Meet Your Leaders Steinunn Guðbjörnsdóttir

Iceland

What’s the best thing about being a tour leader?

My favourite thing about being a leader is meeting new people, those who’ve chosen to take time out to visit Iceland. It’s in my hands to make them feel comfortable so that they enjoy their time here. Honestly, Iceland sells itself; it is so beautiful with great diversity in the landscape. Waterfalls, glaciers, Northern Lights, winding countryside, beautiful mountain views, bathing in the nature and that special light, both in summer and winter. It is a privilege to live in Iceland and to be able to share that with our guests.

What are the most special Icelandic experiences that you love sharing with travellers?

As I lead so many trips in South Iceland, I have to say the Sólheimajökull Glacier is a favourite. It’s not written in the itinerary so it’s something extra, when the weather is on our side! Many visitors have never seen a glacier before and it’s always special. I usually take along Icelandic food and drink too, to give a taste of the country. Our local drink is ‘black death schnapps’, which is 40% alcohol and tastes of carraway seed. It depends on the weather and the season we’re travelling in, but I also like to bring hot chocolate with Icelandic rum, flatbread with smoked lamb or Icelandic

Lava Chocolate. If we have time, I love to show guests my horses too; Icelandic horses are a very special breed with five gaits.

Tell us about a real wow moment on the trips you lead?

The Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with floating icebergs is always a wow moment! With the towering ice cap of Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe, we have the deepest lake in Iceland (300m) which is getting bigger every year because of glaciers retreating due to climate change. The lake is full of floating icebergs from the glacier which makes it very special. You can also spot seals laying on the icebergs and many type of birds. We can take a boat tour on the lake and cruise around the icebergs before heading over the road to the Diamond Beach, where ice chunks are laying on the sand.

Find out more about our tours to Iceland at exploreworldwide.com/Iceland