Published on Sep, 2024
Reykjavik Erupts is, without a doubt, the best tour company I’ve ever hired. Dofri is an incredible guide—I booked him for my second trip to Iceland, even though I felt confident driving and exploring on my own. From past experience, I knew that no one brings Icelandic history and the Sagas to life quite like he does. Dofri crafts his tours with a unique blend of Icelandic history, the Sagas, culture, and science. He’s truly a modern-day skald (Viking storyteller).
We started the day with a pickup at my hotel in downtown Reykjavik, and his gentle sheepdogs, Hneta and Kvika, came along for the adventure. Before we set off, Dofri had already checked the weather and planned the day to make the most of the best conditions. While this was my tour, he tailors the experience to fit your needs and preferences.
Our first stop was the Gerduberg Cliffs. Sensing my nervousness, Dofri was extremely helpful, guiding me up and ensuring I felt more confident. Even Hneta seemed to sense something was off and stayed close to me, letting me pet her as if to comfort me—such a sweetheart. If it wasn't for Dofri and his dogs, I never would have had such a wonderful experience.
Next, we headed to Ytri Tunga Beach, where we saw seals on one of the most unique beaches in Iceland. Dofri thoughtfully brought binoculars so I could get a closer look. Afterward, he took me to a secret lookout spot with panoramic views of what felt like the whole of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
We visited the iconic black church of Búðir before heading to some breathtaking cliffs, where I could have stared out at the ocean for hours. I was so mesmerized by the beauty of the place that I forgot to note its name. From there, we made our way to the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell. Kvika even posed for pictures for me (and the other tourists there).
A particularly meaningful stop for me was a sailor's memorial off the beaten path. It was a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by Icelandic fishermen. As someone with a nautical family background on my mother’s side—fishermen and merchant marines, from my grandfather to my uncle and cousins—I appreciated this tribute.
We also visited Bjarnarhöfn (the shark museum), where I learned about the Greenland shark and its cultural significance. I even tried fermented shark again, which I already knew I liked from a previous experience. But I never knew how it was made and I learned that while visiting and even got to check out the drying house.
Throughout the day, in addition to sharing stories and the Sagas, Dofri actively encouraged my attempts to learn Icelandic. I’m not a natural polyglot, but I’m passionate about learning Icelandic because I find it such a beautiful language, and I plan to make more trips to Iceland. His help and encouragement meant the world to me.
This tour was truly an unforgettable experience, and I highly recommend Reykjavik Erupts for anyone who wants to not just see Iceland, but become part of their own, personal saga!
