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active 2 days ago

Noga Heyman

Whether you're seeking adventure in rugged landscapes, immersing yourself in local traditions, or simply enjoying the serene beauty, I'm here to design an itinerary that perfectly matches your interests. Travel should be personal and transformative, which is why I focus on creating meaningful experiences that allow you to connect deeply with both the land and its people. My goal is to help you discover a new country in a way that feels uniquely yours while also supporting the preservation of this incredible destination.

How did you get involved in travel?

"I spent years living and traveling around the world. From Iceland, Spain, and beyond, I worked and traveled in many countries. With a deep love for nature, food, and local culture, I'm eager to share my passion for these incredible countries with fellow independent travelers. My goal is to help others create meaningful, personalized travel experiences that go beyond the typical tourist path. Whether you want an action-packed adventure or a relaxing slow-paced getaway, I am excited to create your perfect itinerary."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"A friend invited me to visit his family's hometown, a charming fishing village nestled in northern Iceland. That evening, we headed to the local pub, a cozy spot filled with Icelanders. As we settled in and sipped on our cold Einstök beers, a song started blaring from the speakers. To my surprise, everyone in the pub—except for me—began singing along to the Icelandic classic with great enthusiasm. It was a rare and authentic moment - I still listen to that song occasionally for a wave of nostalgia."

Noga is part of the following groups: Spain Travel Agents, Iceland Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Favorite experiences

Reykjadalur Valley Hike

Known as "Steam Valley," Reykjadalur Valley features a unique landscape of varying colors and terrains, complete with mystical steam seeping through the ground. Located just outside the town of Hveragerði (less than a 1-hour drive from Reykjavík), the valley is an important part of the Hengill...

South Coast Waterfalls & Beaches

Iceland's scenic South Coast is home to many of the country's most famous attractions—and some offbeat ones! Enjoy a drive cruising along the Ring Road (Route 1) and stopping to view world-famous waterfalls and beaches while passing scenic glaciers and volcanoes along the way.Seljalandsfoss...

E-Bike Tour in the Catalan Countryside

Explore the picturesque Catalan countryside with the help of an e-bike. You'll start in Gualta, a small village in Baix Empordà. After getting acquainted with your e-bike, enjoy an "electric" ride through the region's breathtaking scenery without even breaking a sweat.This 18-mile (29-km)...

History, Local Culture & Wine Tasting in Càdiz

Cádiz, a city on Spain's Atlantic coast, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe, founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BCE. But throughout history, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, and more all settled in this region thanks to its unique shape and connection to...

Recent trip reviews for Noga

Iceland is beautiful! We had great excursions...
Iceland | Jul 11 - Jul 17, 2026

D
David H.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2026
Iceland is beautiful! We had great excursions and all the Guides were super, especially for the glacier walk (Hanee), glacier lake kayaking (Tom), the horseback riding, and the lava tube spelunking.
One suggestion is for kimkim to provide a daily map showing the location of all the stops/excursions, so it would make the daily planning easier; we struggled a few days getting the order of activities arranged to minimize travel backtracking, etc. and decide it we had time to deviate from the...
Read more

Iceland is beautiful! We had great excursions and all the Guides were super, especially for the glacier walk (Hanee), glacier lake kayaking (Tom), the horseback riding, and the lava tube spelunking.
One suggestion is for kimkim to provide a daily map showing the location of all the stops/excursions, so it would make the daily planning easier; we struggled a few days getting the order of activities arranged to minimize travel backtracking, etc. and decide it we had time to deviate from the itinerary for special interest destinations.

Activity Reviews
Krauma Geothermal Spa
Krauma Geothermal Spa
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Front desk help (male) was not cordial.
Horse Riding on Black Sand Beach
Horse Riding on Black Sand Beach
Iceland

Great Guides. Would have liked more time to trot the horses.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience
Iceland

Fascinating! Guide was great.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Geothermal Bakery Experience
Geothermal Bakery Experience
Golden Circle

Great bread and smoked arctic char and great Guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Whale Watching Ólafsvík
Whale Watching Ólafsvík
Snæfellsnes Peninsula

We did not see any whales. We saw several dolphin.

Reynisfjara Beach & Reynisdrangar Columns
Reynisfjara Beach & Reynisdrangar Columns
Iceland

Did not get to do this.

Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park
Iceland

Waterfalls were great!

Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach
Djúpalónssandur Black Sand Beach
Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Did not get to do this.

Glacier Walk and Kayak Experience
Glacier Walk and Kayak Experience
Iceland

Very interesting and the guides (Tom and Hanee) were great!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cliff Walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar
Cliff Walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar
Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Did not get to do this due to the weather.

Geysir Geothermal Area
Geysir Geothermal Area
Iceland

Interesting, but underwhelming.

Local specialist: Noga Heyman

We ended up having an amazing trip. Thank yo...
Spain | Jun 19 - Jun 27, 2026

J
James B.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2026
We ended up having an amazing trip. Thank you to KimKim for all of the efforts on our behalf. Read more

We ended up having an amazing trip. Thank you to KimKim for all of the efforts on our behalf.

Hotel Reviews
Molina Lario Hotel
Málaga
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Palacio Gran Vía, A Royal Hideaway Hotel
Granada
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was just a little small.
CoolRooms Palacio de Villapanés
Seville
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Noga Heyman

Great at implementing our wishes!
Iceland | Jul 1 - Jul 7, 2026

M
Mark S.
Chelan, WA | Reviewed on Jul 08, 2026
From our initial contact to the end of the trip, this was a wonderful experience. The accommodations were on point to our desires for this experience, the activities were enjoyable and all transfers were timely! I believe Noga and the rest of the team heard our wishes and implemented them very well. Read more

From our initial contact to the end of the trip, this was a wonderful experience. The accommodations were on point to our desires for this experience, the activities were enjoyable and all transfers were timely! I believe Noga and the rest of the team heard our wishes and implemented them very well.

Activity Reviews
Whale Watching RIB Boat
Whale Watching RIB Boat
Iceland

Wonderful experience. The guide was personable and professional. The captain competent. The boat was solid and we felt very safe and comfortable.

Quality of Experience
Lots of Puffins up close and dolphins and whales!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sturlureykir Horses Stable Visit
Sturlureykir Horses Stable Visit
Iceland

Pleasant and knowledgeable guide, farm with history and care.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Noga Heyman

Great variety in northern Iceland
Iceland | Jul 1 - Jul 7, 2026

R
Rebecca T.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jul 08, 2026

Really appreciated the variety of the 3 different hot springs. Hotels were all great and again, quite different. We’re very glad to have driven north to see that part of the country (less touristy) and then fly back south. Thank you for a wonderful trip! We will definitely consider KimKim for future travel.

Local specialist: Noga Heyman

Amazing family trip to Tossa De Mar
Spain | Jun 23 - Jun 29, 2026

Ashley
Ashley S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 30, 2026
Tossa de Mar was amazing. The hotel Noga booked for us had delicious breakfast, was less than 5 minute walk from the beach, and was very comfortable. We also took a guided kayak trip through Nicholau’s Kayak who worked with us and KimKim when there was scheduling problem. Raquel our guide was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond to show us an activity we could do the next day on our own. Read more

Tossa de Mar was amazing. The hotel Noga booked for us had delicious breakfast, was less than 5 minute walk from the beach, and was very comfortable. We also took a guided kayak trip through Nicholau’s Kayak who worked with us and KimKim when there was scheduling problem. Raquel our guide was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond to show us an activity we could do the next day on our own.

Hotel Review
Hostal Boutique Sa Nansa
Tossa de Mar

Great no frills hotel. The beds are comfortable and breakfast is delicious. We had a family room with 5 beds and it was perfect for needs and gave us enough space. It is minutes away from the beach and Old Town has many very good restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Less than 5 minute walk from the beach
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Kayaking & Snorkeling in Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava
Kayaking & Snorkeling in Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava
Spain

Our guide Raquel was very knowledgeable and personable. She engaged with the kids about their interests while we rowed and she knew a lot about the Mediterranean and the area we visited. She went above and beyond to show us how to get back to a spot where people rock climb so we could come back the next day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Extended Visit to Sagrada Família
Private Extended Visit to Sagrada Família
Barcelona

The guide was very knowledgeable and patient with our exhausted 9 year old. The trip to the tower was cool and she warned us about the tight curvy way down.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Noga Heyman

Amazing trip to Tossa de mar and Barcelona
Spain | Jun 20 - Jun 26, 2026

K
kate d.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 29, 2026
We had an amazing experience booking our trip to Tossa de Mar and Barcelona through Kimkim. From the very beginning, the planning process was seamless and stress-free. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed, giving us the perfect balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and local experiences.
Every recommendation—from our accommodations to activities and transportation—was well chosen and made our trip even more enjoyable. Exploring the beautiful coastal town of Tossa de Mar and the vibrant city...
Read more

We had an amazing experience booking our trip to Tossa de Mar and Barcelona through Kimkim. From the very beginning, the planning process was seamless and stress-free. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed, giving us the perfect balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and local experiences.
Every recommendation—from our accommodations to activities and transportation—was well chosen and made our trip even more enjoyable. Exploring the beautiful coastal town of Tossa de Mar and the vibrant city of Barcelona was unforgettable, and everything went exactly as planned.
What impressed us most was Kimkim's excellent customer service. The team was responsive, attentive, and always available to answer questions before and during our trip, giving us confidence and peace of mind throughout our travels.
We highly recommend Kimkim to anyone looking for a personalized, well-organized travel experience. They made our vacation smooth, memorable, and truly enjoyable. We wouldn't hesitate to use Kimkim again for our next adventure!

Local specialist: Noga Heyman
Noga
Noga Heyman
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Jun 30, 2026

Thank you, Kate! I loved working with your family to make your adventure in Spain fun and stress-free. I'm so glad you had a wonderful time and I hope we get to work together again in the future 😊

So simple and tailored to your budget!
Iceland | Jun 16 - Jun 25, 2026

L
Leslie C.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jun 26, 2026
So simple and tailored to your budget! Read more

So simple and tailored to your budget!

Hotel Reviews
Reykjavik Residence Apartment Hotel
Reykjavík

Wonderful accomodation that was walking distance or scooter distance to all attractions

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The provided breakfast was excellent and included local fresh bread delivered every morning!
Stracta Apartments Orustustaðir
Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Out in the middle of nowhere with great views of a glacier. Great if you want that but bring groceries because there is nothing close. Not much sound proofing between rooms and trouble with getting hot water but they did try and adjust the water temp to accommodate but think system was not adequate for too many guests using at once.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Lækur
Hella

Beautiful place!! Breakfast was a wonderful selection of pastries, eggs, sausage, cereal, juice as well as yogurt, over night oats and a delicious barley based porridge. Dinner was excellent but definitely on the pricey side but we found that to be true of all the hotel provided dinners.

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

Accommodations were very spacious and location was beautiful. Staff were all very friendly. Would have preferrred to at least have coffee provided in the room. Coffee was only in dining area with breakfast which came with a purchased breakfast. Sauna and mineral pool was a nice perk. I know algae is a natural part of thermal springs but it doesnt look very inviting when there are many clumps of algae floating all over the surface of the hot tub. Felt like a little scooping would be to everyone's benefit, lol.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Northern Light Inn
Grindavik

Hotel itself was cozy and stagg very friendly. You definitely get a continual smell of sulfur from the geothermal plant next door. Location was great for exploring the area and getting to the airport the next morning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore Reykjavík
Explore Reykjavík
Reykjavík

Lovely city and people!!

Quality of Experience
Lava Show Experience
Lava Show Experience
Reykjavík

Very cool experience!

Quality of Experience
Gullfoss Waterfall
Gullfoss Waterfall
Golden Circle
Quality of Experience
Dverghamrar Basalt Cliffs
Dverghamrar Basalt Cliffs
Iceland

Short stop along the route but very worth it.

Quality of Experience
Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufellsfoss
Iceland

Quick stop to admire the mountain and waterfall but totally worth it.

Quality of Experience
Cliff Walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar
Cliff Walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar
Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Lovely walk and bird watching!

Quality of Experience
Lava Tunnel Activity
Lava Tunnel Activity
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Gunnuhver Hotspring
Gunnuhver Hotspring
Iceland

This place was really neat and easy to explore.

Quality of Experience
Hvammsvík Hot Springs Experience
Hvammsvík Hot Springs Experience
Iceland

Nice place with beautiful views. Very crowded and not as much space to spread oit compared to Sky Lagoon but worth the stop.

Quality of Experience
Geysir Geothermal Area
Geysir Geothermal Area
Golden Circle

Very crowded but amazing geothermal activity to observe.

Quality of Experience
Seltún Geothermal Area
Seltún Geothermal Area
Iceland

Just wow!!

Quality of Experience
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Iceland

Really unique experience, absolutely beautiful!!

Quality of Experience
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
Iceland

You can never see enough waterfalls!!

Quality of Experience
Icelandic Food Walk
Icelandic Food Walk
Reykjavík

So glad we did this!! Our guide was awesome and the food was fantastic!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Lagoon Experience - Saman
Sky Lagoon Experience - Saman
Reykjavík

Lovely way to start our vacation!

Quality of Experience
Geothermal Bakery Experience
Geothermal Bakery Experience
Golden Circle

Our guide was great. Bread was absolutely delicious.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Whale Watching Ólafsvík
Whale Watching Ólafsvík
Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Unfortunately it ended up just being a cold boat ride. We saw one whale from a far distance and a few dolphins.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nátthagi Lava Field (Fagradalsfjall Volcano)
Nátthagi Lava Field (Fagradalsfjall Volcano)
Iceland

The lava flows were really neat to see and how it affected Grindavik

Quality of Experience
Skaftafell Glacier Hike
Skaftafell Glacier Hike
Iceland

Really cool experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable. The most challenging part the very bumpy bus ride to the location, lol.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Heimaey - Vestmannaeyjar's Biggest and Only Habited Island
Explore Heimaey - Vestmannaeyjar's Biggest and Only Habited Island
Westman Islands

One of my favorite parts of the trip. So many puffins!

Quality of Experience
Relaxed Írafoss Horseback Ride
Relaxed Írafoss Horseback Ride
Iceland

Horses were beautiful and our guide was so sweet. Was hoping for more of a ride away from the road but was a good set up for inexperienced riders.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir National Park
Iceland

How can you not be blown away but seeing the movement of continental plates and geothermal activity. We did not do the snorkeling into Silfra fissure but wish we had! Everyone we met who did it said it was amazing and not that cold with dry suit.

Quality of Experience
Stórhöfði Puffin Lookout – The Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland
Stórhöfði Puffin Lookout – The Best Place to See Puffins in Iceland
Westman Islands

One of my favorite parts of the trip! Puffins everywhere as well as many other birds.

Quality of Experience
Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss Waterfall
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Noga Heyman
Noga
Noga Heyman
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Jun 30, 2026

Thank you, Leslie! I am so glad your family had a great time and we really appreciate you sharing your feedback. It was a pleasure working with you and I hope you'll consider us for your next big adventure!

Great planning and pacing for the trip. Noga...
Iceland | Jun 16 - Jun 25, 2026

J
Jennifer J.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jun 26, 2026
Great planning and pacing for the trip. Noga hit a great balance for us of having a few scheduled things and lots of space for us to find what we were interested in. She found things we would not have found on our own. Logistics were really well managed - so nice to show up at a hotel, say your name and have everything ready to go. Read more

Great planning and pacing for the trip. Noga hit a great balance for us of having a few scheduled things and lots of space for us to find what we were interested in. She found things we would not have found on our own. Logistics were really well managed - so nice to show up at a hotel, say your name and have everything ready to go.

Hotel Reviews
Hótel Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon Hotel
Hofn

Fantastic hotel. Outdoor hottubs, sauna and cold plunge pond were amazing and really integrated into the life of the hotel. Visually pleasing, the style and turf roof blend into the landscape beautifully. Very very lovely place to stay - and close to the glacier lagoon.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Katla by Keahotels
Vík

Very convenient to the ring road. Not a fancy hotel, the room was basic but clean. Breakfast buffet had lots of options and really good quality.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location on the Ring Road
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Búðir
Búðir

Such a beautiful and charming hotel. Fabulous views from the warm and inviting common spaces. Felt like you were in nature all the time. Had adorable mama sheep and babies sitting under our winder, saw a seal in the water from our hotel room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff was super helpful and personal. One staff member took extra time to and effort figure out how we could watch the World Cup game on the TV in our room.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Landhotel
Hella

Not my favorite hotel. Felt like a Holiday Inn plunked into Iceland. Charged to use hot tub. It was clean and OK, but not worth going out of your way for

Authenticity & Character
Like a Holiday Inn - felt impersonal compared to other places we stayed.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Eyja
Reykjavik
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hvammsvík Hot Springs Experience
Hvammsvík Hot Springs Experience
Iceland

We never would have found this place without Noga pointing it out. So understated. This was the most beautiful hot spring location. Highly recommend the smaller pools closer to the beach - don’t just stay at the big pool near the bar - it’s OK, but the real joy is in the other pools and then cold plunge in the fjord.

Quality of Experience
Explore Heimaey - Vestmannaeyjar's Biggest and Only Habited Island
Explore Heimaey - Vestmannaeyjar's Biggest and Only Habited Island
Westman Islands

We had perfect sunny weather - so that was lucky! Learning the story of the 1971 volcanic eruption at Eldheimer was a real high point of the trip. We particularly enjoyed the learning more the social and human history of the island - to go along with all the geologic wonder. I think a trip to the island is not complete without a visit to this museum. Also ferry runs on electricty - it was superinterested to see how the ferry charges and to appreciate the lack of deisel fumes and the quiet of the ferry. So that was really cool for us. We did see puffins at the puffin look out and that was great too.

Quality of Experience
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Iceland

Natural wonder! Amazing to see. We booked a 1.5 hour kayak experience on our own. That was a fabulous way to be quiet on the water, see the glacial ice and be quiet. I really appreciated being in a silent mode of transportation. It was easy to book Kayak trip the day before we arrived and could easily be booked day of.

Quality of Experience
Inside the Volcano (Meet On Location)
Inside the Volcano (Meet On Location)
Iceland

Incredible! I loved the walk out to the volcano, so we had time to reallly be present in the landscape and take in the wonder of it all. The pace of the trip was perfect. Going down into the volcano was amazing - again great pacing. Time to really be in the place and not feel rushed. Staff were kind, informative and relaxed. Soup was delicious!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sturlureykir Horses Riding Tour
Sturlureykir Horses Riding Tour
Iceland

It was just my sister and me with a lovely guide. Very personal approach to us and to the ponies. You can see how much the people there love their ponies. Superinteresting to see the hot spring that heats the houses, the stable and bakes the bread. We really enjoyed our time there!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Noga Heyman
Noga
Noga Heyman
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Jun 26, 2026

Thank you, Jennifer, for all your kind words! It was so much fun planning this trip for the two of you, and I'm glad you had an amazing time exploring beautiful Iceland. I personally love the Westman Islands so I'm glad you got to enjoy the history, beauty, and wildlife there. Thanks for trusting us with your trip!

Overwhelmed by the fantastic Iceland trip kimkim put together for us
Iceland | Jun 9 - Jun 20, 2026

Annette
Annette K.
Richmond, VA | Reviewed on Jun 21, 2026
My husband and I are overwhelmed with the fantastic trip Noga and her team put together for us. We wanted nothing left to chance on this celebratory trip to Iceland. They did an excellent job curating top-notch experiences, mapping out our self-driving route with appropriate distances for each day, identifying the sights we would most likely want to explore, selecting and booking our lodging, offering endless lists of helpful reading material, restaurants, etc. Pre-planning communication... Read more

My husband and I are overwhelmed with the fantastic trip Noga and her team put together for us. We wanted nothing left to chance on this celebratory trip to Iceland. They did an excellent job curating top-notch experiences, mapping out our self-driving route with appropriate distances for each day, identifying the sights we would most likely want to explore, selecting and booking our lodging, offering endless lists of helpful reading material, restaurants, etc. Pre-planning communication was appropriate, detailed, and open-ended. If we came up with changes or additional ideas, they offered informed feedback and helped work those wishes into our itinerary. While on the trip, they were excellent support as well. I'm 100% convinced that we improved our entire travel experience by engaging kimkim as our travel planners.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Eyja
Reykjavik

Our quick 1-night stay here was a great choice. This hotel is slightly off the central shopping district, but only by a few blocks. We had easy free parking right out front. Our room was small, cute, and lodge-like. We did not have breakfast or any food here, other than the free coffee in the lobby. The large Bonus grocery store is just a block behind this hotel, so that could be helpful if you need to stock up before leaving town. It's easy to head to the airport from here too. A gas station with the fabulous Braou bakery is just down the hill on your way to the highway.

Authenticity & Character
Fun decor
Location
Staff
Check-in was efficient.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Búðir
Búðir

This hotel is in quite a remote area. The scenery from the numerous comfortable lounge areas was fabulous. We appreciated being able to relax in the public spaces with our coffee or cocktails. The dining experience was less impressive. The dining room is stark and faces the parking lot, not offering much in the way of ambiance. The dinner menu was limited to one vegetarian option, a fish of the day, a lamb, and a beef entree. I had the fish - cod, and it was a tasty dish, but not terribly inventive. The beef my husband ordered was actually tough, a bit disappointing, as you are definitely paying for an extraordinary meal. The breakfast buffet was adequate, but nothing special. We had some concerns regarding our room assignment, which Noga and her team helped us resolve. This hotel is in a beautiful setting, and it's a treat to visit here.

Fosshótel Mývatn
Myvatn

OUTSTANDING hotel. We enjoyed our stay here very much. Our room had the most amazing view of the lake, along with an exterior door onto a small deck. Our room was larger than most we experienced on our trip. We had a large window with two chairs, a perfect setup for relaxing with coffee or a cocktail and taking in the scenic views. The breakfast service was on par with another Fosshotel experience, which we found to be quite good. Service was excellent here.

Authenticity & Character
Fosshotel brand has consistency, which is appreciated by travelers.
Location
BEAUTIFUL scenic environment.
Staff
Staff went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Big room, AC, comfortable seating and bedding.
Við Lónið Guesthouse
Seyðisfjörður

Our quick overnight in this tiny little village was well served by staying at this guesthouse. We had an amazing view of the mountains, and a little lake, and a porch to enjoy. The guesthouse is basic, but it included comfortable seating, a small fridge, and a coffee/tea setup in the room. We were steps away from the cute church, a supermarket, the local pub, and Aldan Hotel for dining. Its historical charm added to the experience of staying there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Hnappavellir

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon was a great choice for our touring in this area. The location worked well for us. The nice bar area, lounge areas, and porch were all enjoyed. Our room was comfortable, though quite a distance from the common areas. No AC; however, fans were available to help circulate the air. We had a very enjoyable dinner at this hotel. The dining room offered lovely views of the surrounding mountains. Breakfast buffet was also quite good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was a bit stuffy, though very clean and fresh.
Hotel Rangá
Hella

Hotel Rangá has a strong reputation. We noted they were hosting people traveling with highly regarded tour companies while we were staying there. We found our room a bit cramped and warm, road-facing, so limited views. The location served us well for our itinerary. They offered a welcome drink on our first evening. We enjoyed breakfast and the beautiful views from the dining room each morning. The skyr and pastries were quite good! They also offered hot items, including a vegan option. Our dinner at Hotel Rangá was enjoyable, but not fantastic. The reindeer entree was quite large, possibly good to share. The mushroom soup and scallop starter were also quite tasty. We appreciated the warmth and helpfulness of the staff here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room itself wasn't particularly comfortable. Perhaps an upgrade here would be good.
Alda Hotel Reykjavík
Reykjavík

Our 1-night stay at Alda Hotel met our needs for a central location and a comfortable room. We were grateful for the offer to check in early, just having arrived from our overnight flight. The hotel does not have its own parking, but the garage we were directed to use is conveniently located on the same street. The room had a balcony with a nice view out on the city. Breakfast was quite good as well. The Bonus supermarket is just up the street. We were able to stock up before leaving town on our self-driving tour of Iceland. It's easy to walk to Harpa, the church, and all of the shopping in the area.

Authenticity & Character
Nice chic feel.
Location
Easy to get anywhere!
Staff
Helpful and allowed us to check-in early.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Icelandic Food Walk
Icelandic Food Walk
Reykjavík

Such a fun experience to do at the beginning of our trip to Iceland. Bonnie introduced us to the food scene in Reykjavik and also extended a warm welcome and entertained us between stops with her bright and cheery disposition on a rather wet afternoon. We found the eateries to be interesting and quite good. Maybe the fermented shark wasn't 'good' lol, but really, this is an excellent experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full of personality!
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Iceland

Looks like a Lord of the Rings setting! We loved exploring this canyon as it’s very distinctive. We understand it was a little visited place until Justin Bieber made a video here a few years ago. It’s totally worth checking out.

Quality of Experience
It’s unique and intriguing.
Cliff Walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar
Cliff Walk from Arnarstapi to Hellnar
Snæfellsnes Peninsula

A spectacular hike from one tiny village to another (about 2 miles each way). We walked along the cliffs with clear views to all kinds of rock formations, and then through lava rocks for a good way which gave a chance to get out of a rather blowy wind. At the end we came upon a small building which happened to be a delightful cafe with both sweet and savory foods and beverages. The chocolate cake there was quite delicious! We found it difficult to leave that scenic spot to do our return trip. It’s a lovely way to spend a couple of hours.

GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths Experience
GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths Experience
Iceland

This sea bath venue is INCREDIBLE! The views, the spa-like environment, and easy access to refreshments were all part of what created my favorite 'pampering' outing of our trip. I'm so thrilled that I asked Noga for recommendations for a hot springs experience that would fit into our itinerary. This one is a definite 'DO'. Our timing was impeccable as there were no crowds and it was a glorious blue sky day... perfect for this experience.

