Kimkim Trip Reviews for Iceland

Some friends recommended KimKim to us after their amazing trip to Iceland. We contacted Eric and discussed our dream trip and he made it happen. From ice climbing to a perfectly planned agenda, Eric did an amazing job. He spent a lot of time ensuring every detail was perfect from hotels to restaurant recommendations and driving details. We absolutely would use KimKim and recommend Eric to anyone who has Iceland on their bucket list.

Gummis knowledge and responsiveness are top notch! Provided us with a custom experience that captured the experience and wonder of iceland!

Eric gave us the perfect adventure! He understood our needs and budget and was able to accommodate everything. He selected memorable excursions - we were able to see whales, dolphins, and seals in the wild; hike among gorgeous waterfalls and dramatic scenery; and we saw the Northern Lights. Our accommodations (at Hotel Odinsve in Reykjavik and Fosshotel Nupar in Kirkjubaejarklauster) were cute and comfortable. We particularly enjoyed the breakfast offering at Hotel Odinsve and the view from our giant window at Fosshotel. We cannot thank Eric and KimKim enough for the fantastic trip. We will certainly look to KimKim in the future for help with more trips and will recommend both Eric and KimKim to all our family and friends.

Thanks a million!

Activity Reviews

Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching

Reykjavík

We saw a pod of dolphins, a loan porpoise, three Minke whales, and a number of beautiful sea birds. Our guide was entertaining and knowledgeable, and instructions and directions were clear and understandable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was very good at directing us to look where animals were popping up

Transport

The walk to the harbor was not difficult, and the boat itself was pretty great! It had a little indoor saloon with various sorts of beverages and snacks.

The Secret Lagoon

Iceland

This was our first experience in a natural spring, and it was so neat!

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour

Iceland

This was possibly the biggest highlight of the trip. The lagoon was gorgeous and we were *this close* to the most adorable seals in the wild!

Quality of Experience

Adorable wild seals! Magnificent glaciers! Amazing, blue icebergs!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our boat captain was hilarious and incredibly knowledgeable. We learned so much about wildlife, global warming, and ice formation.

Transport

We drove straight to the lagoon and it was super easy to find.

Northern Lights Hunt Super Jeep Tour

Iceland

Oh my gosh, we saw the lights!!!!!

Quality of Experience

You can't ask for anything more than getting to see the sky light up.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our driver/guide was hilarious...and provided us with Brennevin shots to keep us warm. A uniquely Icelandic experience!

Transport

The bus was easy to find and our guide was super helpful.

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

Truly unbeatable after a week of hiking and exploring to lie in a warm, peaceful natural spring with a face mask and a drink.

Quality of Experience

I could just feel the stress and tension melting away.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This was a trip of a lifetime. Gummy made it so easy. Everything was planned out, but we still had a choice if we wanted to go see something or not. Anytime something occurred with our arrangements we reached out to Gummy and he was right on it. All of our hotel arrangements were great places.

Hotel Reviews

Bubble Hotel

Selfoss

This is a wonderful experience to feel like you are sleeping outdoors plus the Northern Lights are right above you. The whole experience was our favorite.

Authenticity & Character

Who gets to sleep in a bubble.

Location

It’s out in the middle of nature

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bed was super comfy plus a nice feature having a electric heating pad.

Hotel Höfn

Hofn

Not my favorite. Room was small.

Hótel Kría

Vík

Beautiful new looking hotel. The view to the mountains was amazing.

Authenticity & Character

Beautiful modern hotel

Location

Great location

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fosshótel Mývatn

Myvatn

This place was amazing with a view out of the window to the lake.

Authenticity & Character

Very modern and new looking

Location

Perfect location for spending 2 days to be able to use as a home base.

Staff

People were helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room with clean and bedding super comfy

Gistihúsið - Lake Hotel Egilsstadir

Egilsstöðum

Perfect location to grab a bite to eat. Food was amazing at this restaurant.

Authenticity & Character

Charming hotel with blankets and nice place to just hang out. Room was roomy with extra chairs and couch.

Location

Easy access to main road

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hvammstangi Hill Homes

Hvammstangi

Very clean and a great view. Plenty of parking.

