
Silvía Ástvaldsdóttir
I'm a Nordic wanderer with roots in Iceland's ethereal East fjords and branches extending through Denmark's cozy 'hygge' culture to Sweden's pastoral Skåne.
Each destination has been a sensory feast, from Iceland's pure air and resilient "Þetta reddast" spirit to Denmark's laid-back charm and Sweden's rule-loving diligence. Living in these contrasting landscapes has enriched my travels with both natural wonders and fascinating cultural nuances. Fluent in Icelandic and Swedish, and almost there in Danish, I've become a keen observer of regional accents and dialects.
Whether I'm relishing farm-fresh produce in Skåne or exploring urban vibes in Copenhagen, my travels are guided by a love for local flavors and a curiosity for the diverse personalities each region offers. For me, travel is a multi-sensory experience that brings places—and people—to life.
Before you visit the Nordics, let your prelude be Ari Eldjárn's "Pardon My Icelandic," a humorous dive into our quirky cultural traits!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"For the adventurers, I can design road trips that weave through Iceland's volcanoes and glaciers or along Norway's stunning fjords.
Lovers of culture will find themselves immersed in Copenhagen's 'hygge' lifestyle or exploring the rich Viking heritage of both Iceland and Norway.
If you're a foodie, prepare for a sensory delight ranging from Sweden's farm shops to Denmark's culinary scene.
From family vacations and honeymoon itineraries to winter escapades featuring the Northern Lights, I use my local knowledge to make your travel dreams come true, engaging all your senses for an unforgettable journey!"
How did you get involved in travel?
"My journey into the world of travel and tourism began in my early teens when I took a job at a hotel in Iceland's East fjords. From the moment I started interacting with guests from around the globe, I was captivated. Those interactions opened a window into diverse cultures and lifestyles, fueling a passion that led me to explore beyond my homeland. The tourists often carried with them an array of cultural norms and misconceptions, like the surprising number who didn't realize that swimwear was a must for bathing in Iceland—a rule common across the Nordic countries.
It was these unique encounters and the joy of sharing my local knowledge that turned my teenage job into a lifelong passion for travel!
As I ventured into Denmark and eventually settled in Sweden, my interest in cultural differences expanded. Today, my travels are about more than just ticking off destinations; they're an ongoing education in the varied textures of human experience. An exploration of contrasting landscapes from Reykjavík's cityscape to Skåne's Countryside, a quest for balance between urban energy and rural tranquility."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"One standout journey for me was a 2021 summer road trip through Iceland, made all the more special by sharing it with my life and business partner. Our adventure began in the West and South, zigzagging through awe-inspiring landscapes to the imposing Langjökull glacier.
The trip became truly magical when we made our way to my cherished hometown of Breiðdalsvík in the East fjords. Over two unforgettable days, we delved deep into the area's local culture and scenery. We sipped local beer at Beljandi Brewery, a local establishment named after a nearby waterfall, and set up camp in the tranquil area of Jórvík.
With the backdrop of East Fjords' breathtaking beauty, we cooked meals on a primus stove and drew water from a nearby spring. My partner, enriched by years of guiding experiences in Iceland, narrated fascinating tales of the country's geological history and cultural evolution, adding another layer to an already extraordinary experience!"
Silvía's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice

See the best of Sweden's south with an active itinerary of city tours, outdoor adventures, and scenic drives. Over seven days, you'll experience the region's natural beauty and...

Experience the natural beauty of the Skåne region in southern Sweden on this five-day road trip. The circular route starts in Copenhagen and takes you through Skåne seaside...

Experience the wonders of a Swedish winter on this two-week excursion to marvel at the famous northern lights and enjoy plenty of other unforgettable activities. Traveling from...
Family itineraries

One week in Iceland is enough time for a family-friendly, adventure-filled road trip that includes popular highlights and natural wonders along the South Coast and Golden...

This self-drive tour takes you along Iceland's south and west coasts for those in search of unique family adventure. After a day exploring the capital city, Reykjavik, you'll...

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,...
Road trip itineraries

On this self-drive adventure, you'll spend 10 days exploring all four corners of Iceland. Dive deep into the culture of Reykjavík before hitting the road north to volcanic...

