Sjónarrönd Competitors

Founded in 1992, Blue Lagoon Iceland has long been a sustainable destination due to the beneficial powers of its famed geothermal seawater. Nestled in the heart of an 800-year-old lava field on the Reykjanes Peninsula, and conveniently located between Reykjavik and Iceland’s international airport, Blue Lagoon Iceland is a sustainability-first company encompassing hotels, restaurants, research & development, renowned skin care lines, and a place for wellbeing. In 2012, the company’s iconic centerpiece – the waters of the Blue Lagoon – was named one of “25 Wonders of the World” by National Geographic, propelling the majestic, healing waters into the upper echelons of global travel destinations. In 2018, the company continued its evolution with the opening of the Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, the country’s first, five-star spa hotel. Included in Time Magazine’s list of “The World’s 100 Greatest Places,” the Retreat features a 62-suite, award-winning, luxury hotel; a subterranean spa featuring the signature Blue Lagoon Ritual and in-water massage; a mineral-rich, private lagoon; and two new restaurants, including Moss, a Michelin-recommended destination.

Elding operates daily whale watching tours from Reykjavik harbor. Whale watching in Iceland has become increasingly popular in the last few years as whale sightings are very high. Aside from Whale Watching, Elding offers Northern Lights curies, Sea Angling tours, Bird watching, dining cruises and various adventure combinations. Elding also operate a Whale Exhibition Centre which is located on an old capelin fishing vessel that stands in Reykjavik harbor. There you can learn about the biology of whales in Faxafloi bay and view videos and photographs from previous whale watching tours. Elding passengers get complimentary admission to the Whale Centre before or after their tour. 16 specially modified boats for sailing in arctic waters are used for Elding tours. Facilities on the bigger boats include an onboard cafe, restrooms, inside and outside seating areas and a great sound system.

We founded Iceland Travel in 1936 – back when they called travellers “explorers” rather than “tourists” – and for almost 100 years now we’ve been proudly serving the diverse needs of clients from all four corners. With a uniquely local perspective. Living and working in Iceland for so long gives us insight that cannot be bought or borrowed, only earned. We know how to work far in advance, booking up resources early so we can offer the best availability and the best price to our clients. Just like we know which remote farm offers a surprisingly sophisticated tasting menu. How to navigate even the most maze-like conference center. Or where you can buy the perfect wool jumper. With us, each trip feels like it took a century of connections to build – because it did. When our clients’ guests arrive, our local knowledge means we’re able to care for them in the best way. We’ve solved all manner of problems over the years, and developed smooth and simple processes that stop most of them cropping up. But if something ever does – we’re always there on the ground to make it right. We make everything easy, through seamless local service. Iceland’s not just where we do business, though. It’s our home. And we believe in caring for our home. We’re committed to responsible travelling and leaving a positive footprint that in turn supports the efforts of the agents we serve. Our mindful approach helps to make sure that everyone that passes through the country can enjoy it pristine and unspoiled – just like our first intrepid explorers almost a century ago. We do it all because we’re local.