tour and sites along the drive to Vik including many memorable waterfalls were a highlight. The hiking with Fjallabak trekking was amazing with a great opportunity to check out the backcountry huts in the highlands. Great time of year to visit with all the wildflowers in bloom. Fire and Frost Hotel was a great base for the Golden Circle as it is in a nice small town with hotsprings, but not too... Read more

A beautiful trip well balanced between planned activities and free exploring. Reykjavic food tour and sites along the drive to Vik including many memorable waterfalls were a highlight. The hiking with Fjallabak trekking was amazing with a great opportunity to check out the backcountry huts in the highlands. Great time of year to visit with all the wildflowers in bloom. Fire and Frost Hotel was a great base for the Golden Circle as it is in a nice small town with hotsprings, but not too far from Reykjavic.

Hotel Reviews
Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel
Hveragerdi

Great location outside of the bustle of Reykjavic, but close to Golden Circle sites. Hveragerdi was a cute small town and local hot springs/ hot river was a wonderful resource.

Location
Staff
CenterHotel Klopp
Reykjavík

Central location with very nice included breakfast (the homemade granola bars were a hit)! Very helpful and responsive front desk staff.

Location
Staff
Local specialist: Eva Sigurðardóttir

Francesca and her collegues did a great job! ...
Iceland | Jul 5 - Jul 14, 2023

Traci
Traci B.
Troy, OH | Reviewed on Jul 15, 2023
Francesca and her collegues did a great job! Francesca had so many great sites for us to visit. It was a lot packed in to a 10 day trip, but so worth it. We had great weather the entire time we were there. Sunny but windy at times. I've never seen so many waterfalls in one place! The towering cliffs and mountain views are just unbelievable! My kids loved Selijalandsfoss. They walked behind the waterfall and got soaked, but both said it was worth it! Bruarfoss was absolutely stunning and an... Read more

Francesca and her collegues did a great job! Francesca had so many great sites for us to visit. It was a lot packed in to a 10 day trip, but so worth it. We had great weather the entire time we were there. Sunny but windy at times. I've never seen so many waterfalls in one place! The towering cliffs and mountain views are just unbelievable! My kids loved Selijalandsfoss. They walked behind the waterfall and got soaked, but both said it was worth it! Bruarfoss was absolutely stunning and an easy, short walk from the parking lot. A must stop! My favorite place was the quaint, charming town of Heimaey on the Westman Islands. Especially visiting the puffin colony. We spent just one night there and wish we had more time. The Katla ice cave was spectacular but not for the faint of heart. I felt safe but if you have a fear of heights, it might be tough. Another favorite of ours was Diamond Beach and the Fjallsarlon area. I've never seen so many icebergs! Reykjavik City is a great place to walk around and try local cuisine. We all felt very safe there.
As far as the touristy, Blue Lagoon...we did that right off the plane when we arrived in Iceland. It was a great relaxing experience but later in our trip we did Sky Lagoon on our own and liked it much better. Smaller yet less touristy of a feel and overlooked the ocean, where we could see the erupting Fagradalsfjall volcano in the distance. How lucky were we to be there when the volcano erupted?! Something my kids will always remember. While we weren't prepared for the very long hike to the volcano site and we couldn't secure a helicopter trip, it was still awesome to be there at the time. I had some concerns the days leading up to the eruption, but Francesca assured me we would be safe and provided a website to follow for updates and warnings that may be issued. Overall I can't say enough about the trip. It was a great experience and well planned. Iceland is truly a beautiful place. I hope to return some day to visit the North.

Hotel Reviews
Hellnafell
Grundarfjordur

Very clean and great views of Kirkjufell Mountain.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Skalholt
Selfoss

American travelers must remember if traveling in the summer, while Icelands summers are cool compared to US, there's no A/C and the rooms get warm. Luckily the windows open!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Guesthouse Hamar
Vestmannaeyjar

American travelers must remember if traveling in the summer, while Icelands summers are cool compared to US, there's no A/C and the rooms get warm. Luckily the windows open!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshotel Nupar
Kálfafell

American travelers must remember if traveling in the summer, while Icelands summers are cool compared to US, there's no A/C and the rooms get warm. Luckily the windows open!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Overlooks the glacier.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Skuggi Hotel Reykjavík by Keahotels
Reykjavík

American travelers must remember if traveling in the summer, while Icelands summers are cool compared to US, there's no A/C and the rooms get warm. Luckily the windows open!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
The Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon
Iceland

We opted to skip this lagoon due to it being very small and crowded.

Blue Lagoon
Iceland

Very relaxing after the flight from the US.

Quality of Experience
Vatnshellir lava cave tour
Vatnshellir lava cave tour
Iceland

Quick lava cave experience and educational. Two sets of spiral staircases to go up and down.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Fly Fishing in Golden Circle
Golden Circle

A great experience! We were new tonfly fishing but got the hang of it pretty quickly. Three out of six people in our group caught fish.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Maria and Freddy were great. Even when we tangled the line for the 100th time!
Katla Ice Cave
Katla Ice Cave
Iceland

Very cool experience. If you are afraid of heights, this might not be for you. While it's not crazy high, two people in our tour had problems and turned back.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The super jeep that took us out to the cave was a fun experience.
Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching
Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching
Reykjavík

It was very choppy seas. Apparently, the day before was also choppy. We saw no whales and many suffered from sea sickness. I wish the tour company Elding, would have canceled. They most likely knew we wouldn't see whales in those conditions. It was a little disappointing that we went out in such rough conditions for 3 hrs. I understand that there's no guarantee, in any conditions, but this tour should have been canceled and refunded.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The capt was very informative about the whales and ocean.
Local specialist: Francesca Stoppani
Francesca
Francesca Stoppani
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 17, 2023

Thank you so much Traci for your wonderful review!

Overall, I was disappointed. For the amount of money I paid, it was a subpar experience.
Iceland | Jul 2 - Jul 12, 2023

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Steve H.
Rock Hill, SC | Reviewed on Jul 14, 2023
This was my first experience with kimkim. Overall, I was disappointed. For the amount of money I paid, it was a subpar experience. Feedback on kimkim and Eric: Eric was very responsive and always diligently followed up on my questions and requests. We were hounded for items like shoe size 6+ months ago, but kimkim took their time securing lodging which really bothered me. Then I had to look at Google reviews on the lodging because the first one I looked at got 1.5 stars and had the... Read more

This was my first experience with kimkim. Overall, I was disappointed. For the amount of money I paid, it was a subpar experience.

Feedback on kimkim and Eric: Eric was very responsive and always diligently followed up on my questions and requests. We were hounded for items like shoe size 6+ months ago, but kimkim took their time securing lodging which really bothered me. Then I had to look at Google reviews on the lodging because the first one I looked at got 1.5 stars and had the worst google reviews I've ever seen; Kimkim changed the lodging, but I shouldn't have to double-check everything kimkim is doing. But I felt I had to check everything. I had to ask for check-in information and didn't get it for one property. One property owner asked me to contact kimkim because they didn't get paid. It just took much of my time for the amount of money I paid kimkim. I decided to pay the premium and go with kimkim because I did not have the time with my intense job. But it really didn't work out like I expected.

Feedback on rental car: Van did not have air conditioning; it has a ton of glass and was scorching hot inside the vehicle at times. Very uncomfortable for 10 days. In addition, windshield wipers were extremely bad. Could not see in the rain due to poor windshield wipers. Otherwise, right sized vehicle for family of five

Feedback on activities:
Carla at Silfra Snorkeling was AMAZING; highly recommend this activity
Puffin and Volcano tour by Ebbi on Westman Island -- HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend; Ebbi was awesome; whole family loved this
Had very good guides (Hannah and Joku) at glacier hike
Had a great guide at glacier kayaking
Vok Baths is INCREDIBLE (we booked this on our own) -- it was by far the best bath
Myvatn Bath had a significant sulfur smell -- okay, would skip in hindsight
GeoSea -- very nice bath, 2nd favorite after Vok
Secret Lagoon -- booked on our own -- it was nice especially as part of Golden Circle activities
Lava Show in Vik -- booked on our own -- Amazing! Highly recommended

Feedback on lodging:
-- Borealis Hotel -- very rustic, bare bones -- staff and breakfast were great -- not bad for first night
-- Hotel South Coast -- nice hotel but two of the three rooms had bad smell -- breakfast was good
-- Pier Apartments -- best property we stayed in; HIGHLY recommend
-- Fosshotel Glacier -- very nice property and breakfast
-- Hotel Framtid -- we were in two very separate buildings where you had to drive between buildings -- accommodations and breakfast were fine but odd on how apart we were spaced
-- Lonsleira Apartments -- very nice cottage; had to contact the owner directly to get check-in (kimkim did not provide); owner shared they had not been paid and asked me to contact kimkim -- great location and property
-- Dimmuborgir -- spend two nights here; we were originally booked somewhere else that canceled last minute (after I asked kimkim for confirmations...) -- it was VERY RUSTIC, only one bathroom for the five of us and the unit was in slight disrepair (toilet seat would shift off the toilet, multiple lights didn't work, some lose tiles, etc -- breakfast and staff were nice -- breakfast area had very scenic overlook -- ** This was the only location we spent two nights; it felt like kimkim booked us at a lot lower quality location than our original booking -- Disappointed for our two-night stay
-- Lauggarbakki Guesthouse -- HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend -- terrific property and owner
-- Exeter Hotel -- nice property, great location, helpful staff

For the amount of money I paid kimkim, I expected a hassle-free and worry-free experience. I realize items like the last-minute Askja cancelation is outside of kimkim's control. However, I was put in a much lower quality accommodation that was not in great repair, and had to share one bathroom for all five of us for two days. A van without air conditioning. Having to double-check and follow up on planning. This is the most I ever paid for a trip like this and do not feel like I got what I paid for.

Activity Reviews
Silfra Snorkeling
Silfra Snorkeling
Iceland

Carla was amazing. The water is clear (and cold). This exceeded our expectations. Being able to see where the tectontic plates come together is amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Puffin and Volcano Tour
Puffin and Volcano Tour
Westman Islands

Ebbi has lived his whole life on Westman Island and has amazing passion for this tour. He shared a ton about life on the island, history, and made this an amazing experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jokulsarlon Glacier Kayaking Adventure
Jokulsarlon Glacier Kayaking Adventure
Iceland

If you are capable of kayaking, I highly recommend kayaking rather than the motorized boats. You reduce your impact on the planet. More importantly, it is a more serene and enjoyable way to spend time amongst the icebergs.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Myvatn Nature Baths
Myvatn Nature Baths
Lake Mývatn

Myvatn has a strong sulfur smell. They are older baths and have quite a crowd. It was our least enjoyable bath out of five we visited during our Iceland trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
GeoSea Geothermal Baths
GeoSea Geothermal Baths
Iceland

Very nice experience; amazing views; not overcrowded -- we really enjoyed this bath. It was our #2 favorite bath out of five (Vok was our favorite).

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Èric D
Èric
Èric D
Local specialist in France / Iceland | Replied on Jul 21, 2023
Hello Steve! First and foremost, we apologize for the disappointment you experienced during your first kimkim trip. However, we would like to clarify that your trip was booked during an exceptionally busy period when hotel availability was already limited. Despite the challenges, we made every effort to find suitable accommodations that met your requirements while maintaining our high standards. Regarding the hotel with a 1.5-star rating, we want to emphasize that we do not work with... Read more

Hello Steve!

First and foremost, we apologize for the disappointment you experienced during your first kimkim trip.

However, we would like to clarify that your trip was booked during an exceptionally busy period when hotel availability was already limited. Despite the challenges, we made every effort to find suitable accommodations that met your requirements while maintaining our high standards.

Regarding the hotel with a 1.5-star rating, we want to emphasize that we do not work with accommodations below a 4 out of 5 rating. It's important to note that the hotel in question actually has a Google rating of 3.8 stars, which was primarily influenced by a series of recent unfavorable reviews. Nonetheless, as soon as we were made aware of your concerns, we promptly replaced the booking with another hotel that met our quality standards, and which you agreed was up to yours too.

Additionally, we regret the unforeseen accommodation cancellation that occurred less than two weeks before your arrival. This was indeed completely beyond our control. Despite the nearly non-existent availability at that time, we worked to secure alternative accommodation in the area, ensuring minimal disruption to your itinerary. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we take your concerns seriously. We are committed to continuously improving our services to provide a seamless and comfortable experience for our travelers.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

All the best,
Èric

Amazing trip and experience with kimkim
Iceland | Jul 8 - Jul 13, 2023

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Daniel K.
Newton, MA | Reviewed on Jul 14, 2023
We could not recommend Iceland and working with kimkim highly enough. The country is shockingly gorgeous and fun/energizing to visit. There is so much one can do and we were so grateful to have Eric, our specialist, arrange our trip. Eric was fantastic to work with. He made a perfect itinerary, helping us see the highlights and find off the beaten path gems. In addition to the must see spots that most people visiting the country seem to go to in the South, which Eric had on our itinerary, our... Read more

We could not recommend Iceland and working with kimkim highly enough. The country is shockingly gorgeous and fun/energizing to visit. There is so much one can do and we were so grateful to have Eric, our specialist, arrange our trip. Eric was fantastic to work with. He made a perfect itinerary, helping us see the highlights and find off the beaten path gems. In addition to the must see spots that most people visiting the country seem to go to in the South, which Eric had on our itinerary, our favorite places that Eric recommended as good options were the Reykjadalur Valley hike to the hot river and the Hjorleifshofdi Cape & Cave hike - they were both just mind blowing and wonderful. If you are looking for good hikes with not a lot of people to see the wonders of nature, do these!

The hotel accommodations were excellent - very comfortable and in gorgeous places. And Eric recommended great eating options. Outside of Reykjavik, you definitely want to call ahead to restaurants to make reservations, which thankfully Eric warned us about.

Lastly, Eric was so responsive to our desires for the trip in planning and being available during it with additional recommendations when we reached out. We will definitely use kimkim again for future trips and highly recommend them.

Local specialist: Èric D
Èric
Èric D
Local specialist in France / Iceland | Replied on Aug 05, 2023

Daniel, thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute pleasure working with you on creating your ideal trip and I'm delighted to hear you had such an amazing time in Iceland. I wish you the very best!

