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 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.
10 Days in Iceland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Ten days in Iceland is a perfect amount of time to complete the rightfully famous Ring Road. Alternatively, you have time to explore up to three areas in-depth. A great option is to visit the popular Golden Circle and South Coast, coupled with lesser-known destinations like the volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula or the Westman Islands. If you prefer to escape the crowded south, consider summertime itineraries to the West, North, and Westfjords for off-the-beaten-path discoveries. Active travelers can work the trails of Thorsmork or the Laugavegur Trek into their itinerary.
Iceland Relaxed Ring Road Adventure - 10 Days
With 10 days on the road, you can discover a variety of regions and landscapes as you loop around Iceland's famous Route 1 (Ring Road). This moderately paced self-drive itinerary will take you to the best spots along the 828-mile (1,332 km) route with stops in its two biggest cities, as well as volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, small fishing towns, and massive glaciers, as well as major attractions in the Golden Circle. This is going to be one gorgeous ride!
Ultimate Ring Road Adventure - 9 Days
For road trip enthusiasts, it doesn't get much better than encircling Iceland along its infamous Route 1 (Ring Road). This quick-paced, self-drive itinerary will take you to the best spots along the 828-mile (1,332 km) route with plenty of detours to work the leg muscles and camera batteries. With a bit more than a week, you'll experience a variety of landscapes, like geysers, hot springs, black sand beaches, volcanoes, lava fields, small fishing towns, and massive glaciers in protected national parks.