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Iceland Offbeat

If you’re looking to travel off the beaten path, & explore the real Iceland, then look no further :-)

Separating the traveller from the tourist; unforgettable holidays, unique experiences & inspiration for the soul is what we specialise in.

Our tailor-made trip plans help you explore the untrodden paths and untouched beauty of Iceland and we strive to make your holiday one of a lifetime!

Iceland Offbeat is part of the following groups: Iceland Travel Agents, Greenland Travel Agents, the Faroe Islands Travel Agents

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Recent Trip Reviews for Iceland Offbeat

Mom and 10 year old daughter 11 day Ring Road adventure
Iceland | May 15 - May 25, 2025

I
Ivette V.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 04, 2025
My daughter (10) and I did an 11 day Ring Road trip. We started having not much of an idea of what we wanted to do, and Hanna worked with us to understand our interests and propose the best itinerary. At Hanna's advice, we started planning early, and were able to book the exact type of hotels and guesthouses that we wanted, and the tours that we were most interested in. During the trip we had a small issue with our car and Hanna and the team helped liaise with the rental company and got it... Read more

My daughter (10) and I did an 11 day Ring Road trip. We started having not much of an idea of what we wanted to do, and Hanna worked with us to understand our interests and propose the best itinerary. At Hanna's advice, we started planning early, and were able to book the exact type of hotels and guesthouses that we wanted, and the tours that we were most interested in. During the trip we had a small issue with our car and Hanna and the team helped liaise with the rental company and got it all fixed in no time. We saw zero interruptions to our schedule.

The whole trip was amazing, but some special thoughts/highlights:
- Horseback riding in Egilsstaðir was very special. Helga, the owner of the farm, was very generous with her time and advice, and she seemed to bond with my little girl, which was very special.
- Puffins are the cutest creatures and you can spend hours observing their behaviors! We saw lots in Borgarfjörður Eystri and I just wish we had stayed in town for one night.
- Visiting the Blue Lagoon at opening time (8am) was a great experience and the best way to recover from jet lag. Very few people at that time . We also visited Vok Baths and Myvatn Baths. My daughter made a friend at the Blue Lagoon and we met them again at Vok. We live in the same city, a few minutes drive from each other. What are the odds?!

I now see why people keep going back. So much to see, and so much to learn! We may be reaching out to Kimkim for a next round of Iceland adventures!

Hotel Reviews
Blue Hotel Fagrilundur
Bláskógabyggd

We loved the view from out room, and the hot tubs.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Eyvindará
Egilsstadir

Great hot tubs and very peaceful, even though it's rather large (for Iceland standards). We arrived just after 9pm on the first night, not having eaten dinner, and the chef was kind to prepare us a meal after hours. Very generous of him!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Laxá
Myvatn

One of the most beautiful views in our hotel stays. The restaurant offers great (if pricey) food, and we treated ourselves to one of the nicest meals of the trip

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Albert Guesthouse (Hotel Hvammstangi)
Hvammstangi

This was the least nice hotel we stayed in during our trip. Breakfast was prepackaged, which was different from all the wonderful buffets we experienced at other locations. Having said that, the owner was very nice, and made reservations for us at the local restaurant, which was by the Seal Centre (great place!) and offered great food and views. Even though this was a much more modest guesthouse, it was clean and friendly, and a perfect stop along the route. We enjoyed our stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Glacier World - Hoffell Guesthouse
Hoffell

This was a last minute change, since we wanted to go to these hot tubs and we thought it would make sense to stay here and not in Hofn. It was a great idea! the view from the breakfast deck was incredible, the hot tubs were fantastic, and the staff was very kind. A bit out of the beaten path, but that was the theme we were going for

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels
Reykjavík

We stayed here on nights 1 and 10. The girl at the front desk recognized us when we returned and gave us a happy "you're back!". Breakfast buffet was great and the place is clean, simple but tasteful, and close to everything without being noisy

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

Great views from our room, a few minutes outside of Vik, sufficient to feel very peaceful and remote. Excellent breakfast buffet. Great hot tubs

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Katla Ice Cave Tour
Iceland

Our guide was Davis. He was knowledgeable and personable and we certainly enjoyed the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blue Lagoon
Iceland

Having read many reviews about the Blue Lagoon, we were fearing that it would be too touristy. But arriving at 8:00 am on a week day, you almost have the whole place for yourself. We had a wonderful time!

Horse Riding
Iceland

The absolute best tour in my daughter's eyes! We learned about the Icelandic horse, their unique gallop, we got great horseback riding tips. Overall a wonderful time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon amphibian boat tour
Iceland

Interesting trip! we had a bit of fog that day, but managed to see the glaciers, and taste 1000 year old ice. Even vintage water in Iceland tastes good ;-)

Icelandic Lava Show
Iceland

We went to the Lava Show on our last evening, and despite being tired, my daughter loved the experience. She is a bit of a rocks aficionada so she was in her element. Now I know the difference between the lava rocks and lava glass from iceland, and obsidian!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Husavik Whale Watching
Iceland

We saw humpback whales, and lots of puffins!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Hanna Kravchenko
Hanna
Hanna Kravchenko
Local specialist in Ukraine / Iceland | Replied on Jun 05, 2025

Thank you for such a detailed and warm review! I'm so glad you liked the trip and even planning a new adventure in the future. Next time you need to see the northern lights)

Wish you fantastic future travels!
Warmest regards,
Hanna

Amazing trip to Iceland with help of Kim Kim Travel
Iceland | May 22 - May 28, 2025

C
Cindy W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jun 05, 2025
We just returned from a seven day trip to Iceland with our adult children. Adam was great to work with and helped plan an amazing trip that our whole family enjoyed. Adam helped make the most of our time in Iceland so we didn't have to waste a minute wondering where to go next or how to get there. There were a variety of activities which were all well planned out and included driving instructions and tips for the day such as "take something waterproof today" or "recommend a 3:00 pm... Read more

We just returned from a seven day trip to Iceland with our adult children. Adam was great to work with and helped plan an amazing trip that our whole family enjoyed. Adam helped make the most of our time in Iceland so we didn't have to waste a minute wondering where to go next or how to get there. There were a variety of activities which were all well planned out and included driving instructions and tips for the day such as "take something waterproof today" or "recommend a 3:00 pm reservation at a particular restaurant" . All details were planned and it made for a stress free trip knowing Adam had thought of all the details. I would definitely use Kim Kim again for another vacation.

Hotel Review
Hotel Eldhestar
Ölfus, Hveragerði
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Adam Warszawski
Adam
Adam Warszawski
Local specialist in Poland / Iceland | Replied on Jun 05, 2025

Thank you for such a nice review, and I’m glad to hear you had a great time. That’s what it’s all about, holidays should be stress-free, after all, it’s the most precious time of the year!

Safe Travels!
Adam

Fabulous trip to Iceland
Iceland | May 12 - May 20, 2025

L
Lisa R.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jun 04, 2025
We had a spectacular trip to Iceland. Adam planned a very doable itinerary for four people ages 64-71. Everyday we saw unique and stunning sites. The excursions put the trip over the top! We loved the Sky Lagoon, the amphibian boat tour of the icebergs, and of course Westman Islands and the dozens of puffins. The hotel accommodations were wonderful, and the breakfasts were surprisingly excellent. I was pleasantly surprised that everywhere we went they had gluten free options and delicious... Read more

We had a spectacular trip to Iceland. Adam planned a very doable itinerary for four people ages 64-71. Everyday we saw unique and stunning sites. The excursions put the trip over the top! We loved the Sky Lagoon, the amphibian boat tour of the icebergs, and of course Westman Islands and the dozens of puffins. The hotel accommodations were wonderful, and the breakfasts were surprisingly excellent. I was pleasantly surprised that everywhere we went they had gluten free options and delicious bread.

Hotel Review
Hotel Reykjavík Saga
Reykjavík

In the center of the city, wonderfully comfortable beds, absolutely delicious breakfast buffet with breads, pastries, yogurt, nuts, cereals, eggs, sausages, gluten free bread....

Authenticity & Character
The hotel is modern, attractive, and comfortable.
Location
It is in the center of the city walkable to all Reykjavik sites
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon amphibian boat tour
Iceland

I had never seen an iceberg up close. The lagoon, in the middle of nowhere was a remarkable site, and to be on the boat and float among the enormous chunks of ice and see the seals play was almost other-worldly.

Quality of Experience
The guide was very knowledgeable.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The transport was unique - a boat on truck wheels that drove into the lagoon and floated!
Local specialist: Adam Warszawski
Adam
Adam Warszawski
Local specialist in Poland / Iceland | Replied on Jun 05, 2025

I'm so glad you had such a great time Lisa! I hope you'll remember your Icelandic adventure for many years!

Thanks to this planning and booking, we had so much fun!
Iceland | May 10 - May 17, 2025

P
Preston W.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 26, 2025
Thanks to this planning and booking, we had a wonderful time in Iceland. It gave us a great launching point, with plenty of time to experience things and make slight modifications. Starting off with the Reykjavik food tour was excellent. One suggestion was a glacial tour, which was incredibly fun. Another of our amazing experiences was horse riding in the Westman Islands. Read more

Thanks to this planning and booking, we had a wonderful time in Iceland. It gave us a great launching point, with plenty of time to experience things and make slight modifications. Starting off with the Reykjavik food tour was excellent. One suggestion was a glacial tour, which was incredibly fun. Another of our amazing experiences was horse riding in the Westman Islands.

Hotel Reviews
Sand Hotel by Keahotels
Reykjavík

You will need to park off-site and walk to the hotel. Not insurmountable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Klaustur
Kirkjubæjarklaustur

The room was minimalist and nice. The restaurant was amazing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hótel Vestmannaeyjar
Westman Islands
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Greenhouse Hotel
Hveragerdi

Very new and fun. A one-stop shop king of hotels, with gift shops and food. Very nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Hamar
Borgarnes

The views were spectacular. Cabins were very comfortable, new, and very nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It's easy to go exploring.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Blue Lagoon
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Transport
Reykjavik Food Walk
Reykjavík

The variety and explanation of the food were fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horse Riding
Iceland

I would do this again. It was nice to ride through different types of terrain and see how good Icelandic horses are.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Krauma
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Adam Warszawski
Adam
Adam Warszawski
Local specialist in Poland / Iceland | Replied on May 26, 2025

It was a pleasure working with you. I'm glad that you and your mom had a wonderful experience in Iceland, and I hope you'll remember this trip for a long time! Thank you for the great review.

Memorable trip with friends in Iceland!
Iceland | May 12 - May 20, 2025

A
Amy W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 21, 2025
We had a spectacular trip in Iceland thanks to the KimKim team, specifically Adam!!! Our itinerary, hotels, special tours, etc. were terrific and we can't wait to go back and/or to recommend our trip to our friends and family --working with KimKim! In particular, we loved The Cave tour and our guide, Gareth, the Spa Lagoon, and the Amphibian Glacier Boat tour. Each hike or walk from each and every waterfall to the geysers, etc was more breathtaking than the next. Also, each of our... Read more

We had a spectacular trip in Iceland thanks to the KimKim team, specifically Adam!!! Our itinerary, hotels, special tours, etc. were terrific and we can't wait to go back and/or to recommend our trip to our friends and family --working with KimKim! In particular, we loved The Cave tour and our guide, Gareth, the Spa Lagoon, and the Amphibian Glacier Boat tour. Each hike or walk from each and every waterfall to the geysers, etc was more breathtaking than the next. Also, each of our accommodations such as the Saga Hotel, the Selfoss Hotel, etc. were perfect for the four of us, including the breakfast buffets. We found terrific restaurants along the way -- really loved the arctic char, lamb, etc. We highly recommend The Viking restaurant that we found on our own, near Selfoss!! In the end, we cannot thank Adam enough and will use the KimKim team again.

Hotel Review
Hotel Reykjavík Saga
Reykjavík

The Hotel Reykjavík Saga was a great choice for our stay in Reykjavik. The breakfast buffet was outstanding and offered a great variety. It was one of the highlights of our accommodations during this trip.

Activity Reviews
Vidgelmir cave guided tour
Iceland

The Vidgelmir cave guided tour was a highlight of our trip. Our guide was phenomenal, extremely knowledgeable, and really made the experience unforgettable for us.

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon amphibian boat tour
Iceland

The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon amphibian boat tour was another highlight. The sights were breathtaking, and it was a unique experience that added a lot to our trip.

Local specialist: Adam Warszawski
Adam
Adam Warszawski
Local specialist in Poland / Iceland | Replied on May 31, 2025

Wow, thank you so much for the wonderful review, Amy! I hope you'll visit Iceland once again soon!

2 week self drive
Iceland | May 1 - May 16, 2025

Brid
Brid I.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 17, 2025
Our 2 week self drive tour of Iceland was terrific.
Duncan put together a great trip with excellent tours as well as suggestions for each day.
The planning included driving maps for each day as well as downloads for each ticketed tour.
Hard to say what is best as we had so many great experiences. The glacier hike, the zodiac ride on the iceberg lake were probably the highlights. Of course hiking out to see the puffin breeding rock gave lots of good photos.
There are so many waterfalls...
Read more

Our 2 week self drive tour of Iceland was terrific.
Duncan put together a great trip with excellent tours as well as suggestions for each day.
The planning included driving maps for each day as well as downloads for each ticketed tour.
Hard to say what is best as we had so many great experiences. The glacier hike, the zodiac ride on the iceberg lake were probably the highlights. Of course hiking out to see the puffin breeding rock gave lots of good photos.
There are so many waterfalls that we enjoyed it would be hard to single one out, but Gullfoss is extraordinary.
All in all it was a great drive and thanks to Duncan it was very stress free.

