Iceland Encounter
Pure nature, private journeys
Iceland Encounter focuses on bespoke trips of high quality. We are the only Virtuoso On-Site headquartered in Reykjavik and were nominated for Virtuoso’s Best On-Site Award in 2015 and 2016. Iceland Encounter was founded by husband-and-wife team Kristín Björnsdóttir and Erling Aspelund. After working for over 20 years in the US computer software industry – both in New York and Seattle – they returned to their native Iceland in 2007 to start their travel company. We look forward to welcoming you to Iceland!
Insider Tip
In Iceland, the sun doesn’t set from May 21st to July 21st. Ask us about possible activities under the midnight sun: hiking, diving, golfing, fishing, snorkeling, and moreVirtuoso Preferred Supplier Since 01 Apr 2012
Reviews and Recommendations for Iceland Encounter
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Recommended
Visit Iceland with Iceland Encounter!
By: Lisa
Reviewed on: 29 Jan 2013
Our Iceland Encounter vacation was the experience of a lifetime. Our Rekyjavik hotel choice was perfect - lovely accomodations in City Center within walking distance of great food and shopping. Our guide/driver for three days in the country was knowledgeable and funny. Within the first hour he made us feel comfortable and safe in his care. He knew how to make the most of our limited daylight. Staying in the country for two nights was an outstanding recommendation because it gave us the opportunity to see the Northern Lights (upon request, the hotel wakes guests up if/when they become visible) and be closer to the places we wanted to visit. Our guide had a great relationship with other guides and establishment owners/operators and it made us feel like family. It was a very personal experience. We could not have done this on our own.
Travel Advisor:
Beth Jenkins Washington
Recommended
Fantastic Trip
By: Lisa & Catherine
Reviewed on: 20 Nov 2013
This was a fantastic experience. It is has been one year since our trip and we are still talking about how much fun we had and how much we want to go back. Everything was planned perfectly to maximize our time there. Snowmobiling and hiking on a glacier. Waterfalls. Geysers. Volcanos. Museums. Touring a geothermal plant. Blue Lagoon. Travleing with our guide, Valdimar, was amazing. He took such good care of us. I fell in love with Iceland.
Travel Advisor:
Beth Jenkins Washington
Recommended
Excellent guide, good hotel
By: Mike H
Reviewed on: 14 Jul 2016
Iceland Encounter made our journey to Icelamd most enjoyable and worthwhile. Our guide Teddy was most wenjoyable, knowledgeable, and provided a great local flavour to the journey. Our hotel was centrally located and comfortable. Our transfers were comfortable, friendly, and reliable. I would recommend them for anyone wanting a customized visit to Iceland.
Travel Advisor:
Roxanne Girard
Recommended
Great experience!
By: Karen
Reviewed on: 05 Sep 2016
Our family had the most awesome trip to Iceland! We loved everything we did, and our guide, Snorri, was outstanding! He made the trip especially interesting and fun. He is very knowledgeable with diverse interests so it was such a treat to be with him all week. We miss him! We loved Iceland and want to return.
Travel Advisor:
Sam McClure
Recommended
Fantastic Trip
By: Quesy
Reviewed on: 12 Mar 2017
Iceland Encounter planned an amazing trip for us. Our guide was efficient, had a delightful personality and was very knowledgeable about Iceland. We saw everything that we wanted to see and then some. We wouldn't have changed a thing!
Travel Advisor:
Rochelle Lieberman
Recommended
3 days of touring in Iceland
By: No nickname
Reviewed on: 12 Jul 2017
Excellent! Did exactly what they said they would do. Totally satisfied.
Travel Advisor:
Birgit Navarre
Recommended
Iceland 2017
By: Capilouto
Reviewed on: 29 Jul 2017
A wonderful experience and service. Excellent guides.
Travel Advisor:
Beth Flowers
Recommended
Iceland Encounter
By: KJ
Reviewed on: 21 Aug 2017
Very good and addressed all needs and concerns. Always willing to help and be there.
Travel Advisor:
Nancy Macleod
Recommended
Iceland Encounter
By: Carla
Reviewed on: 28 Aug 2017
I had the same wonderful guide that I had last year. It was like old home week and we had a great time. I think they do a good job.
Travel Advisor:
Barbi Lazarow
Recommended
January
By: J&J
Reviewed on: 15 Jan 2018
The people at Iceland Encounter were very good to us. They guided us through several weather delays and airline changes, rearranging rides, hotels, restaurants, Blue Lagoon reservations and more with good grace.
They provided our guide, Kristjan. He was knowledgeable, gracious, caring and proud of his country. We learned more and saw more than we ever would have on our own or in a large group.
Travel Advisor:
Deborah Bush
Recommended
You HAVE to Visit Iceland
By: Don & Eileen
Reviewed on: 11 Apr 2018
They set up a 12 day guided tour that was incredible and beyond gorgeous. Our guide, Kristjan Petur Vilhelmsson, was one of the best we’ve had any where and gave us so many great experiences that few tourists get to have. He was tireless in making sure we got to explore everything we wanted to see - and then some. At the end of the trip, we considered him a friend and remain in frequent contact. We will go back and we want Kristjan to show us the way.
Travel Advisor:
Judith Schwartz
Recommended
Iceland Encounter
By: Me
Reviewed on: 03 Jun 2018
They set up a really nice trip for me to Iceland. This is my 3rd trip and they didn't disappoint. I asked for a new guide and he was fabulous. Would highly recommend their services.
Travel Advisor:
Michael King
Recommended
Awesome GUIDES
By: MC
Reviewed on: 23 Aug 2018
WE loved our Iceland Encounter guides- they were unbelievable. Made the trip. WE loved the activities as well, but the guides were awesome.
Travel Advisor:
Sam McClure
Recommended
Iceland
By: Diane
Reviewed on: 26 Aug 2018
The experience was great. Our guide "Thor" was by far the best guide our family has experienced. He made our trip!
Travel Advisor:
Sheri Phillips
Recommended
AA🇮🇸50
By: KGA
Reviewed on: 14 Oct 2018
Iceland Encounter was great and I highly recommend them. They were a front runner for us because they continually monitor the skies for Northern Lights visibility and guess what? We hit the jackpot and saw them! Thank you Iceland Encounter and a shout out to our guide, Sori! He was fun, told great stories, sang songs and was a pleasure!
Travel Advisor:
Shelley Rapp
Recommended
Iceland is amazing
By: CherylC
Reviewed on: 28 Jan 2019
Iceland Encounter was a spectacular trip. It exceeded all of our expectations. From the time we arrived, we were amazed with the country, the people, the accommodations and the natural beauty. We only wished we had seen the Northern Lights. Ahhh...... a reason to go back! We have traveled to several other cool places, but this trip surpassed everything so far! A must see.
Travel Advisor:
Lana Lewis
Recommended
Touring Iceland
By: Sugarfoot
Reviewed on: 18 Jun 2019
Wonderful touring....FANTASTIC guide.....perfect in every way!!
Travel Advisor:
Martha Gaughen
Recommended
Excellent guide
By: Steve
Reviewed on: 07 Jul 2019
We had a great day with an excellent guide and solid agenda
Travel Advisor:
Ken Neibaur
Recommended
Iceland encounter
By: Frequent flyer
Reviewed on: 20 Jul 2019
We had a wonderful guide, Snorii. Very caring and showed us more than we expected to see. Went all out for us. The hotels were very good. Overall a great 3 days.
Travel Advisor:
Corinne Levine
Recommended
Iceland
By: d
Reviewed on: 03 Feb 2020
It was excellent! We had a private tour guide, Stefan, and he was fabulous!
Travel Advisor:
Ginny Mabry
