Duncan Campbell

Awesome trip. Saw so much in 10 days and really appreciated having to plan so little!! Totally worth the cost and wil use kimkim in the future. read more

Awesome trip. Saw so much in 10 days and really appreciated having to plan so little!! Totally worth the cost and wil use kimkim in the future.

Hotel Reviews

Fosshotel Hellnar

Hellnar

Lovely location. Rooms basic and small but clean. Restaurant was excellent. Locks on room doors were REALLY hard to open with the keys. They really need to modernize the locks.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Great hike along the coast from the hotel. Views of the glacier.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fosshótel Reykholt

Reykholt

Much more modern than the first Fosshotel. We enjoyed the hot tub and spa here. The restaurant was also very good.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Greenhouse Hotel

Hveragerdi

Cool place in a great area. Rooms were small but nice. Food hall downstairs was great for late meals when everything else was closed.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Very helpful thank Ben we had a problem with a room lock.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Volcano Huts Þórsmörk

Thorsmork

We stayed in the Glamping tents. They were beautiful. My only complaint is that the tiny heater in tent number two did a pretty poor job of keeping us warm at night. Thank goodness for the heavy down comforters!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Great at recommending hikes.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Better beat for tents. Showers were also cold unless you waited for the first one. Bathrooms were pretty nasty and need to be cleaned better.

Hotel Anna

Hvolsvollur

Pretty dated but very nice rooms. Their new hot tub was beautiful. The restaurant was excellent.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hótel Klaustur

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Lovely, modern hotel in a tiny town in South Iceland. The rooms were beautiful. The common spaces at the hotel are also beautiful. The breakfast was excellent.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Apótek Hotel by Keahotels

Reykjavík

Great location right in the heart of historic area. Rooms were small, but well appointed. The bathrooms are beautiful. I was a bit disappointed that the bar was so crazy but we happen to be there on the day of the pride parade so I’m guessing it’s not normally that crowded.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Efficient bit not terribly friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

Magical first stop. It was not very crowded because we were there early. The kids loved it.

Quality of Experience

The dressing rooms need to be warmer, especially because they don’t give you robes unless you pay extra. Bigger towels would also be nice.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Staff not very friendly.

Silfra Snorkeling

Iceland

Did this with her two teenage boys. It was very cool. It was a bit cold, but not intolerable. The staff was awesome.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Solheimajokull Glacier Hike

Iceland

I loved this experience. It was very informative and beautiful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour

Iceland

Our boat captain, Adam, was fantastic. He clearly loves his job and his country. This was my favorite experience of the whole trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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!

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

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

Iceland

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

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.

Activity Reviews

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

Too crowded and a bit tired.

Quality of Experience

Lava cave tour

Iceland

Very informative and an excellent guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Myvatn Nature Baths

Lake Mývatn

Very enjoyable and organized.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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

Iceland

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Duncan was a terrific planner and guide for our first trip to Iceland! He listened to our interests and provided terrific options. The itinerary, restaurant suggestions, and optional activities were all first-rate! When we had a few questions during our trip, Duncan was immediately available & always helpful! Overall a great experience! Thank you Duncan!!!

My son and I had the trip of a lifetime! Having Duncan and our local person to contact as well was the way to plan a trip. They helped us when weather unexpectedly changed our plans, they also made our trip exactly like we asked them too! Each activity was exactly what we wanted and more. I look forward to using them in the future.
read more

My son and I had the trip of a lifetime! Having Duncan and our local person to contact as well was the way to plan a trip. They helped us when weather unexpectedly changed our plans, they also made our trip exactly like we asked them too! Each activity was exactly what we wanted and more. I look forward to using them in the future.

Hotel Reviews

Blue Hotel Fagrilundur

Bláskógabyggd

Authenticity & Character

Nice place

Location

Close to the sites we were touring for the day

Staff

Helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nice place

Hótel Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar

Unfortunately we did not get to stay at this hotel, but if it was like any of the others, weather was the reason but they found us a great alternative!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Katla by Keahotels

Vík

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Jökull

Höfn

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hótel Valaskjálf

Egilsstadir

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sigló Hotel

Siglufjörður

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Hvammstangi Guesthouse

Hvammstangi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Isafjördur

Ísafjörður

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fosshotel Westfjords

Patreksfjörður

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fosshotel Stykkisholmur

Stykkishólmur

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fosshótel Reykholt

Reykholt

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fosshotel Baron

Reykjavík

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Berjaya Hotel Myvatn

Myvatn

We had the best room!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

The Geothermal Vok Baths

Iceland

The Vok Baths were a great place to unwind. At first, I was hesitant due to fatigue, but it turned out to be the perfect way to relax.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Myrdalsjokull glacier snowmobiling

Iceland

Snowmobiling on the glacier was an unforgettable experience. Being from Wisconsin, snowmobiling isn't new, but doing it on a glacier was thrilling!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon amphibian boat tour

Iceland

The tour was fascinating. We saw seals and got to touch a piece of iceberg that's thousands of years old. However, it was also a stark reminder of global warming.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Husavik Whale Watching

Iceland

The whale watching was one of the highlights of the trip. We got to see whales up close, which was a fantastic experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our family of five had an amazing trip to Iceland. I am so appreciative of the itinerary Duncan put together for our family. You could tell he listened to our families’ interest in planning the trip. Finding activities to interest three kids ranging from 19 to 13 in age. The country of Iceland is unlike anywhere we have traveled, pictures do not do it justice.