Explore Sweden's landscapes and monuments on this 10-day road trip loop that starts and ends in the capital city of Stockholm. Drive north to Uppsala and Gävle to explore...

Drive through the beautiful natural landscapes of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark on this colorful two-week road trip. Starting in Malmö, you'll explore the Swedish countryside,...
Honeymoon itineraries

If your goal is to reinvigorate your mind and body while connecting with nature, there are few better places for it than Iceland. On this winter getaway, you'll take a road trip...

Enjoy a leisurely trip to Stockholm on this five-day tour of the Swedish capital. Take a walking tour of the Old Town's medieval streets and palaces and sail around the city's...

Explore Sweden's rich culture and cuisine on this 10-day break. Start in the vibrant capital, Stockholm, where you'll tour the city's medieval Old Town, lavish palaces,...
Favorite experiences
Inside the Þríhnúkagígur Volcano Tour
Just about 20 miles (33 km) from Reykjavik sits the dormant Þríhnúkagígur Volcano, a unique natural phenomenon. Experience this wonder from the inside out with a moderate hike to the volcano's crater. You'll start with a scenic walk to the base of the volcano, passing through lava fields and...
Langjökull Glacier Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling in Iceland is a bucket list for many travelers, and you can enjoy the adventure atop Langjökull Glacier, just about 95 miles (150 km) northeast of Reykjavik. Join professional guides in the Icelandic Highlands, offering amazing views of the majestic glacier and its unique...
Blue Ice Cave Tour
Walking through the electric-blue ice cave of the Vatnajökull glacier is an experience you won't soon forget! The tour begins after meeting your expert and friendly guides at the parking lot of Jökulsárlón, about 2.5 hours east of Vik along the Ring Road. Your guide will take you by Jeep up the...
Northern Lights Hunt in a Super Jeep
Hop aboard a Super Jeep (a special vehicle made specifically to navigate icy and off-road terrain like Iceland's) and enjoy a thrilling hunt for the Northern Lights. With a Super Jeep, you can ditch the crowds, tourist buses, and light pollution and get off-the-beaten-path to reach exclusive...
Reindeer Safari in East Iceland
East Iceland is home to the country's only herd of wild reindeer. The species was imported to Iceland in the 18th century, but they currently only reside in the eastern stretches. Starting from the town of Eglisstadir, you can enjoy a unique excursion that allows you to see the wild reindeer in...
Puffin Tour Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Just off the coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula near the town of Grundarfjörður is the small island of Melrakkaey, complete with towering sea cliffs of basalt columns. These stunning environmental conditions attract the presence of hundreds of puffins. On a traditional oak boat called a Láki,...
Recent trip reviews for Silvía
Excellent Trips with Silvia
Sweden
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Aug 19 - Aug 27, 2023

Silvia is very responsible to follow through and monitoring my trips to ensure that I am well taken care of, although initial planning required some adjustments. Silvia recommends the best part of Southern Sweden to me. The trip route met my requirements for hiking and national park tours . The hotels were chosen at the best central locations of the town for food and sightseeings by walking and its luxury . I was given a suite most of the stays. It is a well planned and value for money... read more

Hi Eric!
Thank you so much for your review and for sharing those amazing photos 😍 We're really thrilled to hear you felt well looked after, and I'm glad we were able to work out the hiccups at the start. It sounds like the hiking and national parks were exactly what you were hoping for, and that the hotels added a touch of luxury to your travels! Your trust means a lot to us, and we're glad we could deliver a trip that met your expectations. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience :)
Best wishes,
Silvia & Halldór
Not what we expected.
Iceland
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Aug 1 - Aug 14, 2023
I would like to explain why we are giving the trip a score of 2.5. The country of Iceland is such a great place to visit. The weather was cooperative and nice. We saw so many great sights everyday.
Unfortunately, some of the services provided by KimKim were fair to good. I have planned many trips in the US and Canada, some for up to 3 months. We never had so many issues as we did with KimKim's service. The reason we decided to use your services is due to the fact we were not familiar with... read more

