Iceland Backcountry Travel
Iceland Backcountry Travel
5
4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
About
Iceland BackCountry Travel offers tours in highly modified superjeeps driven by native Icelanders. Sightseeing tours, arctic fox and other wildlife photo safaris, northern lights tours, glacier tours, ice fishing for trout, hikes, backcountry skiing. Tours from 3-4 hours and up. Customized tours available. Price varies by tours available.
Isafjordur, Iceland

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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
5.0 of 5 bubbles99 reviews
Excellent
94
Very good
2
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1

Jane C
Mittagong, Australia22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
We had the most wonderful day on the 29th of May with Gudmundur. We had a personal tour with only 5 of us from a cruise ship. We started at Dynjandi waterfall, amazing. From here, Gudmundur drove us to the most serene and beautiful Hrafnseyri farm where we had coffee and cake. Words do not describe what it is like to sit in the silence here in front of a fjord in total peace and tranquility. When we thought it could not get better, the car gets put into 4wd and we drive straight up a mountain, full trust in Gudmundur. Hanging on for dear life as I am afraid of heights, the ascent was worth it. 6 people alone at the top looking across 2 fjords and out to the ocean, it was breath taking. Perfect blue sky, on top of the world, a place only dreams are made of. Photos do it no justice, something we will remember forever. It was an absolute highlight of our trip to Iceland. He did say that the Westfjords are the best of Iceland, and we totally agree. We stayed another 5 nights after our cruise, hired a car and stayed in the south of Iceland. We loved it but kept reflecting on our day from Isafjordur. Thank you for showing us in one day, the beautiful country that you live in and as much as you freaked me out driving to the top of the mountain on the dirt track, it was breath taking and unforgettable. I would go back and do this trip again and again.
Written July 3, 2024
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 your kind words and good review :) I feel so privileged to be able to share this special part of Iceland with people like you. You are right, no picture can do it justice. ;) All the best, Gummi
Written July 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Matthew H
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
My review comes a little late due to working circumstances but the memories of this experience are clear and present in my mind still. This was hands down one of the best tours I have ever had the pleasure of taking a part in. I have travelled a lot as a travel writer, and can say without doubt that the tour I participated in with Gummi was beyond compare. He went above and beyond to ensure that everything my wife Louise and I needed, he provided. This tour felt very personal, with Gummi sharing a wealth of knowledge with regards to the Westfjords of Iceland and I cannot state enough that it was an absolute pleasure for both of us to have taken part in this tour. We saw a fox and took pleasure in viewing the northern lights directly above the warm and cosy cabin each night, it was an absolute blast.

Thank you Gummi for the wonderful memories, when we visit Iceland again in the warmer months we will without a doubt be participating in another tour.
Written January 12, 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.
Hello Matthew and thank you so much for your kind words and for your and Louise's great company on the tour. Let me tell you I enjoyed it just as much as you guys. Wish you both all the best, Seeya later. ;) Gummi
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Bestsellermom
St. Petersburg, FL41 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Couples
FABULOUS! Beyond our expectations. Private active group of 4 of us, spent an amazing day with Oli. Top of the mountain, top of the world in his 4 wheel drive, with breathtaking views, a climb to the top of Djnjandi Falls, can’t say enough. Thank you for the best time ever!
Written August 14, 2022
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.
Hey there mom 🥰 Thanks for sharing your fabulous experience with us here in the scenic Westfjords! All the best, Gummi
Written August 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Greg G
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
We booked the Isafjordur Mountain View tour in a 'truck'. The owner/driver Gudmundur was absolutely great. As a local born and bred he was totally knowledgeable and answered all the questions asked of him. The truck was like a big 'pimp my ride' mini-bus so it was rugged but comfortable. I had a lot of confidence in Gudmundur's driving (and you need it!) up into the snowy mountains. A really memorable 2 hours.
Written May 24, 2024
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 man, I enjoyed it too :)
Written June 16, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LMS
Oregon30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
I took both the Northern Lights and Mountain View tours and I cannot express how amazing and breathtaking it all was!
My guide Gummi, was born and raised in this village and knows every nook and cranny. His Super Jeep (a Ford Expedition) is outfitted with the most amazing gadgets, very impressive.
Not just on time but early both times and handled my silly questions with grace and the sincere effort to make sure that I was informed and educated.

I do wish all guides during my adventures were this impressive.
Written October 12, 2021
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 the kind words. :) The modifications on the Ford EXCURSION sure get the job done when the going gets tough. ;) Hope to seeya again someday! All the best, Gummi
Written November 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

akillshot
South Carolina18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Couples
My wife and I had the pleasure of a tour with Gudmundur (Gummi) in early July. Turned out to be a private tour since it was just the two of us. It was a rainy day but that did not dim the experience. Gummie was a great host and guide. In addition to Dynjandi, we had the opportunity to experience areas that the tour buses would not be able to gol such as mountain roads, including up to top of a small one (Sandafell Mountain) that overlooked the fjord and the small town below. Most enjoyable and would definitely recommend Iceland Backcountry Travel for a unique experience.
Written August 18, 2024
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.
Hello there :) Thank you so much for your good review! Hope to see you guys again one day. All the best to you, Gummi.
Written September 4, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sandra W
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
I don't usually write reviews online but we had such an amazing time! We did the Dynjandi waterfall tour and had so many nice stops and side information about the places we drove by. Gudmundur is an amazing guide and we recommend from the bottom of our hearts to book a tour with him. Hopefully we'll be back soon and have another chance to see more of the beautiful places.
Written July 25, 2023
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.
Hello Sandra and thank you for your kind words. :) It makes my day to read this. I just love showing my amazing country to people. All the best to you. Gudmundur
Written August 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sarah T
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2018 • Couples
We arrived in Isafjordur on a cruise ship and had prebooked a tour with Gudmundur. From the inital email Gudmundur responded promptly and answered all our queries. Our tour was with Jon, who was waiting for us at the pier. We chose the Svalvogar Circle tour and what an amazing day we had. The scenery was breathtaking, there wasn't a coach in sight and the road fantastic. This tour is truely off road but we felt very comfotable in IBC's super jeep, there was 5 of us and we had plenty of room. Jon provided excellent commentary, answering our questions and sharing information. I cannot recommend this company and this particular tour enough. It was truely an incredible experience.
Written July 24, 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.
Hello Sarah and thank you for your kind words and recommendations. :) All the best. Gudmundur
Written July 25, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nini
Los Angeles, CA113 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2016 • Friends
My friend and I were only in Isafjord for one day so we decided to get a private tour of the surrounding area. Iceland Backcountry Travel did not disappoint, We pretty much left the itinerary up to Gudmundur since he was born, raised, and still living in Isafjord with his family. It is unbelievable how much Gudmundur knows about the area. I can't tell you half the things about the place I was born and raised in. What i liked is that Gudmundur suggested we just stop by the gas station and pick up some sandwiches for lunch and eat in the car while driving so we don't waste our time sitting down at a restaurant waiting for our food. Gudmundur was genuinely concerned about showing us the most amount of things for the time spent with him. If anyone is concerned about safety, please be aware that Gudmundur is an excellent driver and always in control of things. If you want to see amazing sites, learn the history of the area, and learn anything else about Iceland, book a tour with Iceland Backcountry Travel. Excellent! Thank you!
Written April 22, 2016
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.
Hello there and thank you for your kind words. :) Well there is only so much you can do in a single day, but I try my best to make sure my guests enjoy it to the fullest. All the best. Gummi.
Written April 25, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

SalemSATA
Adelaide, Australia30 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
We had great expectations of this tour having read of the exploits of others who travelled with Gudmundur in this region, enjoying his Icelandic background and driving experience! What we did not expect to have is an Italian guide who had spent around 18 months in the country, had only passable English, was not a confident driver and had difficulty engaging with his guests. He informed us he had been called up by IBC to do our tour on the day and was clearly unfamiliar with the vehicle - even battling with the door locking mechanism virtually every time we stopped to get out!
He did not fill us with a lot of confidence.
We had a bad start when we became aware that Gudmundur was not to be our guide due to other commitments; it got worse when the battery failed on the first vehicle the guide was provided with and we were surprised when Gudmunder arrived with a replacement - there was no acknowledgement as to why he was not to be our driver, perhaps he was having bad day!
Our guide gave us a text book overview of the area, lacked real knowledge of Iceland and often could not answer queries we raised as we travelled the area. We visited the Dynjandi falls, saw amazing scenery but could have done that with any one. We did not get taken to Mt Kaldbakur, which had been on the itinerary. According to our driver, it was not passable but given the brilliant prevailing weather conditions, we think that was doubtful. Frankly, we felt that the driver lacked the competency with vehicle to navigate the off-road journey.
Possibly our disappointment was due to the amazing private tour host we had with IceLimos in Akuryeri the day earlier, an Icelander who made all the difference. The IBC driver was not personable and reflected an unfamiliarity with his surroundings and faced language challenges. For Italian tourists he may have been better.
If we had been able to have Gudmundur as our guide and that was what we thought had been intended, then this may have been a different review!
This could have and should have been a lot better! If you use IBC for your private tour, make sure you know who is going to be your driver/guide - if they are not from Iceland, steer clear as it makes all the difference!!
Written September 19, 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.
Hello Salem and thank you for your review. It was very unfortunate that your intended guide fell sick and couldn't do the tour. We hired a driverguide from another travel agency here for your tour so that we didn't have to cancel. Unfortunately he didn't live up to expectations and I apologize from the bottom of my heart for letting you down. I just wish that I could have done the tour myself but it was not possible. I hope you will allow me to make it up to you if you ever travel here again. Sincerely, Gummi
Written September 20, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Iceland Backcountry Travel - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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