Authenticity & Character

Felt new and very roomy

Location

In a very small town with very little amenities.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean. The place didn’t supply coffee, so we had to leave what we bought.

Berjaya Hotel Akureyri

Akureyri

We had an end room with a view, but unfortunately it rained really hard.

Authenticity & Character

Nice restaurant

Location

Easy access to downtown and shops.

Staff

Great staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Isafjordur Torg

Ísafjörður

Very old feeling hotel. The elevator wasn’t functioning one day.

Authenticity & Character

Needs to be updated

Location

Good location to downtown shops

Staff

People were amazing to work with. Had our laundry done, which came back the same day.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sandhotel

Reykjavík

Cool place, located in the middle of the downtown area. The only downside is the parking if you have a car. Have to find your own parking.

Authenticity & Character

Love this lovely boutique hotel. Our room was very unique.

Location

Nice to be close to shopping and restaurants

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was spotless

Hótel Húsafell

Húsafell, Borgarbyggð

Very lovely location and the rooms were awesome. Very spacious room and bathroom.

Authenticity & Character

Very modern and new

Location

Love it was out of town.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hótel Fransiskus Stykkishólmi

Stykkishólmur

Very interesting hotel that it used to be a nunnery.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to restaurants and was able to walk to.

Staff

The front desk guy was amazing and very helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room was clean and bedding very comfy

Activity Reviews

FlyOver Iceland

Reykjavík

This is a very cool experience to be able to see these places after we just experienced several of them.

Quality of Experience

Katla Ice Cave

Iceland

The ride out to the glacier is very unique in an old van on a very bumpy road. The trip was very cool to be able to climb on a glacier and feel very safe. Super cool experience.

Quality of Experience

Super cool to be able to go into this glacier. Wasn’t actually a cave for us.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Extremely safety conscious

Transport

Very old van

Krauma Spa

Iceland

Very nice and clean spa with all the different aspects of a spa. Different temperature pools, wet, dry saunas. This place was a bit of a drive from our hotel.

Quality of Experience

Spa is outdoor in nature with clean pools

The Secret Lagoon

Iceland

I understand this is a natural pool, but I’m not a fan of pools with lots of moss.

Quality of Experience

Lava Cave Explorer Tour

Iceland

Very interesting experience. The guide was very informative.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

He was funny and informative

The organization was run by another member of our group, but we were cc’d on everything and the response was quick
Out tour guide for the Laugevegar, Emma, was fantastic. The only concern was the guide to client ration, 16:1. On the first day one of our group suffered from a near sun opal episode and could not continue- only Emma’s quick thinking and the luck of her knowing another guide avoided the need for our entire group to abort our trip- this is not ver safe and also does not represent the cost of the trip-which was not budget ( nor consistent-different people paid different prices-up to an $800 difference. It worked out, but not because of any system for safety built into the system. Also, trh amount of work born by a single guide cooking and cleaning for 16 people made Emma’s job more difficult and longer than was reasonable. A lot of participation in meal prep and cleaning was not consistent with the marketing for the guide service. I cannot express enough how commentary is not a reflection of the actual guide, Emma. She was outstanding: knowledgeable, positive, attentive, and a boundless source of energy. The ratio was not safe and made for a more rustic experience of cooking and cleaning for ourselves ( with alarmingly variable participation by other hikers, which is not a great situation) than was expected.
I just want to let KimKim know what went on with the tour, as they seem to outsource things and Kimkim seems very focused on outstanding service. The trip was great because there were some great folks and the country is beautiful. But that 16:1 experience makes me rethink any group trips in the future. This is my first guides group tour and I thought it would be easier/cheaper than a private guide or sled planning (both of which I have done fairly extensively). It ended up not being easier and honestly not much cheaper either
I gave the stars for KimKim. I wrote
The review for the trek. I do not need to see the written review in public-it was written strictly for informational reasons, not to publicly air grievances. Everything is a learning experience in life. I learned this type of tour is not in my sweet spot. Thank you

Overall our trip to Iceland was superb! So many wonderful things to see. Weather is always an unknown and even though a couple of our scheduled events were affected , we were able to reschedule with minimal hassle. Hanna ( our kimkim planner) made this very easy and promptly communicated any updated itinerary.
I didn’t realize that we would be issued a mobile router device to take with us throughout the trip. That wifi access proved essential to guide us throughout the trip, especially while driving.

