Helga Bára Bartels Jónsdóttir

I like to think of myself as a scientist with a serious soul for adventure. As a geologist with a PhD in micropaleontology, I have a bit of a "time-traveler" perspective on the Icelandic landscape. Where most people see a stunning waterfall or a rugged lava field, I see the epic, millions-of-years-old story of our planet’s shifting climates and ancient oceans written right in the stone.

I was born and raised surrounded by Iceland’s dramatic scenery, but I eventually traded my hiking boots for books across Europe. I spent years living in Denmark and Portugal before the magnetic pull of the North finally called me home. Living abroad gave me a gift for languages, and I’m just as happy chatting with travelers in English, Portuguese, Danish, or Spanish as I am in my native Icelandic. It’s all about translating the complex wonders of my backyard into personal, "aha!" moments for you.

When I’m planning your journey, I bring a little bit of that scientific curiosity to the table. Because of my background in climate research, I have a deep respect for our fragile ecosystems. I’m a fierce advocate for the environment, from co-founding the Plastic-Free September initiative to working on reforestation projects. To me, travel isn't just about checking a destination off a list; it’s about responsibility and leaving a place better than we found it.

I truly believe that the best way to see Iceland is to slow down and let the land tell its story. I specialize in creating soulful, bespoke itineraries that ditch the typical tourist traps in favor of private, high-touch experiences. Whether I’m explaining the ancient secrets hidden inside a glacier or designing a complex multi-day expedition, I combine academic precision with a warm, local touch. Iceland is my living laboratory, and I can’t wait to show you the magic hidden in its history.