The drive from the airport should have taken us 2 hours, but it took us 4. Iceland's ever-changing landscape had us pulling over every few minutes to admire yet another view: snow-topped mountains glowing in the sunlight, glistening waterfalls carving through moss-covered rock, dark clouds rolling overhead in a theatrical dance. Eventually we reached the ridge of a crater, and before us lay the striking structure of Hotel Húsafell - the perfect complement to the dramatic scenery.
Located in the unspoilt west, between the Hraunfossar waterfalls and the Langjökull glacier, it’s clear why the tiny village of Húsafell (permanent population 10) has long been an Icelandic favourite. For many years, camping or summer villas were the only option for visitors looking to spend more than a day soaking up its natural beauty. That all changed in 2015, when the hotel opened its doors. Made from glass and stone, its 48 sleek rooms fan out from a central bar and restaurant, whose floor-to-ceiling windows show off the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. We’d intended to rush straight back out to explore, but we were soon lured by the delicious smells wafting from the kitchen, and the naturally heated water in the geothermal pools outside. There's no doubt about it: Hotel Húsafell has truly bottled Iceland’s magic.
Highs
- Ideally situated for exploring Iceland’s west - ice caves, glacier tours and waterfalls are all nearby, and spectacular hikes start on the doorstep
- One of the best spots in the world to view the Northern Lights, with an average of 3 sightings a week in winter
- Two geothermal pools, a steam room and 2 hot tubs, where you can laze while gazing up at towering mountains
- Bright, minimalist rooms, many with private terraces and inspiring paintings by local artist Páll Guðmundsson
- Sophisticated food which blends Icelandic ingredients with Asian influences (and a good kids menu for those travelling with children)
Lows
- As often in Iceland, food is expensive and vegetarian choices are limited, but there's a bistro next to the hotel (open periodically)
- Double beds are actually 2 singles pushed together, and some rooms look out onto shrubbery rather than the scenery
- There's nothing for miles but epic landscapes - you'll need a car to get here and get around
- It’s very popular with tour groups, but they tend to dine in a separate area so you won’t feel out of place
- We found the WiFi a little patchy, but with views like these, we didn't mind!
Activities on site
Location
Hotel Húsafell is located in the tiny village of Húsafell, in Iceland’s western region. It's a 1.5-hour drive from Reykjavik, and 2 hours from the international airport at Keflavik.
By Air:
Iceland's only international airport is Keflavik (170km away, to the south of Reykjavik). It has a wide range of flights from Europe and North America - click on the links below for a list of airlines. There's also a small airport in Reykjavik itself, served by domestic flights only.
From the Airport
The remote location means you'll need a car to get here and to explore - see our car-rental recommendations. We'd suggest hiring a 4x4 so you can venture onto the region's smaller gravel roads, and snow tires are essential in the winter months.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Iceland and getting around
Airports:
- Keflavik (international) 170.0 km KEF
- Reykjavik (domestic only) 132.0 km RKV
Other:
- Beach 80.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape