Hæ, Hello, Welcome!

From Adventure Guides to Dream-Makers: The Story of Ultimate Iceland

When the world came to a halt in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us found ourselves reevaluating what truly matters. Like millions of others, I lost my job as an Adventure Guide, Padi Divemaster, Surfing Guide, and SUP Guide. But rather than dwelling on what was lost, my wife Halldóra and I saw an opportunity to pursue a dream we’d harbored for years.

We had spent years guiding visitors through Iceland’s extraordinary landscapes—watching their faces light up at their first glimpse of a waterfall, hearing their gasps when the northern lights danced overhead, witnessing the pure wonder in their eyes as they stood on black sand beaches or walked between continental plates. We loved what we did. But we also saw something missing in the industry: a genuine commitment to creating experiences that went beyond just ticking boxes on an itinerary.

Throughout 2020, we threw ourselves into planning and strategizing our own business. We wanted to create something special—starting with the perfect Northern Lights Tour that would set us apart through quality, coziness, and intimacy often lacking in other experiences. We wanted to design something for thoughtful travelers seeking more meaningful small group experiences, something closer to heart in terms of authenticity, involvement, and connection.

Building Something Different

From day one, we knew we wouldn’t just be another tour company. We implemented features that transform tours into extraordinary experiences—details that other operators dismissed as “too expensive” or “unnecessary.” But to us, these weren’t extras. They were essentials.

Professional Photography: While most tour companies tell guests “bring your camera,” we decided our guides should BE the photographers. Why should people have to choose between experiencing the moment and capturing it? But we didn’t stop at simply taking photos—we invested in mastering the craft.

Our photography is on a level that sets us completely apart from the 98% of standard northern lights tours offered in Iceland. The quality, composition, and technical expertise you receive is what travelers would typically only find by booking a private northern lights tour with a dedicated professional photographer—an experience that usually costs significantly more and is often booked as a separate service entirely.

Every tour includes this premium professional photography delivered within 48 hours via our self-hosted online gallery, so our guests can be fully present in the moment while we preserve their memories in stunning, gallery-quality detail. This isn’t just snapshots—it’s the kind of imagery that becomes wall art, that makes your friends ask “how did you get that shot?”, that captures not just the aurora but the emotion, the wonder, the magic of your Iceland experience.

One guest from California recently shared: “He’s also a fantastic photographer so we got much better photos than we could have gotten on our own.” Another from New York wrote: “Between the snow suits to keep us warm and the professional photos, there isn’t a detail he hadn’t considered. I really enjoyed seeing the northern lights through his eyes—he stayed up hours after dropping us off at 2am so that he could capture more photos for us.”

This isn’t just snapshots—it’s the kind of imagery that becomes wall art, that makes your friends ask “how did you get that shot?”, that captures not just the aurora but the emotion, the wonder, the magic of your Iceland experience.

Ultimate Comfort: We became the only northern lights tour operator in Iceland offering warm snowsuits in all sizes and comfortable outdoor chairs on location. Experiencing the aurora shouldn’t mean freezing while you wait. As one guest from Massachusetts put it: “The van was warm and comfortable, but more importantly he provided snow suits. It would have been terribly cold without them and not nearly as enjoyable.”

Authentic Icelandic Culinary Journey: Our tours feature traditional Icelandic snacks including dried fish (Harðfiskur), shark (Hákarl), kleinur (twisted doughnut), flatkökur með hangikjöti (flatbread with smoked lamb), Kanilsnúða (cinnamon buns from the popular bakery Brauð & Co), and iconic Icelandic chocolates like Æði Bitar, Hraun Bitar, and Draumur. Paired with hot cocoa and Brennivín (Icelandic schnapps), guests describe this as being on a food tour as well.

The Validation We Never Expected

After just one year in business, something extraordinary happened. Our northern lights tour earned the highly coveted TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award as a Top Overall Experience in Iceland, ranking sixth out of 10 experiences nationwide. This achievement placed our Ultimate Northern Lights Tour in the top 1% of things to do worldwide and made it the only northern lights tour in Iceland to earn this distinction.

But honestly? The awards are wonderful, but what truly matters are the moments. The couple who got engaged under the aurora. The family who saw their children’s faces light up with wonder. The solo traveler who found connection with strangers beneath dancing lights. As one guest from Pennsylvania wrote: “Do not consider any other northern lights tours – this is the one to take.”

Our Philosophy: 150% or Nothing

While other businesses in the industry give 70% of their efforts to customers, we’re determined to give 150% to every single person who chooses to travel with us. This isn’t just marketing speak—it’s how we operate. When weather threatens a northern lights tour, we don’t just cancel and refund. We offer alternatives, we stay in constant communication, we work tirelessly to find that perfect viewing window.

A guest from Detroit shared this experience: “Our tour was originally canceled due to cloudy conditions, but he offered everyone either a full refund or a spot for the tour the next day. We chose the tour the next day and it was the best decision because the lights were so visible and beautiful!”

Ultimate Iceland and Aurora Experts represent the antithesis of cookie-cutter tourist travel. With unmatched local expertise, we curate bespoke, authentic experiences that showcase the true delights our country offers.

Beyond the Northern Lights

While Aurora Experts showcases our dedication to excellence in northern lights experiences, Ultimate Iceland brings that same 150% commitment to all our tours and bespoke experiences across Iceland’s stunning landscapes.

Our day tours and private experiences feature the same attention to detail—professional photography, authentic Icelandic culinary tastings, and premium comfort—whether you’re exploring thundering waterfalls like Gullfoss and Skógafoss, walking along dramatic black sand beaches at Reynisfjara, witnessing the raw power of glaciers at Jökulsárlón, or standing in awe before the mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Each journey incorporates our signature touches that transform sightseeing into unforgettable cultural immersion.

We love introducing people to Iceland’s vibrant culture and cuisine throughout all our experiences—from farm-to-table offerings and indigenous traditional delicacies to world-renowned culinary experiences. As proud descendants of Viking ancestry, we share stories of our small country, consistently ranked at the top of the UN Sustainable Development Report as one of the happiest nations in the world.

What Guests Really Say

What moves us most isn’t the awards or accolades—it’s the heartfelt messages from guests who felt something deeper during their time with us. Like the visitor from Seattle who called our tour “One million out of ten,” or the family from Florida who wrote: “You could really feel his passion for what he does and it made the experience even more special. This was the best night ever. A true must do.”

Or perhaps most meaningful of all, the guest from Scotland who simply said: “If you want to see the true Iceland then you need a true Icelander—and Heimir is an absolute professional. And so nice! Best tour ever.”

Welcome to Your Iceland Story

Whether you’re seeking the magic of the northern lights, the raw power of glaciers and waterfalls, the intimate beauty of hidden hot springs, or a comprehensive journey through Iceland’s most iconic landscapes, we’re here to craft your perfect Icelandic adventure.

This isn’t about herding groups from viewpoint to viewpoint. It’s about creating space for wonder. It’s about that perfect moment when you realize you’re standing in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, surrounded by people who truly care about your experience, with memories being captured that you’ll treasure forever.

We’re Heimir and Halldóra, and we can’t wait to share our Iceland with you.

Vertu blessaður (Be blessed),
Heimir & Halldóra
Founders, Ultimate Iceland & Aurora Experts