Private tour in Reykjavik Pétur H
5.0
(22) reviews
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Pétur H.
5.0
Guide rating
116
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4 hrs
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Hello, my name is Pétur, and I would like to be your guide in Iceland. Now, why should you choose me as your guide? Am I any different from the other talented people here offering their services? Well, I'm probably the oldest of them, so I've been in the school of life for the longest time. And even though I'm 67, I try to stay in good shape by running and lifting weights. I started running 30 years ago when I noticed my weight was increasing steadily, around 0.5 kg a year, and I had to do something about it. Luckily, my body can still do it and is ready for action if needed. I was born in Iceland and I have lived here my whole life, except for three years in Sweden as a young boy. I'm as local as they get and financially independent, which means I can do whatever I like. I enjoy being a guide, showing guests from other countries our magnificent island with all its natural wonders. That is why I quit my 9-to-5 job and decided to become a guide. I worked as a QESH manager for the Coca-Cola Company here in Iceland. Now, some of you might wonder what QESH stands for. That is Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety. I had been working there for far too long, so I decided to resign. This was ten years ago, and I founded my own little company with me as the only employee and bought a Van. Since then, I've been a guide, mostly working for other travel agencies. But with the wise words from my wife saying don't put all your eggs in one basket, I also decided to accept an offer to become a lead auditor auditing quality, environmental, health and safety management systems in various companies. Interesting job I know well after all my years as QESH manager. With all this, I work as a contractor about 50/50. However, this meant I didn't develop my own guiding business as I had planned. The good thing is that no one likes audits in the summertime, when most tourists visit us. It is challenging to capture the attention of travelers visiting Iceland. Big companies in this business catch customers in their nets long before I have a chance. Now, I'm trying to change that with the good help of Tours by Locals, and here I'm creating my tours to places I know so well. Most of my tours are similar to those offered by others. People like to visit the same places so it's impossible to avoid that. But one of my tours is different. I like to take you out of the crowd and into my world and let you feel what it is like to be an Icelander. I'd like to take you through the areas where I was born and raised and then to other parts of Reykjavik, including the neighboring towns you might not otherwise visit. I will show you where some Icelanders have lunch, and you can eat as much as you like of typical Icelandic home food. We will visit the wonderful open-air museum featuring old houses saved from destruction and relocated from the center of Reykjavik, each with its own story. You get to learn everything about our unique geothermal open-air swimming pools and take a swim. Finally, I will invite you to my home. You haven't been to Iceland before you have done this. My qualifications: Certified Tourist Guide and a member of the Iceland Tourist Guide Association. Day Tour Provider, license issued by the Icelandic Tourist Board. Permit of Passenger Transport issued by the Icelandic Transport Authority.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Pétur H.
The violent interaction between ice and fire shapes the South Coast of Iceland. The black sand was brought down from the mountains during catastrophic floods of melted water from volcanic eruptions under the glaciers. I believe that understanding Icelandic geology will enhance your enjoyment of the trip through this fantastic landscape, and I will do my best to explain it. Many of Iceland's most beautiful waterfalls will be on our way, falling from ancient sea cliffs when the sea level was several meters higher than it is today. We will visit an outlet glacier and spectacular rock formations, and in the summertime, look for puffins. Bonus: During the wintertime, when we have a chance to see the Northern Lights and the conditions are favourable, we can step out of the street lights in Reykjavik for 2 hours and try to spot them.
We drive east from Reykjavik, passing through the towns of Hveragerði and Selfoss and then on to Hella and Hvolsvöllur, with possible short stops along the way. Our first main stop is Seljarlandsfoss waterfall. In the summertime, we can walk behind it and maybe get a little wet. It's good to bring a raincoat. We pass by the famous Eyjafjallajökul Volcano before arriving at Skógarfoss, the mighty waterfall. There, we will have lunch at a nice restaurant and maybe hike up the 440 steps to the top of the waterfall. Sólheimajökull outlet glacier is our next stop, and taking a short walk on the glacier is possible. At Dyrhólaey rock formations (the southeast spot of Iceland) and Reynisfjara black beach, we might see the big Atlantic waves and the Puffins in the summertime. Vík, the small town isolated out there, is where we turn back for home.
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2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibus, featuring a luxury interior and easy access through the sliding side door. It has seats for up to 16 people and good luggage space. Please note that the tour price is for eight people. An additional $50 will be charged per person for groups of up to 16. 2025 XPENG G6 for 1-3 people. The reserve car is a Ford Transit and is in good condition for up to 13 people.
Reykjavík, Reykjavíkurborg, Iceland
Airbnb, Hotels, and Cruise ports in the Capital area around Reykjavik City. Please note that pick-up at Keflavik Airport may incur an additional charge.
22 reviews
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