In conversation with Ómar Sigurðsson

What’s it like to show people around the country you’re passionate about? Superjeep guide Ómar Sigurðsson discusses his role in helping people discover the best of his home country, Iceland.

Why did you first become a guide? I’d worked in IT for over 20 years, but I’d always enjoyed the outdoors: camping, hiking, fishing and exploring, so I decided to take a break one summer to become a guide. Thirteen years later, here I am, still on a break.

What is your favorite thing about your job? Meeting people from all over the world and seeing Iceland through their eyes. This country has a seemingly endless amount to offer. I’m always discovering something new and exciting.

Where is your favorite place in Iceland? Grímsfjall, a mountain rising from Vatnajökull glacier. There’s a large hut on top of the mountain where you can stay overnight. It’s at least a three-day journey to get there as you have to drive over a glacier. The hut’s half-buried in snow and the icicles are horizontal from the wind. Luckily after digging your way inside, it’s warm and cozy. You can also take a natural steam bath in the middle of Europe’s biggest glacier. What’s so special about Iceland? Iceland’s an amazing country where you can see so many things in a single day – lava fields, hot springs, waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers. The variety of the landscape is so incredible and different. Do you prefer summer or winter in Iceland? In summer, Iceland experiences almost 24 hours of daylight. The time between 4am and 6am is magical. When winter comes, I really like playing in the snow with snowmobiles or superjeeps, plus there’s always a good chance of seeing the northern lights.

What’s your top tip for anyone planning to visit in 2020? Remember that the weather is very unpredictable. We say: ‘We don’t have any weather, only examples of how weather can be,’ because it changes so quickly. Then again we also say: ‘There is no bad weather, only inappropriate attire.’ If you dress correctly, in layers, you can always enjoy the outdoors. INSIDER TIP Best hiking spot? Landmannalaugar, in the highlands. Ice to meet you Explore Iceland with Ómar Sigurðsson

Which activity do you most enjoy leading? I’m a superjeep guide, so I like venturing off the beaten path to explore beautiful places where no one else is around. I also love hiking, especially glacier hikes.

What three things should visitors do in Iceland? First, enjoy the hospitality of Icelanders – we like to make you feel welcome. Second, enjoy the water: drink fresh spring water from the tap and bathe in the country’s many thermal baths. Finally, simply enjoy nature. Take your time and embrace being in the middle of nowhere, and if you don’t see everything on your first visit, you’re welcome again and again.