Magical Iceland - Food & Wine Tours

Magical Iceland - Food & Wine Tours
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City ToursWalking ToursBeer Tastings & ToursFood ToursWine Tours & Tastings
About
Our by far most popular tour is our NEW "Max 12 Foodies" Bespoke Reykjavik Food and Wine Walking Tour. Are YOU ready for 4 hours of FOOD & FUN... and DRINKS ;) ? We welcome fellow FOOD & WINE LOVERS that are ADVENTUROUS and CURIOUS. Your LOCAL GUIDE will share his PASSION & WEALTH of experience and knowledge about NIceland in general and of course our local GOURMET CUISINE... We visit LOCAL bars & restaurants and we share secrets. On our tours we talk about the REAL NIceland, the people, the culture, the humour, the food, the fun, the past, the future, the LOVE, the hidden people, the LIFE… We look forward to "meet and feed" you ! - Warm greetings from NIceland, Magical Iceland Gourmet Guide family
Reykjavik, 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.


5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles143 reviews
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LauraZYX
Camden, ME8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2015 • Family
What can I say, Iceland completely stole our hearts! Nature, culture, food and people are completely magical here, even the weather could not have been better - 55F and sunny the whole week. Ymir and Heppa played a huge part of this experience. Starting few months before our visit they've consulted us on the best places to see, organized the best guides and tours and even went out of their way to go and inspect the apartment we found online. By the time we arrived to the country, it felt like we were going to visit best friends in Reykjavik!
Their gourmet tours around the city, Snaefellsnes and the Golden circles were outstanding! Besides well known attractions, Ymir took us on hidden adventures, well of beaten paths. Those really stuck with us and made our experience in this already amazing country so much more remarkable. The tours comes with a fair warning, though: come very, very hungry and forget your dinner reservation. The food in Iceland is outstanding in freshness and quality, but Heppa and Ymir's cooking takes the cake!
On the last day, they even took us to a local music/stand up comedy performance. Out of somewhat 200 Icelanders we were the only ones not speaking Icelandic, and by the end of the show I could swear I understood everything.
They became dear friends after just few days and this is the best testimony of how friendly and open Icelanders are. We miss Niceland and will be making plans to go back as soon as we can!
Written July 1, 2015
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.
"..come very, very hungry and forget your dinner reservation"... I just LOVE that :) - TAKK for bringing it up - I will now put this warning on the webpage and also in our promotional material ! :) - You have saved many hungry lives and many tears as people showing up not hungry have cried just a little... You and your family took a piece of our heart too ! - We expect one of you to save the world very soon and another one of you to make it to the swimming national team of USA soon ! ... no pressure ;) - Luv Ýmir & Hebba & family
Written July 3, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kasey B
Kauai, HI16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2014 • Couples
I did a lot of research before our trip to Iceland and found Ymir via Trip advisor. I booked him for a private day trip to a few places my husband and i wanted to visit. It was amazing. Ymir was the best host and guide we could have asked for! Thank you Ymir for taking us off the beaten track and making our day with you one of our favorites. I wrote a little blog post about our trip http://kaseybuick.com/2014/10/five-days-in-iceland/
should anyone want to see additional photos with Ymir.....but truly.....it was worth every penny.
Kasey
Written October 23, 2014
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 both for a beautiful day - We truly did explore the unknown and for a while there was no real "track" there ;) - I loved your blog as well ! - Luv to both of you Ýmir
Written October 26, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Coastal556457
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2019 • Couples
While planning our recent trip to Iceland we had the good fortune to find Magical Iceland tours. From the minute Ymir picked us up for our Golden Circle tour, we were in for a treat, gastronomically and culturally. The fresh croissants, home made avocado butter, smoked salmon and danishes served in the car were just to tie us over to our first stop, the secret lagoon, where the feast continued with exquisite morsels of fine local treats while we enjoyed the thermal pool before it opened to the public. I am not going to give away all of Ymir's secrets but the rest of the day included a visit - and of course eating - to a tomato greenhouse and a family farm; scenic stops at the mighty Gullfoss waterfall and the geyser field, all accompanied by bits of Icelandic history and culture and anecdotes from Ymir's own life.
Because one day with Ymir is not enough, we also took his Reykjavik Food tour a few days later. It was an afternoon walk filled with great food and drinks, laughter and more fascinating stories about the city, its people, and history. Oh, and fermented shark. Washed down with Brennivin.
When it was time to say 'good bye' we felt like we were parting with an old friend. Ymir, you are a great ambassador for your country and a remarkable human being. TAKK!
Written April 14, 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 for the beautiful words and fantastic time together :) Deep deep in my heart I know that over time the memory of the fermented shark will fade out and the memory of the bbq lamb fillet, smoked wild goose breast with champagne & raspberry vinaigrette, visit to the secret little "other worldly black house", scallop sashimi with the special white wine, red wine tasting in the local wine bar and truffle chocolate WILL be with you forever ! ;) I will also never forget the "surprise" level of snow that we faced during the Gourmet Golden Circle and put a little impact on our plans... Say no more ! Wishing you nothing but LUCK & LOVE in "this thing called life"... and nothing but gourmet great food and drinks ps Look forward to have you guys floating in my Geysir Suites very soooooon !!! LUV from NIceland, Ýmir
Written May 2, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Laura T
20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019 • Couples
Treat yourself to a tour with Ymir! He will give you an unforgettable day, from the buttery breakfast picnic in the car, to an effervescent private float in the Secret Lagoon, special treats at the tomato greenhouse, stunning waterfall views, and more. I don't think I've ever had an experience that combined incredible attention to detail (even his cooler was elegant!) with such genuine warmth and friendliness. Ymir seems to create this sense of connection with visitors day after day - it must be because he truly loves his country and is blessed with a huge heart and an open spirit. I can't think of a better way to see Iceland. Thank you Ymir - we can't wait to return.
Written March 17, 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 the beautiful words ! I do love my country and I do hope and think that I am blessed with an open spirit - I also believe that I have a superpower (not talking about my Þór connection here nor other Norse Gods ;)) and that is that I ONLY get the best people ever on my tours ! Again - thank you for a wonderful time and I wish you nothing but LUCK & LOVE in "this thing called life" ... and LOTS of gourmet food & drinks and happy moments <3 LUV from your NIceland friend - Ýmir & Team Magical Iceland
Written July 15, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kinh T
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019 • Couples
Our son booked us this tour. He wanted something private and full of culture. The tour really was private, only Ymir, myself, and my wife! Ymir did not disappoint. We were told to not eat anything. Ymir met us at the hotel, and right away, we were served some special baked goods when we stepped into the van. We ate more along the trip, and visited many interesting places, in addition to the regular places like the hot pool, national park, and geyser. We had a VIP treatment, and had services and food that other tours did not give to their guests. We were in the hot pool before other tour groups were allowed in, so it was a very private experience. Ymir gave us 100% attention, and was very aware of our needs. He had a towel waiting for us to keep us warm when we were getting ready to get out of the hot pool and into the cold again! We had a wonderful time, and Ymir was like a old friend. He was very interested in learning about us, and our story, and we also learned a lot about him and Iceland. We did not know what to expect when we came to Iceland. But this tour showed us how beautiful Iceland is were very full by the end of the day. We were also lucky because weather was beautiful when we went on the tour. The fermented shark was not as bad as we heard about. Thank you Ymir! We definitely will recommend to all of our friends!
Written March 12, 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 for the beautiful words <3 I am the lucky one to have met the two of you. Loved every moment with you and thank you for sharing your story - I feel very privilege and deeply touched. Our day together on our Private Gourmet Golden Circle tour was truly spectacular. As we did discuss then of course I take some credit for the good weather as I had my Þór (aka Thor - God of Thunders) neckless on me as always ;) Wishing the two of you nothing but LUCK & LOVE in "this thing called life" <3 LUV from NIceland Magical Iceland Gourmet Guides
Written March 15, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jeffery K
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2018 • Couples
From the moment I saw Ýmir’s jovial grin I knew we were in for a treat. I am a man who loves grub, brew, and delightful conversation. My wife and I can hardly express how genuinely joyful and insightful a time was had. My belly wiggled and my jaw giggled! For the love of Thor, Odin, and the sweet baby Jesus take full advantage of this extraordinary experience.
Written October 13, 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.
Thank YOU for the wonderful words - You just painted a permanent BIG smile on my face !!! :) - I am extra happy with the fact that you guys did it ALL :) ... including the various local beer tasting (despite your better half not being a big fan of beers), ALL the different food tastings including the fresh sashimi & seafood tasting ! ... I guess the lamb, street food and the red wine tasting with the truffle chocolate was a "walk in the park" anyway... It always is ;) LUV to you guys from your NIceland friend and food lover ! Ýmir
Written October 14, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Howard S
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2018 • Friends
Such an amazing day! The best tour I have ever been a part of! Our group of 5 friends went with Ymir on his private Golden Circle tour, and he and Hebba were the ultimate hosts. If you want a crowded bus, strict schedule, and no food or drink- this is NOT the tour for you. If you want the complete opposite- a personalized and private tour, great transportation, a schedule where you can spend as much/little time as you want on each stop, and incredible food and drink all along the way throughout the day- then book this tour without hesitation. Ymir was a wonderful guide, as noted in other reviews, and provided a great history of Niceland throughout the day. He personally knows the owners/operators of several stops which ensures VIP treatment. The food was truly wonderful throughout the day, from the morning snacks as soon as the tour started (Hebba- we still need to get that avocado spread recipe), all the way through the fresh beef carpaccio on the farm towards the end of the day. Thank you again to Ymir and Hebba! I truly feel like we've gained two fantastic friends in Niceland!
Written September 8, 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.
Thank YOU guys for an amazing day !!! ... Always such a great pleasure to share moments in life with fellow FUN loving foodies ! :) <3 Hebba can give you the recipe personally in May when we pop up in that famous wine & food event in California ! ;) Until then - we wish you and the ladies / girls nothing but LUCK & LOVE in "this thing called life" ! <3 LUV Ýmir & Hebba
Written October 2, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jen L
Ohio59 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Couples
My husband and I spent our last hours in Iceland with Ýmir, and we wouldn't've had it any other way. Ýmir is very good at reading people and easy to be with. He has terrific connections, good ideas about food and drink, and a warm personality

We made six stops for food, beverages or food/beverages. We were able to try tasting portions of a lot of special foods that would have cost us a fortune to order as a small plate in a restaurant, if we tried it at all. Everything was an easy walk, and we were the only tourists in most of the places. The beers, wines, and other liquors were top notch and interesting in a good way; everything I tried that pushed my comfort level was a success; everything I tried that I had prior experience with was a beautiful bite (or bites!) of food; and Ýmir felt like a friend. He's a great conversationalist, passionate and knowledgable about Iceland, a good storyteller, and just plain old fun.

This was our first time doing a private tour and it will be hard to travel without doing it in each place we go. I worry, though, that no one will be able to top the experience with Ýmir. We tried to convince him to come to Cleveland so we could share our special places with him, too... That's a harder sell. :)

You could do this with kids--he tailors to the guests.
Written July 31, 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.
Cleveland here I come !!! :) - TAKK for the beautiful words and review ! <3 The fantastic two of you sure made "the feeder" happy ;) - Very happy also to see that you liked my "pimped up new version" of Reykjavik Gourmet Walking tour :P Until we meet in Cleveland ! - ... wishing you both nothing but LUCK & LOVE (and a LOT of gourmet food & drinks of course !) in "this thing called life" <3 LUV Ýmir
Written August 7, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

gblovintex
Houston, TX16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2018 • Couples
My pregnant wife and I had an amazing time touring the Golden Circle with Ymir. Ymir is passionate about Iceland, makes sure his guests are fed/served amazing food and beverages and to personalize the trip as much as possible. He gives great recommendations. It was great learning about Icelandic culture and history, as well as his thoughts on many topics which he is well versed in.
One of the best tours ever in my opinion, and if one wants to travel well this should not be missed. Yes, the price is a bit much but that is how Iceland is....if you want to play then everything will cost you in this magical country!
Written July 8, 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.
TAKK for the beautiful words :) <3 You are truly right - NIceland is very expensive at the moment (currency fluctuates a lot) but as one of our fellow travellers described our tours : "They cost a lot of money but they are not expensive" Nothing but LUCK & LOVE to your beautiful little family - honour to have both of you and your little "passenger" on the my Private Gourmet Golden Circle tour ! <3 LUV Ýmir
Written July 9, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rattlehead74
Vancouver, Canada76 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2017 • Couples
This was a (un)surprise treat for my birthday from my wife for which I am truly grateful. Since I hate surprises, I had a big hole in the itinerary for this trip and I wanted to have a framework for our trip. She ended up telling me what it was this was it. Both the city walking tour and the Golden Circle Tour. I will focus on the food experience since the stops on the Golden Circle have been reviewed a lot.

The Golden Circle Gourmet Tour traces the classic route that Iceland is famous for but in a private vehicle and tour guide setting. We had Ymir for both tours and we can't be more happy with his upbeat attitude and knowledge of this country. A great ambassador. He will feed you right from the start and to the end. All foods are local and of course organic and fresh. If we can sum up Icelandic food, we can say that it's pure and honest. The French can take an ingredient and turn it into something special. Here in Iceland, we can say that the ingredients do the talking and they have standards and laws that North America doesn't have so it's hard not to be wary of what is sold/consumed here. And Amir takes advantage of that. He served a breakfast that consisted of raw vegetables, smoked fish, bread, sweet pastries and an amazing avocado "butter" that went very well with everything, except for the pastry of course. Then it was a picnic of various appetizers along with a sparkling wine and seasonal rhubarb reduction to mix into it mimosa style. Then onto the tomato farm where we must have had everything on the menu. Too bad we couldn't finish it all because we had a lot more eating to do. The olive bread it amazing and the story of how they can grow produce with an unforgiving climate is well worth the visit. Then comes the visit to the dairy farm where we had beef carpaccio, skyr and the huge burger, fries and bacon. You can tell it is not like anything in North America. The beef is a bit dry, but it's free of fillers and the meat is lean. All you get is the beef taste. The bacon is not fatty, and the potatoes for the fries are sweet and have a texture and taste of a potato. Once again, honest ingredients at play here as usual. The weather wasn't too great, but we were able to get everything in before the rain hit. All in all a great spin to the classic Golden Circle Tour. And yes, you do not have to make any dinner plans when this tour concludes.

A few days later we had the City Walking Gourmet Tour with Ymir. This is a 3hr light walking tour with eating along the way. We stopped at a number of places tasting various products from areas that are touristy and some that aren't. Places from a cheese shop/restaurant that serves one of the best lamb we have tasted, to the world famous hot dog stand that Bill Clinton visited, nothing is left out here and you are full after this is done too.

Ymir is probably the most enthusiastic person I have ever met and he is passionate about food and his country. He knows a lot of people and is very connected not only to the culinary scene, but political and economic scene in Iceland. You will get not only an insight into Icelandic food, but pretty much anything that goes on in Iceland, he knows. And for that Ymir, Vicky and I will raise a glass and say "skal!" to you. Thank you for a wonderful 2 tours. This is highly recommended by us. Takk!

Mark and Vicky
Written September 5, 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.
TAKK for the wonderful review !!! :) - Well - I must say that I am on your team of "being grateful to your lovely wife" for choosing to spend some gourmet time with me in NIceland !!! :) I am both proud, happy and humble to read your review ... and specially knowing your broad expertise, passion and experience when it comes to food, wine and travel (preferably all together ;)) ! Wishing both of you nothing but LUCK, LOVE & LOTS AND LOTS of gourmet food and drinks in "this thing called life" LUV Ýmir ps I am excited to receive your notes on the best places for red wine and champagne tasting ... Hebba is asking me every day now !!! ;)
Written September 8, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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