Quality of Experience
Spa-like, fresh, relaxing
Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss Waterfall
Iceland
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - Zodiac Adventure
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon - Zodiac Adventure
Iceland

Ice Lagoon runs an efficient operation at the glacier lagoon. Everything ran on time; they have a system down from check-in to suiting up (yes, you will be in a really fashionable jumpsuit!) and a quick bus ride to the pier to load up. Under clear blue skies, we were blessed with an exhilarating ride on the Zodiac out into the lagoon and among icebergs. We saw a gray seal sunbathing and experienced a glacier calving. It's all otherworldly and a privilege to be in that environment. We found our guide to be completely into sharing this incredible place with us. The operation is family-run with only the two Zodiacs. They do quite a business and offer a tour worthy of your attention.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Iceland

The lagoon area is surprisingly easy to access right off of the main road. Many outfitters operate from this busy parking lot. Food trucks are available and masses of people gather to meet up with their tour operators. The icebergs are close up to the shore and set against the glacier as a backdrop. All in all pretty cool. It’s an easy walk along the side of the lagoon to the ocean and black diamond beach. No need to move a vehicle to a different parking area. The large icebergs that come up on the beach are unexpected and depending on the light, quite striking.

Quality of Experience
Really unusual to see icebergs on the black sand.
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
Iceland

We visited at night (still in daylight) and found the lighting to be a special effect, and of course, the buses of tourists were not there. Put your waterproof gear on if you want to go behind the falls. Both falls were worth a visit. It's easy to walk between the two falls. It's right off the main road, so very convenient to go there.

Thórsmörk Super Jeep Experience
Thórsmörk Super Jeep Experience
Iceland

Midgard really blew us away with this full day of off-road exploration, where we could never venture on our own. Part of the "wow-factor" and beauty of this day was not knowing what we were in for. I hesitate to dig deep into details, but encourage you to gift yourself with this day and soak it in, however it unfolds. There were people of all ages with us. The lunch included in our tour was vegan, gluten-free, and DELICIOUS. Thorear, our guide, was on his game and gave us his undivided attention and entertained us, too. We hold this experience at the very top of our 12-day trip highlights. Midgard is a family operation with a deep commitment to sustainability and treating the community in which they live and work with the utmost respect.

Local specialist: Noga Heyman
Noga
Noga Heyman
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Jun 26, 2026

Annette, I absolutely love seeing all these beautiful photos from your trip! I am so glad you had a wonderful time exploring Iceland. Visiting Þórsmörk is a really special experience, and I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the thrill and beauty of the day. I hope we'll get to work together again when you're ready to plan a return trip to Iceland 😊

I'm happy to share some thoughts about our tr...
Iceland | Jun 6 - Jun 13, 2026

Edith
Edith K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 16, 2026
I'm happy to share some thoughts about our trip. But first, you, Maria and Nick did a wonderful job in planning our trip and arranging all reservations. THANK YOU! I will recommend KimKim to my friends for sure. Your app was so informative and easy to use, too. Favorite Activities - tied for 1st place was Puffins @ Borgarfjordur Estri and Inside The Volcano tour. Both were AMAZING and highly recommended! We also enjoyed the many waterfalls, especially Hengifoss, Seljalandsfoss (walk... Read more

I'm happy to share some thoughts about our trip. But first, you, Maria and Nick did a wonderful job in planning our trip and arranging all reservations. THANK YOU! I will recommend KimKim to my friends for sure. Your app was so informative and easy to use, too.

Favorite Activities - tied for 1st place was Puffins @ Borgarfjordur Estri and Inside The Volcano tour. Both were AMAZING and highly recommended! We also enjoyed the many waterfalls, especially Hengifoss, Seljalandsfoss (walk behind), Gljufrabui (nearby hidden one) and Gullfoss. We also enjoyed exploring REK very much, both on our arrival and departure days.

The Glacier Ice Cave tour and Kayaking the Glacier Lagoon trip were fun, but a bit overrated. Geysir was disappointing, especially for those of us who have visited Yellowstone. We did a self-tour of the Geothermal Exhibition, which was very interesting. But I wish the Exhibition would offer tour guides for small groups, as we would have gotten more out of it.

Favorite Restaurants - Messinn in REK, Hotel Alden Restaurant in Seydisfijoudur, Ylja Restaurant at the Laugaras Lagoon and of course Frioheimar. BTW - it looks like the Tomato Place recently opened a wine bar/bistro for walk-ins. On our last day, we stumbled upon Cafe Loki in REK (near Cathedral) and wish we had eaten there - highly rated with lots of very interesting traditional Icelandic food.