Iceland elopement 2023
Iceland | Jul 3 - Jul 10, 2023

Bob
Bob M.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jul 13, 2023
We had a fantastic trip to Iceland, tailored to the specific needs of our six person family, which included 4 active 20-something men and their parents. Our guide Gummi even helped plan our small wedding on a beautiful black pebble beach. He found us a wonderful house on the sea, near the wedding site, and helped plan several activities afterward, including a glacier hike, iceberg lagoon cruise, and many other interesting and unique activities. There’s no way we could have such a great trip... Read more

We had a fantastic trip to Iceland, tailored to the specific needs of our six person family, which included 4 active 20-something men and their parents. Our guide Gummi even helped plan our small wedding on a beautiful black pebble beach. He found us a wonderful house on the sea, near the wedding site, and helped plan several activities afterward, including a glacier hike, iceberg lagoon cruise, and many other interesting and unique activities. There’s no way we could have such a great trip without his expertise and advice. And when the inevitable minor hiccups arose, he was always quick to respond and set things right. Five stars all the way around!!!

Hotel Review
Marbakki
Búðir

Fantastic location by the seaside with super comfortable accommodation and well-equipped kitchen. The hot tub and deck overlooking the water were wonderful bonuses.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 15, 2023

Thank you so much for the kind words Bob. I am so happy the trip was such a success because I know it meant a lot to you. Siggi told me the ceremony was absolutely beautiful, and I salute you for standing your ground when the tide started coming in haha, it's just nature's gentle kiss isn't it? Good thing though the ceremony wasn't too long before it got you up to that waist haha
Skál for Sarah and you! I'm honored to have had the privilege to be a small part of this. Next time you come over, drinks are on me!

Great experience with Elisa and Kimkim for our Iceland trip
Iceland | Jul 3 - Jul 9, 2023

Amit
Amit J.
Long Branch, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 13, 2023
It was our first time to Iceland. It’s quite daunting to figure out what you’d be interesting in seeing and what all activities you’d like to do along with optimal route and hotel selection/booking. Luckily we had Elisa, our guide/booking agent who is also a native of Iceland. She was very helpful in understanding our needs, suggesting an itenary and extra activities. After some back and forth we booked the trip with her.
Trip went mostly flawless. We had an issue with a hotel booking on...
Read more

It was our first time to Iceland. It’s quite daunting to figure out what you’d be interesting in seeing and what all activities you’d like to do along with optimal route and hotel selection/booking. Luckily we had Elisa, our guide/booking agent who is also a native of Iceland. She was very helpful in understanding our needs, suggesting an itenary and extra activities. After some back and forth we booked the trip with her.
Trip went mostly flawless. We had an issue with a hotel booking on one of the days where a new management of the hotel pretended to not find our reservation. I texted Elisa and she went above and beyond her normal duty and booked a new hotel for us within minutes. Imagine if you had to do all this in another country by yourself.

I’d whole heartedly recommend Elisa, if you are looking for a trip to Iceland. She takes care of her clients and takes the stressful planning part out, so that clients can focus on enjoying their vacation.

Hotel Review
Legendary Hotel Hella
Hella

Bad hotel/bad management.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Elisa Guðlaug Snæland Bjarkardóttir
Elisa Guðlaug Snæland
Elisa Guðlaug Snæland Bjarkardóttir
Local specialist in Iceland southern region | Replied on Jul 13, 2023

Thank you for a lovely review Amit. It was my pleasure to help you and your family plan this amazing trip to Iceland. Hope to see you again someday :)

Thank you Silvia for the amazing trip itinera...
Iceland | Jun 25 - Jul 5, 2023

D
Diane B.
Canada | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2023
Thank you Silvia for the amazing trip itinerary and help along the way. I was able to enjoy my Iceland the way I saw it 20 years ago. Unfortunately with technology evolution, we didn't get to cross rivers as bridges were built along the way. We didn't get the trill of crossing the rivers but it made it a safer travel. We thank you for all the nice recommandations. Hotel and restaurants were to our satisfaction. Hotel 360 was amazing as well as Hrifunes Nature Park, Silica and... Read more

Thank you Silvia for the amazing trip itinerary and help along the way.

I was able to enjoy my Iceland the way I saw it 20 years ago. Unfortunately with technology evolution, we didn't get to cross rivers as bridges were built along the way. We didn't get the trill of crossing the rivers but it made it a safer travel.

We thank you for all the nice recommandations. Hotel and restaurants were to our satisfaction. Hotel 360 was amazing as well as Hrifunes Nature Park, Silica and Kerlingarfjoll Mountain Resort. Actually Kerlingarfjoll was my highlight. The suggested Hike was my best ever.

We were able to enjoy the beauty that Iceland nature had to offer. The falls, the volcanos, the glaciers, the geysers, hot mud, the iceberg and the ride was very different than what we are use to as well as beautiful as nature can get.

We have numerous photos and great memories to share.

Thank you again for your presence along the way. It was reassuring to know that you were there and easy to reach if needed.

Please keep safe
Diane xx

Local specialist: Silvía Ástvaldsdóttir
Silvía
Silvía Ástvaldsdóttir
Local specialist in Sweden | Replied on Jul 11, 2023

Thank you, Diane!

We're thrilled to hear that you all were able to enjoy the beauty that Iceland has to offer😍 We loved helping you plan your highland adventures, and we hope our paths will cross again!

Best wishes,
Silvia, Halldór & the Unforgettable Nordic team

Bucket List Vacation
Iceland | Jun 27 - Jul 3, 2023

Jennifer
Jennifer B.
East Tremont, NY | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2023
We had a great trip. Things to note, there was certainly a lot of driving but Terry did a great job of providing us plenty of stops to break up the trip. Our hotel in Vik was nice, we did think breakfast was included but they said it was not. The coffee machine in the room was amazing! It was warm in the room, and because of the black out curtains leaving the windows open didn’t really help much. The zipline tour was fun, kids and adults loved it. Alexandra was the guide and she was... Read more

We had a great trip. Things to note, there was certainly a lot of driving but Terry did a great job of providing us plenty of stops to break up the trip. Our hotel in Vik was nice, we did think breakfast was included but they said it was not. The coffee machine in the room was amazing! It was warm in the room, and because of the black out curtains leaving the windows open didn’t really help much. The zipline tour was fun, kids and adults loved it. Alexandra was the guide and she was awesome. The glacier hike was so fun, it was the only time we really needed multiple layers, otherwise the cool weather was very tolerable. Swava was an our guide for the glacier, he gave us a lot of history on the trip over. We did take the trip out to the glacier park o our own, it was an 1 1/2 drive from Vik was is was worth it. The hike to the glacier was easy but nice and the pictures were awesome. I have to also mention every public bathroom was so clean and there were plenty of them. The geothermals pools were awesome. We loved Fontana, we ran into the cold lake a few times. We also sat in the sauna and steam rooms. We loved the rye bread making, it was so good with the smoke trout. Our second hotel was in the middle of no where but it was beautiful. It would have been a great spot to see the northern lights. The people who ran the inn were so nice and breakfast was amazing. The snorkeling adventure was another great experience. The fresh water you could just drink! It was cold but not unbearable. Interesting how many of the tour guides we had were not locals from Iceland but transplants. Many spend the “summer” there and then go to another place to spend “summer” somewhere else. Listening to peoples life stores were interesting. Our snorkel guide was from the Netherlands, he was super helpful and had a great respect for the land. Our third hotel was our least favorite, but it was big. The room was actually oky, the views were amazing, but the common areas needed some TLC. It ended up being okay, the girls went in the hot tub when we arrived. And we did have our own room…Harmen and I. The lava cave was really fun. Our guide was so passionate about the history and geology of the area. Her name is short was Eve. She was a lot of fun and the girls had a blast. The waterfall area up near the lava cave was breath taking, we have so many amazing photos. Our two night in Reykvik were so fun. The girls loved the city and did like being near the middle of town. I think the first night was very difficult to sleep because we were too close to a bar. I would think i better to stay a little further. We spent a lot of time walking f around, we visited the church and some parks down near the water. It was a great place to get souvenirs too! The ATV ride was fun. I am glad we moved it from the departure date, it was nice to have that morning to relax and I think it was have been a bit of a rush getting to the airport. It wall worked out and your staff in Iceland was easy to work with. Everyone was so responsive and helpful. The locals were so friendly. We felt so safe and welcome. This was a trip of a lifetime and an amazing investment for our family. The twins had a so much fun!

Hotel Reviews
Black Beach Suites
Vik I Myrdal

Very nice. Clean and good coffee.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Álftröð Guesthouse
Selfoss

Beautiful views of the countryside

Authenticity & Character
Felt like Iceland!
Location
Off the beaten track but beautiful
Staff
So sweet
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean
Room With A View Apartment Hotel
Reykjavík

A little noisy. And parking was difficult

Authenticity & Character
Location
Center of the city
Staff
The front desk was very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Hafnarfjall
Hvalfjarðarsveit

Rooms was huge and we had a bedroom. Common spaces needed some TLC. Staff was nice. Views were great. There were cabins there which May looked newer. Not sure the size!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Views
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Blue Lagoon
Iceland

A great way to start.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Easy to get to
Zipline Adventure Tour
Zipline Adventure Tour
Iceland

So fun! Ziplining was fun for everyone. The tour guides were really nice

Quality of Experience
Our group was alone, so the guides were so attentive and helpful
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly
Transport
Van from meeting location to ste was nice
Rye Bread tour (Geothermal bakery)
Iceland

This was a fun and the bread was yummy!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fast Track Ice Cave Tour
Fast Track Ice Cave Tour
Vík

I loved this. The girls liked the cave more but this was really a fun adventure. The ride out and the hiking. Not something for someone not comfortable to do some difficult walking.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Safety was key!
Transport
Fun ride.
Fontana Geothermal Baths
Fontana Geothermal Baths
Iceland

Loved this!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Silfra Snorkeling
Silfra Snorkeling
Iceland

Amazing. Staff was also helpful and made everyone comfortable with their gear. The water is cold…not sure this would have been as fun in the winter! Everyone enjoyed this.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent help
Transport
Lava Cave Explorer Tour
Lava Cave Explorer Tour
Iceland

This was a fun tour. The cave was super interesting and the guide was so educated on the history. We all loved this.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Wonderful
Transport
Short walk to cave
Mountain ATV tour
Mountain ATV tour
Iceland

Fun way to end. We all had fun. The group was large so there was a lot of stopping. Sort of wasted a lot of time. The riding was easy, could have done something g more challenging but we had fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Terry Stanley
Terry
Terry Stanley
Local specialist in Canada | Replied on Jul 12, 2023

Thank you for the comprehensive feedback. And love your photos!
I'm so glad that you had such an amazing vacation, Jennifer.
Cheers!
Terry

Best holiday of my life!
Iceland | Jun 25 - Jul 6, 2023

Rahul
Rahul S.
the United Arab Emirates | Reviewed on Jul 09, 2023
This was the best holiday we have ever been on. We'd like to thank Emanuela and the team that worked with her to arrange this. Before the trip the service and responsiveness from Emanuela was excellent - she was quick to clarify options and to come up with suggestions and ideas based on our queries.
The itinerary was excellent and allowed us to see so much of this beautiful country. The accommodation was also top class - we loved virtually all of the places we stayed in. I have provided...
Read more

This was the best holiday we have ever been on. We'd like to thank Emanuela and the team that worked with her to arrange this. Before the trip the service and responsiveness from Emanuela was excellent - she was quick to clarify options and to come up with suggestions and ideas based on our queries.
The itinerary was excellent and allowed us to see so much of this beautiful country. The accommodation was also top class - we loved virtually all of the places we stayed in. I have provided more detailed reviews below of the individual places where we stayed.
The car was perfect and WiFi device provided with the car was just superb. We were amazed by the Internet coverage even in remote areas of Iceland!
The activities proposed by Emanuela were also excellent and loved every one of them. Here are some details about our accommodation and experiences:
1. Foss Hotel Baron was excellent - our suite was large and comfortable and had a great view facing the sea. The bathroom was great, breakfast was good and the view facing the sea was also excellent. Location was not perfect as it was away from the centre of town… but that was OK and did not affect us much.

2. We enjoyed the amazing Sky Lagoon in Reykjavik - did not want to come out and spent several blissful hours there.... very unique experience! All our friends have seen the amazing pics on Facebook and now want to do the same!

We also did the Fly Over Iceland in Reykjavik - what an amazing experience! It was exciting and we really felt we were flying over Iceland... We all loved it - very well done and memorable. We visited the Whales of Iceland museum and again really enjoyed it with my 17-year old very interested in the guided tour where we learned so much. The huge life sized models of the whales were amazing and we spent a lovely couple of hours here. We also went to Perlan and again thought it was excellent.

3. We had two very enjoyable meals at Hlemmur Matholl. Very cool place that was walking distance from our hotel... and we also could not believe it was just a bus station in the past! The meal from Krost was excellent with some good wine and beer as well. Thanks for suggesting this!

4. Snorkeling in Silfra was the most unique experience of all. Very enjoyable and exciting. Our guide - Gabriel was our guide - he was top class and really made us feel comfortable. Some feedback for your information: The dive.is team at Silfra was very busy ... probably too busy - if you ask me they have too many people and our 11am dive eventually happened at 1pm - they were quite backlogged and I feel that they need to cut down on the number of people. But we were in no hurry and really enjoyed the unique experience. I will be writing to dive.is with some detailed feedback as I feel they are not equipped to handle the large volume of people that are being booked in summer.

5. The Kerid crater and the walk around it was wonderful and also a new experience for us to walk around a dormant volcano. It was beautiful and we got some beautiful pictures.
We missed out on Geysir and Gulfoss waterfall as the road was closed... and we did not have enough time to go around the other way.

6. Hotel Arnarstapi was a very special experience. We really liked the stand alone 2-bedroom suite - it was well designed and very comfortable for the three of us. The location was just spectacular as it was not far from the cliff walk. We did long walks along the cliffs and enjoying the sights of all the sea-birds roosting on the cliffs. The place had a wild beauty that we fell in love with... could not stop snapping pics!
The Snjofell restaurant on site was top class - a beautiful setting with excellent food and service. We had a memorable dinner there.

