Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Born in Reykjavík, Iceland in 1978, from a young age I was already travelling all over Iceland with my parents.
After a short stint as a driver guide on modified SUVs in 2004, I came back to it full time in 2015 and have been working as one since then.
In 2020, I co-founded Location Scouting Iceland, a company that specializes in finding locations and providing location service for all kinds of productions.
In addition, I have been working as a travel planner and a travel specialist since January 2022.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"For the last decade or so I have made it a point to explore locations off the beaten path. This includes but is not limited to the north-west and the east of Iceland (the so-called Westfjörds and Eastfjörds) as well as the central highlands. "
How did you get involved in travel?
""I started travelling with my parents around Iceland at an early age and I guess that's where I picked up the travelling bug. In my early 20s I started travelling around Iceland on my own and with friends. My biggest interest was always finding out what was at the end of the unmarked gravel road. What unexplored treasures would I find that weren't on the map?
In 2004 I worked for one summer as a driver guide on a modified Land Rover Defender for the first time. That's when I started to gain experience in off-road driving on glaciers and mountains. I came back to that job in early 2015 and have been working as a driver guide full time ever since. ""
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
""Travelling around the vast Icelandic highlands, the biggest untouched wilderness in Europe, under the midnight sun is something I'd list as my absolutely favorite pastime, with clients or alone.""
Guðmundur Óli's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Iceland’s interior is by far its most rugged area. The terrain can be tough, and the F-roads are only accessible by jeeps with 4WD (in Winter, only by modified “super jeeps”)....
Glaciers, volcanoes, and geysers are the perfect playground for off-roading in Iceland—and yes, you can drive yourself. Explore Iceland by driving around the country, visiting...
This weeklong trip covers the highlights of the West and remote Westfjords. Travel to some of the lesser-visited areas, with only a fraction of the crowds. Spend a few days in...
Family itineraries
With 10 days in Iceland, you can explore the highlights as a family on an exciting voyage around the famous Golden Circle route or stick to one area, such as Snæfellsnes and...
With a variety of fun and unique outdoor and indoor activities, your kids will love Iceland just as much as you will. Where else can kids take a dip in a natural hot spring,...
Drive Iceland's south coast for a memorable family adventure in just under a week. After getting to know Reykjavik, you'll check off blockbuster natural sites in the Golden...
Luxury itineraries
Take to the skies on this 10-day luxury adventure that introduces you to Iceland's glaciers, volcanoes, and geysers through scenic helicopter trips and bespoke excursions. On a...
Sit back and soak up Iceland's most astonishing landscapes as your private driver loops around the country on this 10-day luxury itinerary. Starting and finishing in the...
Bring your perfect Icelandic vacation to life with this deluxe two-week odyssey that hits all the country's highlights by land and sea. You'll spend your first week aboard a...
Road trip itineraries
With two weeks in Iceland, you can complete the entire Ring Road and add incredible detours. This grand tour will take you to all the best places giving you plenty of time to...
Two of Iceland's more remote and scenically stunning yet lesser-visited regions—Westfjords and North Iceland—are the focus of this scenic 12-day active self-drive adventure,...
Experience many of the quintessential highlights of Iceland on this 12-day active self-drive adventure. Enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear Silfra lake, cycling lava trails by...
Honeymoon itineraries
Favorite experiences
Jeep Tour of Askja Northern Highlands
Deep in Iceland's Northern Highlands is the Askja area, where Mount Herðubreið, a majestic table mountain of a truly peculiar shape, acts as the gateway to the wild region. The peak's dark silhouette is unmistakable, even from very far away. Still, the area's most precious gem is Askja itself,...
Skaftafell Blue Ice Cave & Glacier Hike
Combine two of the most popular excursions in Iceland: glacier hiking and exploring the electric-blue ice caves. Skaftafell Nature Reserve sits within Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe's largest glacier. So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to experience an incredible journey along...
South Highlands Helicopter Tour
See Iceland from a completely different perspective by flying above the county's serene, diverse, and breathtaking landscape. This half-day journey brings you the ultimate sample of Iceland's natural and cultural highlights. From stunning glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls to marvels of human...
Hiking the Thórsmörk Valley
The Thórsmörk Valley, named after Thor, the Nordic God of Thunder, was carved by glacial river floods from volcanic eruptions under the area's glaciers. It sits just west of Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier, and about 45 minutes from the town of Vík on Iceland's South Coast. As you hike...
Recent trip reviews for Guðmundur Óli
First Iceland experience
Iceland
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Oct 22 - Oct 26, 2025
Our travel co ordinator, Guðmundur Óli provided us with an itinerary which enabled us to experience the beauty and character of Iceland. Each day provided a different facet of Iceland's natural beauty & contrast. Additionally, all of the details which are critical for a stress free experience were taken care of. Guðmundur Óli provided an excellent level of service.
Thank you so much for the kind review Ken. I'm really happy to hear that the trip went well and I do hope to see you in Iceland soon again :)
Incredible family trip!
Iceland
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Oct 11 - Oct 18, 2025
We had an incredible experience working with Guðmundur for our family trip to Iceland! Every detail was thoughtfully planned — from daily itineraries to local recommendations — making the trip completely stress-free. He was extremely organized and always quick to respond to questions or last-minute changes. Thanks to his expertise, our trip was seamless and unforgettable!
Thank you so much for the kind review
I am very happy to read that you had such a great trip and I do hope we'll see you in Iceland soon again
All the best
Gummi
We loved driving the Ring Road. Too many si...
Iceland
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Sep 15 - Sep 22, 2025
Thank you for the kind review Mike. I am happy you had s great time on the island's famous ring road and I do hope we'll see you in Iceland again
Gummi
Great trip, great guidance
Iceland
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Sep 24 - Oct 3, 2025
Thank you for the kind review Michael!
I am really happy to read that your enjed your Iceland trip so much and I do hope we will see you in Iceland soon again
All the best
Gummi
Iceland is amazing don’t put off taking a visit!
Iceland
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Sep 19 - Sep 27, 2025
I felt like I was driving in a video game as we traveled from one beautiful site to another. My favorite waterfall is a toss up between the Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss (these were very crowded with bus tours).
The Katla Ice Cave adventure was a blast!... Read more
Thank you so much for the great review!
I happen to know Alex, as I occasionally work with him. He sure is fun!
I'm happy to read your trip was such a success and I do hope we'll see you in Iceland soon again :)
All the best
Gummi
Overall, we had an amazing trip! Here are som...
Iceland
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Sep 18 - Sep 21, 2025
Gummi was great to work with, Thor was absolutely fantastic and knowledgeable. The walking tour with Bonnie was a 10 out of 10 Bonnie is way underrated! The rental bus was perfect size and comfortable. The Lava tunnel was just ok- cool but we found it a little boring and expected more of a challenge. The glacier ice cave was also very cool to see but also a little under whelming. The road in to the ice cave was a very... Read more
I am very happy to learn that tour trip with Þórir was such a great success! I understand what you mean about the ice cave a d I do think you're right that professional photos on Instagram can set unrealistic expectations. The very nature of the ice also means that the caves are constantly changing, so they never look exactly like they did in photos that might be weeks, months or years old. The food walk Neve fails. Good food= happy people 🤤 I... Read more
Bessi, our guide was amazing. He was very kno...
Iceland
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Sep 21 - Sep 27, 2025
He made sure we were safe wherever we visited.
He also made sure we got footsteps and restrooms stops in timely manner. Read more
Thank you very much for the kind review.
Bessi is absolutely an amazing guide and a great person, so I'm not at all surprised to hear he took such great care of you, but it does make me happy to hear
I do hope we'll see you in Iceland soon again!
Our guide Bessi was excellent , he was very k...
Iceland
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Sep 21 - Sep 27, 2025
Thank you so much for the amazing review Erlinda!
I will make sure to forward this to my friend Bessi. Whenever I can't drive a tour myself he's always my no. 1 pick!
Iceland Adventure
Iceland
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Sep 15 - Sep 20, 2025
Thank you for the kind review, it really made me happy to read you had such a great trip :)
I do hope we'll see you in Iceland again :)
We had a wonderful trip through Iceland. Gum...
Iceland
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Sep 8 - Sep 19, 2025
Wow, thank you for the amazing review! It really makes me happy reading how much you enjoyed the trip. I agree, Siglufjörður is one of my favourite towns in Iceland and the hotel is amazing.
Shall I start planning your return? :D
Until next time, take care my friends!
Gummi
