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. "
Featured trips & expertise
How Kimkim Trips Works in Iceland
Travelers love Iceland for its wild landscapes, Reykjavik's cultural charms, and the seasonal magic of the Northern Lights. Work with a kimkim travel specialist to experience it all (while escaping the crowds): discover glaciers and waterfalls, stay in remote farmhouses, hike breathtaking trails, and do Reykjavik like a local. Read on to learn what it's like to plan a trip with kimkim, starting with customizing the perfect itinerary.
Classic Iceland Ring Road Drive - 7 Days
Drive Iceland's famous Ring Road on this quick, seven-day trip designed for warmer travel (so there are no slowdowns due to weather and lack of daylight in the winter). Head south to the most-visited highlights—massive waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and glaciers. Enjoy the scenic route through the East Fjords, before arriving at Lake Myvatn, surrounded by geothermal and volcanic wonders. Join a whale-watching trip from Husavik, the whale watching capital, and spend time in Reykjavik exploring the best of the city, along with enjoying a soak in the Blue Lagoon.
Iceland Winter Highlights - 8 Days
Spend eight days unlocking the beautiful highlights of Iceland in the wintertime. First, enjoy snow-capped views throughout Reykjavík while exploring the best of downtown. Then, take a tour inside a glacier, and view frozen waterfalls en route to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Continue discovering the lava formations, black-sand beaches, and craters, before heading to the Golden Circle for a snowmobiling tour around Langjökull Glacier. Follow more waterfalls, arches, and cliffs toward Vík, and spend time in the ice caves of Skaftafell and at stunning Diamond Beach at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. On the drive back to Reykjavík, make a few more stops along the South Coast, and indulge in relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon on Departure Day.
Iceland in October: Travel Tips, Weather, & More
The summer rush is long over, and the winter festivities have yet to begin, making October a peaceful time to visit. Enjoy colorful fall scenery and shorter days, taking advantage of one of the best times of year to view the Northern Lights. Read this monthly guide to learn more.