7. The VATNSHELLIR lava cave was also an interesting experience and our guide Irina was wonderful.

8. We were a little apprehensive about the Acco Apartment when we were standing outside in the street. But once we went in we were super happy with the beautiful and spacious apartment. It is beautifully located and has amazing views. It is comfortable with all of the amenities and really enjoyed the evening there. In fact my wife wanted to stay another night in the apartment - she liked it so much.
The breakfast in the Cafe Berlin was excellent - the best breakfast on the trip. The staff were super nice and very competent and professional. We'll be giving Cafe Berlin 5 stars on tripadvisor.

9. The Whale and Puffin tour was amazing - we ended up seeing 3 different humpback whales and all three of us were thrilled. We also saw dolphins and of course the puffins were wonderful. The guide - Victoria was wonderful and funny and did a great job. A very memorable experience and a first for us as we had not seen Whales before!
We had lunch in Húsavík at the Salka Restaurant - again an excellent meal that we all thoroughly enjoyed.
Later the Godafoss waterfall was lovely and we enjoyed the walk to and from it.

10. The Sel Hotel at Myvatn was just wonderful. I think it was my wife's favorite place. The rooms had beautiful views and we loved the surrounding area. The staff were very helpful and we enjoyed a good meal at the restuarant of the hotel. The Pseudocraters of Skutustadir were wonderful and we enjoyed walking among them and the lake area. In the evening we went to the Myvatn Nature Baths and very much enjoyed the experience and the views. We explored e DimmuBorgir rock formations and the Grjotagja cave with the hot water inside.
We had lunch at Vogafjos farm - another superb sugestion - the food was excellent and we enjoyed it very much.

11. The horseriding at Safarihestar, Safari Horse rental was a major highlight for me. They were truly wonderful and patient as my wife was very nervous and they handled her perfectly. The horses were beautifully trained and very obedient. I loved the landscape and the setting and took so many photos from horseback. Thanks for suggesting this wonderful experience.

We very much enjoyed the Hverir Bubbling Mud Pots... a truly unique experience that none of us had had before.

Móðir Jörð restaurant with its wonderful vegetarian food was probably our favourite restaurant in Iceland! We loved the food and setting and had our coffee in the greenhouse and loved wandering around the lovely area.

12. Hotel Egilsstadir was lovely as well. We loved the setting and the warm bar area was so nice - my wife and I stayed up until late having a couple of drinks. The staff were superb and very helpful and friendly.
We later visited Seydisfjordur - the drive to that village was beautiful and very memorable.

13. Hofn Inn guesthouse: The accommodation was spacious and it was clean and functional. It was comfortable for the few hours we spent there - but it was not our favorite. They had an unusual rubber floor instead of carpet which felt odd. But everything was comfortable and we are just being a bit picky as all the other accommodation was superb.

The amphibian boat tour was excellent and quite a unique experience. We saw some seals in the lagoon which was wonderful.

14. The snowmobile tour on Vatnajokull glacier was just out of this world. Sven our guide made it very enjoyable and put my wife at ease as she was quite nervous. Very special experience that we will not forget.

14. The Kria hotel in Vik was just superb. We loved our corner room - 101 - and the views of the mountain opposite. What a special location! We had dinner at the hotel restaurant which was excellent and the next day had lunch in Restaurant Suður-Vík - I had the best softest lamb dish here.

15. Finally the Ice Cave tour with our guide Maria was amazing - my wife bonded with her as she really lokked after my wife and held her hand through some areas where my wife was a bit apprehensive.

16. The last night at the Hotel Keflavik was also very nice. We expected a functional airport type hotel - but were very pleased with the quality of the hotel and the view toward the sea.

If we could give 6 or 7 stars to Emanuela we would! Thanks for a memorable experience which we will remember for the rest of our lives.

Activity Reviews
Relax in Reykjavik and Sky Lagoon
Relax in Reykjavik and Sky Lagoon
Reykjavík

Nothing short of top class. The Sky Lagoon is magical and an amazing experience. The design of the lagoon is beautiful and the water temperature is wonderful. There is a beautiful pool bar and the changing facilities are first class. The seven step experience is amazing and must be done. The view from the dry Sauna is outstanding.

Quality of Experience
The beautiful design of the lagoon itself
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staff are super helpful and friendly
Vatnshellir Lava Cave Tour
Vatnshellir Lava Cave Tour
Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The experience of going into the lava cave and learning all about it from our guide Irina was excellent. My 17-year old daughter was very interested in the details and kept talking about it afterwards. We really enjoyed the experience and found Irina to be excellent - she had great knowledge, was uncompromising about safety - but had a good sense of humor and made it fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Silfra Snorkeling
Silfra Snorkeling
Iceland

The most unique experience - very special to be snorkeling between two tectonic plates! Our guide Gabriel was excellent, caring, funny and very friendly. He did a great job and gave us an experience that we will never forget. When you are in the water and snorkeling between the tectonic plates, it feels very special and you feel like pinching yourself! I have not given 5 stars for this activity because I found that dive.is has taken on too many people and is not able to process this volume of tourists effectively. The expected 30-minute prep took 2 hours. Our 11am snorkel in fact started at 1pm. Our group of 6 people also had two issues with the equipment/dry-suits as two of them were leaking. There seems to be too much pressure on the guides to keep things moving and weight of numbers of tourists is too high. My strong recommendation is that dive.is review what is a realistic number of tourists and cut down a little bit. They should charge higher prices if need be but it is important to reduce the volume of people to keep it fun and enjoyable and safe.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Gabriel our guide was just awesome. His sense of humour helped one of our party which was nervous to relax. He was professional and made it a special experience for us
Horseback on the Lake
Horseback on the Lake
Lake Mývatn

Is it possible to give an experience 6 or 7 stars? We just loved the horse riding in the unspeakably beautiful environs of Lake Myvatn - a big thank-you to Emanuela for recommending this! The people at Safarihestar, Safari Horse rental - were just awesome. My wife was very nervous and they handled her perfectly calmed her down and handled everything very professionally. The horses were superbly trained and just followed the lead horse. Although none of us were very experienced horse riders, we were comfortable all the time. We rode along the margin of the lake and then into the wild area. It was unspeakably beautiful and I could not stop taking photos whenever I had the opportunity. A superb experience - 7 stars - highly recommended!

Quality of Experience
The personal care, the well trained, gentle horses and the astounding scenery!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great care and patience. We always felt we were in good hands.
Whale and Puffin Watching Tour
Whale and Puffin Watching Tour
Husavik

It was a phenomenal experience. Our guide Victoria was excellent - funny and informative and also very non-nonsense when it comes to safety etc. We were given thick waterproof overall to wear on top of our clothes - which was excellent - as it was quite windy and cold - but the overalls kept us warm throughout. The boat was not large and was a speedboat which is essential to be able to maneuver and quickly get to where the whales are. They also had a good system of keeping in touch through the radio with other boats / spotters so that they know in real time where to go to see the Whales. Before we saw the whales we really enjoyed the puffins! They are beautiful birds and we learned a great deal about them.... we saw hundreds of them which was amazing. We saw 3 different humpback whales on our tour - with one of them getting very close to the boat - on one occasion - only about 15 or 20 feet away. We saw the whales come up on multiple occasions and then dive down. It was an almost spiritual experience for me to see these huge but gentle animals so close. The experience was awesome and I would not miss it for anything.

Quality of Experience
The sight of a beautiful huge whale coming up right next to us and blowing and then diving down!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Victoria was awesome and funny and very informative
Local specialist: Emanuela Grieco
Emanuela
Emanuela Grieco
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 10, 2023

Hi Rahul,
I just want to personally thank you for your wonderful review, and the time you took to write all your happy feedbacks. This has truly made my day!
I am so happy to look at your pictures and see smiles and know that you had a wonderful time with your family.

It has been truly a pleasure to stay in touch with you for all this time. Thank you for your trust!

All the best to everyone and I hope to have you back here again, one day!
Emanuela

Beautiful green Iceland brings you face to fa...
Iceland | Jun 24 - Jul 3, 2023

anupama
anupama k.
West Puente Valley, CA | Reviewed on Jul 09, 2023
Beautiful green Iceland brings you face to face with the power energy and beauty of nature at every step
Rinolda did an amazing job catering our itinerary to our hiking goals
The driving tips / plan for the day ,, restaurant Recommendations were on the dot
Hotels provided were great
Driving was easy
We had a flat once but got Immediate assistance from our rental car insurance
We had to postpone ferry tickets due to that and contact the emergency on call at Kim Kim —- great help...
Read more

Beautiful green Iceland brings you face to face with the power energy and beauty of nature at every step
Rinolda did an amazing job catering our itinerary to our hiking goals
The driving tips / plan for the day ,, restaurant Recommendations were on the dot
Hotels provided were great
Driving was easy
We had a flat once but got Immediate assistance from our rental car insurance
We had to postpone ferry tickets due to that and contact the emergency on call at Kim Kim —- great help and assistance provided

Glymur falls hike , Gulfoss,, thorsmok orange loop hike and day at Lanmanalaugar were our highlights
Looking for puffins in the rain and cold at westman island followed by dinner at Gotts and a hike up eldfell volcano with 360 view of ocean on all sides —- superb ethereal experience

Thank you !

Local specialist: Rinolda J
Rinolda
Rinolda J
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 13, 2023

Hi Anupama,

When I first met you on a call I told you look like you gonna have so much fun together, and I wasn't wrong! Keep up that adventurous spirit and happy travels! Thanks for your beautiful words!

Best regards,
Rinolda