Hi Renee,
Thanks for taking the time to share your detailed feedback with us. We're truly sorry to hear that your trip didn't meet your expectations, especially since you chose us to make your time in Iceland hassle-free.
We appreciate you pointing out the positives, like the well-placed hotels and the enjoyable itinerary. However, we clearly fell short in several areas.
The car rental issue was a hiccup we didn't anticipate, and I understand how frustrating that must have been for you... read more
Smooth coordination and pleasant experience w...
Iceland
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Jul 29 - Aug 12, 2023
Smooth coordination and pleasant experience with Silvia and the drivers / guides who read more

Hi Ai Zhia! We're stoked to hear you had a smooth ride with us and our team. Can't wait for you to get your hands on that photo book and relive the adventure! 📸
Cheers,
Silvia & Halldór
Amazing experience at Iceland :)
Iceland
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Jul 29 - Aug 12, 2023

Silvia and Halldor were really professional in planning our trip from start to end. We felt very assured by their friendly and fun demeanor, clearly knowing what are the experiences we were hoping to get. Silvia remained contactable throughout our trip and we could count on her to get all our queries met, even in urgent situations when I had required unexpected medical attention. They also shared top experiences and food options for us to consider, making our role in the trip as just living... read more

Hey Joy/Jia Yi! So glad we could assist in planning your journey here! It's awesome to hear you had a blast exploring our homeland. I'm extra happy we could sneak in that quick Copenhagen detour before you jetted off. Can't wait for you to relive these memories through the photo books coming your way!
Best wishes,
Silvia & Halldór
Silvia planned an amazing trip for our family...
Iceland
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Aug 1 - Aug 9, 2023
Silvia planned an amazing trip for our family. After some challenges at the beginning of planning the trip with a bit of unresponsiveness by her partner, Silvia jumped in and made sure we were well taken care of, all of our questions were answered, and I felt much more confident with our upcoming trip details. Every aspect of the trip was perfect, and she was incredibly responsive via WhatsApp along the way while we were traveling. I highly recommend Silvia to work with in planning a trip to Iceland!

Hi Lara & family!
I'm thrilled to hear you all had an amazing time in Iceland! Lovely photos from your trip to the Blue Lagoon :) You know where to find us if you ever decide to explore more of the Nordics!
Best wishes,
Silvia & the Unforgettable Nordic team
Big help for a big family
Sweden
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Jul 1 - Jul 6, 2023
Traveling with two adults and three teenagers it is always tricky to find the right accommodations. Silvia not only found hotels for us in three different cities, they were charming places with a lot of character and located in very nice and convenient parts of town. When one hotel didn't have exactly the set-up we had asked for, requiring us to book an extra room on the fly, Silvia got us a refund so that we did not end up paying more. She was also a big help with transportation between... read more

Hi Daniel & family!
Thank you so much for the kind words :) I'm thrilled you had a great time in Sweden and Copenhagen & I hope you found some favorites among the Swedish treats and a good place for the little Swedish flag!
Until our paths cross again,
Silvia & the Unforgettable Nordic team
Thank you Silvia for the amazing trip itinera...
Iceland
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Jun 25 - Jul 5, 2023
Thank you Silvia for the amazing trip itinerary and help along the way.
I was able to enjoy my Iceland the way I saw it 20 years ago. Unfortunately with technology evolution, we didn't get to cross rivers as bridges were built along the way. We didn't get the trill of crossing the rivers but it made it a safer travel.
We thank you for all the nice recommandations. Hotel and restaurants were to our satisfaction. Hotel 360 was amazing as well as Hrifunes Nature Park, Silica and... read more

Thank you, Diane!
We're thrilled to hear that you all were able to enjoy the beauty that Iceland has to offer😍 We loved helping you plan your highland adventures, and we hope our paths will cross again!
Best wishes,
Silvia, Halldór & the Unforgettable Nordic team
Family adventure in Iceland
Iceland
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Jun 16 - Jun 23, 2023

We really appreciated having KimKim and Silvia help us navigate our best options in Iceland while traveling as a family. We were able to see a wide variety of landscapes on our trip through a thoughtfully planned route but didn't feel like we were driving all the time. And it was very helpful to have Silvia on hand when we had questions as we navigated traveling with a toddler and last minute needs. Thank you, thank you, thank you Silvia for a WONDERFUL trip. With our busy schedules we would... read more

Dear Christina,
I'm thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a wonderful time in Iceland! Your appreciation truly warms my heart. It was my absolute pleasure assisting you and ensuring your trip was as smooth as possible, especially considering the unique needs of traveling with a toddler.
Thank you again, and I look forward to planning more memorable trips for you in the future!
Best,
Silvia
Amazing Iceland Adventure
Iceland
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May 17 - May 21, 2023

Thanks to Silvia and the KimKim Team we had an amazing time in Iceland. Our trip was short but Silva created an itinerary that was well placed and let us explore the Golden Circle. We saw geysers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, explored caves, rode Icelandic horses and got up close to icebergs. We did a lot but never felt rushed. We ended each day with time to relax at the hotel. We loved that Silvia planned our itinerary with Blue Lagood on the last day. What a wonderful way to end the... read more

Thank you so much for the amazing review, Amy! I'm thrilled you had such an unforgettable time in Iceland. We look forward to helping you explore further in the future!😍
All the best,
Silvia & The Unforgettable Nordic Team
Spectular trip. Our guide Silvia was outstand...
Iceland
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Feb 15 - Feb 22, 2023

Spectular trip. Our guide Silvia was outstanding, she took absolute care of us from soup to nuts. We knew we were in the best of hands and have recommended her and Kim Kim to all our friends read more

Hi Emerson!
Thank you so much for your lovely review! I'm thrilled you all had such an amazing time in Iceland :)
Best wishes,
Silvia
Thank you so much Silvia for everything! It w...
Iceland
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Apr 9 - Apr 15, 2023
Thank you so much Silvia for everything! It was a trip of a lifetime!!

Thank you so much for the review, David! I'm so happy you had the time of your lives & that you managed to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights 😍
All the best to you & your family,
Silvia
ONCE IN A LIFETIME…Until I return!Silvia fo...
Iceland
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Mar 11 - Mar 18, 2023

ONCE IN A LIFETIME…Until I return!
Silvia found the perfect guide in Gummi—one who took special time and attention to make sure we all had an unforgettable experience. Not only do I feel like I saw the landscape and majestic beauty of the land, but I also saw the kindness of the Icelandic culture and community. Iceland has captured my heart and created the most cherished memories.
I have already recommended the KimKim team to all that have asked!
Gummi & Silvia—thank you! This trip... read more

Hi Beth!
Thank you so much for the review and I'm so glad that you were such a perfect match and that you had an incredible experience altogether. It really warms our hearts <3 Gummi is one of a kind and knows the country inside and out and you know where to find him when you are ready for your next adventures!
Best wishes,
The Unforgettable Nordic team
A spectacular anniversary adventure !!!!!
Iceland
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Mar 11 - Mar 18, 2023

What a spectacular anniversary and adventure trip! We want to return & explore further with Gummi when we are able to in the late summer/fall of a year. From start to finish the experiences of traveling to Iceland was made simple & efficient with Silvia! Skól! Salud! Cheers! Drink! Thank you! Gracias! Our accolades & appreciation for Gummi & Silvia are infinite.
Gummi proved to be the perfect guide and ideal travel historian/explorer/caretaker/leader for the 5 of us. His temperament,... read more

Hi Jason!
Thank you so much for the awesome and oh so very detailed review! We are thrilled that you had such an amazing time with the Viking from our team and had tons of great experiences during your stay in the land of Ice and fire! And thank you guys for choosing to work with us, it has been a pleasure from the beginning to the end!
We look forward to planning more adventures with you in the future!
Huge hugs & Viking roars!
The Unforgettable Nordic Team
Iceland Adventure
Iceland
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Feb 15 - Feb 22, 2023
Best excursion was visiting the ice caves with David! He was knowledgeable, funny, and extremely safety oriented. We all felt comfortable and got to experience the awesome beauty of the caves. All of the hotels recommended from Silvia were clean and in great locations. The staff was extremely attentive to our needs. Silvia was great! She checked in with us throughout the trip and reassured us when the gasoline strike occurred. She kept us informed of weather reports and was flexible with our... read more

Hi Beth!
Thank you so much for the review and our conversations during your trip, I really appreciated the updates as well. I'm thrilled you all had an amazing journey in Iceland :)
Until next time,
Silvia
Kimkim and Silvia could not have been better!
Iceland
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Feb 18 - Feb 25, 2023
Silvia was available nearly 24/7, quickly had answers to all my questions, big and small, had an easy and detailed knowledge of travel, of Iceland (where we visited), of services and culture, etc., and was able to get some discounts on local activities/services while we were there.
We could not be more happy with both Kimkim and Silvia!

