Adventurer of the Week: Sila and Matt get Blown Away!

We love the Adventurer of the Week series because it helps us to see, and show you, how we make amazing experiences possible; the kinds of experiences that people didn’t even know they were getting themselves in for!

This week, we have Matt and Sila who are left spellbound and mesmerized by their glacier walk and ice climbing tour.

Tryggvi was their guide, and as always, he did a wonderful job.

What motivated you to visit Iceland?

Matt and I feel most at home when are out in nature. Iceland had been on our bucket list for the longest time with its breathtaking landscapes, hot springs, and waterfalls. It can be tough for us to get time off from work, so when we managed to get three consecutive weeks of vacation, we knew we had to visit Iceland and several countries nearby.

How long was your stay? Did you travel solo or with a group?

Matt and I traveled in Iceland for 6 days before we headed over to Norway.

Which tour did you take and why did you choose it?

We signed up for the glacier walk/ ice climb tour at Solheimajokull Glacier. This was the only tour we signed up for during our time in Iceland and I wanted to choose something special since the tour fell on Matt's birthday. To characterize Matt, he's an active individual that has backpacked for weeks across California, hiked to the summit of multiple mountains, and is always eager to try something new. His enthusiasm for adventure is contagious! The only glaciers we have ever seen were in pictures, so when I saw glacier tours offered in Iceland, I knew we had to sign up for a memory of a lifetime.

What is one thing you will always remember about your tour?

Matt and I were the only ones that signed up for the glacier walk/climb on this particular day. Our glacier guide Tryggvi actively engaged with us and was so stoked when he found out it was Matt's birthday! Time flew by and at the end of our tour we were given the option to head back or continue exploring the glacier for a few more hours. Of course we chose the latter! Standing on top of the glacier felt surreal and it was fascinating to learn more about glaciers and the moulins that form, how to climb, the screaming barflies, and more. Our guide's passion for glaciers was apparent and when we explored the glacier, we didn't step on the same spot twice.

What is something that you learned about Iceland that surprised you?

We didn't know that glacier walks and climbs are an unregulated industry in Iceland when we signed up. We are so glad we went with Icelandic Mountain Guides and we sincerely appreciate that our guide underwent additional training to ensure we were safe the entire time.

If you had more time in Iceland, what else would you like to see and do?

We would love to come back to explore the North shore.

What tips do you have for people who want to visit Iceland?

There is no such thing as bad weather - only bad attitudes and bad clothing. Come to Iceland prepared with base layers and waterproof clothing as the weather can change in a blink of an eye. And be ready to have fun!! You never know what's around the corner to take your breath away.

If you describe your tour in two words, what would they be?

Lifelong memory

What adventure are you off to next? What is your next dream adventure?

It's still up in the air! Countries in South America and Europe are on the top of our list right

now.

Sila and Matt’s adventure is only one of the many features that make for an unforgettable experience. Book your tour and join us for an excursion that is guaranteed to make memories that last a lifetime.

Have you been on a tour with us in Iceland and would like to be featured as an “Adventurer of the Week”? Feel free to email us at info@mountainguides.is.