Born and raised in Iceland, Herdís has always been inspired by the natural beauty and unique environment of her homeland. Her journey into the world of forestry began with studying natural sciences at the University of Iceland before continuing her education in Norway, where she earned her degree in forestry. Her academic path then took her to Denmark, where she completed an M.Sc in Forestry, further deepening her expertise in land management and conservation.

Back in Iceland, Herdís worked within the forestry sector, contributing to afforestation and soil conservation projects across the country. Her passion for sustainability led her to pursue an M.Sc in Project Management at the University of Reykjavík, a stepping stone to her next adventure—working at an environmental center in an eco-village in South Iceland. There, she began teaching study-abroad students about Icelandic language, history, and culture, as well as managing their logistics and itineraries. This experience sparked her interest in educational tourism and deepened her commitment to sharing Iceland with the world.

Driven by her passion, Herdís founded Understand Iceland, where she combines her skills as a certified tour guide and bus driver to create meaningful experiences for travelers. With years of experience leading study-abroad programs, Herdís focuses on connecting visitors with the “real” Iceland—its culture, traditions, and untouched landscapes.

A seasoned traveler herself, Herdís speaks five languages and has explored 25 countries across nearly every continent. Her global adventures include volunteering in Zambia and participating in a study-abroad program in Malaysian Borneo. She holds a B.Sc in Forestry, an M.Sc in Land Use in Developing Countries from the University of Copenhagen, and an M.Sc in Project Management from the University of Reykjavík.

For Herdís, every tour is an opportunity to create connections—between people, cultures, and the remarkable environment of Iceland.

Heidi hails from the rolling hills of South Iceland, where she grew up on a sheep farm that her parents still call home. With deep roots in the countryside, she frequently visits her family, drawing inspiration from the serene landscapes that shaped her childhood.

A trained barber, hairstylist, and makeup artist, Heidi spent many years honing her craft in the beauty industry before embarking on a new chapter. Her passion for Iceland ignited during a stay in Huntington, West Virginia, where she lived from 2001 to 2003 with her then-husband and two young sons. It was there that she discovered the powerful connection she had to her homeland, sparking a journey that would eventually lead her back to Iceland.

Upon returning to Iceland, Heidi pursued her love for guiding, graduating from the Tour Guide School of Iceland with a diploma in General Guiding. Not stopping there, she returned to further her education in Adventure Guiding, ensuring she could share Iceland’s wild beauty with travelers in the most immersive way possible.

In 2009, Heidi expanded her horizons by enrolling at the University of Iceland, where she earned a BA in English with a minor in Translation, followed by an MA in Culture and Communication. Between 2014 and 2017, Heidi worked as a Project Manager at Visit Reykjavík, overseeing the Reykjavík City Card and fostering international relationships. Her journey continued with roles as Service Manager at the National Museum of Iceland (2017-2019) and Regional Sales Manager for FlyOver Iceland (2019-2020). But throughout her career, Heidi never lost touch with her first love—guiding. Whether leading groups or styling hair, she’s always kept her passion for both alive.

In 2022, Heidi co-founded an innovative company that creates burial urns from recycled paper—a project close to her heart. As a certified PADI Open Water Diver with a Dry Suit specialty, and holding an extended driver’s license (including the ability to drive a 16-seat bus!), Heidi is ready for any adventure that comes her way.

A true Icelandophile, Heidi never tires of showing off the majestic landscapes and hidden gems of her homeland. When she’s not guiding, you’ll find her knitting, crocheting, or losing herself in audiobooks. She’s also traveled far and wide, with Scotland being her favorite destination, and has explored 16 states in the U.S. Fluent in Icelandic and English (and a pro at sarcasm!), she also has a basic grasp of Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian.

Heidi is Herdís’s right-hand (and sometimes left-hand) at Understand Iceland, and she can’t wait to share her deep love for Iceland with you.

Guðný Helga, 22, brings a wealth of experience and a deep love for Iceland’s culture and landscapes to the Understand Iceland team. Raised in the heart of the Golden Circle, she knows the region like the back of her hand. Having traveled extensively within Iceland and around the globe, Guðný Helga has developed a keen interest in exploring diverse cultures.

From a young age, she interacted with international visitors, giving her valuable insight into what travelers seek when exploring Iceland. Currently studying tourism management, Guðný Helga specializes in city tours and food tours in Reykjavík, combining her passion for Icelandic traditions and cuisine with her exceptional understanding of travelers’ interests.

Veronica Spann does some of our photography work (though not all of the photos on this site are hers!) She is a professional photographer based in the United States, but comes back to Iceland as often as she can.

Veronica photographs her global travels, weddings, and events. Her work can be found on her website at www.veronicaspann.com or her instagram @vspann.