Wide Open
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Wide Open is all about hiking, nature and exploring new horizons away from the crowd. Eyjafjördur and the Akureyri surroundings are ideal for hiking in the summer and stunning in the winter for snowshoeing. We guide small groups into those magical landscapes and also arrange a tailor made trip for you.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
49 reviews
Excellent
49
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
mjt001
Nice, France41 contributions
Jul 2019
To explore Iceland and really enjoy the beautiful countryside we decided to use a guide and WideOpen Hiking ended up being the right choice.
From initial booking to actually meeting up the experience was smooth and easy. After a short car trip to the hiking destination we had a wonderful day with Leo who was patient, informative and well prepared (he even had walking sticks in case we didn't have our own).
We were able to make the walk at our own pace although Leo was a lot more fit he chose a route that was not too difficult for us as "causal" walkers and kept pace with us.
Leo chose to take us to the Hraunsvatn area where we visited the lake (HRAUNSVATN) which has a special story. (I will let you experience it with leo) and learned a lot about the local area and Icelandic culture.
We spent the whole day in conversation which was a real bonus as the experience for us was not just about the scenery and walking but also meeting people from the region. Leo speaks excellent English and French and I believe Icelandic although I can't judge :-) .
I wholeheartedly recommend WideOpen hiking to anyone wanting to hike in the Akureryi area or further afield as Leo will be happy to help in other regions as well. Leo can adapt the hikes according to the groups capabilities which is a real plus!
Thank you Leo and till the next time!
From initial booking to actually meeting up the experience was smooth and easy. After a short car trip to the hiking destination we had a wonderful day with Leo who was patient, informative and well prepared (he even had walking sticks in case we didn't have our own).
We were able to make the walk at our own pace although Leo was a lot more fit he chose a route that was not too difficult for us as "causal" walkers and kept pace with us.
Leo chose to take us to the Hraunsvatn area where we visited the lake (HRAUNSVATN) which has a special story. (I will let you experience it with leo) and learned a lot about the local area and Icelandic culture.
We spent the whole day in conversation which was a real bonus as the experience for us was not just about the scenery and walking but also meeting people from the region. Leo speaks excellent English and French and I believe Icelandic although I can't judge :-) .
I wholeheartedly recommend WideOpen hiking to anyone wanting to hike in the Akureryi area or further afield as Leo will be happy to help in other regions as well. Leo can adapt the hikes according to the groups capabilities which is a real plus!
Thank you Leo and till the next time!
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mike & Sue,
I am really happy that you enjoyed the hike to the Hidden Mountain Lake so much. For me it is always a joy to share a hike and a day in pristine nature with people like you.
Hopefully we see each other again next time you come to Iceland. Indeed, there are many more hikes in the area you would really enjoy.
All the best,
Leo
Written February 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisa
South Jordan, UT32 contributions
Feb 2020
I was in Iceland on a solo trip and I was able to join Leo and a group a 5 Dutch tourists on a lovely snowshoe adventure in Akureryi. In addition to treating us to spectaular views and information, he brought tea and pastries for us to enjoy once we reached our destination. Leo was super friendly and knowledgeable and I had a fantastic time! His story was inspiring and I'm so glad I went.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lisa,
Beautiful pictures :) and thanks for your sweet words. Your company was great, I am so glad that you joint the group and that you loved it so much. I hope to see you again next time you come to Iceland. By the way, I thought your story was inspiring, and I wish you the best with the project you were talking about.
All the best,
Leo
Written February 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lubo Siska
Akureyri, Iceland25 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
Snowshoe delight was one of my best experiences in Akureyri! We went for a short tour to hills just outside of the town, but it was an adventure.. We have seen beautiful sights to amazing landscapes... Leo was great, patient, funny and made it unforgettable for all of us!
Written January 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Lubo !
I'm happy you enjoyed the snowshoe hike in the forest and on the cliffs and the beautiful views over Akureyri.
All the best to you!
Leo
Written January 24, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bart Hol
2 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Me and my dad went hiking with Leo, who was an amazing guide. The beautiful nature combined with the delicious tea and snacks made for a unforgettable experience.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anndal29
Tore, UK29 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Signed up for this Well I did it !!!! Guide so kind helpful went at good pace making sure we were all safe and enjoying experience also added surprise was the stop for peppermint tea and cinnamon rolls and fruit weather great I was chuffed I did it small group of 6 friendly folk and I was not sore the next day Got used to snow shoes quickly and poles really helped
Written March 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vikki H
Evesham, UK44 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Definitely the best experience in Akureyri! So pleased we decided to do this over the other experiences on offer.
We were a small group of 4 people lead by Leo. Leo is so friendly, amazing sense of humour and ensures every person enjoys their experience.
I wondered how hard it would be but Leo sets the pace and rests to the group, he was more than happy to slow down for the people in our group.
The views over Akureyri were amazing!! We had deep fresh snow which made it more fun.
We had mint tea and snacks at the top as provided by Leo.
This should really be number 1 thing to do in Akureyri!
We were a small group of 4 people lead by Leo. Leo is so friendly, amazing sense of humour and ensures every person enjoys their experience.
I wondered how hard it would be but Leo sets the pace and rests to the group, he was more than happy to slow down for the people in our group.
The views over Akureyri were amazing!! We had deep fresh snow which made it more fun.
We had mint tea and snacks at the top as provided by Leo.
This should really be number 1 thing to do in Akureyri!
Written February 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this amazing review!
And I totally agree, snowshoeing and hiking should be the nr 1 thing to do in Akureyri :-)
Written February 5, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ms_lumiere
San Francisco, CA4 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
I went on the Snowshoe Delight in mid-March with Leo. Snowshoeing on the fjord above Akureyri was definitely one of the coolest and funnest things I did on my trip!
Leo was kind enough to accommodate me as a solo traveler. He picked me up at my hotel in town and then we went snowshoeing for about 3-4 hours. He was an awesome guide—friendly, funny, and very knowledgable. We chatted about life in Akureyri, books, culture, everything! He also took pictures and video of me while we were out—it was great to have some pictures of me on my solo trip :)
Thanks Leo for a great day!
Leo was kind enough to accommodate me as a solo traveler. He picked me up at my hotel in town and then we went snowshoeing for about 3-4 hours. He was an awesome guide—friendly, funny, and very knowledgable. We chatted about life in Akureyri, books, culture, everything! He also took pictures and video of me while we were out—it was great to have some pictures of me on my solo trip :)
Thanks Leo for a great day!
Written May 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for this great review!
Even though it is already a while ago, I remember the hike in not so lovely weather, our chats about life, work and about dystopian literature. And I will think again about snowshoeing with you when I'll read The Handmaid's Tale, the book you recommended.
I'm glad you enjoyed the snowshoeing, and just tell all your friends and everyone who's coming this way that our summer hikes from Sea to Summit and hikes to the Hidden Lake have started.
All the best!
Leo
Written May 21, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael G
Washington DC, DC18 contributions
Feb 2018 • Couples
Leo is a wonderful, knowledgeable guide that will give you an unforgettable experience. Our travel plans were delayed a bit on our way to Akureyri, so Leo let us push back our hike one day without a problem. The hike itself was beautiful, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and bay. The pace was solid, definitely a bit tired by the time we reached the top, but the descent was easy and enjoyable. Leo's knowledge of the local area and unpredictable weather patterns are worth every penny. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the Akureyri area and I can't wait to go back in the summer!
Written February 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Michael & Ellie, Your enthusiasm makes my day! True we hiked up at a solid pace, but we were all in a very good shape and the views up the top made up for the effort. Just spread the word and when you come back to the north of Iceland we will go on a mountain hike from sea to summit. Enjoy your travels, Leo
Written February 26, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Francis L
6 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
Took the opportunity to experience snowshoe walking for the first time with my children during our visit to Iceland. We weren't sure what to expect but what a fantastic experience for all 3 of us. Leo was a great guide, giving us plenty of time to get used to the snowshoes and also giving us plenty of local information about what we could see as we climbed higher and higher. We had chosen the more difficult of two options for the walk and Leo was constantly checking to make sure we were coping ok.
When we finally reached the top Leo produced a lovely hot herbal infusion for us to drink and cinnamon flavoured pastries to enjoy the moment before heading back to the car.
I would heartily recommend snowshoe walking with Leo to anyone visiting Akureyri to get a unique experience.
When we finally reached the top Leo produced a lovely hot herbal infusion for us to drink and cinnamon flavoured pastries to enjoy the moment before heading back to the car.
I would heartily recommend snowshoe walking with Leo to anyone visiting Akureyri to get a unique experience.
Written January 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah G
3 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
When I was planning our trip to North Iceland in the winter I was quite nervous about the weather, driving conditions, whether things would be open etc. However, when I came across wide open and saw that we could do snow showing in the winter I started to think how much fun we could have in this magical winter wonderland. And the afternoon we spent with Leo lived up to all our expectations!
We were quite early in the season but Leo managed to find us a beautiful snowy spot where we could snow shoe. We love hiking and it was so fun to try snow shoeing which lets you walk where you wouldn’t normally be able to. We were really lucky with the weather and were treated to the most beautiful views over the mountains and fjords near akuyeri. An extra special treat was when we stopped half way and Leo provided us with some snacks and a hot drink from his flask which was much appreciated.
Leo himself is the perfect guide, he is warm and kind and so passionate about nature, the outdoors and Iceland it’s contagious. He’s also quite the photographer and the pictures leo took of our husband and i are our favourite from the entire trip!
I have to say a massive thank you to Leo as it was really him who convinced me to come to Iceland in the winter - and it was the best decision we made. Leo really went above and beyond in helping me plan my itinerary and while we were there we even stayed in touch for advise about driving conditions.
So thank you Leo for making our trip and - I would highly recommend anyone doing a tour with Leo.
We were quite early in the season but Leo managed to find us a beautiful snowy spot where we could snow shoe. We love hiking and it was so fun to try snow shoeing which lets you walk where you wouldn’t normally be able to. We were really lucky with the weather and were treated to the most beautiful views over the mountains and fjords near akuyeri. An extra special treat was when we stopped half way and Leo provided us with some snacks and a hot drink from his flask which was much appreciated.
Leo himself is the perfect guide, he is warm and kind and so passionate about nature, the outdoors and Iceland it’s contagious. He’s also quite the photographer and the pictures leo took of our husband and i are our favourite from the entire trip!
I have to say a massive thank you to Leo as it was really him who convinced me to come to Iceland in the winter - and it was the best decision we made. Leo really went above and beyond in helping me plan my itinerary and while we were there we even stayed in touch for advise about driving conditions.
So thank you Leo for making our trip and - I would highly recommend anyone doing a tour with Leo.
Written December 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Hannah, we never received 6 stars before ;)
Enjoy your future adventure(s)... Leo
Written December 9, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience