Terms and Conditions

CompanyZimno slf.
Kennitala6501233280
AddressGrímshagi, 107 Reykjavík
LicenceTravel agency licence no. 2026-018, Icelandic Tourist Board (Ferðamálastofa)

1. General terms

1.1 The customer making the booking accepts these conditions on behalf of all members who are traveling together. 

1.2 Zimno slf. tries to avoid crowds on its tours. Even on a private tour, you may not be alone at all times: other operators work in the same areas, so you may see other groups. We manage this almost always, but we cannot guarantee it.

1.3 Customers of Zimno slf. accept that they take part in the tour or activity at their own risk, except where loss or injury is caused by the negligence of Zimno slf. or its staff.

1.4 Zimno slf. does not accept liability for loss, injuries or accidents caused by customers’ actions or by their failure to follow the guide’s instructions at any time.

1.5 Zimno slf. does not accept liability for any changes in tour schedule due to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, volcanic activity, weather, strikes, or any other events out of our control.

1.6 Zimno slf. reserves the right to alter routes, itineraries, or timetables without prior notice, should the necessity arise. This might be applied due to bad weather, road conditions, or any other unforeseen reasons. We advise all travelers to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to minimize possible losses due to unforeseeable situations during the trip.

1.7 All participants must wear appropriate clothing and be fit enough for the tour they join.

1.8 Zimno slf. does not provide insurance for its customers. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers outdoor activities and mountain rescue.

1.9 The minimum age is 14 for glacier hikes and 16 for summit hikes and multi-day tours. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

1.10 The guide’s decisions on safety are final. Customers who do not follow the guide’s instructions may be removed from the tour without a refund.

2. Booking and payment

2.1 By completing a booking, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to these terms and conditions.

2.2 Zimno slf. is a tour operator offering adventure tours in Iceland. Bookings can be made directly through the website or any other website through which Zimno slf. makes the services available.

2.3 Zimno slf. uses Rapyd as its payment provider. Rapyd uses the latest technology to protect your credit/debit card and other information. Zimno slf. does not store your card details.

2.4 Zimno slf. is not responsible for mistakes made by the customer during booking.

2.5 Customers must be ready at the agreed pickup place 15 minutes before the pickup time. The driver waits up to 10 minutes after the pickup time; customers who are not there by then are treated as a no-show (see 4.10).

2.6 Any change to a booking, including a change of date, must be agreed with Zimno slf. by email to office@zimno.is no later than 48 hours before departure, and depends on availability.

3. Prices and Currencies

3.1 All prices for the services provided by Zimno slf. are set in Icelandic króna (ISK), and payments are charged in ISK. Prices in euros (EUR) and US dollars (USD) are shown for reference only.

3.2 Zimno slf. reserves the right to change prices of any product or service at any time, including discounts.

3.3 Zimno slf. tours and services are subject to currency fluctuation and the conditions of cooperative contractors that may provide transportation and other services out of the control of Zimno slf.

4. Cancellations & Refunds

4.1 If Zimno slf. cancels a tour because of the weather, natural events (such as volcanic activity, earthquakes or flooding) or other safety reasons, the customer can choose between rescheduling to another date and a full refund.

4.2 A cancellation request will be processed if it is sent by email to office@zimno.is. The request is valid once Zimno slf. confirms it.

4.3 Cancellations from customers will be eligible for a full refund if they are requested 48 hours in advance of the tour departure time. 

4.4 For cancellations between 24 and 48 hours prior to departure, a 50% refund will be offered.

4.5 No refund will be offered if a cancellation is requested 24 hours or less before the tour departure time.

4.6 Zimno slf. reserves the right to cancel a tour when the company considers that safety cannot be guaranteed. In this case, we will try to arrange an alternative tour without additional cost. If this is not accepted by the customers, a full refund or a rescheduling to a different date will be offered.

