What is it like to live on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland? #Iceland2

This was the view I had every day at work, in all kinds of conditions. Rainy, foggy, sunny, and every possible combination of weather—I experienced it all with this mountain as my constant backdrop.

This job had several advantages, but also a few downsides. One of the biggest perks was being outdoors all day and staying physically active. Another was the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. If they were open to conversation, they would often share insights far more valuable than anything you could find in the news or on social media.

I had the chance to talk with PhD students, professors from Stanford, and even some incredibly wealthy individuals. Hearing their perspectives and experiences is one of the aspects of guiding that I truly enjoy. It allowed me to gain knowledge and insights that I would never have access to otherwise, simply because I encountered such a diverse range of people every day.

The downsides of this job were quite amusing at first, but over time, they became more noticeable. One of the biggest challenges was the same type of work—taking the same route every day, telling the same stories, and answering the same questions over and over again.

However, the most difficult part was the isolation. Grundarfjörður is a tiny town with only about 800 people and a single restaurant. Finding a real group of friends, like the ones you're used to back home, is nearly impossible. If you don’t come with a friend or a partner, it quickly becomes a test of how well you can handle being alone. It forces you to truly get comfortable with yourself, which can be both a challenge and a valuable experience.

But I want to keep this blog mainly positive, and despite the challenges, this experience gave me incredible opportunities to explore Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes—scenery that truly feels like something out of a fantasy novel.

In my free time, I was able to climb some stunning mountains and take in views that felt almost unreal. The raw beauty of Iceland is something that never gets old. In my next post, I’ll share more about those adventures and the unforgettable places I had the chance to explore.