The wonders of the Icelandic highlands are yours to experience with Midgard

My latest partners are Midgard Adventure and Midgard Base Camp. They operate in the village of Hvolsvollur on the south coast of Iceland. At the helm of this family-run tour company is Hildur Kristjánsdottir. Her passion for the wonders of the Icelandic highlands and sustainable living has helped shape Midgard into more than just a travel company—a community. Hildur’s journey from the inception of Midgard alongside her family and friends to its evolution into a hub for exploration and sustainability mirrors the transformative experiences they aim to provide their guests. With a blend of adventure and relaxation, Midgard offers a unique window into Iceland’s natural wonders.

Experience the stunning Icelandic highlands.

Subscribers to Stuck in Iceland can now unlock the wonders of the Icelandic highlands with exclusive discounts on Midgard’s premier tours, including the Þórsmörk Super Jeep and Hike Day Tours, the Fjallabak Super Jeep adventure, the eye-opening Meet Eyjafjallajökull experience, the unpredictable Midgard Surprise, the otherworldly Landmannalaugar exploration, and the challenging yet rewarding Fimmvörðuháls Hike. I have hiked Fimmvörðuháls (the trail of five cairns) in atrocious weather and perfect conditions. I can attest to the stunning beauty you will witness if you embark on it. Fjallabak Trail is another place I have visited, and I have visited Landmannalaugar and Thorsmörk many times. These places have a special place in my heart. Their beauty is unparalleled, but they are like sources of life energy for someone like me who spends too much time in front of a computer screen.

Furthermore, my subscribers can now get a discount on Midgard Base Camp’s accommodations. The location is excellent,” since Midgard is in Hvolsvollur on route one.

Video from Midgard

Showcasing the raw beauty of Iceland

Midgard’s tours are designed to showcase the raw beauty of Iceland’s landscapes. These include Thorsmörk and the remote volcanic wilderness of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve. Adventurers will traverse rugged terrains in specially adapted super jeeps, cross un-bridged rivers, and hike through landscapes that tell the tales of ancient eruptions and geological wonders. Each journey is an opportunity to connect deeply with nature, led by local guides who know these places in and out.

Whether it’s the thrill of exploring Þórsmörk’s majestic valleys, the awe of standing atop the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano, the surprise of an unplanned adventure, the geothermal marvels of Landmannalaugar, or the endurance test of the Fimmvörðuháls Hike, Midgard ensures an unforgettable experience tailored to fit the group’s abilities and interests. These tours invite travelers to immerse themselves fully in the splendor of Iceland’s natural wonders, making each step an adventure and every view a memory to cherish.

Hey Hildur, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Please give me background information on yourself

I consider myself a nature lover, or as we say in Icelandic, a “náttúrubarn.” Growing up surrounded by the stunning glaciers and mountains of Fljothlið has shaped who I am today. Whether hiking, mountain running, cross-country skiing, or simply soaking up the outdoors, I get a lot of energy from nature. I believe in its healing power and always welcome the opportunity for adventure that comes knocking at my door. I am spontaneous and thrive well in a touch of chaos. Thus, my role at Midgard feels like more than just work—it’s a lifestyle that suits me well.

In addition to my outdoor pursuits, I’m a proud parent to two active boys, whom I adore spending time with alongside our two beloved Labrador dogs, Askja and Hekla, and my husband Addi, who also shares a passion for adventure and runs Midgard with me. With a master’s degree in Environment and Natural Resources, my commitment to the environment and society runs deep. I firmly believe in the future of regenerative tourism, and I see Iceland playing a leading role in this movement.

Running a company like Midgard must be hard work; what inspires you daily?

What inspires me daily is the beauty of nature and the opportunity to share it with others, fostering a connection to our environment while promoting sustainable practices. I also love working with people, seeing our employees having a good time, and being surrounded by happy guests, creating lifetime memories. Also, chaos inspires me; I am solution-oriented and thrive well in this never-boring environment of the tourism industry in Iceland.

Midgard strongly emphasizes sustainability. Could you elaborate on the sustainable practices you’ve implemented and how they’ve evolved?

Nature is our biggest capital—without it, we would not be running a business here, and all our lives would change drastically. So it’s in our interest to do our very, very best to protect it wherever possible.
Over the years, we’ve implemented more and more sustainable practices. That includes food and general waste reduction, renewable energy use, and grants supporting the local rescue and sports teams. Further, we emphasize educating our guests about our culture, the Icelandic sagas, geology, and nature conservation. We follow leave-no-trace methods on our tours and try to be our guests’ role models. We hope they take this knowledge home and treat the environment better by teaching about and connecting them with nature and showing the importance of preservation.

Our goal is to improve constantly, so we often ask for help or brainstorm with guests and employees.

How does Midgard foster community among guests and staff, and why is this important to you?

Midgard is proud to be based in Hvolsvöllur, and of course, we pay all our taxes to the local community. We foster community by encouraging guests and staff to interact through shared experiences like meals, games, events, and activities. Building connections is crucial as it enhances the overall experience and creates a sense of belonging. It is essential for us at Midgard to contribute back to the beautiful community we live in. Of course, we buy our ingredients wherever possible locally, collaborate with the people and businesses from the area, and emphasize creating all year-long jobs so our staff can settle here and build a life.

We love seeing how Midgard has become a melting pot for travelers and locals. We organize concerts, birthday parties, pub quizzes, weddings, staff events, concerts, etc. There is always this mix of people who are just beautiful to see. Midgard has the vibe of sharing, connecting, and doing things together – so it’s a perfect place to hang out with locals and travelers.

What role does your family play in Midgard’s day-to-day operations and overall vision?

My family plays a vital role in Midgard’s operations and vision. My mother-in-law is the CEO of Midgard; my husband is one of the owners; his uncle is the chef, and his aunt is a travel expert. We are all more or less related somehow. I would need to draw up a family tree to explain it. I also consider the rest of the staff part of the Midgard family. They have all been with us for a long time and gone through all kinds of phases with us, both good and bad. My kids have joined every staff trip.  They fall asleep on the sofa during the concerts and events we host and consider all the staff members good friends. My two dogs were babysitted by the whole Midgard team while we were abroad the other day. The dogs Hekla and Askja are the most popular “employees” at Midgard. I feel like the core of the Midgard concept is this extended family.

How do you ensure that guests have both a safe and exhilarating experience in Iceland’s landscapes?

Safety has always been the highest priority. We tell people to avoid following a bucket list. Trust our guides to read and comprehend the conditions, the weather, and the group to maximize the overall experience. We never go out into the wild with only a Plan A. You can trust that there is a Plan B, C, or even X. Operating an adventure business since 2010, we had to deal with all kinds of weather, people, situations, and just conditions. Some time ago, our staff was described as showing “laid-back professionalism,” and we loved hearing this. We don’t want to say, “We are the best.” We are humble and always try our very best in our long experience.

We are all in love with Iceland and the wonders of the Icelandic highlands. That passion is why our job is so much fun. For example, the only thing better than standing on top of a mountain peak in Fjallabak is sharing that moment with someone who gets to experience that beautiful view for the first time.

Do you have a particularly memorable adventure or guest experience that encapsulates the spirit of Midgard?

I have spent almost one-third of my life with Midgard and had many good, memorable adventures. Once,  my colleagues Stefnir, Siggi, Addi, Helga Lucie, and I spent two days up in the highlands in the middle of the winter with a big group. After they left all safe and happy with an experience of a lifetime, we cleaned up, and Helga Lucie and I went on a snowmobile back to civilization; it was midnight, and the northern lights were dancing. I had never seen the sky as colorful, and I remember feeling like we were the only people in the world.

Another memorable day was when my husband took a family on an epic adventure. This ended with them in my living room trying out all kinds of different Icelandic easter eggs and sharing stories. The weather was terrible that day, so they spent most of it in my living room. When they returned home, this was the most memorable part of their trip to Iceland. It captures this feeling I love when people learn about our culture and sagas and connect.

Another experience I love is when I bring people on Fimmvörðuháls hike. We stand on top of Bröttufönn, looking over Þórsmörk, admiring that beautiful view. People have to hike through all kinds of conditions to get there. This is when all the effort you put into the hike pays off. You get to enjoy this beautiful view, pure bliss that I experience with some people for the first time.

I could continue endlessly, but I am going to stop here. Most days are filled with memorable adventures, whether with my colleagues, our guests, or simply alone in our spectacular nature.

Can you describe to me what your guests wanting to experience the wonders of the Icelandic highlands can expect?

Our guests get to experience our Iceland, raw, unspoiled, off-the-beaten-path: Our favorite locations, exciting stories, surprising moments, some hidden gems, and a true adventure that they hopefully will never forget and think back to with a smile.

How do you see Midgard evolving? Are there any new experiences or initiatives you’re excited to introduce?

I would love it if Midgard could lead in nature education and practice regenerative tourism. I would love it if we spent even more time in Fjallabak, offered our food out of the house, expanded the restaurant brand, and became the South Coast’s biggest and most popular event venue.

You make the wonders of the Icelandic highlands accessible for travelers. What is your favorite Midgard tour, and why?

Fjallabak and Þórsmörk are my favorite areas, and I like the hiking options. I love hiking, and both of these places are stunning, with endless hiking options.

What advice do you have for those visiting Iceland for the first time?

My advice is to embrace the unpredictable weather. Be flexible with your itinerary, and try to cover a manageable area; instead, come again. Slow traveling is the key. What I like the most about Iceland is how easy it is to find a place to be completely alone. We have so much space. Immerse yourself in nature, respect the environment, and engage with the local culture for a truly unforgettable experience.