Thank you so much for your fantastic review David! I'm so happy you and your boys had an amazing time in Iceland :)
All the best,
Silvia
Seven day action-packed trip to Iceland impossible without KimKim
Iceland
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Feb 15 - Feb 22, 2023

Seven day action-packed trip to Iceland would not have been possible without the help of Silvia at KimKim. She worked out a fantastic itinerary: 2 days based in Borgarnes, 2 days in Vic, a fantastic night at a cabin in the Hrifunes Nature Park (great venue for Northern Lights!), finally 2 days in Reykajavik. We had pre-paid vouchers for everything and Silvia worked with us ahead of the trip to make sure we were hitting everything we wanted to see.
More important: Silvia kept in touch... read more

Hi Michael!
Thank you so much for the very thorough and amazing review of your trip to Iceland. The photos look fantastic, and it was great to hear about your experiences via phone every day :) We're thrilled you had a great time and I know the other specialists at kimkim will help you plan an amazing trip wherever you decide to go next! Feel free to reach out for some recommendations, since we know some of the specialists personally from our meetings with the team.
Best wishes to you all,
Team Unforgettable Nordic
The trip was amazing although Beth did all th...
Iceland
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Feb 15 - Feb 22, 2023
The trip was amazing although Beth did all the pre planning with Silvia. I wasn’t involved in that. So appreciated the regular contact to make sure that everything was going well. Also Silvia was able to switch things for us when we were delayed. Also kept us updated on the strike situation. Would definitely recommend Silvia to anyone
Also, our guide David who took us to the ice caves out of Vik was excellent. Would give him a 5 star review read more

Hi Karen!
Thank you so much for a fantastic review and I'm so happy you and the group had a blast in Iceland.
Sending good vibes to you all,
Silvia
Honeymoon in Iceland.
Iceland
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Jan 3 - Jan 8, 2023

When setting out to plan our honeymoon we ran across Kimkim. Having never heard of it before we were a bit skeptical, but we are so glad we did some research and committed! Having someone on your side to book events and offer optional sightseeing advice was amazing. With our busy schedules we would have never had the time to research Iceland in this depth.
Silvía was amazing in helping to plan our trip, as well as with helping coordinate several last minute changes during our trip.... read more

Hey Stephanie and Joshua,
Thanks so much for the awesome review! So happy to hear that your honeymoon in Iceland was a blast.
Cheers,
Silvia
Land of fire and ice
Iceland
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Nov 5 - Nov 13, 2022
My wife and I had an incredible experience in Iceland, largely thanks to KimKim.
More specifically, our local specialist Sylvia. She was responsive and organized. She suggested many activities we would have never thought of by ourselves and help us coordinate along the way as our plans changed. I can’t stress enough how amazing she was!
Countless waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, lakes, and of course natural hot baths. I would recommend to anyone that they visit, and get Sylvia’s help to... read more

Thank you so much for your lovely review, Mario & Karolina!
I'm so happy that you had a great trip to Iceland.
Looking forward to planning your next adventure :)
ABSOLUTLEY INCREDIBLE
Iceland
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Sep 25 - Oct 2, 2022
I don't know what else to say other then everything was INCREDIBLE. Silvia was so helpful with everything we needed. She planned the perfect trip for us, down to every detail. Our biggest concerns before going to Iceland were; where are we driving every day, and the food. But Silvia made the driving effortless with daily google map itineraries, and in addition to daily local food recommendations, was able to get us hard to get reservations at amazing restaurants. My wife and I have already... read more

Thank you Nick for such a wonderful review!
It's been a pleasure helping you plan your anniversary/honeymoon in Icleand.
I'm so happy that the trip was a success :)
If you decide to visit Sweden, I would be more then happy to help you plan your next trip!