Local travel agency en Islande
Alkemia, your local agency based in Akureyri.
Our story
Alkemia was born from a deep attachment to Iceland, its raw landscapes, and its slow pace. A simple commitment has driven the agency since its inception: to offer trips built on the ground, away from overtouristed sites, as close as possible to nature and the seasons.
Based in Helgafell, in Eyjafjordur fjord near Akureyri, Alkemia is the only English-speaking agency established outside the capital. This presence in northern Islande is no accident: it reflects a lifestyle choice and a travel philosophy. The agency has its own welcome and accommodation venue, designed as an anchor point for travelers who want to take their time. Recognized for its alternative approach, Alkemia is committed to several sustainable tourism networks — WATA, VVE, Leave No Trace — and authorized by the Icelandic ministry of tourism. In 2025, the agency joins the Nomadays collective.
The agency was founded by Harpa, an Icelander, and Jean-Marc, a French national who has lived in Iceland for nearly twenty years. Together, they design itineraries based on their deep knowledge of the territory and their respective sensibilities — Jean-Marc is also a photographer, guide, and practitioner of aikido and shiatsu. Their philosophy: create meaningful journeys founded on encounter, exploration, and contemplation.
Here, we don't reproduce itineraries. We craft trips that reflect who you are.
Alkemia is a member of the Nomadays collective. This partnership gives you access to direct organization with a local team based in Akureyri, while enjoying secure booking from France: payment in euros, fund protection, APST guarantee, and compliance with French tourism law. You get the best of both worlds: the proximity of an on-the-ground team and the security of a protective legal framework.
Iceland naturally invites you to slow down. When you embrace its rhythm, its silences and its spaces, the journey becomes a true inner experience.
— Jean-Marc, Contemplative Explorer of Icelandic Lands
Our approach to travel
Each itinerary is a unique creation, tailored to your desires and our intimate knowledge of the destination.
Tailored, truly
No set itineraries. Your trip is designed from scratch according to your wishes, your pace and your budget. Every detail is thought through for you.
Local expertise
Our team lives en Islande. We personally test every accommodation, every guide, every experience we recommend.
Responsible tourism
We prioritize family-run accommodations, local guides, and experiences that directly benefit Thai communities.
The team creating your journey
Passionate experts en Islande on the ground to guide you every step of the way.
Jean-Marc Plessy
Contemplative explorer of Icelandic lands
« Iceland naturally invites you to slow down. When you embrace its pace, its silences and its spaces, travel becomes a genuine inner experience. »
Harpa Barkardottir
Travel Advisor
How it works
From your first idea to your return, we're by your side every step of the way.
Let's chat
Tell us about your wishes, your pace, your interests. By phone, email or video call — we take the time to listen to you.
Your trip is taking shape
We design a bespoke itinerary with accommodations, transportation, guides and experiences. You'll receive a detailed proposal within 48 hours.
Secure booking
You book and pay in France with Nomadays, backed by APST financial guarantee and secure payment. Your local agency then prepares every detail on the ground.
Experience the moment
On the ground, everything is organized. Your digital travel journal, your local contacts, and our 24/7 assistance guide you every step of the way.
Share your memories
Upon return, share your experience. Your feedback helps us improve and inspires future travelers.
Our local commitment
Travel differently means contributing positively to the communities that welcome you.
North Iceland stakeholders
Fjord accommodations, Akureyri guides, Eyjafjordur farms: we work with established providers outside Reykjavik.
Encounters with Icelanders
Harpa and Jean-Marc open their network at Helgafell: fishermen, farmers, artists from the north share their daily lives without staging.
Raw nature, minimal traces
Committed to Leave No Trace, we avoid overcrowded Golden Circle sites in favor of preserved Highlands and fjords, outside peak season.
Nordic knowledge sharing
Photography with Jean-Marc, Icelandic tales, wool crafts from Þingeyjarsveit, sagas: each journey shares a piece of local culture.
Travel with peace of mind
Alkemia is a member of the Nomadays network. You benefit from the guarantees of a European agency while enjoying the expertise of a local agency.
Alkemia is one of the 95+ local agencies in the collective Nomadays —
Financial Guarantee APST
Your funds are protected by the Professional Tourism Solidarity Association. In case of unexpected circumstances, you are covered 100%.
Secure payment
Payment by bank transfer or credit card via a secure platform. Option to pay in instalments.
24/7 support
During your trip, an emergency line is available 7 days a week. Our local team steps in whenever you need it.
International network
Nomadays brings together more than 100 local agencies worldwide. A guarantee of reliability, quality and sustainability.
Frequently asked questions about the agency
Do you still have questions? Here are the most frequently asked questions about how our agency works.
Alkemia designs your trip directly en Islande, with advisors who know the ground daily. You avoid intermediaries, gain in responsiveness and benefit from advice on genuinely lived experiences — no standardized marketing catalog.
Plan ideally 2 to 3 months before departure during peak seasons (hotels and guides are scarcer), 1 month is enough for quieter seasons. For last-minute departures, get in touch with us: we'll honestly tell you if we can put together a quality trip within the timeframe.
Yes, 7 days a week throughout your stay. You'll receive a local WhatsApp number + a dedicated emergency contact. Our on-site team can assist within hours in case of unexpected events (cancelled flight, illness, weather changes).
Your payments are 100% protected by the Professional Solidarity Association for Tourism. If a service provider (hotel, transport, etc.) or the agency fails, your funds are refunded. This is a mandatory guarantee for any French travel agency — Nomadays benefits from it across its entire network.
Yes, as much as possible. Changes made more than 30 days before departure are generally free of charge (excluding hotel rate differences). As your departure approaches, some bookings become less flexible — we always inform you of your options before confirmation.
Payment is made in full in France, in euros, with Nomadays — secured by credit card or bank transfer. You have no payments to make en Islande: everything is pre-arranged (accommodations, transfers, guides, activities). You just need to budget for meals outside the itinerary and personal purchases.
What our travelers say
“I particularly appreciated that Voyage Islande quickly understood the spirit of the trip I wanted to make. Very responsive to all requests! Pleasant exchanges. In short, I had an excellent trip, also thanks to Voyage Islande!!”
Lucien
Iceland
“An impression of being on top of the world, of dazzling light, of sumptuous landscapes that never tire despite the demanding nature of a trip to Iceland.”
Maël
Iceland
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