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Lava Travel

Lava Travel is a local family-owned tour organizer with over a decade of hands-on experience in exploring all parts of Iceland.
As a dedicated travel expert, driver guide, and tour organizer, Lava Travel offers personalized experiences that showcase the beauty of our unique land. Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures, serene natural wonders, or cultural insights, Lava Travel is your perfect companion for exploring Iceland's famous sights and hidden gems. Join us for an unforgettable journey and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Lava Travel is part of the following groups: Iceland Travel Agents

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Recent Trip Reviews for Lava Travel

an amazing experience for our family!
Iceland | Aug 11 - Aug 17, 2026

victoria
victoria m.
Los Angeles, CA, USA | Reviewed on Aug 18, 2026
It is hard to capture the most memorable aspects of our experience because there were so many. The eclipse itself amazed us: the steady loss of light, and then especially the return of the light. The three older folks (Dan, Vic and Drea) held each other's hands as the light changed. We loved observing the changing landscapes as we drove. Milo loved watching the puffins and the experience at Blue Lagoon and our side trip to a second set of thermal pools: Hvammsvik. Emmett explained the... Read more

It is hard to capture the most memorable aspects of our experience because there were so many. The eclipse itself amazed us: the steady loss of light, and then especially the return of the light. The three older folks (Dan, Vic and Drea) held each other's hands as the light changed. We loved observing the changing landscapes as we drove. Milo loved watching the puffins and the experience at Blue Lagoon and our side trip to a second set of thermal pools: Hvammsvik. Emmett explained the hydrodynamic features of the different waterfalls to those of us who had never navigated whitewater. Drea was especially moved by Gullfoss and we all loved learning about Sigríður's insistence on saving the falls from exploitation. Sasha was most exhiliarated by going off trail and he and Emmett enjoyed running and sliding down a steep field on their butts. A few of us got our shoes sopped by an unexpected wave as we looked up at the Basalt cliffs and appreciated the hotel hair dryer for shoe drying. Marty, our ice cave guide was a consummate guide with a wealth of information about the glacier. All through the trip we appreciated that Gummi was hovering somewhere on Kimkim to answer questions. Our family is a group with diverse interests and capacities for adventure and this trip had many things for all of us. Thank you!

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 20, 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 | Aug 3 - Aug 9, 2026

Judy
Judy C.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Aug 17, 2026
We returned last week from a 7 day self-drive tour in Iceland. We connected with our Icelandic travel planner Gudmundur Oli, better known as Gummi, through Kimkim. Planning our customized tour with Gummi was easy through online chat, Zoom calls and phone calls. We were a group of 6, ages 10 to 71 and Gummi helped us plan a trip with something for everyone. Our trip was fabulous! From the Blue Lagoon, to the stunning waterfalls, to the thrilling Zodiac boat ride on Glacier Lake, and the... Read more

We returned last week from a 7 day self-drive tour in Iceland. We connected with our Icelandic travel planner Gudmundur Oli, better known as Gummi, through Kimkim. Planning our customized tour with Gummi was easy through online chat, Zoom calls and phone calls. We were a group of 6, ages 10 to 71 and Gummi helped us plan a trip with something for everyone.

Our trip was fabulous! From the Blue Lagoon, to the stunning waterfalls, to the thrilling Zodiac boat ride on Glacier Lake, and the ice caves, and the black sand beaches, to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and the puffins!!

The landscape of Iceland is a study in contrasts. One day you feel like you could be on the moon and the next like you might be in the Rockies in Colorado. It's stunning. I loved the contrast between the vast open spaces and rocky landscape and the warm and cozy indoor spaces like our accommodations and restaurants. There's a very Zen feeling to it all.

If I had to mention one negative it would be the cost...of everything. Lunch for 2, no drinks will cost you 75 bucks. Even souvenirs are outrageous. I thought Bermuda was expensive, but Iceland has them beat.

Thanks Gummi, it was great! We felt like we had a friend in Iceland and knew you were just a phone call away.

Hotel Review
Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel
Hveragerdi

Loved this property! It was our favorite. The location is so unique and interesting along the river with views from our room.. The hot tubs and heated pool were great, even on a cold and rainy day. The staff is great!

Authenticity & Character
Location
The river view and quiet area.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Zodiac Boat
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Zodiac Boat
Iceland

Fabulous! The lake was full of ice floes and seeing the glacier up close was very exciting.