4.7 Weather cancellations are usually decided the day before the tour, and customers are notified as soon as possible.

4.8 If the customer cannot complete the tour for any reason, no refund is given.

4.9 If customers arrive late, the tour is shortened and still ends at the scheduled time. No refund is given.

4.10 If customers do not show up for a tour that can operate safely, even in bad weather, no refund is given.

4.11 Zimno slf. will not charge any extra fee for refunding a tour or a reschedule. 

4.12 Northern Lights tours run only when the forecast shows a good chance of seeing the aurora. If the lights do not appear, no refund or free rescheduling is given; customers can book another Northern Lights tour with a 30% discount.

4.13 Sections 4.3–4.5 apply to day tours. Multi-day tours have their own cancellation terms, set out in section 10.

5. Privacy Policy

5.1 To provide our services, we collect the personal data needed for your booking, such as your name, email address, phone number, pickup location and number of participants, and any information you give us about health or dietary needs. We process this data to fulfil our agreement with you (Article 6(1)(b) of the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679) and otherwise on the basis of our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f)).

5.2 Booking and payment data is handled by Bókun (booking system) and Rapyd (card payments). Our website is hosted by Hostinger, we use Google services for email and website statistics, and CookieYes for cookie consent.

5.3 Zimno slf. is committed to securing this data and keeping it confidential. 

5.4 Zimno slf. will not lease, sell or distribute this personal information to any third parties unless we have the customer’s permission or the law forces us to.

5.5 We keep personal data only as long as needed for your booking and to meet our accounting obligations under Icelandic law.

5.6 You have the right to access, correct or delete your personal data and to object to its processing. To do so, contact office@zimno.is. You can also complain to Persónuvernd, the Icelandic Data Protection Authority (personuvernd.is).

5.7 Zimno slf. may take photos during tours and use them for marketing, including on our website and social media. If you’d prefer not to appear, please tell your guide.

6. Rental of Equipment

6.1 Hiking boots are required on most hikes and essential on glacier hikes. The guide may refuse to take you on the tour without appropriate boots. Boots can be rented from Zimno slf. for 5,000 ISK and hiking poles for 2,000 ISK; please book them in advance.

6.2 All the hiking or glacier gear the tour requires is included in the price – on glacier hikes, a helmet, ice axe, harness and crampons. Boots and hiking poles are rented separately (see 6.1).

6.3 The renter is responsible for any significant damage to or loss of the provided equipment and is required to cover all associated costs.

7. Medical and Dietary Conditions

7.1 All customers aged 18 or over must sign a consent form before the tour. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian signs on their behalf.

7.2 If you are affected by a medical condition that may affect your enjoyment of the tour, you must advise us of this at the time of booking.

7.3 Zimno slf. reserves the right to refuse service to any customer deemed unfit to participate in the tour or activity. In such cases, the customer is fully responsible for any additional transportation costs or related expenses.

7.4 Customers under the influence of alcohol or other substances will be forbidden from joining the tour or activity.

8. Legal Disputes

8.1 Any legal dispute between Zimno slf. and the customer will be handled in Reykjavík, Iceland.

8.2 Icelandic law shall apply to any legal issues that arise between the two parties.

8.3 Complaints can be sent to office@zimno.is at any time, and we will reply as soon as possible.

9. Responsible Travel Policy

9.1 Policy aims

Zimno is committed to delivering responsible, low-impact adventures that protect Iceland’s fragile environments while creating meaningful experiences for travelers.

Our mission is to inspire people to explore Iceland’s landscapes with curiosity, respect, and environmental awareness. Through carefully designed tours, education, and responsible decision-making, we aim to ensure that tourism contributes positively to nature conservation and local communities.

With over two decades of outdoor experience and a deep personal connection to Iceland’s wilderness, Zimno focuses on small-scale, high-quality adventures that prioritize sustainability over volume tourism.

Our policy aims are to:

• Minimize environmental impact across all aspects of our tours.

• Protect Iceland’s fragile ecosystems and biodiversity.

• Reduce carbon emissions through low-impact travel choices.

• Support local communities and locally owned businesses.

• Provide educational experiences that increase environmental awareness.

• Promote responsible behaviour among travelers visiting Iceland.

We believe that responsible tourism is not only about reducing harm but also about helping travelers develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and their role in protecting it.

Protecting Iceland’s ecosystems is at the core of every Zimno tour.

9.2 Protecting and restoring nature and biodiversity

Iceland’s landscapes are extremely sensitive. Damage to moss, soil, and vegetation can take decades to recover, and even small disturbances can have long-term consequences. For this reason, Zimno follows strict Leave No Trace principles on all trips.

Our guides ensure that travelers:

• Stay on designated paths to protect fragile vegetation.

• Avoid disturbing wildlife or sensitive habitats.

• Leave natural areas exactly as they were found.

• Understand why responsible behaviour is essential in Iceland’s environment.

Environmental education is an essential part of every experience. Before and during each tour we provide travelers with information about:

• Iceland’s fragile ecosystems and slow vegetation recovery

• The impacts of off-road driving and other harmful practices

• Climate change impacts on Iceland’s glaciers and landscapes

• Practical ways visitors can reduce their environmental footprint

Guests receive pre-trip guidance about Iceland’s environmental vulnerabilities, helping them arrive prepared to travel responsibly.

Zimno’s guides are locally trained and continuously update their knowledge through education and field experience within Iceland. This ensures that information shared with guests reflects current environmental understanding.

We maintain communication with local park rangers and land managers, regularly asking how our activities can better support conservation efforts and reduce pressure on natural sites.

Zimno also supports reforestation initiatives in Iceland through collaboration with local ecological projects supplying trees for restoration efforts.

All guides and partners working with Zimno share a strong respect for nature and a commitment to protecting Iceland’s environment.

9.3 Reducing carbon emission

Reducing carbon emissions is a central principle in the design and operation of Zimno.

Our experiences focus primarily on human-powered travel, including hiking, ski touring, and mountaineering. These activities allow visitors to explore Iceland while producing minimal carbon emissions and fostering a deeper connection with the landscape.

Where transportation is required, we actively work to minimize emissions by:

• Prioritizing electric or low-emission vehicles whenever available.

• Using public transportation for larger groups, significantly reducing emissions per traveler.

• Designing itineraries that reduce unnecessary driving and focus on local exploration.

• Collaborating with transport providers who actively work to reduce their environmental impact.

Zimno does not include or promote domestic flights or helicopter sightseeing tours, as these significantly increase the environmental footprint of tourism.

Accommodation partners are selected carefully, and most facilities used during our trips operate on Iceland’s renewable energy system, primarily geothermal and hydroelectric power.

Travelers are also encouraged to make lower-impact travel choices where possible and are provided with guidance on how to reduce the environmental impact of their visit to Iceland

9.4 Providing local benefits from tourism

Zimno is committed to ensuring that tourism directly benefits local communities and supports Iceland’s local economy.

Whenever possible, we work with locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and service providers, helping ensure that tourism revenue remains within Iceland. We never use restaurant or hotel chains – we usually know the owners by name.

We encourage travelers to engage with the local community by:

• Purchasing locally made crafts and products

• Visiting greenhouses, farms, workshops, and rural businesses

• Supporting restaurants that prioritize local ingredients

All service providers we collaborate with are legally registered businesses operating under Icelandic regulations, ensuring fair working standards, accountability, and quality.

Our guides are locally trained professionals who share not only knowledge of Iceland’s landscapes but also insight into Icelandic culture, environmental challenges, and the importance of sustainable tourism.

Through storytelling, education, and respectful engagement, we aim to foster meaningful connections between visitors and the places they explore.

By focusing on small-group travel, responsible guiding practices, and strong local partnerships, Zimno aims to ensure that tourism supports both environmental protection and community wellbeing in Iceland.

10. Multi-day Tours and Package Travel

10.1 Tours that last more than 24 hours or include overnight accommodation, such as the 3-day Fimmvörðuháls and Þórsmörk hike, are package travel under the Icelandic Act on Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements No. 95/2018. Zimno slf. is the organiser and is fully responsible for the proper performance of the whole package.

10.2 Zimno slf. holds travel agency licence no. 2026-018 from the Icelandic Tourist Board (Ferðamálastofa) and is a member of the Travel Guarantee Fund (Ferðatryggingasjóður), which refunds customers’ payments if Zimno slf. becomes insolvent.

10.3 The full price is paid at booking. 15% of the price is a non-refundable deposit that covers mountain hut bookings.

10.4 Cancellation by the customer: more than 30 days before departure, the price is refunded except for the 15% deposit (85% refund). From 30 days to 48 hours before departure, 50% of the price is refunded. Less than 48 hours before departure, no refund is given.

10.5 No cancellation fee is charged if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances significantly affect the tour, for example a volcanic eruption or the closure of the area. In that case, the customer receives a full refund.

10.6 If Zimno slf. cancels the tour, the customer can choose between a new date and a full refund. If the tour description states a minimum number of participants and it is not reached, Zimno slf. will cancel the tour no later than 7 days before departure.

10.7 Refunds are paid within 14 days of the cancellation.

10.8 The customer may transfer the booking to another person who meets the tour’s requirements, such as minimum age and fitness, by telling Zimno slf. at least 7 days before departure. The customer pays any actual costs of the transfer.

10.9 The price is not increased after the booking has been confirmed.

10.10 If any part of the tour is not provided as agreed, the customer must tell the guide or Zimno slf. without delay, so that we can put it right. Zimno slf. helps customers who are in difficulty during the tour. Emergency phone during the tour: +354 770 0022.

10.11 Complaints can be sent to office@zimno.is. If we cannot reach an agreement, the customer can refer the dispute to the Icelandic Consumer Complaints Board (Kærunefnd vöru- og þjónustukaupa).

10.12 Standard information for package travel: The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2015/2302. Therefore, you will benefit from all EU rights applying to packages. Zimno slf. will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole. Additionally, as required by law, Zimno slf. has protection in place to refund your payments in the event that it becomes insolvent.

Key rights under the Package Travel Directive (EU) 2015/2302:

  • Travellers will receive all essential information about the package before concluding the package travel contract.
  • There is always at least one trader who is liable for the proper performance of all the travel services included in the contract.
  • Travellers are given an emergency telephone number or details of a contact point where they can get in touch with the organiser.
  • Travellers may transfer the package to another person, on reasonable notice and possibly subject to additional costs.
  • The price of the package may only be increased if specific costs rise and if expressly provided for in the contract, and in any event not later than 20 days before the start of the package. If the price increase exceeds 8% of the price of the package, the traveller may terminate the contract.
  • Travellers may terminate the contract without paying any termination fee and get a full refund of any payments if any of the essential elements of the package, other than the price, are changed significantly. If, before the start of the package, the organiser cancels the package, travellers are entitled to a refund and compensation where appropriate.
  • Travellers may terminate the contract without paying any termination fee before the start of the package in the event of exceptional circumstances, for instance serious security problems at the destination which are likely to affect the package.
  • Additionally, travellers may at any time before the start of the package terminate the contract in return for an appropriate and justifiable termination fee.
  • If, after the start of the package, significant elements of the package cannot be provided as agreed, suitable alternative arrangements will have to be offered to the traveller at no extra cost. Travellers may terminate the contract without paying any termination fee where services are not performed in accordance with the contract, this substantially affects the performance of the package and the organiser fails to remedy the problem.
  • Travellers are also entitled to a price reduction and/or compensation for damages where the travel services are not performed or are improperly performed.
  • The organiser has to provide assistance if the traveller is in difficulty.
  • If the organiser becomes insolvent, payments will be refunded.

Zimno slf. has taken out insolvency protection with the Travel Guarantee Fund (Ferðatryggingasjóður), administered by the Icelandic Tourist Board (ferdamalastofa.is). Travellers may contact the Fund if services are denied because of Zimno slf.’s insolvency. The Icelandic Act on Package Travel No. 95/2018 is available at althingi.is.