Local specialist: Duncan Campbell
Duncan
Duncan Campbell
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on May 17, 2025

Hi Brid, thanks so much for the great review, I really appreciate it. I'm so glad that your trip went well and that you had so many great experiences, and you made a wise choice in detouring to the incredible Westfjords. Wishing you wonderful travels in the future.

Regards
Duncan

Just returned from the most wonderful trip to...
Iceland | May 3 - May 11, 2025

sue
sue R.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on May 12, 2025

Just returned from the most wonderful trip to Iceland. Eric, our specialist, really understood the sort of vacation we wanted to have and put together an excellent itinerary for us to follow as we drove the Ring Road. It was so nice to have a handful of experiences all booked and paid for with self guided tours in-between. Everyday was an adventure, and just when we thought we had seen or experienced everything, the next day proved us wrong!
Thank you Eric and Kimkim for a very memorable experience.

Local specialist: Èric D

Hanna created an amazing adventure for my son...
Iceland | May 3 - May 10, 2025

Deanna
Deanna L.
Canada | Reviewed on May 11, 2025
Hanna created an amazing adventure for my son and I in Iceland. The Katla Ice Caves were a next level experience on the glaciers! Trip provided clear directions with so many options of the best things to do and see from hikes, waterfalls, Diamond Beach, and food options. We slept well every night! Hanna’s choices of hotels all included comfortable beds, great breakfasts and dinner options. Food was expensive so appreciated having a solid breakfast then picking up lunches at local grocery... Read more

Hanna created an amazing adventure for my son and I in Iceland. The Katla Ice Caves were a next level experience on the glaciers! Trip provided clear directions with so many options of the best things to do and see from hikes, waterfalls, Diamond Beach, and food options. We slept well every night! Hanna’s choices of hotels all included comfortable beds, great breakfasts and dinner options. Food was expensive so appreciated having a solid breakfast then picking up lunches at local grocery shops while out exploring. Thank you Hanna!!

Hotel Review
Fosshotel Núpar
Kálfafell

Spacious room with fridge and big bathroom. Great breakfasts and tasty dinner options. Close to glaciers and Diamond Beach.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Liquor store, grocery stores, gas nearby…easy access to the sites you want to visit. Roads in good shape
Staff
Interesting group. Owner is Icelandic and staff from Czech, Poland and Argentina…all super friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Katla Ice Cave Tour
Iceland

Guide was local and humorous.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blue Lagoon
Iceland

Beautiful and great experience. More touristy than other locations. Glad we had a couple of different types of experiences to compare.

Hvammsvik Hot Springs
Iceland

Overcast day with some rain, rustic feel but all the luxury in the spa. Many different pool areas and able to do a cold plunge in the lake should you feel so inclined lol

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Hanna Kravchenko
Hanna
Hanna Kravchenko
Local specialist in Ukraine / Iceland | Replied on May 12, 2025

Dear Deanna and Kyle, I am so glad that your trip went well and you enjoyed it!
Thank you for your review and wonderful photos, it was a pleasure creating this Icelandic adventure with you!
Warmest regards,
Hanna

We had a wonderful time on our 9-day visit to...
Iceland | Apr 19 - Apr 27, 2025

judy
judy s.
Campbell, CA | Reviewed on May 04, 2025
We had a wonderful time on our 9-day visit to Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Golden Circle. The scenery is all amazing and so dramatic! The most spectacular waterfalls and canyons were only a short hike from each parking lot, and every parking lot had clean restrooms. Visiting in late April turned out perfect; we had the best weather - no rain until the day we left, and even the most popular sights were not too crowded. We really enjoyed the lava cave tour, the Zipline Iceland tour in Vik,... Read more

We had a wonderful time on our 9-day visit to Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Golden Circle. The scenery is all amazing and so dramatic! The most spectacular waterfalls and canyons were only a short hike from each parking lot, and every parking lot had clean restrooms. Visiting in late April turned out perfect; we had the best weather - no rain until the day we left, and even the most popular sights were not too crowded. We really enjoyed the lava cave tour, the Zipline Iceland tour in Vik, and the Settlement Center at Borgarnes, and the Reykjavik food tour was a real highlight. We visited Hvammsvik Hot Springs and the Sky Lagoon, which were each very neat. Our accommodations were all comfortable and the breakfasts were very good. I wish we had planned more historic locations, but with all the driving needed to see everything, I think we fit in as much as we could with the time we had. The only thing that would have improved the trip is seeing puffins and the aurora borealis, but we'll have to return for that!

Activity Review
Zipline Adventure Tour
Iceland

The Zipline Iceland tour in Vik was a highlight of our trip. Sami and the other staff were very personable and knowledgeable, and were very careful with our safety, while providing a thrilling experience of four ziplines down the canyons. After the ziplines, they had a bungee jump that was really fun.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Rinolda J
Rinolda
Rinolda J
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on May 21, 2025

Hi Judy,

Thanks for sharing your experience!

Happy travels!
Rinolda

Iceland Trip: April 2025: April 12 - April 19...
Iceland | Apr 13 - Apr 19, 2025

Gopi
Gopi H.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 29, 2025
Iceland Trip: April 2025: April 12 - April 19
Transportation: Rented a 4WD Landcruiser
Distance Covered: approximately 1800 kilometers.
Jenny from KimKim helped organize this amazing trip for my family of 5. We chose midrange for accommodation and we covered west, south west, and most of south Iceland up to Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon. We followed all of what Jenny had planned for us and also did a few things on our own. Jenny really understood my family needs and planned... Read more

Iceland Trip: April 2025: April 12 - April 19
Transportation: Rented a 4WD Landcruiser
Distance Covered: approximately 1800 kilometers.

Jenny from KimKim helped organize this amazing trip for my family of 5. We chose midrange for accommodation and we covered west, south west, and most of south Iceland up to Jokulsarlon - Glacier Lagoon. We followed all of what Jenny had planned for us and also did a few things on our own.

Jenny really understood my family needs and planned accordingly. Her selection of mid and high range hotels, which is what I requested was great. Each hotel and/or the hotel location offered something very unique, such a a geothermal pool, a beautiful hiking landscape, short driving distance to interesting places etc. With 3 active boys with ages ranging from 18 to 5 - I knew breakfast was important and I requested that all accommodations include breakfast, so we can eat quickly and hop on to our daily site seeing adventure. This helped because I was aware of time change challenges and to not waste time looking for a breakfast place in the morning.

Jenny help to match the site seeing locations and provide Google map links and times was very helpful for us to plan our day. This helped the boys pick some extra places to see that was of their interest and also in the area. Without Jenny's help, I don't think I would have been able to plan our trip so well.

Definitely recommend Jenny for Iceland and KimKim for their expert advice. The way things were planned and provided was the best travel advisory services I have encountered to date! Thank you Jenny and KimKim!

Activity Reviews
The Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon
Iceland

While we didn't get to enjoy this place as we arrived 2 hours late for our appointment, the front reception was very understanding and recommended we come back the next day morning. Our appointment was at 4pm but we arrived onsite closer to 6pm. My family was tired from our long hike at Thingvellier National Park and we lost track of time. The following morning due to our trip being in the opposite direction to where Secret Lagoon is located, we had no choice but to skip visiting this place. When we went to Secret Lagoon around 5:45pm, the place was still crowded but lot of people were seen leaving.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon
Iceland

Blue Lagoon appointment time: 6:00pm on a Friday April 2025 was my family's first trip to Iceland and visit to Blue Lagoon. Jenny from KimKim conveniently booked the Blue Lagoon trip towards the end of my family's Iceland trip - it was a great way to enjoy a relaxed itinerary before heading home. This was also convenient because the next day morning, the drive to KEF airport was only 22km and this made it easy as I was traveling with kids - youngest 5 year old. Blue Lagoon Experience: When we arrived at Blue Lagoon - the line up from check-in was long. We waited in line for about 35mins. Some were able to skip line by going through express check-in but I did not receive this feature. However, express check-in did not do much since I noticed, reception was holding back people due to lack of locker availability. To me - Blue Lagoon felt more like a theme park - very crowded and long line. Blue Lagoon water temperature is pretty high. My 5 year old started complaining after about 15mins in the pool that he wanted to leave. I helped him move around to a slightly cooler area. Children are recommended to not stay longer than 45mins.

Local specialist: Jenny Booth
Jenny
Jenny Booth
Local specialist in Guildford | Replied on May 07, 2025

Hi Gopi,
Thanks so much for the 5 star review!
I'm sorry to hear you didn't make it to the Secret Lagoon.
Hoping to speak again soon to plan your next visit.
Jenny