Icelandic Mountain Guides

Story

Founded in 1994 by four passionate mountaineering guides, Icelandic Mountain Guides believes that guiding is more than a profession—it is a lifestyle. Still guide-owned and guide-operated, the company continues to set the standard for safety, mountaineering expertise, and environmental protection while leading you through Iceland's spectacular wilderness. Since creating Iceland's first Glacier Walk in 1994, the company has pioneered innovative outdoor adventures that allow you to experience the country's glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, and remote landscapes safely and responsibly.

Experienced trekkers, hikers, climbers, mountaineers, skiers, and expedition leaders use extensive training and firsthand knowledge to guide every adventure. Whether you choose hiking, backpacking, trekking, glacier walking, ice climbing, mountain climbing, skiing, mountaineering courses, expeditions in Iceland or Greenland, or tailor-made adventure travel, every journey combines expert guidance with unforgettable outdoor experiences. As a fully licensed Destination Management Company (DMC) and member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, Icelandic Mountain Guides also specializes in customized mountain, glacier, and expedition travel, including white-label operations for international partners.

In 2022, Icelandic Mountain Guides became part of ICELANDIA, joining leading Icelandic travel companies to create a gateway for authentic travel experiences across the country. Today, the company operates as a licensed tour operator and travel agency under Ferðaskrifstofa Kynnisferða, continuing to deliver exceptional adventures that showcase Iceland's extraordinary landscapes, from black sand beaches and glaciers to volcanic highlands and remote wilderness.

Mission

Icelandic Mountain Guides delivers safe, innovative, and environmentally responsible adventure travel that allows you to experience Iceland's remarkable natural landscapes with confidence. Expert guides, small-group experiences, and carefully designed itineraries combine quality service with authentic outdoor exploration while protecting the wilderness that makes every journey unforgettable.

Vision

Icelandic Mountain Guides places nature first by minimizing environmental impact and following responsible travel practices that leave no trace. The company actively supports environmental organizations, contributes to the protection of Iceland's wilderness and open spaces, and promotes sustainable adventure tourism for future generations. Every expedition reflects a commitment to expert guiding, environmental stewardship, and meaningful experiences that connect you with Iceland's unique natural heritage.

Icelandic Mountain Guides has made responsible tourism and environmental stewardship core values since the company was founded in 1994. You travel with a company that creates meaningful experiences for travelers who respect local communities, value local customs, and help protect Iceland's natural environment. Small-group travel also helps reduce environmental impact while creating more authentic connections with the places you visit.

In 2017, Icelandic Mountain Guides joined more than 340 organizations in signing Iceland's Responsible Tourism Declaration, reinforcing a commitment to sustainable tourism for future generations. The company demonstrates respect for nature, prioritizes guest safety, supports employee rights, and works to create a positive impact on local communities.

Protecting Iceland's delicate landscapes remains central to every journey. Icelandic Mountain Guides follows a Leave No Trace approach by minimizing environmental impact throughout its activities while supporting local NGOs and participating in discussions that promote the protection of wilderness and open spaces. Every experience combines respect for nature, Icelandic culture, and local communities with expert guidance and authentic travel.

Environmental responsibility guides daily operations across the company. Icelandic Mountain Guides follows the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, helping minimize environmental impacts, prevent pollution, and continually improve sustainable practices. The company also promotes the responsible use of natural resources, reduces waste, supports recycling, and complies with environmental regulations and industry standards.

To further reduce its environmental footprint, Icelandic Mountain Guides renews its vehicle fleet, expands the use of electric vehicles, performs preventive vehicle maintenance, trains drivers in environmentally responsible driving practices, and monitors new sustainable technologies. The company also offsets operational carbon emissions and regularly reviews its environmental policy to ensure continuous improvement.

By choosing Icelandic Mountain Guides, you support responsible tourism that protects Iceland's landscapes, respects local communities, and helps preserve the country's unique natural and cultural heritage for future generations.