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 17, 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 | Aug 9 - Aug 12, 2026

Kate
Kate F.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 14, 2026
We had the best trip with Gummi! He made it so special and was great, kind, full of Icelandic knowledge and reliable. He also planned really exciting excursions tailored for our group! The bus we had was perfect for us and we got to see and do many of the major sight-seeing must-dos in Iceland. We could not have done this trip without his expert help and hospitality. So, so grateful. Read more

We had the best trip with Gummi! He made it so special and was great, kind, full of Icelandic knowledge and reliable. He also planned really exciting excursions tailored for our group! The bus we had was perfect for us and we got to see and do many of the major sight-seeing must-dos in Iceland. We could not have done this trip without his expert help and hospitality. So, so grateful.

Activity Review
Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Iceland

This was AMAZING!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 15, 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 | Jul 11 - Jul 17, 2026

JUDY
JUDY N.
Bowie, MD | Reviewed on Aug 08, 2026
It was nice to have everything already planned. Having breakfast included with the hotel was very convenient. The three lagoon experiences were all unique and refreshing. The directions for driving and time allotted were adequate. It was helpful to know ahead of time what the highlights were and how long we should stay at each stop. It took the stress out of trip planning and having to arrange for hotel stays as well as excursions. Read more

It was nice to have everything already planned. Having breakfast included with the hotel was very convenient. The three lagoon experiences were all unique and refreshing. The directions for driving and time allotted were adequate. It was helpful to know ahead of time what the highlights were and how long we should stay at each stop. It took the stress out of trip planning and having to arrange for hotel stays as well as excursions.

Hotel Reviews
CenterHotel Klöpp
Reykjavík

Centrally located, but our room was across from the tavern and so it was noisy until late into the night. Breakfast was good with many options.

Authenticity & Character
The artwork on the walls were interesting
Location
Centrally located
Staff
The Porter showed us where to park for free down the street and helped us with luggage when we initially arrived
Cleanliness & Comfort
Good place to stay for one night, but ask for room away from the tavern if you’re planning to sleep early
Hótel Fransiskus Stykkishólmi
Stykkishólmur

Very clean and modern room the amenities were top notch

Authenticity & Character
Very interesting history with a chapel on site
Location
Walking distance to local restaurants
Staff
Friendly and helpful, greeter and workers
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very modern hotel, super clean, huge breakfast with lots of choices
Fosshótel Mývatn
Myvatn

Beautiful location request a Lakeview room if you can

Authenticity & Character
Dining room had floor, two ceiling windows with beautiful views
Location
Beautiful view of the lake
Staff
Friendly staff made check-in very easy
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was very modern and new with lots of space for luggage again. The views of the lake is totally worth it. The breakfast was also Modern furniture with plenty of room for luggage
Hotel Hvitserkur
Hvammstangi

The room with the bathrooms include included, was located in the basement and smelled of mold and horse manure. Window could not be open as there is no screen and flies will get in.. bathroom was tiny the size of a bathroom on a cruise ship. The Plz look more like a trailer home than a hotel but I guess given the location there are not many options. It was nice to see the horses right outside the window because it is a farm.

Authenticity & Character
Nice to see the horses right outside the windows in the mornings and evenings
Location
Staff
Friendly staff who helped us with extra utensils and ice when we made our own meal
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms in the basement need to be aired out and maybe a dehumidifier as it felt moldy and musty down there
Center Hotels Skjaldbreið
Reykjavík

Nice Central Location. Has elevators, but still difficult to maneuver your luggage up some steps to get to the elevator.

Authenticity & Character
Just a basic hotel to sleep in
Location
Centrally located and within walking distance to all the restaurants and shops
Staff
Staff had to be called in when you check in there was no one on the premises
Cleanliness & Comfort
Furniture and room overall was tiny
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 11, 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 | Jul 25 - Aug 2, 2026

N
Narayan P.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Aug 08, 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

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 08, 2026

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 | Jul 26 - Aug 4, 2026

Susan
Susan B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 08, 2026
The itinerary that Gummi put together was FANTASTIC! He hit the best experiences/sites for us. Really loved the horseback riding & glacier ice cave tour. So sorry the whale watching trip was canceled due to weather. The food is Iceland was FANTASTIC and I really appreciated his recommendations! He did not disappoint!
We thought this was a once in a lifetime trip but we must come back! Thank you!
Read more

The itinerary that Gummi put together was FANTASTIC! He hit the best experiences/sites for us. Really loved the horseback riding & glacier ice cave tour. So sorry the whale watching trip was canceled due to weather. The food is Iceland was FANTASTIC and I really appreciated his recommendations! He did not disappoint!
We thought this was a once in a lifetime trip but we must come back! Thank you!

Hotel Reviews
Fosshotel Baron
Reykjavík
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshotel Eastfjords
Fáskrúðsfjörður

Love Fosshotels!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Reykjavík Saga
Reykjavík

Wonderful accommodations to stay out adventure. The only drawback was real difficulty finding parking in the city.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful!
Location
Easy access to the city!
Staff
Friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Outstanding!
Hótel Búðir
Búðir

Our favorite hotel from the entire trip! Everything was OUTSTANDING!

Authenticity & Character
Perfect!
Location
Loved it's remote location.
Staff
Perfect!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed and linens were amazing!
Magma Hotel
Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Loved the location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful setting on the lake!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshótel Vatnajökull
Höfn

Beautiful setting. Very consistent quality with all Fosshotels!

Authenticity & Character
Great breakfast in gorgeous dining setting!
Location
Love the view!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshótel Mývatn
Myvatn

Fosshotels are consistently wonderful!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Love the view of the lake!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Grímsborgir by Keahotels
Ásborgir

Beautiful location!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Horse Riding on Black Sand Beach
Horse Riding on Black Sand Beach
Iceland

Amazing experience. The staff was PHENOMENAL, knowledgeable, friendly, reassuring and fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Iceland

Amazing adventure in that super Jeep! The real deal with the crampons on the glacier!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cal (? Spelling) was really great!
Transport
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 08, 2026

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 | Jul 26 - Aug 4, 2026

Dave
Dave D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 07, 2026
Gummi’s handling of our trip was amazing !!! His recommendations for dining options at each of our overnight stays were fantastic! His personal recommendations for off the beaten path things to see and experience were greatly appreciated! We will not hesitate to use him in the future!!! We had an amazing trip to Iceland !!!! Read more

Gummi’s handling of our trip was amazing !!! His recommendations for dining options at each of our overnight stays were fantastic! His personal recommendations for off the beaten path things to see and experience were greatly appreciated! We will not hesitate to use him in the future!!! We had an amazing trip to Iceland !!!!

Hotel Review
Hótel Búðir
Búðir

This hotel was described as a kimkim gem ! It truly was a gem ! Great location, beautiful room , fantastic restaurant in the hotel , and great staff . We loved it

Authenticity & Character
Modern look with all the amenities
Location
Scenic spot overlooking waterfront, and within walking distance to the black church
Staff
Very professional and friendly staff at all positions
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless
Activity Review
Lava Tunnel Activity
Lava Tunnel Activity
Iceland

It was an amazing experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
She was knowledgeable and made it fun
Transport
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 14, 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 | Jul 22 - Jul 31, 2026

C
Chris M.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Aug 07, 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.

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 07, 2026

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

Family Trip to Iceland
Iceland | Jul 19 - Jul 24, 2026

J
Jennifer K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 07, 2026
If you're considering a trip to Iceland, I can't recommend Gummi highly enough. From start to finish, our experience was exceptional. Our itinerary was thoughtfully designed around our family's interests and needs, striking the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Every day was well-paced, and the timing for each stop was incredibly accurate, allowing us to make the most of our time without ever feeling rushed. We experienced an incredible variety of Iceland's breathtaking... Read more

If you're considering a trip to Iceland, I can't recommend Gummi highly enough. From start to finish, our experience was exceptional.

Our itinerary was thoughtfully designed around our family's interests and needs, striking the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Every day was well-paced, and the timing for each stop was incredibly accurate, allowing us to make the most of our time without ever feeling rushed. We experienced an incredible variety of Iceland's breathtaking landscapes and attractions, and everything flowed seamlessly.

Every detail was handled with care—from coordinating our rental car, hotels, and excursions to recommending fantastic restaurants along the way. It was clear that every recommendation came from genuine local knowledge and firsthand experience, making the trip not only unforgettable but also completely stress-free.

What truly set this experience apart was Gummi's attention to detail, responsiveness, and commitment to creating an itinerary that felt personalized to our family rather than one-size-fits-all. We were able to relax and fully enjoy every moment, knowing everything had been so thoughtfully planned.

We absolutely fell in love with Iceland and are still amazed by its beauty and magic. This was one of the best family vacations we've ever taken, and the memories we made will stay with us for a lifetime.

Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 07, 2026

Thank you for the kind review Jennifer
I am so happy to read that you had such a great time in Iceland and that everything ran smoothly
I do hope you'll visit us again soon!

All the best Gummi

BEST TRIP EVER...Family of 6 (with teenagers)!
Iceland | Jul 29 - Aug 3, 2026

Valerie
Valerie S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 06, 2026
We began planning for this trip over a year before departure...and we quickly realized that we needed help. Kimkim to the rescue! We had never used a travel service like this before, and I was a little hesitant at first, but SPOILER ALERT...We will 100% be using Kimkim going forward! It is SO worth it to have a local guide help you with the logistics. We could not have planned the trip to this level without Gummi's help, and he truly made the process so easy. We are a family of 6 (4 kids... Read more

We began planning for this trip over a year before departure...and we quickly realized that we needed help. Kimkim to the rescue! We had never used a travel service like this before, and I was a little hesitant at first, but SPOILER ALERT...We will 100% be using Kimkim going forward! It is SO worth it to have a local guide help you with the logistics. We could not have planned the trip to this level without Gummi's help, and he truly made the process so easy. We are a family of 6 (4 kids including 2 teenagers) and we skew more towards the budget side of things than luxury when it comes to travel. Gummi took all of our preferences into consideration, plus all of our unique family needs (a large rental van that would fit us and all of our luggage, accommodations for 6 people to sleep on real beds, varying interests and ability levels) and he planned the PERFECT trip for us. Every single day, we told ourselves that it really couldn't get any better...and then IT DID! Gummi took care of everything...our locations for the places we stayed were perfect for our family, the excursions he planned for us were superb, and his detailed recommendations for where to eat and what to see were essential. We really could NOT have done this trip without him. Possibly the most valuable part of this service was Gummi's insider knowledge and tips on the timeline for each day...he outlined when to leave each morning and approximately how long to spend at each location. We would have been lost without him.

Here are some of the highlights of the trip...although really, we loved it ALLLL!

Foss Hotel Raodara' was a great location...easy to walk to everything in Reykjavik and they had triple rooms to accommodate our family (2 rooms for 6 people). The breakfast here (included) was SO filling and had a huge variety.

Perlan Museum in Reykjavik (outstanding way to start the trip to get familiar with the country and the unique features we were about to explore)

Puffin Tour with Elding--we saw tons of Puffins and the boat ride was beautiful!

Every single spot along the Golden Circle was more stunning than the last! And again, we loved having Gummi's timeline to follow as well as his recommendations for food!

We stopped at Efstidalur for lunch and ice cream and it was SO GOOD! Perfect location and timing for a stop for the hungry crew!

Secret Lagoon was so relaxing and unique for us. We loved it!

Bakki Apartments was perfect for our family! Plenty of space and such a great location. We stopped at GK Bakari for breakfast and those pastries will live on in my brain forever. We even tried to stop back in on our way back to Keflavik but it was closed...heartbreaking!

Glacier Ice Cave experience with Southcoast Adventure really was a thrill for the kids! (I *might* have been a little scared on this, but I tried to be the coolest mom!) Peter, our guide, was so great at explaining the history and the geology while also taking us on a true adventure!

The Vik Apartments were another perfect location and space for our family. So clean, and beautiful, and spacious!

Black Crust Pizza was definitely a favorite and they deserve all the respect for being the best pizza in Iceland...as fas as we know!

Again...the trip plan, including specific timing and food recommendations, came in clutch for the trip from Vik up the coast to Jokulsarlon Glacier. We loved every single stop! The amphibian boat tour by Glacier Lagoon was incredible.

Of course, our finale was a visit to the Blue Lagoon. AMAZING! The comfort entrance package was perfect for us.

I could go on and on, but I've probably already said too much. We cannot thank Gummi enough for sharing his expertise, his love of Iceland, and his time and energy with us! THANK YOU, GUMMI!

Hotel Reviews
Vík Apartments
Vik I Myrdal

This place is BEAUTIFUL! So perfect for our family. We loved walking around the area and eating some crepes in the evening! The fact that there was laundry available was so helpful!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bakki Apartments & Hostel
Eyrarbakki

This was a big WIN for our big family. We loved being able to stay all together after two nights spent in two separate hotel rooms. This space was perfect for us and so cute! We loved the location right along the ocean. So beautiful and perfect for an evening walk.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshótel Rauðará
Reykjavík

Such a great breakfast! Loved that they had an early check in option. Totally worth the $40 for us to get a little organzied after an overnight flight.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel looks a little tired, but it has everything you need! Don't sleep on this budget friendly option.
Location
We walked everywhere and there was free street parking.
Staff
The team was so accommodating!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were super comfortable!
Activity Reviews
Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Iceland

Peter was a SUPER guide! He really showed us a great time...we loved every minute of this! (Even if some of us were scared!)

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
Reykjavík Puffin Watching
Reykjavík Puffin Watching
Reykjavík
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Guðmundur Óli
Guðmundur Óli Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Aug 06, 2026

Thank you for the super kind review Vaerie
i am sp happy to read that you had such a great time in Iceland!
Icelandic pastries really are on another level, right!
I do hope we'll see you in Iceland soon again!
There's still much to see and do :)

All the best
Gummi