Activity Reviews

Jokulsarlon Glacier Kayaking Adventure

Iceland

Definitely a must-do adventure.

Quality of Experience

Unique ecological environment.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Katla Ice Cave

Iceland

One of the most unique ecological environments I’ve ever seen. Constantly changing, and mysterious 😀.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Èric has done a fantastic job helping me plan this trip to Iceland! I am very impressed with the details of the itinerary and the thoughts that have been put into this. I will definitely recommend kimkim to my friends for their next trip planning.

Terry , our trip planner, was wonderful. The places she picked for us to see were beautiful. We could pick 3 or 4 destinations from her suggested sights to see each day. This way are trip was customizable to our driving time and our personal interests . I would have stayed longer. People and the scenery were both amazing!!

Activity Reviews

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

Unique experience and so relaxing after traveling on a plane for hours.

Quality of Experience

Transport

We upgraded to a larger vehicle so that my husband, who has long legs and knee issues, could get in and out of the vehicle comfortably

Lava Tunnel Tour

Iceland

Nice, guide was knowledgeable and entertaining.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Horses and Hotsprings

Iceland

Scenery and ride were wonderful. Guides personable and willing to help with riding instructions. Good for beginners at horse riding.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

They very easy to speak to and willing to help at all times.

Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching

Reykjavík

Staff were welcoming and trip was nice. Did not see whales but still had a beautiful day on the ocean.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Thank you so much for a great trip. Overall everything went very smoothly and everything planned was great. The hotels were fabulous for us and great combination of cuteness, little lux and just good solid sleeping place mixed together. Car rental/pick ups were timely and easy. Eva explained a lot thoroughly and was on point. Tour guides, Greta, Stermeyer(sp? With glaciar boat and glacier hike guys all nice, knowledgeable and organized.
We found the only minor changes is us double checking addresses. Example although we had National park, we had no idea where entrance was as a few parking lots. A set point to visitor center or tell park at R2 lot etc helpful. Also our guide for Thor was great, but he said he was not taking us to waterfall although we had asked how we were doing the tour and waterfalls. It was no problem to do all after guide Greta explained route on our own was on the way. I would also say Vic is not a place to stay but to visit on day trip. Eva’s choices to best view Northern lights spot on. As I said, great trip, easy communication, Eva fabulous, appreciate all the work and constant communication to our questions. Thank you

Eva was great!! Schedule she suggested was fantastic for our crowd; had some changes needed to make mid trip and she accommodated us. Was very responsive throughout.

A bit more clarity in some areas may have helped as we were first time visitors to Iceland, just regarding things that may not be so obvious to tourists (like we didn’t know some places needed more directions/lacked road signs like they have in other countries- but great not to have the country landscape ruined with too many signs and wires!).

System didn’t update changes….that of course would be up to the company (some of agenda contradicted itself as result; we caught it luckily and qualified before driving to the wrong place).

Appreciated all the communication, guidance and effort!

Usually, I wouldn't have utilized this service while traveling abroad. But having very little knowledge about Iceland, we decided that a bit of help would make for a more enjoyable experience. 100 percent, we are happy for using kimkim. Kreso was very knowledgeable, asked us what we wanted to see on this 8 day self drive around Iceland. Made reservations for guesthouses and tours we wanted to do. Everyday we had a driving plan link that kimkim had a link to. You can skip a location if time/ interest was an issue. Our car came with a Hotspot box so we had internet everywhere. Even on the whale watching tour, I could and did share pics and videos with family back home. It's like they were there with me on vacation. I can honestly say I will use them again. Great service. Kreso listened to our wants and needs. Iceland should be one of the seven wonders of the world! We were two women over 50 traveling together. Always felt safe. I just can't say enough good things about kimkim. Thank you Kreso 😊

Activity Reviews

Katla Ice Cave Superjeep tour

Iceland

Unfortunately, it was raining hard and the winds were unbelievable. We got all the way to the front of the cave. Due primarily to the high winds we were unable to complete the tour. The jeep ride was exciting. The tour operator, Natalia from Sweden was knowledgeable and made us all feel very comfortable. I'm sure on a beautiful day, this tour is not too challenging for anyone. But with the already melting glacier cave, alot of rain and the extreme winds, this tour was a bit daunting and also excillerating for this 62 year old, not in prime physical shape. Would I do it again under better circumstances? Yes, I would. But this is Iceland. One must expect this can happen. I liked the staff. I probably should have given it 5 stars.

Quality of Experience

Natalia kept us well informed. Jeep was comfortable. Not too crowded. Like 7 of us in very large jeep.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour

Iceland

While the views are amazing, my biggest reason for 3 stars is they try to pack too many people on the boat. Literally sardines. But we were allowed to stand up and walk around once we got out there.

Quality of Experience

Lots of information from our guide

Quality of Experience

Lots of information from our guide

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I wish I could remember her name. But she was great.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I wish I could remember her name. But she was great.

Transport

Transport

The Geothermal Vok Baths

Iceland

Wonderful warm baths. All the stories I read about having to shower in front of complete strangers wasn't true. We went in the evening. There were some private changing rooms and showers. And yes, you must shower before going in. But it's not like someone is standing there watching you do this. Wonderful experience.

Quality of Experience

Warm baths, professional staff.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Myvatn Nature Baths

Lake Mývatn

Due to extreme high winds, very chilly, we were offered a free drink or a refund. We gladly accepted the free drink. They directed all the geothermal heat to a certain area of the baths. So still warm. This was still amazing, also a more natural Sulphur smell. You shouldn't get your hair wet if it's color treated. Under a small bit of construction because they are improving the facility. Still a wonderful experience.

Quality of Experience

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transport

Hanna was communicative and helpful when planning our trip. She kept our preferences in mind when planning sights and locations, as well as our budget. It was really nice to be able to trust a specialist to take off some of the overwhelm of choices during the trip. We loved seeing the black sand beaches and glaciers on the east coast of Iceland.

Activity Review

The Secret Lagoon

Iceland

Relaxing and enjoyable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had an amazing trip through an incredible Island. We are very grateful to Rinolda for programing a beautiful itinerary that covered all the different landscapes. The vehicle was perfect for us. The accommodations were comfortable with good, friendly service and delicious food. All, except the Baron on our last night. That hotel needs a complete remodel. But, at least a good cleaning. Also, thank you to Olivia for her assistance.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Gullfoss

Tungufell

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Katla by Keahotels

Vík

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lilja Guesthouse

Hofn

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Eyvindará

Egilsstadir

Perfect place for two nights. Hotel manager was very helpful. His recommendations were extremely helpful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fosshótel Mývatn

Myvatn

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Laugarbakki

Hvammstangi

Authenticity & Character

They need a gardener! A few evergreens would improve the appeal.

Location

It is out in the middle of nowhere! But it worked for us.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The cleaning staff seemed very unhappy. And it showed.

Fosshotel Hellnar

Hellnar

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fosshotel Baron

Reykjavík

The floor was covered in stains. Very dirty throughout. The shower was so unsafe only my husband dare to use it. Tracy and I felt we would take a chance and end up on the ground.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The mattress is like a board and the pillow is a flat pancake.

Activity Reviews

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour

Iceland

We did not make it on time to enjoy this experience. I am sure it would have been amazing. We enjoyed the surroundings when we finally arrived. There were too many sites to enjoy that morning!

Myvatn Nature Baths

Lake Mývatn

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Great suggestions, full & satisfying itinerary
Easy to work with & prompt response
All transfers were seamless.

Hotel Reviews

Stracta Hotel Hella

Hella

Very comfortable, staff were great & helpful, cozy & clean

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Westman Islands Inn

Average, just step above a hostel. Warm & comfortable. No way to contact anyone for extra pillow or anything else.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

There were no staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Random curly hair in shower

Stracta Apartments

KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR

Well stocked, comfortable bed, appropriate size. Really appreciated the coffee & kitchenette Long way down a dirt road.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Reykjavik Treasure

Reykjavik

Very cute house, downstairs was decorated in an authentic & inviting way. Great breakfast & great service. Rooms are cramped since the ceiling slopes, the bed in our room was nothing more than a thin mattress on a metal spring platform. Reminded me of a fold out couch. Pillows were lumpy & very thin. Great location & cute, just not functional for s couple.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bed & pillows need work!!

Activity Review

Solheimajokull glacier hike & ice climbing

Iceland

Monica our guide was very knowledgeable & friendly. She had a professional calmness about her. I felt in good hands.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Terry was incredibly helpful in planning a trip that met the different interests of four people . She was very responsive to the many questions we had about the planned itinerary. We requested changes, some at a late date, and she handled it all in a friendly and timely and professional manner that really impressed us! We have high praise for her ability to make people happy with their Kim Kim tour!

We had an great trip to Iceland! The trip was well-planned by Gummi (Guðmundur Óli) who created a road trip that explored the Golden Circle and various sights along the Southern coast of Iceland. Each day allowed us to see different sites but wasn't jam-packed with stops (which was good as we were traveling with an older couple that moved somewhat slower than my wife and me). Everything was smooth & seamless and the rental car (Toyota Land Cruiser) was ideal for 4 people & luggage. Some of the highlights for me were a concert at the Harpa concert hall in Reykjavik, lunch at the Friðheimar Tomato Farm, the Skógafoss Waterfall, the black sand beach and basalt columns of the Reynisdrangar Sea Cliffs, and the Jökulsárlón Glacier / Diamond Beach.
I would definitely like to come back to Iceland - especially to spend some time hiking and to get to know the locals better and not just be around tourists. I am also intrigued by some of Iceland's artists - I saw some works by Hrafnkell Sigurðsson and some interesting work in some of the Reykjavik artist's co-ops.

Hotel Reviews

Exeter Hotel by Keahotels

Reykjavík

Great location in Reykjavik - it has an outdoor area on the 4th floor where my wife and I saw the Northern Lights. The staff were friendly - nothing really to complain about.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to the harbor and many restaurants

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Rangá

Hella

Great staff, food and rooms

Authenticity & Character

Location

Off the beaten track, but should be ideal for seeing the Northern Lights

Staff

One of our group left a sweater after we checked out - the staff found it and we were able to pick it up.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon amphibian boat tour

Iceland

The weather was lousy, but the boat tour & guide were good - we saw many icebergs with a rich, deep blue color.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Jenny from Kimkim was amazing. From start to finish revert aspect of our trip was flawless. Jenny was patient and attentive and got us everything we wanted in this trip. Emma from Icelandic Mountain Guides was a true hero on our hiking trip along with Antoine and Eythor of Icebikes for our gravel biking adventure.
I can’t recommend these folks enough. Trust in them to provide you with a truly memorable and rewarding experience
Ernie Johnson.

We had an amazing trip and are very thankful for all of Terry’s help, especially with multiple changes of plans.

We could not have planned our trip without the help of Gummi. (Gudmundur Oli). He was full of helpful ideas and worked with me to tailor the timing and locations to suit our style. He had patience for all my questions. Also most importantly was super quick with answers and when I needed him on the trip he answered the phone, solved any issues and checked up after. He is a great and knowledgeable person to partner with.

Hotel Review

CenterHotel Arnarhvoll

Reykjavík

Loved the view of the Harpa. Amazing bar and view from the breakfast room.

Authenticity & Character

Clean Icelandic design

Location

Staff

Georgia was amazing and patient at the front desk gave us an upgrade to a lovely room. Very good customer service.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lovely view

Activity Review

Sky Lagoon - Experience the seven-step Sky Ritual

Iceland

An other worldly experience. Calming and relaxing.

Quality of Experience

Unique and well designed

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We lost a jacket and the staff helped find it

Transport

Adam was so helpful in planning our trip around the Ring Road. He reserved wonderful lodging for us each step of the way and gave us a daily guide to follow. We quickly learned how to make the most of each stop and enjoy all the beauty and wonders of the grand island. We saved so much time, energy, and money putting the planning into the hands of KimKim. We have no regrets.

Hotel Review

Hotel Huni

Húnavallaskóli

This remote guest house comes with a 9 hole golf course and walking trails to the beautiful beach. The food, service, cleanliness were fantastic

Authenticity & Character

Location

Beautiful location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

The Geothermal Vok Baths

Iceland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff