As a nature enthusiast, visual artist, and experienced guide with a love for Iceland’s extreme landscapes, Kristján Björn has led countless excursions in his home country, including many photography tours. Originally from Kirkjubæjarklaustur in the south of Iceland, though currently living in Reykjavík, he holds a degree in arts from the Icelandic College of Art and Crafts and another degree from the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna. When not leading trips, you can often find Kristján seeking out new adventures for art inspiration.
Kristjan is clearly a highly skilled and experienced guide but what makes him so special is his enthusiasm. He genuinely cares about his guests and wants them to have the best experience possible
Kris was the consumate professional, knowlegeable, helpful, and attentive to everyone's needs.
Kristjan was amazing. His knowledge of Iceland, its history, and its area was beyond phenomenal.
Kristjan is one of the most capable guides I have seen. He is extremely knowledgeable both about Icelandic culture and history and about the lay of the land. He made the tour most enjoyable as well as educational. In short, he is outstanding both as a person and as guide.
Kristjan's hospitality is unmatched and his sharing of knowledge about Icelandic culture and history was well done and well delivered.
Kristjan's passion for his trade and country, his knowledge of history, nature, and the art scene of Iceland were impressive and definitely made a difference. He had a great attitude at all times, was very receptive to people's needs, and was always willing to share his knowledge about the country, its history, culture, and people.
Kristjan was an amazing trip leader! I couldn't have asked for anything more in a leader—he was friendly, knowledgable, funny, and an expert at leading the group. His Icelandic heritage really contributed to the authenticity when he told us stories of Iceland's history and culture in a way impossible to achieve by someone who had not grown up immersed in Icelandic traditions. His love for the country, the environment, and his heritage were truly felt and appreciated.
Kristjan is a natural leader, extremely knowledgeable on every topic and a brilliant storyteller. He is organized, patient, and proactively handles the smallest details. He met every challenge with an upbeat spirit.
Kristjan is truly an exceptional trip leader. His field knowledge is extraordinary, which allowed for seamless itinerary adaptations for trail and weather conditions when needed while maintaining the highest standards of traveler experience. While he is very knowledgeable about the science behind the surreal landscapes you see at every turn on this trip, Kristjan is also a gifted story-teller and would provide the Icelandic mythological explanation for the different phenomena we saw in addition to the scientific explanation. This helped provide a contextual framework for Icelandic folk tales of which travelers may already be familiar.
Kristjan was outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable, fun to be with. Couldn't imaging a better leader.
The best guide...very knowledgable and one of Wilderness' best.
Kristjan worked had to see that we all had a great time and learned about Iceland and its people.
Kristjan was an excellent guide—knowledgeable, interesting, organized, and a nice sense of humor.
Kristjan was an absolutely marvelous guide. We enjoyed being on this trip with him so much. He was so knowledgeable about every aspect of Iceland—history, culture, geology, environmentalism—and had a wonderful way of sharing it all with us.
A master saga teller! Kristjan brought the past and the present to life with his stories. His depth of knowledge of all things Icelandic made for an unforgettable experience.
Kristjan has ruined us now for other guides. He was so wonderful, how could any other guide measure up? He knew his history, geology, geography, politics, legends and lore, and was entertaining and pleasant company too.
A top notch guide, very thoughtful, organized, and client-focused.
Kristjan was a great leader, personable, friendly, and knowledgable. He gauged our group and adjusted the hikes accordingly
We felt so lucky to have gotten Kristjan as our leader! We felt he was part of our family and will miss him greatly.
Kristjan is one of the best, most experienced mountain guides I have had on a Wilderness trip. Great job!
One of the best trip leaders I have had. Shows genuine concern for clients and tries to ensure everyone has a good time.
Kristjan's story telling, humor, and enthusiasm put him at the very top of his profession.
Kristjan was fantastic and made sure we had a wonderful trip. He has an amazing knowledge of Icelandic history and culture and could answer all of our questions about Iceland, its people, history, culture, and geology. We felt very safe, secure, and comfortable in his care.
Kristjan is my favorite person on this planet. He was so fabulous in every aspect and he made the trip!
Kristjan is BY FAR the best guide we have ever had. He is professional, fun, knowledgeable, personable, strong, flexible, a good companion, very smart, funny, gentle yet in command, amazing. We could not have had a better guide!