We had a chance to see a lot of the country during our visit. Driving in Iceland was very easy especially with access to... read more

Our family of five had an amazing trip to Iceland. I am so appreciative of the itinerary Duncan put together for our family. You could tell he listened to our families’ interest in planning the trip. Finding activities to interest three kids ranging from 19 to 13 in age. The country of Iceland is unlike anywhere we have traveled, pictures do not do it justice.

We had a chance to see a lot of the country during our visit. Driving in Iceland was very easy especially with access to Wi-Fi in the car. That made a huge difference. Duncan provided a detailed map with optional stops to see waterfalls, glacier views, beaches and hiking trails. We definitely made the most of our time seeing all the must see stops and some hidden gems.

We were very fortunate with the weather with very little rain and just a couple of heavy wind days. Our boat ride out to Melrakkaey Island to see the puffins was canceled due to the wind.

We did a number of activities- snorkeling, snowmobiling, a glacier hike, a zodiac lagoon ride and lot of gorgeous hikes. The tour companies were all great. It was an easy check in process and our guides were friendly and shared lots of information about Iceland.

For our family having a detailed plan and a variety of areas to explore at our own pace works best. We could stay longer at a location, stop for lunch on our schedule, skip or add stops depending on where the day takes us. This would have been a different trip if we had been sitting on a tour bus or trying to plan our a trip on our own. This was a perfect blend.

Hotel Reviews

Fosshotel Nupar

Kálfafell

The hotel is in unique location with a beautiful view and a small individual balcony. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The restaurant food was good but the service was just so-so. We drove about 20 minutes away to the closest town for dinner outside of the hotel after the first night.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Wish the blackout shades covered more of the window

Fosshotel Hellnar

Hellnar

The location is amazing- stunning view of the ocean. We spent a lot of time looking for whales from the balcony. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The staff was very friendly. There is a cliff walk just off the hotel that has gorgeous views of the coastline.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Guesthouse Flúðir - Grund

Hrunamannahreppur

This was our least favorite hotel. The rooms were clean and the staff was friendly but the location wasn’t great nor was it close to activities we had planned. We didn’t have hot water for showers. The restaurant however was good. We had a very nice dinner our first night.

Authenticity & Character

Location

S

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel

Reykjavik

Unique hotel. The rooms and beds were very comfortable. Breakfast had great options and the bar/lounge was open late. It doesn’t have a view of Reykjavik or the harbor but it’s a short walk to the harbor. This hotel had the best blackout shades, we all got a great night’s sleep.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Vatnshellir Lava Cave Tour

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

This was a fun stop and really interesting to see

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Silfra Snorkeling

Iceland

This was such a unique experience. It is definitely cold but worth it. The water is crystal clear. Our guide was great and very funny. He also took these awesome digital photos while we snorkeled that we purchased for at a reasonable cost

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Myrdalsjokull glacier snowmobiling

Iceland

We loved this experience. Amazing view of the glacier while you are out on the ride. The snowmobiles were easy to operate even for a first times. My kids 19, 17 and 13 had so much fun. Our guide was great and we had a chance to stop half way through to soak in the scenery and take some photos. I would highly recommend this activity.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Skaftafell Glacier Hike

Iceland

We were able to do a hike on the lower part of the glacier. It was an easy hike- not quite what we were expecting based on the photos. We did the 3 hour hike but that includes the ride to and from the glacier and the walk to get to the ice cap. If I were to do it again I would select the 5 or 7 hour hike that takes you further into the glacier. But it was still a great activity that we all enjoyed.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide Anna was fantastic- very knowledgeable and answered lots of questions.

Transport

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour

Iceland

Amazing experience- not to be missed. It’s hard to describe and pictures don’t do it justice but the lagoon is stunning. We also saw several seals sunbathing on icebergs. If we had time we would have gone a second time.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

You can tell the guides love what they do, proud of their country and care about conservation

Iceland Thermal Bath Experience

Iceland

This spa was amazing. The seven steps were perfect. And the location is beautiful looking out at the water. The large glass window in the sauna just adds to the relaxation. We went to 3 thermal spas and this one was the clear favorite.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Iceland is an incredible country to visit! It has so many things to offer...and it is so varied...and how to see everything? Duncan, who organized our trip and KimKim who provided him the necessary backup did an absolutely amazing job! To see so many sights and to do so many activities in a short period of time and enjoy every step of the way is an impossible feat but Duncan and KimKim did it. Thank you. It will be a life time memory for my wife and me and the other couple who went with... read more

