Iceland Encounter A journey to the centre of the Earth

By Karin Blak

Iceland has become a popular holiday destination with out-of-the-ordinary winter adventures. From watching the Northern Lights to snowmobiling or exploring the volcanic landscape – Iceland Encounter can help you tailor-make an unforgettable holiday.

If you are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and an itinerary that will make you forget all about the daily stresses, Iceland Encounter´s bespoke holidays will provide just that and then some.

From arrival until departure, your itinerary includes a private driver guide as well as hotel stays along your journey. With expert knowledge and skill, your driver guides you through the unique Icelandic landscape and makes sure you reach your destination, with every stop tailored to meet your interests and needs.

Iceland’s claim to fame

You might have marvelled at stunning scenes described in books or as backdrops in movies or TV series without realising you are looking at the astonishing views of the unique Icelandic landscape.

Snæfellsnes in the western part of Iceland, is featured in the 19th century novel The Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne. Kristin Björnsdottir, co-founder and owner of Iceland Encounter, says, “This is a beautiful area with the majestic Snæfellsjokull volcano at the end of the peninsula which captures some of the mystery of Icelandic nature and alludes to the various ways to explore underground, whether it be lava caves, extinct volcanoes or Ice caves.”

Iceland Encounter A journey to the centre of the Earth

Kristin Björnsdottir. Photo: Einar Sigurthorsson

Thorsmork – meaning the woods of Thor – is featured in the HBO TV series Game of Thrones and in the Ridley Scott movie, Prometheus. This is a beautiful wilderness on the north side of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which famously erupted in 2010. “We like taking our clients here. With nothing in sight that is influenced by man, it gives you the impression of being the only one in the world. It’s a powerful feeling,” Says Kristin.

Thorsmork can only be reached in the company of your guide as the journey takes you across glacial rivers and rough volcanic terrain on tracks that only modified 4×4 vehicles can manage, and specialist knowledge of the area is essential.

Of course, this isn’t the only area where Game of Thrones was filmed, in fact, Iceland Encounter can create special tours to the sites where the filming took place.

Modified 4×4 vehicle for Icelandic conditions. Photo: Erling Aspelund

Must-visit areas

Some of the most popular destinations can be covered on multi-day tours of the southern region, including a visit to the dynamic landscape of ice and fire in Vatnajokull National Park, where the awe-inspiring Vatnajokull glacier is found. In Kristin´s opinion, this is one of the most beautiful areas in Iceland.

Visit Kerlingarfjöll, to enjoy the magnificent highland oasis. With little light pollution, you can be lucky to experience the Northern Lights while enjoying the warmth of the geothermal baths under an open night sky.

If this isn’t enough to quell your thirst for adventure, why not add some of the top winter activities to the itinerary: the Blue Lagoon and the Sky Lagoon, glacier hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, exploring lava tunnels and ice caves. For a thrilling trek, let yourself be guided to one of many relatively small but recurring volcano eruptions.

Staying safe in a powerful landscape

Keeping their clients safe is at the top of Iceland Encounter’s priorities. The driver guides have skills and knowledge of history and geology and will take you safely into corners of Iceland that cannot be found in most guidebooks.

No matter whether you are visiting the black sandy beaches in Katla UNESCO Global Geopark to catch a glimpse of the sneaker waves going underground in an extinct volcano or exploring a powerful waterfall, the guide’s knowledge of where to go and how to stay safe is paramount to the Icelandic experience.

Reynisfjara black sand beach. Photo: Gunnar Gunnarsson

The unpredictable Icelandic weather

When asked about the Icelandic weather, Kristin smiles: “We have weather. It’s always changing, and the saying goes that if you don’t like it, just wait 10 minutes and it will change.”

During the winter months, short days and long nights give rise to extraordinarily long periods of twilight which provide beautiful blue views, and during the day the sun sits low in the sky creating long mystical shadows.

Caring for Iceland and its visitors

Iceland Encounter aims to connect their clients with Iceland and its culture, focusing on understanding that this precious wilderness is of high importance to nature and humans alike.

Catering for those curious about Iceland and its outstanding nature, Iceland Encounter is a company with a conscience that will create lasting memories while maintaining the outstanding beauty of Iceland.