Even though he is a guide he is also the owner and operator of East Highlanders and loves to create memory's with the guests of the forest.
Elí Þór joined East Highlanders in 2019. Even though East Highlanders has been operating since 2010 and offering ATV tours in Hallormsstaður national forest since 2013.
10 random questions
1. Do you have a nicname?
No some people have tried to call me Elli but I never respond to it.
2. Where are you from?
I´m first generation born and raised in Reykjavík but my family is from Westman islands.
3. What are your hobbies?
I´m a hobby collector they range from going outdoors and enjoy the nature to being a couch potato and relaxing with my people.
4. Describe your self with 3 words.
Optimistic - goal oriented - capable
5. What is the craziest thing on your bucket list?
skydiving
6. What would your parents name you of you were the opposite gender?
Honestly I have no idea... I would guess that it would have been Halldóra after my grandmother.
7. What is your favorite drink and food?
The Icelandic lamb and a good glass of red vine with it.
8. What three items can you not live without?
Family and friends - good vibes - goal (something that makes you wake up)
9. Where is your favorite place
The highlands of Iceland.
10. What is your favorite season?
Summer and beginning of autumn
Tell us about yourself
My name is Elí Þór Vídó I´m 32 years old. born and raised in Reykjavik and accidentally move to Egilsstaðir in 2014. It was never my plan to settle down here in the East Iceland I originally had decided to stay here for just one summer and go back to the capital in the autumn but back in my head I was ready to try one winter, but as we all know "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans". All these years later I´m still here life has happened and today I live with my girlfriend and her son In Egilsstaðir and they take full part in the business.
How come you joined East Highlanders?
“In 2019 I left my job working for a wholesaler and was figuring out what I wanted to do next. Then one day I got a phone call and was asked if I was interested to work as a ATV guide for the summer and rest is history”
In 2019 I met Mr. Jens that is the former owner through my niece that is a hotel manager at Hotel Hallormsstaður and she asked me if I was interested to work as a ATV guide. I was interested and she set up a meeting between me and Mr. Jens. A few days later I met Jens and got more details about this job. We really liked each other and saw a possibility that we could work well together and I got the job.
From a guide to owner
During the first summer I worked as a guide and also took it upon me to bring the company up to date on the internet for example I updated the Facebook page, opened a Instagram account and opened for online bookings from our web page. I started working in mid-may and after one month Mr. Jens approached me told me that he had been watching and assessing how I was fitting with the company and asked me if I would be interested to take over the company. I was surprised but I replied that I was interested and would give him a final answer at the end of the season.
The first year in business
After the season of 2019 I decided to take a chance buy the company, there are a lot of opportunity's in Hallormsstaður. The purchases was finalized in December and on the 1st of January 2020 I took over. But as everybody know a little virus said hello to the world in February the same year. Many people would be afraid to face the challenge to operate a activity based company during the pandemic but we believe if we can survive this challenge we can survive anything. But the first season was a success Icelanders decided to travel domestically and discovered East Iceland and Hallormsstaður forest.
We look forward to meet you in the forest and create memories together.