Former Icelandic President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, who led the country from 2016 to 2024, began working as a tour guide in Þingvellir National Park this summer. He describes it as a "natural continuation of serving the people, just in a different setting."
Jóhannesson was the youngest president in the country's history, was re-elected in 2020 with record support, but in 2024 he chose not to seek another term, stressing that it is "better to let the heart decide than to follow other arguments." He used to walk around Reykjavík and play football with children. It was this simplicity and modesty that made him a favorite among Icelanders.
Now he leads tours along Þingvellir routes, meets school groups and tourists, helps visitors at the service center, and has even completed a first aid course. Many do not recognize the former head of state in the guide, and that pleases him: it allows him to be close to people in a more human way.
