Private tour in Reykjavik Pétur H

Full Day South Coast Private Tour for up to 16 people

5.0

(25) reviews

-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Pétur H.

5.0

Guide rating

128

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello, my name is Pétur, and I would like to be your guide in Iceland. So why 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 69, 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. It stands for Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety. I had been working there for far too long, so I decided to resign. That was twelve 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 after my wife's wise words-"Don't put all your eggs in one basket"-I also accepted 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 a 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 help of Tours by Locals, and I'm creating 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, then to other parts of Reykjavik, including 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. I´m offering you the taste of Iceland. 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 for Passenger Transport issued by the Icelandic Transport Authority.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Pétur H.

Overview of your Reykjavik tour

The violent interaction between ice and fire shapes Iceland's South Coast. Catastrophic floods of meltwater from volcanic eruptions beneath the glaciers carried black sand down from the mountains. I believe understanding Icelandic geology will enhance your enjoyment of 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: In winter, when we have a chance to see the Northern Lights and conditions are favorable, we can step out of Reykjavik's streetlights for 2 hours and try to spot them.

Recent Reviews

Linda M.United States
August 2026

Our full-day South Coast tour with Petur was fabulous! We boarded his very comfortable Mercedes van in Reykjavik and followed the southern coastal Ring Road. Along the way, we saw beautiful scenery and dramatic landscapes, including waterfalls, volcanos, glaciers and black sand beaches. Highlights included the Seljarlandsfoss and Skogarfoss waterfalls, the Solheimajoukull outlet glacier, the unique rock formations at Dyrholaey, the Reynisfjara black sand beach with its basalt columns, and the coastal village of Vik. Along the way Petur shared his immense knowledge of the area. It was fascinating, and we learned so much from him. He was so friendly, kind, and accommodating, adapting the tour to our interests and pace. A high point was when he helped us walk behind the Seljarlandsfoss waterfall – a challenge due to the rain, and a very memorable experience. This tour with Petur was the highlight of our vacation. We look forward to future tours with him when we return to Iceland. Highly recommended.

Michael B.United States
July 2026

We were being thrilled with Peter. He was friendly, knowledgeable, professional and made our two days worth him special. His Mercedes can provided us with comfortable transportation. As "mature" adults each your was tailored to our physical needs. His recommendations were always spot on. Petur led us on the South Coast tour and provided airport pickup at Keflavik. On the way to our hotel, he introduced us to Reykjavik and numerous sites along the way. By the end of our time together, we felt like family! I highly recommend Petur and know you will be more than pleased.

Alyson D.
August 2025

Petur was the best guide ever.

Lymari C.United States
August 2025

This was our second day in a row with Petur. What an amazing tour. Peter was, once again, kind, gracious and a total pro at what he does. We learned so much about Iceland in our two days with Petur and the Southern Coast is absolutely breathtaking. The waterfalls, the glacier, the black sand beaches - it was literally jaw dropping. But honestly, Petur was the highlight. We are so thankful for the time that we got to spend with him. He is passionate about his homeland and has so much knowledge to share. Thank you, Petur. What an incredible gift you shared with us - we won't forget it.

Nina K.United States
July 2025

Our full day Iceland South Coast tour with Petur far exceeded our expectations. Our party of 6 met up with him in his beautiful new van and we all had plenty of room to spread out. Petur shared a wealth of knowledge about all things “Iceland” as well as fun, informative personal stories. We visited (and Peter joined us) all of the stops we had arranged for. Nothing surpasses the wonder of walking behind waterfalls and on or near glaciers. Petur never rushed us, in fact, our tour exceeded the time frame because Petur wanted to make sure we experienced and saw everything. We 100% recommend taking any tour with Petur - one of the best guides we have ever had!!!

Arthur S.United States
June 2025

Wonderful three days of Iceland tours by our family with Peter. Always punctual, informative, and courteous. The tours could not have not have been better. Thanks.

Your Reykjavik tour itinerary

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. Our next stop is the Sólheimajökull outlet glacier, calving into a lagoon, and pieces of ice float around. We can walk all the way up to it. 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 home.

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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minibus

2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibus, featuring a luxury interior and easy access through the sliding side door. It seats up to 16 people and offers ample luggage space. Please note that the tour price is for eight people. We charge an additional $50 per person for groups of up to 16.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Other: Bottle water
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

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.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
City Highlights
Day Trip
Adventure
Photography
Tour reference number
874082
Languages
English
Icelandic
Swedish
Norwegian
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Reykjavik best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for those interested in exploring Iceland's stunning natural landscapes, including black beaches, waterfalls, and glaciers. It's also kid-friendly, making it a great choice for families. Travellers who want to connect with a local for deeper insights into Icelandic geology and culture will find this tour particularly rewarding.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Reykjavik be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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