Iceland is an incredible country to visit! It has so many things to offer...and it is so varied...and how to see everything? Duncan, who organized our trip and KimKim who provided him the necessary backup did an absolutely amazing job! To see so many sights and to do so many activities in a short period of time and enjoy every step of the way is an impossible feat but Duncan and KimKim did it. Thank you. It will be a life time memory for my wife and me and the other couple who went with us.
To mention a few of the standout places would be Westman Island and the ferry trip across. (The Puffins were enroute but the island was so scenic.) Next, the Iceberg Lagoon would be a standout. The Zodiac took to see a glacier calving and we were able to see a seal resting on an iceberg. (Quiet amazing!) The Ice Cave is one of nature's rare sights but to be able to walk within an ice cave is a life time thrill. The guides were most safe and the photos unbelievable. Got my wife a new diamond for her ring on Black Diamond Beach (a sparkling clear miniature iceberg!) Strokkur Geyser is a wonderful " Old Faithful" going 100 feet into the air about every 5-10 minutes. Other sights to see and walk on would be glaciers, dormant volcanos, tectonic plates of North America and the Eurasian plate are feet within each other, and the list could go on and on.
The hotels were very nice and the typically associated restaurants were likewise very good and had a local flavor. The staffs were all pleasant and helpful. The "Star" system KimKim used was very much on target.
This was a very complicated trip but Duncan pulled it together. To illustrate, we were there 11 days and drove 1,533 miles. This included many activities and they were all on time and well priced. To us we felt the pricing of the entire trip to be very good for all that we did.
A few areas that would have improved our experience might be a map of the country all on one or two pages to give an overview. Our Wi-Fi did not work and we used Internet service each night to determine the exact routes to go the next day. (KimKim did get us reimbursed for the lack of the Wi-Fi system.)
Over all we were very pleased and highly recommend Duncan and KimKim to any world travelers who want to get the feel of an extraordinary country. The pricing was fair and Duncan followed up with us throughout the entire trip. A 10 out of 10! Can't beat it!
Bill and Jerrie Raines

Our trip to Iceland with friends was excellent. We had a wonderful time. Duncan allowed us to have the very trip we wanted.

Kimkim made it very easy to follow the plan our travel agent, Duncan, laid out for us! Would definitely use this service again and recommend to a friend read more

Kimkim made it very easy to follow the plan our travel agent, Duncan, laid out for us! Would definitely use this service again and recommend to a friend

Working with KimKim (and Duncan in particular) was great! This trip was our first time using kimkim and our first time visiting Iceland. Duncan was very responsive to our requests and planned a great introductory trip to Iceland, including some must-see stops plus some stops off the beaten path. We especially enjoyed Mosfellsbakarí, Sky Lagoon, and Seljalandsfoss. We would've loved to stay longer at 360 Hotel & Thermal Baths. Overall, it was an amazing and memorable trip. I'm looking forward... read more

Working with KimKim (and Duncan in particular) was great! This trip was our first time using kimkim and our first time visiting Iceland. Duncan was very responsive to our requests and planned a great introductory trip to Iceland, including some must-see stops plus some stops off the beaten path. We especially enjoyed Mosfellsbakarí, Sky Lagoon, and Seljalandsfoss. We would've loved to stay longer at 360 Hotel & Thermal Baths. Overall, it was an amazing and memorable trip. I'm looking forward to revisiting Iceland and using kimkim again for all my future travel planning.

Duncan was a dream to work with. Our trip was meticulously planned and laid out for us. All we had to do was follow it. We appreciated Duncan checking in during the trip to ensure things were going well. When we requested to change a planned event, he was quick to cancel for us. We would definitely work with Dunan and KimKim again!

Our trip to Iceland was unusual in many predictable and unpredictable ways. The Iceland Offbeat team stepped up to the plate and provided a high quality of service and support before and during the trip.

Starting at the planning phase, they had to deal with different expectations and requests from the 2 travelers, both for activities and hotel stays. Duncan did a great job in showing different options for both of us.

During the trip we faced unpredictable challenges, beginning with me... read more

Our trip to Iceland was unusual in many predictable and unpredictable ways. The Iceland Offbeat team stepped up to the plate and provided a high quality of service and support before and during the trip.

Starting at the planning phase, they had to deal with different expectations and requests from the 2 travelers, both for activities and hotel stays. Duncan did a great job in showing different options for both of us.

During the trip we faced unpredictable challenges, beginning with me missing the departure flight and culminating in a wind storm that left us stranded in the southeast of the country for 2 days. Duncan and Sigurður were there on every step of the way providing updates and adjusting the itinerary to the extent possible. They went above and beyond and managed to negotiate refunds for a couple of activities and hotel stays we missed because of the wind storm.

We are grateful for having them as our specialists for this trip and recommend them for the next travelers to Iceland.

We did so much in five days that my head is still spinning. The detailed plan, with driving directions and all confirmations and reservations made it possible to stay on schedule and see as much as we possibly could. Duncan worked with me to make changes as needed before the trip, including some last minute changes due to a traveller not being able to go with us. It all worked out with minimal stress for me. Duncan's expertise and knowledge of Iceland was invaluable, and resulted in a... read more

We did so much in five days that my head is still spinning. The detailed plan, with driving directions and all confirmations and reservations made it possible to stay on schedule and see as much as we possibly could. Duncan worked with me to make changes as needed before the trip, including some last minute changes due to a traveller not being able to go with us. It all worked out with minimal stress for me. Duncan's expertise and knowledge of Iceland was invaluable, and resulted in a week packed with activities and no wasted time.

Iceland itself is an incredibly beautiful country, with dramatic, and at times otherworldly landscapes that have to be seen to fully appreciate. Waterfalls everywhere, history that goes back over a thousand years, and the "Fire and Ice" aspect make it a destination for anyone, but especially those who enjoy the outdoors. We bought new hiking boots for the trip and they were well used every day. We were cautioned that a fall (October) trip meant potentially mixed weather, and this trip didn't disappoint in that regard, but we got three nice days out of five, with one incredibly windy day, and one very rainy and cloudy day to round it out. We packed layers, with a good winter coat and rain pants to keep us warm and dry, and they worked. Our rainy day was just as full and fun as the others.

Must see spots from our trip and our perspective would include the lava fields at Fagradalsfjall. Parking area P2 is a short hike to the tip of the flow, and about a ten minute walk to the edge of the lava field where you can collect a sample for a souvenir and photo. If there's an active eruption (which there wasn't for us) it will take a much longer hike to see it, but this stop is easy. There are other trails that go farther to other parts of the valley and lava fields.

The Bridge Across the Continents is another quick and easy stop. There isn't much to it, but the impact of standing at the rift between two active tectonic plates is pretty impressive to contemplate, and it's fun to walk across the bridge from Eurasia to North America (and back).

The Blue Lagoon is a classic, and while more touristy than other hot springs, it is big and impressive, and warm and nice. I would recommend it for a final day activity to relax and unwind before flying home.

We spent the first night in Reykjavik and enjoyed the town. If seeing the city itself is on your list, then plan to spend one or two days there. It's a great town, and worth seeing, but we had a quick afternoon before dinner and bed and then on to the next day's adventures.

Whale watching at Reykjavik harbor was fun and easy, and we got to see whales! Several white nosed dolphins, four Minke whales, and two Humpback whales. The boat is large and comfortable, with inside seating to keep you warm, as well as full weather suits so that you can go up on deck without freezing when it's cold outside. On deck is definitely the best experience, even if it's cold. Our crew did a great job of looking out for whales, and helping us all look in the right places to see them. The two humpbacks came up alongside the stern for photos, which was a real treat. Do be careful with the directions to the ticket office; there is more than one operator, with different locations at the harbor. You don't want to be at the wrong one and miss your boat. If you are heading out of town afterward and want a good burger for the road, I recommend the Plan-B burger place on Grandagarður street. Very tasty.

Þingvellir National Park was a great stop for us. The visitor center has a large area that shows the history of Þingvellir back to its use in the earliest days of Iceland's history as a place of government. You can easily spend an hour in the visitor center, and there's a lot of park outside of that, so plan your time accordingly. We took a hike to the waterfall and then back past Thingvallakirkja (church). There are many hiking trails that you can follow if you want to spend the day.

The Geysir geothermal area is small but a fun visit. It doesn't have to take much time, so it fits into the schedule pretty easily. There were two highlights for us; one was visiting the place where all geysers got their name (though that original Geysir is no longer active), and the other was the very active geyser that erupts on about a five to seven minute cycle, so you never have to wait long for a show. More for the "fire" list. We were scheduled to go to Gullfoss after Geysir, but we spent so much time in Thingvellir that we ran out of daylight, so that will have to be on the "come back for more" list.

Kerid crater is a good stop for a short hike. The crater adds to the "fire" checklist, and there is a hiking trail around the upper rim, as well as inside along the water's edge. The blue-green water is beautiful. It makes for another easy and impressive stop.

Waterfalls. What can I say? Each is different, and all of them are beautiful. Seljalandsfoss was especially fun to walk behind the falls. The climb to the top of Skógafoss is a steep and long one, but the view is impressive. On sunny days, when the sun is right, the spray from the falls creates a beautiful rainbow.

The black sand beaches are really impressive, and there are many to choose from. We stopped at Dyrhólaey, which has a few hiking trails, one leading to the ideal spot for a photo of the "door hole" arch. Just up the road from Dyrhólaey is Reynisfjara, which was a big hit with my son, who loved to explore the caves and climb on the rocks. The scenery is dramatic, so be ready with a camera, but stay clear of the waves and be aware; the surf is dangerous and bitterly cold. Don't mess with it.

Vik is a charming little town on the south coast. We didn't have time to explore but it would be worth going back to. In Vik there is a "Lava Show" where they melt lava rock and black sand in a furnace and then pour it down a sloping display in front of the crowd. The heat and sound and sight is really amazing, as is the information provided by the guide who runs the show. You learn a lot about lava, how it forms, how it flows, as well as some local history about the nearby Katla volcano and the glacier that covers it. We enjoyed the show a lot. There is a nice little cafe outside of the theater where you can have lunch. They have some really great soups and light sandwiches.

Further east is Jökulsárlón, where icebergs break off from Vatnajokull (say "vat-na yokurk" and you'll sound like a local) glacier and float out to sea past the "Diamond Beach". There are lots of icebergs to see, as well as some harbor seals swimming among them. You don't need to go out on a boat to enjoy the bay, but we took the amphibian boat tour, which was fun just for the amphibious boat, but also for the informative tour and ability to get closer to the icebergs. The tour guide did a nice job of presenting information about Jökulsárlón and Vatnajokull. It was interesting and a pleasant half hour tour. There are also tours that go out on smaller, faster, inflatable boats.

On the beach side of the road is "Diamond Beach" where pieces of ice from Jökulsárlón wash up on shore and sit on the black sand like diamonds in the sun. It is very pretty and you can get some nice photos, but be aware that, like Reynisfjara, and other popular places, it can be crowded, so you will probably not get that "lonely beach" photo.

Further east was our easternmost stop, for the Crystal Blue Ice Cave tour under the Breidamerkurjokull glacier. The tour begins with a ride in a large off road capable van, which carries you down a bumpy, twisty, though flat, "F road" for about a half hour to a parking area where you then hike across the glacial moraine to the foot of the glacier. The walk is about twenty minutes and is not difficult, though the path is not paved. The view of the landscape is dramatic and enjoyable in and of itself. Our tour guide Andrea was a wonderful resource, providing history, and natural science information about the glacier and its moraine valley. Once at the glacier it's similar to entering any cave, but this one is made of ice. The color and shapes were spectacular. The cave is large, and although there were a fair number of people there from multiple tours, there was plenty of room. Again, be aware that you aren't likely to get a photo without people in it. This tour was one of the real highlights of our trip. The folks at GlacierAdventure.is were great and provided a very memorable experience. If you've worked up an appetite on your tour, there is a restaurant just across from their office that serves Icelandic dishes. "Ice theme"; check, check, and check.

Along the ring road is Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, which was formed by a glacial lake that overflowed and cut the canyon long ago. It is deep and dramatic with a waterfall down one side. It doesn't take long to see it, and is a nice stop that won't take all day.

Back toward the west the "Lava Tunnel tour" is a cave tour of a lava tube that formed during an eruption long ago. If you have toured a cave before, this one is nothing unexpected, and in some ways less dramatic. There are no stalactites or stalagmites, but there are basalt formations and some mineral colors on the walls and ceiling that are unique to the lava tube. What makes this tour interesting is understanding how the tube was formed and seeing how the lava created the structures that cover the walls and ceiling. This tour isn't long, and it's not too far off the main road, so it would fit into a busy day without too much time taken. If you've seen other caves, and don't have a lot of time, this might be one to skip. I enjoyed it, but wouldn't give up a glacier tour or famous waterfall for it.

Iceland is a spectacular country; from the mountain climbing sheep to the volcanos, and glaciers, it is dramatically beautiful and full of surprises. My advice is to pack well for all types of weather because you are likely to see them all. Bring rain suits or a waterproof coat and rain pants. Waterproof hiking boots are a must. Most of all bring an adventurous spirit because this place has a lot to offer and it's almost all outdoors. Make sure that you pay attention to the cautions and advice about driving; there are some "gotchas" like the gasoline pump handle being green and the Diesel handle being black. Don't mess that one up. Make sure that your cell phone works in Iceland for voice as well as data. Mine (Verizon) worked fine for text and data, but was hit and miss for voice calls. Food was a question in my mind, especially in some of the less built up areas, but in general it's not hard to find something to eat, and as long as you are flexible, you will not go hungry.

October in Iceland was beautiful and amazing. We need to come back to see the summer, hopefully very soon.

Thanks to Duncan and kimkim for the excellent trip plan and coordination. It made getting the most out of our time so much easier. I have a memory with my sons that none of us will forget.

Hotel Reviews

Room With A View Apartment Hotel

Reykjavík

This hotel is downtown on one of the main shopping streets. The location is very good for someone staying to see the city for a day or two. The rooms are nice, with a European style. The restaurant for breakfast was great. You'll want to figure out where to park in advance since there is no parking associated with the hotel itself. Street parking is available if you can find a spot, and there is a parking lot not far away but you don't want to be searching at the last minute.

Authenticity & Character

The decor was nice, it was contemporary European style, which fit the area.

Location

Right in the shopping district.

Staff

Friendly staff, especially at the restaurant.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Comfortable beds, everything was clean and working as expected.

Blue Hotel Fagrilundur

Bláskógabyggd

The hotel is right on the Golden Circle, which makes it a good stop. The check-in area has a sort of family feel, while the separate building with the rooms is more like a traditional hotel. Breakfast in the morning is a continental buffet as at most places, and it was good. They have hot tubs out back in the evening to relax in.

Authenticity & Character

The layout of the hotel was different, the rooms were simple and nice. It was just a pleasant place.

Location

Right on the Golden Circle. Very convenient. There is a nice restaurant "Restaurant Mica" right next door. It was very good, with a varied menu. Note that this is the only restaurant in the area, so be prepared. They're open for lunch and dinner. There was a 1 hour wait for dinner when we dropped in unannounced. Not a problem for us, but it pushed bedtime back a little.

Staff

Very friendly, helpful and nice people. Everyone in Iceland is nice.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Laki

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Hotel Laki is an interesting mix for me. The location is stunning, with scenic countryside all around. The hotel itself presents well in the exterior and public areas. The restaurant, though a bit expensive, is nice and puts on a great buffet for dinner and breakfast (maybe lunch too?). There is a roof terrace that has a beautiful view, and is a great place to view the northern lights at night (if they cooperate). The surprise that cost them a star was the corridors and interior of the rooms. Both were clean and in good condition, but the decor was what I'd describe as "cell block chic", with plain, undecorated surfaces, and steel doors with turn-key deadbolts. It gave the impression of being fairly old, but maintained reasonably well, though it could definitely use an update. The rooms were compact but perfectly comfortable and clean. I would stay there again, but not if I was trying to impress a traveling companion. Any shortcomings were more than made up for by "Lady", a delightful Border Colley puppy (ca 2022) who met us in the front yard and invited us to play "fetch the stick", which of course we did.

Authenticity & Character

The rooms and corridors need a make-over.

Location

Very convenient location between Vik and the more eastern glacier areas.

Staff

Nice, friendly, and helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was clean and working.

Eldey Airport Hotel

Reykjanesbær

Eldey is nothing fancy, but it is very convenient for staging prior to a departure the next morning. The rooms were simple and comfortable. There was a continental buffet breakfast in the morning, which helped get everyone going before heading out to our flight.

Authenticity & Character

It's just a hotel. No special theme, none needed. It doesn't have "character", but it was a nice stay.

Location

Right on the airport, it's a ten minute drive to the terminal.

Staff

Very friendly staff. The woman at the reservation desk gave us an excellent recommendation for a restaurant for dinner.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean and comfortable rooms. Nothing fancy, but they did the job. The rooms have very large closets and a counter with a sink that suggests maybe longer stays would be suited to it, though I'm not sure why you would do so in this area.

Activity Reviews

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

This is probably the most "touristy" thing we did on our visit, but it's almost required. They have a kind of spa theme now, that has been added since I was last there many years ago, but it is still warm and wonderful to soak in the water while the cold Icelandic air swirls around.

Quality of Experience

Well organized and easy to get in and out. Everything was clean, the water was wonderful.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Helpful, friendly.

Transport

We drove ourselves there. Parking was close and sufficient. It's easy to find the entrance.

Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching

Reykjavík

This was a great activity. The boat and crew were wonderful, with constant communication about what we were seeing outside, where to look for whales, and dolphins, etc. There was a large indoor cabin where you could stay dry and warm, and they provided cold weather coveralls so that you could go out on deck without getting too cold. Being on deck was the best place to be for seeing the wildlife. We got to see several Minke whales, two Humpback whales who came alongside for close up pictures, and many white nosed dolphins and countless sea birds.

Quality of Experience

The great crew kept us informed and entertained. There was a place inside to get snacks and things to drink. The boat was large and comfortable. We got to see whales!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Excellent staff. They were constantly working to help us find whales and other things to see.

Transport

We drove ourselves. If a tour operator takes you there, it's no fuss, but otherwise you have to find your own parking and then walk over to the ticket office.

Icelandic Lava Show

Iceland

I really enjoyed this presentation. They have a great presentation where the presenter talks about the types of lava, how it forms and flows, the geology of the local area and the huge Katla volcano that sits under a glacier just outside of town, complete with a story from the last eruption in the early 20th century. The lava show itself is impressive. The heat and sound and bright glow of the lava as it flows out is very cool. The presenter does a great job of helping the audience learn about the nature and behavior of lava. It's a great activity, especially on a rainy day.

Quality of Experience

It was dramatic, beautiful, and educational.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our presenter was very knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humor and personality. He gave us a great show.

Transport

We drove ourselves. Finding the place was easy, and there was plenty of parking available.

Crystal Blue Ice Cave

Iceland

Wow. This was my favorite activity of our trip. From the bumpy van ride to the parking area to the hike through the glacial moraine valley to get to the cave, just getting there was an adventure. The cave itself is beautiful and dramatic. Large enough to have many areas to see and photograph. I consider this a unique experience. There aren't many places where you can explore underneath a glacier.

Quality of Experience

Magnificent scenery to and from the cave, and the absolutely beautiful cave itself. The whole trip was an adventure.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide, Andrea, was excellent. She was engaging, and knew the area well, providing history, science, and climatological information all along the way, as well as being a great driver and entertainer.

Transport

The ride to the parking area was an adventure in and of itself. Some will disagree because it is very bumpy and twisty, but it's clear that you are going somewhere off the beaten path!

Lava Tunnel Tour

Iceland

This was an interesting and fun stop. Anyone who has gone on a cave tour will recognize this, however unlike a "normal" cave, the geology of the lava tunnel is very different. For example there are no stalagmites or stalactites, but there are basalt formations and colors created by the minerals deposited by the lava as it flowed through. I would say that this tunnel is not as visually dramatic as a lot of traditional limestone caves, but I found that the reality of what it is, a tube that lava flowed through and formed, was really special.

Quality of Experience

Different, educational, unusual type of cave to see and experience.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was very knowledgeable and had a great personality. The staff was very friendly and extremely helpful, even accommodating a change in tour times for us.

Transport

We drove there ourselves. It was easy to find the location, there was adequate parking, and the ticket office is right at the entrance to the lava tunnel.

Thank you Duncan for arranging our 11 day self drive adventure in Iceland. Also, thank you to a local agent, Sigurdur, who provided much needed information when our wifi didn't work.

We definitely recommend KimKim to all our friends. Your complete plan was easy to follow and allowed for just the right amount of time to drive from one destination to the next. The hotels were all clean with great beds. All the little things really do add up. We would never have been able to see as... read more

Thank you Duncan for arranging our 11 day self drive adventure in Iceland. Also, thank you to a local agent, Sigurdur, who provided much needed information when our wifi didn't work.

We definitely recommend KimKim to all our friends. Your complete plan was easy to follow and allowed for just the right amount of time to drive from one destination to the next. The hotels were all clean with great beds. All the little things really do add up. We would never have been able to see as much of Iceland as we did had we planned this self drive trip by ourselves.

KimKim seems to have everything covered and was timely in negotiating our trip plan. Duncan was quick to redo our plan when we added a day and also delayed our departure.

We look forward to arranging another adventure in the future with KimKim.

Duncan was an amazingly responsive and intuitive specialist, understanding the types of adventures & experiences, places of both common and unusual interest, and level of difficulty (hiking) that we sought for our first trip to Iceland. Given that we were traveling in fall, we had to make a few "audibles" given the weather, and he was able to redirect our itinerary without missing a beat. He checked in on us during our trip (which was a positively wonderful touch), and made some additional... read more

Duncan was an amazingly responsive and intuitive specialist, understanding the types of adventures & experiences, places of both common and unusual interest, and level of difficulty (hiking) that we sought for our first trip to Iceland. Given that we were traveling in fall, we had to make a few "audibles" given the weather, and he was able to redirect our itinerary without missing a beat. He checked in on us during our trip (which was a positively wonderful touch), and made some additional recommendations during our trip to compensate for poor weather. The accommodations and restaurant recommendations were spot on, and honestly, we could not have had a better trip! Most memorable places were the Blue Lagoon, the challenge (given conditions) of the Glymer waterfall hike, the Reykajadalur Valley (and corresponding hike), the fantastic Skaftafell Glacier Hike (spectacular!), and the Jokusarlon Glacier. Every day was full of new adventures, beautiful landscapes and amazing experiences. The digital platform worked out beautifully and made navigating the country as easy as could be!

Hotel Review

Hotel Geysir

Bláskógabyggd

This is a beautiful hotel in the middle of a geothermal wonder. The staff and amenities are amazing, and the food is wonderful. It is a perfect choice!

Authenticity & Character

Loved the "sustainability" emphasis, and natural beauty respected by the hotel

Location

convenience for traveling to/from other locations

Staff

Genuinely wonderful, polite and helpful staff.

Cleanliness & Comfort

everything was perfectly clean and comfortable.

Activity Review

Skaftafell Glacier Hike

Iceland

Beyond the pure beauty, adventure and unique experience that this hike offers, we were impressed with the level of expertise and knowledge of the guides, as well as the attention to "safety". This was one of the best experiences we had..purely awe inspiring and breathtaking!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This has been an amazing trip, Duncan has been extremely efficient in always providing responses very quickly and in great detail. I would not hesitate to work with Kimkim again!!! Special thanks to Duncan for all the support he has provided to us.

Duncan did a great job planning out our trip and accommodated for our flight days by mixing in high energy and low energy days. He even had restaurant suggestions for our specific dietary needs! read more

Duncan did a great job planning out our trip and accommodated for our flight days by mixing in high energy and low energy days. He even had restaurant suggestions for our specific dietary needs!

We had a great trip to Iceland that was planned out by our guide Duncan. He was very responsive to questions and helped coordinate based on our requests. The trip was based on the Golden Circle.

The trip started easily with the car rental. Driving around Iceland was quite easy. Duncan had given us a route and itinerary based on location so we can maximize our time. The weather was amazing so that made the site seeing easier. The waterfalls were amazing and each was different from the... read more

We had a great trip to Iceland that was planned out by our guide Duncan. He was very responsive to questions and helped coordinate based on our requests. The trip was based on the Golden Circle.

The trip started easily with the car rental. Driving around Iceland was quite easy. Duncan had given us a route and itinerary based on location so we can maximize our time. The weather was amazing so that made the site seeing easier. The waterfalls were amazing and each was different from the others. We did the touristy Blue Lagoon which was fun but we liked the more natural Secret Lagoon. We did the glacier hike as well and that was a great experience too. We were able to see many sites and had time for other hikes and excursions.

We were surprised by the day trip to the wonderful Westman Island and were able to see the many puffins at the lookout point.

Each town we stayed at had a different feel from each other too. The accommodations were quite comfortable and very clean, with breakfast each morning. They were all in great locations. We stayed at the city center, Reykjavik, Vik, Westman Island. The restaurant recommendations were great as well.

Overall Iceland was a fantastic experience and one of the best trips I ever had. The incredible scenery, glaciers, waterfalls, seeing the horses and puffins. We were independent but had a great plan set up through Duncan and Kimkim and actually felt like we were exploring and discovering the beauty of Iceland rather than a flock of a big tourist group.

Hotel Reviews

Blue Hotel Fagrilundur

Bláskógabyggd

Feels remote but very peaceful. Clean rooms, comfortable. Loved having a passcode and self check in. Restaurant right across street.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Peaceful

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hótel Kría

Vík

Incredible view from Restaurant that was part of hotel. Vik felt like a beautiful resort town. Rooms were very comfortable and clean.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Right in walking area of different hikes and paths.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hótel Vestmannaeyjar

Vestmannaeyjar

Wonderful hotel and had view of island next to our island. Attached restaurant was good albeit slower service. The hotel staff were very polite and friendly. Clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room With A View Apartment Hotel

Reykjavík

Our room had view of parking lot but we only slept in room. It was very clean and comfortable with great shower. Located in city with great restaurant choices and walking distance to different areas but we didn’t have time to enjoy as our flight was the next day.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

The Secret Lagoon

Iceland

Very different experience with the warmth and feel of thermal spring heated pool. Should bring own towel as they charge higher for renting one . Food and drinks available but we didn’t use. Felt cozy and natural rather than touristy.

Quality of Experience

Solheimajokull Glacier Hike

Iceland

It was worth to actually go onto the glacier to get a feel of what it really is and walk on it, especially knowing it is quickly receding.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

It was necessary to at least experience the iconic Blue Lagoon and most reviews will all say it probably isn’t worth the cost. The water and steam rising were pretty but it felt like it could have been man made like a Vegas resort.

Quality of Experience

Duncan was a fantastic guide. He listened to our preferences and clearly tailored a trip to our desires. He spaced the hotels well to keep the driving very manageable each day, but at the same time we covered a lot of ground and felt like each day we still saw a lot! His food and hike recommendations were great. He was responsive and helped give us options to adjust our trip if we needed based off how the day was going.

Our favorite moments of the trip were:

Glymur waterfall hike
Blue... read more

Duncan was a fantastic guide. He listened to our preferences and clearly tailored a trip to our desires. He spaced the hotels well to keep the driving very manageable each day, but at the same time we covered a lot of ground and felt like each day we still saw a lot! His food and hike recommendations were great. He was responsive and helped give us options to adjust our trip if we needed based off how the day was going.

Our favorite moments of the trip were:

Glymur waterfall hike
Blue Lagoon
Driving around the perimeter of the Snaefllsnes Peninsula checking out the recommended stops and coast hike along the way
Reynisfjara black sand beach
Fjadrargljufur canyon
Hjorliefshofdi Cape and Cave hike
Staftafefell Glacier Hike
Diamond Beach
Reykjavik walking culinary tour

It was a truly amazing and memorable trip that my wife and I will cherish!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Geysir

Bláskógabyggd

Location is excellent. Hotel is new and modern. The dinner at the restaurant was an excellent meal as well!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fosshotel Stykkisholmur

Stykkishólmur

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hótel Geirland

Kirkjubaejarklaustur

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel was kind of dingy compared to other hotels we stayed in

Hótel Klaustur

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Apótek Hotel by Keahotels

Reykjavík

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

Quality of Experience

Vatnshellir Lava Cave Tour

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Was interesting and an hour is definitely enough. Not a must do stop, but was nice

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The Secret Lagoon

Iceland

I would skip if you have the chance to do Blue Lagoon. It was crowded when we went and was just less relaxing than the Blue Lagoon

Quality of Experience

Skaftafell Glacier Hike

Iceland

Truly special experience, was fascinating to learn about the glacier structures and changes over time. I would opt for the 5 hour tour to get to explore further on the glacier

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Reykjavik Food Walk

Reykjavík

Our guide was knowledgeable about the Icelandic culinary scene and culture. Learned a lot, got to see more of Reykjavik and the food was excellent!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff