Profile photo for Andrés Úlfur Helguson
4106 messages

Andrés Úlfur Helguson

Andrés is a cultural anthropologist with a passion for people, nature and photo-
graphy. He loves his island and he has beenguiding for the past 10 years in the
mountains, on glaciers and on the roads as a mountain/driver- and snowmobile guide- and a certified glacier guide. He comes from a long line of artists, having lived all over the island and travelled the world from early age he has a special connection with the local people and great ability to understand and connect to people from different parts of the world.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Iceland Untouched specialise in tours all around Iceland. We are great admirers of nature and we seek every opportunity to get the "alone in the world experience" wherever we are. We only operate with private small groups and self drives through local people with emphasis on luxury and high quality local products and services around the island that give our customers a better understanding of the Icelandic way of life, our history, our traditions and our untouched nature."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I used to work in the educational sector in Reykjavík City over wintertime and working in the highlands in the summer time. When Eyjafjallajökull erupted back in 2010 and Iceland got a lot of attention from other countries/travellers, the summer season was extended to 12 months:)"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I have so many stories to share ,but the one I will never forget is When I decided to travel to Ethiopia for taking part in their New Years celebration and stay there for the next 4 months. After some minor travel adventures getting from Iceland to Frankfurt then we wanted to be in Ethiopia on the 11th of September(New Year in Ethiopia) 2001. When we arrived the airport was empty, customs was empty and no staff to be found. When we were ready to leave the airport, we saw that everybody was just watching the TV (we had no idea what had happened) and we thought for one second this is how they celebrated New Years. When we started watching and saw what had happened, we realised that there would not be any celebration this year. "

Andrés Úlfur is part of the following groups: Iceland Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Andrés Úlfur

Amazing Iceland!
Iceland | Oct 8 - Oct 21, 2022

Johnna
Johnna T.
Wayne, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 22, 2022
I'm a professional travel planner in the US, and could not find a supplier of mine that was able to accomplish what Andres Ulfur did for us, price wise and itinerary wise!
His guide service personally was excellent in the Icelandic highlands without exception! and the guest house he put us at, Hrifunes glacier view guesthouse was an incredible suggestion and one where we saw an extreme Northern lights!
There was only a small bump in the road on arrival when our private transfer was not...
Read more

I'm a professional travel planner in the US, and could not find a supplier of mine that was able to accomplish what Andres Ulfur did for us, price wise and itinerary wise!
His guide service personally was excellent in the Icelandic highlands without exception! and the guest house he put us at, Hrifunes glacier view guesthouse was an incredible suggestion and one where we saw an extreme Northern lights!
There was only a small bump in the road on arrival when our private transfer was not at the airport, but I called Andres around 6 am from there and he picked up the phone and quickly rectified the situation by getting us another driver. He sent us a nice bottle of red wine as an apology for the mix up. All accommodations he had for us and itinerary suggestions were spot on! Staying the last night at the Silica hotel at the Blue lagoon was a great suggestion as it's 20 minutes from the airport, a luxurious hotel and you. have the private area of the lagoon available to you without being in the large touristed part of it in your usually only steps from your room with a fabulous room and amazing breakfast and food at the facility and the people at the hotel couldn't have been nicer. Iceland itself is the most amazing country! it's wild and untamed, clean as you could ever imagine. and the food is all locally sourced and grass-fed and the water is so clean. all you need is a refillable water bottle and you drink from the top! again couldn't have done it without Andres and Untouched Iceland! thank you 🙏💖

Local specialist: Andrés Úlfur Helguson

Amazing trip
Iceland | Sep 23 - Sep 28, 2022

S
Shanna C.
Duxbury, MA | Reviewed on Oct 05, 2022

We had an absolutely fantastic vacation and really enjoyed experiencing Iceland. There are a few questions that I should have asked in retrospect, but nothing that detracted from our experience.

Local specialist: Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Andrés Úlfur
Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Oct 11, 2022

Hello Shanna

Im thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful time in Iceland. Its such a beautiful island. Thank you for choosing Iceland Untouched.

All my best

Fantastic trip to the south coast of Iceland….
Iceland | Jun 29 - Jul 8, 2022

Stacey
Stacey H.
Storrs, CT | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2022
Fantastic trip to the south coast of Iceland. Andres made great suggestions for self guided portions-we explored the Rekjanes lighthouse are and hiked to see the Geldindalur volcano.
Our waterfall tour in thorsmork with Peter as our private guide in a superjeep was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. We also hiked in landmannalaugar with Einar traveling via superjeep. Both guides made the tour fun and we experienced lovely views/sites, both were knowledgeable about the...
Read more

Fantastic trip to the south coast of Iceland. Andres made great suggestions for self guided portions-we explored the Rekjanes lighthouse are and hiked to see the Geldindalur volcano.
Our waterfall tour in thorsmork with Peter as our private guide in a superjeep was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. We also hiked in landmannalaugar with Einar traveling via superjeep. Both guides made the tour fun and we experienced lovely views/sites, both were knowledgeable about the area. Both tours were private and both guides were excellent.
Peter was particularly good about setting us up for fun family photos.
We traveled to westman Islands and went on a great rib boat tour-which I highly recommend. Again, Andrés gave great suggestions on what to see and where to eat.
Andres was flexible and responded immediately to my concerns when we were in iceland.
Kimkim was a great way to have the advantage of a local’s advice, fully customizable and small group tours. My family (including two teenagers) had a fantastic trip.
We will be using kimkim for our next great adventure!

Activity Review
Volcanoes & Waterfalls- Private guided day tour in the highlands.
Volcanoes & Waterfalls- Private guided day tour in the highlands.
Iceland

Who knew there were so many stunning waterfalls to see? If you aren’t afraid to do light to moderate hiking this fantastic tour is a must do. We hiked to the top of a mountain for stunning views, went into caves to see waterfalls, climbed rocks, crossed streams in a super jeep. I can’t praise the experience enough. Peter was adaptable, waited when needed hiking, paid attention to our safety, was knowledgeable about the area and took many family photos-and made the trip fun.

Quality of Experience
I experienced the landscape rather than just looked at it.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Peter made it fun and adjusted to our skill/adventureness level.
Transport
The superjeep was fun, and the river crossings an adventure.
Local specialist: Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Andrés Úlfur
Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 31, 2022

Hello Stacey

Thank you for all the kind words. Im very happy to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Iceland Untouched. If you every plan to visit my beautiful island again then you are always welcome:)

All my best to you and your family

Our family had an amazing trip! Andres plann...
Iceland | Jul 14 - Jul 19, 2022

A
Anna R.
Maple Grove, MN | Reviewed on Jul 20, 2022
Our family had an amazing trip! Andres planned the perfect mix of sightseeing for the age of our kids. And we LOVED the accommodations. Thank you, thank you! Read more

Our family had an amazing trip! Andres planned the perfect mix of sightseeing for the age of our kids. And we LOVED the accommodations. Thank you, thank you!

Hotel Review
Hotel Odinsve
Reykjavik

Great set-up for families!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right in the middle of everything! Perfect location!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Silfra Snorkeling
Silfra Snorkeling
Iceland

This was a once in a lifetime experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Djupalonsandur Black Sand Beach
Djupalonsandur Black Sand Beach
Iceland

This was a can’t-miss stop!

Cliffside walk at Arnarstapi
Cliffside walk at Arnarstapi
Iceland
Local specialist: Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Andrés Úlfur
Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 23, 2022

Hello Anna

Im very happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip with Iceland Untouched in Iceland. If you ever plan to visit Iceland again then feel free to contact me anytime.

All my best to you and your family.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Certainly a five star trip!!!!!
Iceland | Jul 11 - Jul 16, 2022

Jill
Jill B.
Orlando, FL | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2022
Andrés is amazing at his job! His knowledge and relationships with local businesses and people allowed us to have a unique experiences tailored to our group! He was able to plan for a large, varied group of 18 people (9 adults and 9 children) ranging in age from 3 to 74 years old.
We had the best tour guide ever for our group, as well, who was able to teach us about the country and help us navigate travel in Iceland. Our tour guide, Atli, was helpful, kind and accommodating to our...
Read more

Andrés is amazing at his job! His knowledge and relationships with local businesses and people allowed us to have a unique experiences tailored to our group! He was able to plan for a large, varied group of 18 people (9 adults and 9 children) ranging in age from 3 to 74 years old.
We had the best tour guide ever for our group, as well, who was able to teach us about the country and help us navigate travel in Iceland. Our tour guide, Atli, was helpful, kind and accommodating to our needs.
I would highly recommend him and his company!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hotel Reviews
Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel
Reykjavík

Wonderful staff and excellent accommodations with a delicious breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Professional and comfortable with sincerity.
Location
Near the water and within walking distance of many great things in the city of Reykjavík.
Staff
Helpful and polite
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very pleased. Facilities were great.
Hótel Lækur
Hella

This is a cute Hotel in a beautiful location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Quiet, authentic and beautiful
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kvosin Downtown Hotel
Reykjavik

Excellent hotel in Reykjavík. The staff was kind and helpful in finding things in the city that we needed. The rooms were beautiful and the beds were comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Into the Valley of Thor- Thorsmork
Into the Valley of Thor- Thorsmork
Iceland

This is a wonderful trip with exciting and beautiful things to see. I think all of us could’ve spent the whole trip here.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
It was so fun to cross all the rivers
ICELANDIC HORSE WORLD
ICELANDIC HORSE WORLD
Iceland

This was a favorite among the travelers on our trip! The staff was wonderful and kind. The horses are amazing! We would recommend this to anyone and everyone. Among our nine grandchildren, ages 3 to 12 this was their favorite.

Quality of Experience
Every one would like to go back. One of our six year olds said we should go back every 6 years.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Alti, Andres, Eva, and Anthon- we could not have asked for better friends and helpers.
Transport
Comfortable , professional, willing to go above and beyond
Local specialist: Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Andrés Úlfur
Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 19, 2022

Hello Jill and family

Thank you for all the kind words. Im happy that you enjoyed your tour with your family to the fullest.
All my best from me and the Iceland Untouched team. If you ever plan to return to my beautiful island then feel free to contact me anytime. All my best to you and your family

Incredible Iceland Trip
Iceland | Jun 20 - Jun 25, 2022

C
Celia Ann P.
Centreville, VA | Reviewed on Jul 09, 2022
Andres helped us book an incredible trip. We enjoyed every minute, and it was the perfect combination of activities for adults and children. The accommodations were fantastic and the activities were so much fun. It was wonderful. I will definitely use Kim Kim again! Read more

Andres helped us book an incredible trip. We enjoyed every minute, and it was the perfect combination of activities for adults and children. The accommodations were fantastic and the activities were so much fun. It was wonderful. I will definitely use Kim Kim again!

Hotel Reviews
Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel
Reykjavík
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great location, good breakfast, nice rooms.
Glacier View Guesthouse - Hrífunes
Hrífunes

This place was wonderful. So friendly and accommodating. We had a great dinner and breakfast! And the view was amazing!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The views, the food, and the staff! Wonderful!
Local specialist: Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Andrés Úlfur
Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 19, 2022

Good morning Celia

Thank you for all the kind words. Im happy that you enjoyed your tour with your family to the fullest.
All my best from me and the Iceland Unoutched team. If you ever plan to return to my beautiful island then feel free to contact me anytime. All my best to you and your family

Wonderful trip
Iceland | Jun 30 - Jul 6, 2022

S
Seema R.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jul 07, 2022

Wonderful trip - we really enjoyed our guides and the spots we saw. Andres and Aron were our guides and planned a great day for our group. We had a wonderful time and would recommend them!

Local specialist: Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Andrés Úlfur
Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 19, 2022

Hello Seema

Thank you for all the kind words. Im happy that you enjoyed your tour with your family to the fullest.
All my best from me and the Iceland Unoutched team. If you ever plan to return to my beautiful island then feel free to contact me anytime. All my best to you and your family

Amazing trip!
Iceland | Jun 20 - Jun 25, 2022

B
Brandon P.
Centreville, VA | Reviewed on Jun 30, 2022
Amazing trip!
Iceland is a magical place full of kind people, great food, and incredible landscapes. We will come back some day is there is still so much to see and do. Thanks to kimkim for their services.
Read more

Amazing trip!
Iceland is a magical place full of kind people, great food, and incredible landscapes. We will come back some day is there is still so much to see and do. Thanks to kimkim for their services.

Hotel Reviews
Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel
Reykjavík

Close to a lot of shops and restaurants, good breakfast buffet, clean rooms and helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Glacier View Guesthouse - Hrífunes
Hrífunes

Great food, wonderful views, and generous and hospitable hosts. Give this place a try.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Andrés Úlfur
Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 19, 2022

Hello Brandon

Thank you for choosing IcelandUntouched. Im happy that you enjoyed your tour in Iceland. Its such a beautiful island.
All my best from me and the Iceland Unoutched team. If you ever plan to return to my beautiful island then feel free to contact me anytime. All my best to you and your family

The really good. and not so good.
Iceland | Jun 11 - Jun 25, 2022

M
Mark K.
Durham, NC | Reviewed on Jun 26, 2022
Everything was good. Recommended place were very good. The best: Waterfalls, Whale watching in Husavik, the canyons, Iceberg Lagoon, Jeep tour (terrific.) Also -- the Blue Lagoon. Touristy? Yes. But fun and worth seeing. Good experiene. Good way to start the trip. And.... Rejkavic restaurants..... Pricy, but very good. Skal, in partcular. Very good. The not so good: Geysir: Touristy and boring. Skip it. IcelandAir hotel by Rejkavik marina. Noisy and not so good.... Read more

Everything was good. Recommended place were very good.

The best: Waterfalls, Whale watching in Husavik, the canyons, Iceberg Lagoon, Jeep tour (terrific.) Also -- the Blue Lagoon. Touristy? Yes. But fun and worth seeing. Good experiene. Good way to start the trip. And.... Rejkavic restaurants..... Pricy, but very good. Skal, in partcular. Very good.

The not so good: Geysir: Touristy and boring. Skip it. IcelandAir hotel by Rejkavik marina. Noisy and not so good.

Service from Andres Ulfur: 5-star. Super. Responsive. Always available.

Overall: Very good. Expensive. But, if you can afford it, worth it.

Andres Ulfur service.

Hotel Reviews
Alda Hotel Reykjavík
Reykjavík
Tips for future travelers

Don't go there if you have a car! Otherwise, hotel is good.

Authenticity & Character
Hotel staff friendly, talkative, and helpful.
Location
Hotel is good. Location great. Could improve or make available PARKING. Many guests have cars!!
Staff
Hotel staff great. "Happy hour" staff terrible. Didn't know drinks. Came across as stupid and non-caring. Hostile, which was so unlike the normally friendly and helpful Icelander. The "hostess" should instead clean rooms. Job as a maid may be too difficult for such a person, but it may be only job she's qualified for.
Cleanliness & Comfort
"Happy hour." Overpriced crap. Poor service. So bad that hotel management should do something about it.
Fosshótel Mývatn
Myvatn
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshotel Nupar
Kálfafell
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Non-caring staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Lækur
Hella

Small, funky hotel with great staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Breakfast and overall service.
Staff
Staff talkative and friendly. Accomodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
small rooms. But breakfast space good.
Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel
Reykjavík

Noisy, no parking. TV didn't work! Staff no help.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The bar.
Staff
No TV!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blow it up and start again.
Activity Review
Fjallabak Nature Reserve- Superjeep tour in the highlands
Fjallabak Nature Reserve- Superjeep tour in the highlands
Iceland

Jeep driver and guide.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The driver was great. "Tate" Ulfarsson. Friendly, knowledgeable, and brought us to unusual and awesome places. Only a Jeep could get there. Snow, waterfalls, hot springs. etc. Great day. Picked us up and dropped us off at hotel. From 9:30 to 4.. One of the highlights of the whole trip.
Transport
$-wheel drive vehicle with 48 inch wheels. Necessary for the places we went.
Local specialist: Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Andrés Úlfur
Andrés Úlfur Helguson
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 19, 2022

Hello Mark

Thank you for all the kind words. Im happy that you enjoyed your tour in Iceland and happy to have met you and your wife during your travels.
All my best from me and the Iceland Unoutched team. If you ever plan to return to my beautiful island then feel free to contact me anytime. All my best to you and your family