Hotels - Our favorite was Glacier Lagoon Hotel - incredible. Tied for second place was Vio Lonio Guesthouse (recently refurbished, owner very nice and love the town) and Exeter Hotel (great location, lockers for suitcases prior to check-in, tasty breakfast buffet. We didn't get harbor view rooms as promised, but did get to check in 1 hour early without charge.) Hotel Grimsborgir was ok, but did not seem like a 4-star hotel. Also, some of the nearby buildings are privately owned as we learned when a rager of a party woke of from a sound sleep at 12:30am. To their credit, the front desk person asked the partiers to quiet down, when we complained. Hotel Laekur was ok, good breakfast and friendly dog.

Miscellaneous:
- REK airport does not open check-in until 45 mins before a flight. So 2 hr advance arrival unnecessary.
- Europcar - nice, but we were surprised by the new tax of 7 cents per kilometer that just started in 2026.
- Gas pumps were very confusing. You need to tap your chip card (no pin requested) AND insert your card AND put in your pump number. All the instructions were in Icelandic, so thank goodness for helpful locals.
- Hopp app redirected us to Bolt scooter rentals. I'm glad you recommended we have hotels call taxis for us - that worked well.
- Parka app only worked at some locations. In remote spots, phones didn't connect and we had fumble for our credit cards. It was a bit confusing, but we managed.

Take good care! Edie

Hotel Reviews
Hótel Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon Hotel
Hofn

Hótel Jökulsárlón by the Glacier Lagoon was simply breathtaking. Its remote location and beautiful design, surrounded by nature, made for a relaxing stay. The hot tubs and saunas offered stunning views, and even though we arrived too late for dinner, we had a splendid meal at the bar. Highly recommend it!

Exeter Hotel by Keahotels
Reykjavík

Exeter Hotel by Keahotels in Reykjavík was excellent. The convenience of having programmable lockers for early check-in was a lifesaver. The location was great for exploring, and the breakfast was delicious. Definitely a top pick for comfort and convenience.

Við Lónið Guesthouse
Seyðisfjörður

Við Lónið Guesthouse provided a lovely stay with its newly renovated and clean facilities. We loved the charm of the small town and enjoyed our interactions with the friendly owner. Although a bit out of the way, it was well worth the stay for the scenic surroundings.

Hótel Grímsborgir by Keahotels
Ásborgir

Hótel Grímsborgir was a bit disappointing. We struggled to see why it was rated four-star. The amenities seemed lacking, and we faced discomfort due to the heat wave and a noisy private party nearby. However, the staff took action and addressed the situation, and the dining experience was pleasant.

Hótel Lækur
Hella

Hótel Lækur was a small farm hotel that served its purpose well. Although we were there just to sleep and have breakfast, the casual atmosphere and friendly service were appreciated. It wasn't as fancy as other places, but it was just what we needed for the night.

Activity Reviews
Explore Borgarfjörður Eystri
Explore Borgarfjörður Eystri
Iceland

Visiting the estuary where the puffins were was an incredibly special experience. Being just a couple of feet away from them, watching them in their natural habitat was mesmerizing. We also saw the harvesting of eiderdown, which was fascinating to witness firsthand. Truly a highlight of the trip.

Sky Lagoon Experience - Saman
Sky Lagoon Experience - Saman
Reykjavík

The Sky Lagoon was a really nice experience with its seven-step ritual offering various wellness activities. The privacy aspect was appreciated, but showering in an open space might not be for everyone. Overall, it was a pleasant and enjoyable visit.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Excursion
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Excursion
Iceland

The kayaking excursion on the Glacier Lagoon was fun but shorter than expected. We only paddled around one iceberg before heading back, which left us wanting more time on the water. It was still a unique experience, but could have been more fulfilling.

Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Iceland

The Glacier Ice Cave Experience was interesting and our guide was entertaining, but it felt a bit short and underwhelming. We only explored a couple of small cave areas and the journey there was long and rugged. While it was good to have done it, it wasn't a top highlight of the trip.

Inside the Volcano (Meet On Location)
Inside the Volcano (Meet On Location)
Iceland

The 'Inside the Volcano' tour was an unforgettable day. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and descending into the volcano was an awe-inspiring experience. The lamb stew served afterward was delicious, making the whole experience perfect.

Vök Baths Experience
Vök Baths Experience
Iceland

The Vök Baths offered a unique setting with its three large pools and the option to jump into the lake. It felt magical despite the lack of privacy. The experience was topped by a delightful bite at the café, where the chef made special treats and engaged with us.

Local specialist: Noga Heyman
Noga
Noga Heyman
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Jun 23, 2026

Thank you, Edie! I am so glad you got to see puffins and experience all the natural beauty of Iceland. It was a pleasure working with you and I hope you'll consider kimkim again in the future!