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Guðmundur Óli Pálmason

Born in Reykjavík, Iceland, and 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 services for all kinds of productions.
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 is part of the following groups: Iceland Travel Agents, Iceland Family Travel Agents, Iceland Luxury Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries
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

Wonderful trip
Iceland | Jun 16 - Jun 21, 2026

Maria
Maria M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 24, 2026

Big ‘Thank you’ to the kimkim team and especially to our trip organizer/guide Gummy! Our vacation was very well planned and everyone really enjoyed it.

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 24, 2026

Thank you for the kind review Maria!
I'm so happy to hear you had such a great vacation!
Give my best to David and the girls!
All the best
Gummi

Family Fun in Iceland
Iceland | Jun 14 - Jun 21, 2026

S
Stephanie W.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 23, 2026
We had an amazing time. All of our excursions were great. We did a Lava Cave experience and our guide was great! The Ice Cave experience was so cool and our guide was really fun and even gave us information about movies filmed in certain parts of Iceland. Our favorite activity was the Zodiac boat tour at Glacier Lagoon. We visited the Blue Lagoon and Laugaras Lagoon. The Laugaras Lagoon was by far our favorite of the two. Gudmundur our specialist was quick to answer our questions and help... Read more

We had an amazing time. All of our excursions were great. We did a Lava Cave experience and our guide was great! The Ice Cave experience was so cool and our guide was really fun and even gave us information about movies filmed in certain parts of Iceland. Our favorite activity was the Zodiac boat tour at Glacier Lagoon. We visited the Blue Lagoon and Laugaras Lagoon. The Laugaras Lagoon was by far our favorite of the two. Gudmundur our specialist was quick to answer our questions and help with anything we needed. His planning of our trip and knowledge of Iceland were top notch. We loved everything we did and saw.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Vík í Mýrdal
Vík
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Apótek Hótel by Keahotels
Reykjavík

Great hotel and location!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Búðir
Búðir

Amazing location!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Grímsborgir by Keahotels
Ásborgir
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Center Hotel Arnarhvoll
Reykjavík

We were disappointed in the hotel. The staff was friendly and we were greeted with sweet treats in our room upon arrival. That was the positive. Unfortunately, the rooms were not up to par. It was shown/advertised as a 4 star hotel and the rooms did not meet this standard. We had 2 rooms for one night. The bathrooms in both rooms were very tiny and awkwardly layed out. The shower in our children’s room was so small and the shower cleaner brush was left in the shower. Water leaked out from the shower as well. Our shower in the queen room was an oddly shaped tub shower and hard to get into. The queen room had cracks in the ceiling and seemed not well maintained. Walls and doors needed paint.

Authenticity & Character
Spa was nice.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Zodiac Boat
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Zodiac Boat
Iceland

Once in a lifetime experience. Great guide!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Iceland
Quality of Experience
I
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 25, 2026

Thank you for the kind review Stephanie
I'm sad and surprised to read that Center Hotel Arnarhvoll was such a let-down.
I know it doesn't change your experience, but I will definitely follow up on this and send them a formal complaint.

I'm happy everything else went well though and I do hope you'll visit us soon again :)
All the best
Gummi

Gummy’s Iceland
Iceland | May 28 - Jun 7, 2026

Esther
Esther R.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jun 15, 2026

We loved that, Gummy, being a local, shared his passion for Iceland. The information and insights he provided were excellent. He recognized and catered to our interests and needs. We enjoyed all of our activities - it’s hard to pick a favorite.

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 15, 2026

Thank you for the kind review Esther!
We sure had fun, right?
I hope you guys are missing me s little, but not too much haha!

Give my best to John and the gang!

Gummi

There wasn’t a detail left untouched…
Iceland | May 23 - Jun 7, 2026

Ann
Ann B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jun 14, 2026
There wasn’t a detail left untouched for our trip to Iceland. Gummie was incredibly thorough. For ease of use I had our pdf of the trip printed into a presentation book and we kept it in the car with us, plus now it’s a great detailed keepsake. The rental from Blue Car came with WiFi and we found that to be so helpful. Each hotel stay was perfect and went beyond expectations for unique settings, boutique style rooms and staff experience. We found the restaurant recommendations super helpful... Read more

There wasn’t a detail left untouched for our trip to Iceland. Gummie was incredibly thorough. For ease of use I had our pdf of the trip printed into a presentation book and we kept it in the car with us, plus now it’s a great detailed keepsake. The rental from Blue Car came with WiFi and we found that to be so helpful. Each hotel stay was perfect and went beyond expectations for unique settings, boutique style rooms and staff experience. We found the restaurant recommendations super helpful as well as tips like getting wine or liquor at Duty Free in the airport upon arrival. We packed appropriately for all kinds of weather and went out on our adventures regardless of weather until the unexpected snow storm in the East Fjords changed our plans. We made a quick plan B to enjoy the Vok Baths and a quiet rest day. Overall, we loved our entire Iceland experience and the KimKim service was excellent.

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 14, 2026

Thank you for the kind review, Ann. I'm happy to know your trip was such a success and that you were happy with everything :)
The Icelandic weather sure can be unpredictable :D
I so hope we'll see you in Iceland soon again!
All the best
Gummi

Gummi did a great job. We thoroughly enjoyed ...
Iceland | May 28 - Jun 7, 2026

Durk
Durk P.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 12, 2026
Gummi did a great job. We thoroughly enjoyed his knowledge & passion for Iceland !
We are grateful that our last hotel in Iceland kept Toni's purse for us. It made our trip much more relaxed knowing they had her purse for us.
Read more

Gummi did a great job. We thoroughly enjoyed his knowledge & passion for Iceland !
We are grateful that our last hotel in Iceland kept Toni's purse for us. It made our trip much more relaxed knowing they had her purse for us.

Hotel Review
Hotel Odinsve
Reykjavik

They kept Toni's purse for us. This made our trip much more relaxing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Iceland

Fun walking in an ice cave.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Laugarás Lagoon - Lerki
Laugarás Lagoon - Lerki
Iceland

Excellent activity.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Geothermal Bakery Experience
Geothermal Bakery Experience
Golden Circle
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Glacier Ice Cave Experience as part of a Private Tour
Glacier Ice Cave Experience as part of a Private Tour
Iceland

Good tire changing experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Amphibian Boat
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Amphibian Boat
Iceland

Fantastic experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Faxaflói Bay Whale Watching Excursion
Faxaflói Bay Whale Watching Excursion
Reykjavík

We saw 2 whales.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Icelandic Food Walk
Icelandic Food Walk
Reykjavík

Very interesting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 12, 2026

Thank you for the kind review Durk.
I am happy to read that your experience of Hótel Óðinsvé was better than Joe's. Yes, it was very kind of them to hold the purse, and it was super kind of the staff af Hótel Húsafell to take the purse to Reykjavík and drop it off there.
I hope you're all getting some well-deserved rest! Come back soon!
Gummi

Tour Guide and Travel agent get rave reviews
Iceland | May 28 - Jun 7, 2026

Joe
Joe D.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jun 11, 2026
Gummi was excellent an tour guide and travel agent. His knowledge of Iceland and travel in general was outstanding Read more

Gummi was excellent an tour guide and travel agent. His knowledge of Iceland and travel in general was outstanding

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Odinsve
Reykjavik

Didn't ike the property. Rooms were not at all spacious. stayed there 2 nights, rooms were not serviced. Property is in need of maintenance.

Authenticity & Character
while the location was good, the property is not well maintained.
Location
decent location
Staff
staff a bit surly at times, Clerk was more interested in smoking breaks than receiving guests. Rooms were not serviced
Cleanliness & Comfort
rooms were extremely small even for iceland standards. Badly in need of maintenance and repair
Hótel Kría
Vík

modern property inside the village of Vik.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Grímsborgir by Keahotels
Ásborgir

Property has many individual building

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Húsafell
Húsafell, Borgarbyggð
Authenticity & Character
Location
great Hub for day trips
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Center Hotel Arnarhvoll
Reykjavík

Great location by the water, Staff were very attentive and responsive.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Icelandic Food Walk
Icelandic Food Walk
Reykjavík

Large group

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Faxaflói Bay Whale Watching Excursion
Faxaflói Bay Whale Watching Excursion
Reykjavík
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Amphibian Boat
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Amphibian Boat
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Glacier Ice Cave Experience as part of a Private Tour
Glacier Ice Cave Experience as part of a Private Tour
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
flat tire
Geothermal Bakery Experience
Geothermal Bakery Experience
Golden Circle
Laugarás Lagoon - Lerki
Laugarás Lagoon - Lerki
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
we had to take our own taxi
Transport
hired our own taxi,, roundtrip pretty expennsive
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 12, 2026
Thanks for the review Joe!
I hope you've all had some time to rest and catch up with daily life :)
I am sorry and surprised to read that Hótel Óðinsvé was not up to standard. So far, all our travelers have rated it 4-5 stars, with the exception of one 3-star review (and of course plenty of travelers who saw no particular reason to review the hotel at all), so I have to say I am surprised they have dropped the ball so badly. I know there was a misunderstanding with the room sizes, as they... Read more

Thanks for the review Joe!
I hope you've all had some time to rest and catch up with daily life :)

I am sorry and surprised to read that Hótel Óðinsvé was not up to standard. So far, all our travelers have rated it 4-5 stars, with the exception of one 3-star review (and of course plenty of travelers who saw no particular reason to review the hotel at all), so I have to say I am surprised they have dropped the ball so badly. I know there was a misunderstanding with the room sizes, as they upgraded one of the rooms, but not the other two, but I was under the impression, after talking to them on the phone, that they would upgrade the other rooms too.
I am definately going to follow up on this and reach out to the hotel. (I'll keep you posted)

I'm happy this didn't spoil the overall experience though, and I hope to see you in Iceland soon again
Gummi

Icelandic adventure organised by an expert!
Iceland | May 15 - Jun 7, 2026

Colin
Colin C.
Australia | Reviewed on Jun 10, 2026

Gummi organised our Icelandic adventure for us, and he did the most fantastic job! As we were visiting for 3 weeks, he really took the time to personalise our trip to meet our needs. The activities and sights chosen were remarkable, just the right pace, and no detail was left unturned. We had maps to follow, and local recommendations to help break up the days. Gummi was thorough, responsive and friendly throughout the whole process and at all times we felt that we were in capable hands. We would recommend Gummi and KimKim to anyone.

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 10, 2026

Thank you for taking the time to write this kind review, as I know you are still travelling (I hope you're enjoying the Faroes!)
I'm happy everything worked out so well, given that 3 weeks is plenty enough time for your agent to mess something up hahah!
Take care my friends, and hopefully we'll see you in Iceland again!
Gummi

Iceland
Iceland | May 23 - May 31, 2026

Jonathan
Jonathan P.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Jun 09, 2026
The trip was great. Iceland was amazing. We did A LOT of stuff. Probably too much for the short time we were there. But it was worth it. Most the experiences were great. A couple were good, but probably didn't have to do, but still enjoyed them. Be prepared to drive a lot. Nothing is close. Average driving is about an hour between things. Some things are more than 2 and half hours away. But the drives are always beautiful and unique. Read more

The trip was great. Iceland was amazing. We did A LOT of stuff. Probably too much for the short time we were there. But it was worth it. Most the experiences were great. A couple were good, but probably didn't have to do, but still enjoyed them. Be prepared to drive a lot. Nothing is close. Average driving is about an hour between things. Some things are more than 2 and half hours away. But the drives are always beautiful and unique.

Hotel Reviews
Old Charm Reykjavík Apartments
Reykjavík

This apartment was a lovely one block from Reykjavik’s main street. Finding it took a few turns, as GPS can be a bit off. Plus, it’s on a one-way street, so if you miss it, you’ll have to loop around. There’s parking, but it can be a bit cramped, especially if you have a larger vehicle like we did. A smaller car would work just fine. The apartment had quite a few stairs, which is okay if you’re staying for a few nights. However, carrying big, heavy suitcases up the stairs for just one night can be a bit of a hassle. There’s plenty of room for the six of us. I definitely recommend it for a longer stay in Reykjavik, but it might not be the best choice for a quick visit.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Miðhraun - Lava Resort
Stykkishólmur

We had an amazing time staying here! The farmhouse was perfect for all six of us. The restaurant served some of the best food we’ve ever tasted in Iceland. The kids absolutely loved the little playground with the bouncy inflatable. And the thermo spa was a real treat. The farmhouse had everything we needed for a long stay, and we wish we could have stayed longer.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vatnsholt Hotel & Guesthouse
Selfoss

We all felt right at home here! The rooms are designed with singles and couples in mind, much like a hostel, but it was perfect for our short stay. We had our own space in the building, which was just what we needed. Plus, there was a playground for the kids and horses to see right on the property. The place was spotless and well-kept. They do offer a small breakfast, but it’s enough to keep you going until lunch. If you need groceries or restaurants, you’re about a 15-20 minute drive from the main town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Black Beach Suites
Vik I Myrdal

This place is so stylish and modern—very nice! It has a great little bar to unwind. If you’re traveling with a larger group, it’s a good idea to book the same type of rooms so they can be put next to each other. The whole property is broken up into a few different buildings. Some only having 4 rooms. We had a standard room and one with a bit more flair, but they were in different buildings. With kids needing to split up, that was a bit of a challenge. However, the hotel staff were incredibly helpful and found the best solution for us. I’d definitely choose to stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Reykjavík Puffin Watching
Reykjavík Puffin Watching
Reykjavík

This was a decent experience. It’s a larger boat, which means more people crowding the rails to grab a glimpse, but that’s okay, used to those types of tours. However, because it’s bigger, the boat can’t get too close to the shore to see the puffins. You really need binoculars to get a good look. They are very small. Little white dots on the shore line. The boat does provide binoculars, but there is a limited supply. Unless you’re a serious bird watcher and enthusiast, I’d probably pass on this tour. It's Iceland, so many other things to see. The boat was clean, and the crew members were friendly and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 09, 2026
Thank you for the kind review Jonathan
Your experience is very important to us and it makes my day knowing you were happy with the trip
I can see how it's a bit of a hassle carrying suitcases up and down the staircase. Unfortunately, there is very limited availability of hotel apartments in Iceland that can accommodate 6 people, and we don't always know the exact location of the apartment within the building, or in the case of Old Charm Reykjavík Apartments, they have a few locations spread...
Read more

Thank you for the kind review Jonathan
Your experience is very important to us and it makes my day knowing you were happy with the trip
I can see how it's a bit of a hassle carrying suitcases up and down the staircase. Unfortunately, there is very limited availability of hotel apartments in Iceland that can accommodate 6 people, and we don't always know the exact location of the apartment within the building, or in the case of Old Charm Reykjavík Apartments, they have a few locations spread across a few buildings, but it's definately helpful to get feedback like this.

I do hope we'll see you in Iceland again, there's still a lot to see and discover :)
All the best
Gummi

What a fabulous experience!
Iceland | May 28 - Jun 5, 2026

Lauren
Lauren V.
Plano | Reviewed on Jun 09, 2026

Hadde & Freyes -food tour - were entertaining and informative.
Emile and his staff- snorkelling - were great. Eager to help with dry-suits, etc. Led the group while he helped with a few minor issues, as the professional he is.
Volcano tour - My husb & I thoroughly enjoyed our visit with one of the female guides, walking back to base after our fascinating tour.
Kayak - WONDERFUL experience, all around. Gummi of Kim Kim did an amazing job keeping our group active and entertained! Wd highly recommend!!

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 09, 2026

Thank you for the kind review Lauren
Your experience is important to us and it makes my day knowing you had a great trip :)

I do hope we'll see you in Iceland again!
All the best
Gummi

Fabulous Trip To Iceland!
Iceland | May 28 - Jun 5, 2026

Lee
Lee E.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jun 06, 2026
What a fabulous trip to Iceland! Gummi, our coordinator at KimKim did a marvelous job from our very first interaction - he was in tune with our aspirations for the trip and designed an itinerary that exactly what we were hoping for. He was very responsive with any questions, and stayed in touch with us throughout our experience. We will certainly be recommending Gummi to family and friends that want to enjoy the beauty of Iceland, and we will be using KimKim again for future... Read more

What a fabulous trip to Iceland!

Gummi, our coordinator at KimKim did a marvelous job from our very first interaction - he was in tune with our aspirations for the trip and designed an itinerary that exactly what we were hoping for. He was very responsive with any questions, and stayed in touch with us throughout our experience. We will certainly be recommending Gummi to family and friends that want to enjoy the beauty of Iceland, and we will be using KimKim again for future travel.

Well done, Gummi!

Hotel Review
Magma Hotel
Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Lovely in every facet!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jun 06, 2026

Thank you for the kind review Lee
I'm so happy to read that your trip was such a success
Let's start planning your return, shall we haha!
All the best
Gummi