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'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
What an amazing trip- could not have happened without KimKim abd Gummi
Iceland
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Aug 20 - Aug 26, 2026
Thank you for the kind review Theresa
I am so happy to hear you had such a great time in Iceland and I do hope you'll return soon
All the best
Gummi
We had an absolutely amazing trip to Iceland ...
Iceland
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Aug 22 - Aug 28, 2026
Thank you for the kind review Emily!
I am happy you had such a great and memorable trip to Iceland and I do hope we'll see you all soon again!
All the best
Gummi
an amazing experience for our family!
Iceland
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Aug 11 - Aug 17, 2026
Thank you for the kind review Victoria. I am happy you all had such a great time in Iceland.
I agree with you on the eclipse. As we couldn't see the sun and the moon, l loved just looking at the environment change and come back to life. An amazing experience!
I hope you don't wait until the next full eclipse to come to Iceland again! :D
All the best
Gummi
Incredible Iceland
Iceland
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Aug 3 - Aug 9, 2026
Thank you for the kind review Judy
Iceland really is a land of contrasts isn't it? As you say, vast open spaces, mountains, fire, ice, dark and light
I'm very happy to read you had such a great time, although Iceland is expensive, I agree with you on that
I do hope we'll see you in Iceland soon again though!
All the best
Gummi
Wonderful, wonderful trip!
Iceland
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Aug 9 - Aug 12, 2026
Thank you for the kind review Kate
It was a pleasure getting to show the group around Iceland
I do hope I'll see you all in Iceland again!
All the best
Gummi
Stress-free trip .
Iceland
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Jul 11 - Jul 17, 2026
Thank you for the kind review Judy
I am happy to read that you had such a great time in Iceland!
I'm sorry to read about Hótel Hvítrserkur though. You are correct that there are not many options in that area, but this is below the standard we want to represent at Kimkim
Mold can be a serious health hazard, and I have already followed up on this complaint with the hotel
I'm happy that everything else was up to standards, and yes I agree, Fosshótel Mývatn is a true gem!
All the best
Gummi
The travel arrangements were excellent. Gummi...
Iceland
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Jul 25 - Aug 2, 2026
The travel arrangements were excellent. Gummi had really planned out the trip meticulously. The trip plan for each day including directions really helped. And, whatever little issues had along the way, Gummi was always available to address them. Iceland is a beautiful country with lovely people. Really had an enjoyable trip thanks to Gummi
Thank you for the kind review Narayan!
I'm happy to know you had such an enjoyable time in Iceland!
I do hope you'll return soon. Thereðs still much to do and see in Iceland!
Until then, take care!
All the best
Gummi
SPECTACULAR TRIP!
Iceland
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Jul 26 - Aug 4, 2026
We thought this was a once in a lifetime trip but we must come back! Thank you! Read more
Thank you for the kind review Susan!
I'm happy to know you had an awesome time in Iceland!
Ice caves are so cool, literally and figuratively! Working as a glacier guide, and having been to ice caves countless times, I still can't get enough!
I do hope you'll return soon and I'd love to help with planning that return!
Until then, take care!
All the best
Gummi
Gummi’s handling of our trip was amazing !!! ...
Iceland
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Jul 26 - Aug 4, 2026
Thank you for the kind review David!
I'm happy to know you had a n awesome time in Iceland!
Hótel Búðir is absolutely a gem, right? What a location! So beautiful!
I do hope you'll return soon and I'd love to help with planning that return!
Until then, take care!
All the best
Gummi
Great Trip Full of Adventure!
Iceland
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Jul 22 - Jul 31, 2026
We really enjoyed our trip. It was packed full of nature and adventures that matched our travelling style. Very grateful for the help as there is not way we could've planned this trip on our own.
Thank you for the kind review Chris
I am so happy to read that you had such a great, adventurous time in Iceland
I do hope you'll visit us again soon!
All the best Gummi
