The unique places to stay in Iceland complete a journey across this magnificent island. A natural landscape like Iceland’s calls for cozy cabins and cottages with stunning views. We discovered many of these exceptional lodgings in Iceland and are delighted to share our recommendations in this blog.
Booking.comUnique places to stay in Reykjavik
Where to stay in Reykjavik? The best choice is to stay in the city center, in the district called Miðborg (Midborg), also known as 101 due to its postal code. The area north of the famous Hallgrímskirkja church is home to most of Reykjavik’s restaurants, attractions, and hotels. This part of Reykjavik is the prime location for accommodation. However, there are also beautiful hostels and hotels located outside of Midborg, including the most exceptional place to stay in Reykjavik.
The most unique places to stay in Reykjavik:
#1 Tower Suites Reykjavík for a Reykjavik hotel boasting a remarkable rating of 9.5. It features chic penthouse suites located on the 20th floor within a contemporary glass tower that presents breathtaking city or sea views. The rooms come equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows and a telescope. While slightly removed from the main attractions, the hotel is only a short 500 m walk from the Laugavegur shopping street and 1 km from the Hallgrímskirkja church.
#2 Reykjavik Domes for glamping in a unique dome located just outside Reykjavik. Top-rated amenities include a comfortable bed, hot tub, cozy wood stove, and welcome drink. Guests rave about the exceptional and memorable experience.
#3 House of the Snowbird for highly-rated lodging offering guests the opportunity to stay in tastefully decorated apartments situated within a refurbished historic edifice located in Reykjavík’s Old Town, just a 13-minute stroll from Hallgrímskirkja Church. Every apartment comes equipped with its own kitchen, making it a convenient choice for those who prefer not to dine out every night.
Unique places to stay in the Golden Circle
Where to stay in the Golden Circle while exploring Iceland’s most-visited attraction? While it is possible to visit the Golden Circle on a day trip from the capital, Reykjavik, we believe that it doesn’t do justice to this unique place. We recommend spending at least one night to allow for a minimum of two full days to visit the famous waterfalls, geysers, and natural phenomena. As one of Iceland’s most popular destinations, you have a large range of villages, locations, hotels, and cabins to choose from.
The most unique places to stay in the Golden Circle:
#4 Austurey Cottages (Laugarvatn) for charming cottages in a vast landscape near the Laugarvatn hot springs, with views overlooking the lake and a patio. Each cottage features one bedroom, a bathroom, fresh linens and towels, a flatscreen TV, a dining area, a fully-equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with mountain views. Explore the nearby hiking trails for an unforgettable experience! This exceptional lodging option in the Golden Circle receives an extremely high rating from guests.
#5 Náttúra Yurtel (Haukadalur) for unique lodging in Mongolian yurts at a small-scale accommodation located just 4 kilometers from the geysers in a stunning landscape. Guests have raved about the spectacular view of the erupting geysers, the luxurious tents, the charming ambiance, and the delicious breakfast in their glowing reviews.
#6 Blue View Cabin (Reykholt) for luxurious cabins with moss roofs in a remote location on the Golden Circle. These cozy cottages offer stunning views and come equipped with a delightful hot tub. On clear nights, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your cabin! If this particular cabin is fully booked, rest assured that there are multiple Blue View Cabins available, each with its own booking page.
#7 INNI – Boutique apartments (Hveragerði) for beautifully furnished apartments in a boutique hotel. Saving money on expensive restaurants is easy with a property that includes a private kitchen. Hotel guests have given the property exceptional review ratings, highlighting the hot tub, tasteful decor, comfortable beds, and convenient location.
#8 Kerbyggd (Selfoss) for stunning cottages with exceptional reviews. These luxurious homes boast contemporary design that effortlessly blends with the expansive lunar terrain. Guests enjoy lavish amenities, including a fully stocked kitchen and a secluded hot tub. During clear evenings, Northern Lights illuminate the sky above.
Unique places to stay at the Snæfellsnes peninsula
Where to stay in Snaefellsnes while exploring this beautiful peninsula in Iceland? While it’s possible to visit Snaefellsnes on a day trip from Reykjavik, staying for two nights allows for a much more fulfilling experience of the western peninsula. Choose a comfortable base on the peninsula, as Snaefellsnes offers a variety of unique accommodations such as cozy cottages and charming hotels, both in the different villages and in stunning remote locations throughout the peninsula.
The most unique places to stay at the Snaefellsnes peninsula:
#9 Drangar Country Guesthouse (Drangar) for the best-rated accommodation in Snæfellsnes. This guesthouse is housed in a modernly renovated farmhouse set in a remote location. Its large north-facing windows offer an ideal spot for witnessing the Northern Lights on clear evenings. Guests praise the beautiful architecture, stunning landscape, and the warm hospitality of hosts Leana and Knutur.
#10 Hótel Egilsen (Stykkishólmur) for charming accommodation housed in a building dating back to 1860. The colorful rooms offer views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the shared lounge features a small library and a cozy atmosphere.
#11 Miðhraun Lava Resort (Borgarnes) for a family-run resort with excellent ratings in Snæfellsnes, offering hotel rooms, cottages, and apartments. The resort is part of an old farm, which also houses a restaurant and geothermal baths. More than a hundred sheep, horses, and chickens roam around the farm.
#12 Sodulsholt Cottages (Sodulsholt) for adorable wooden cottages are situated in a beautiful landscape. Each cottage features a fully equipped kitchenette, a dining area, and a seating area with a TV. The cottages receive exceptionally high ratings, with guests praising the tranquility, well-maintained accommodations, and breathtaking views.
Unique places to stay in Southern Iceland
Staying in Vík is the perfect option for exploring the south of Iceland. The village is small, consisting of just a few streets. In addition to the distinctive church, there is a supermarket, gas station, tour operators, and primarily many hotels and hostels. Vík has great public transportation connections, although since most likely you are traveling around Iceland by rental car, we recommend considering the unique accommodations outside of Vík. In the rugged landscape of South Iceland, you will find many more stunning hotels and cabins with the most beautiful views.
De mooiste cabins en hotels van Vík:
#13 Vik Cottages (Vik) for charming cottages with stylish, contemporary decor nestled in the lush green hills adjacent to Vik. These cozy cottages are situated less than 500 meters from the black sand beach and have garnered rave reviews from guests.
#2 Black Beach Suites (Vik) for a stay at one of the highest-rated accommodations in Vik. This hotel is praised for its beautiful location, breathtaking views, and charming rooms and cottages. With large windows in both the rooms and cottages, you can see the Northern Lights and enjoy a spectacular view of the surroundings and the sea. The impressive Dyrholæy cliff is visible from Black Beach Suites and the black beach is within walking distance.
#14 Vik Apartments (Vik) for apartments with a breathtaking ocean view. They come equipped with a full kitchen, allowing guests to save money on Iceland’s notoriously expensive restaurants. Vik Apartments boasts high ratings due to its stylish decor, central location, beautiful surroundings, and comfortable accommodations.
#15 Farmhouse Lodge (Vik) for stunning lodging at The Lodge, but also featuring the newly renovated guesthouse Cowhouse, and luxurious Glamping accommodations for two to four people. This exceptional sleeping destination is situated in a secluded location within an old farm, where the Northern Lights can be witnessed on clear nights.
#16 Magma Hotel (Kirkjubæjarklaustur) for a popular accommodation option with beautiful cottages near the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Most cottages feature a patio overlooking the stunning nature of South Iceland. In their reviews, hotel guests are enthusiastic about the excellent restaurant, the scenic location with a chance to see the Northern Lights, and the trendy and attractive interior design of the cottages.
#17 The Garage (Varmahlíð) for one of the highest-rated hotels in South Iceland. Its stylish decor, friendly owners, beautiful location, complimentary hot tub, and warm welcome with homemade cake garner glowing reviews and exceptionally high ratings. The property is situated between the Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls.
#18 UMI Hotel (Skogar) for a charming hotel located at the base of the famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano in South Iceland. The Skogafoss waterfall is also nearby. The hotel features a terrace with sea and volcano views. The location is stunning, and the interior design is stylish and modern.
#19 Aurora Lodge Hotel (Hvolsvöllur) for a cozy hotel composed of eight wooden buildings on the banks of the Ytri-Rangá River. Aurora Lodge boasts two hot tubs with views of the landscape and the volcanoes Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. The exceptionally positive reviews highlight the beautiful decor, delicious breakfast, stunning views, and friendly staff.
Unique places to stay in Eastern Iceland
#20 Ormurinn Cottages (Egilsstadir) for idyllic A-frame cottages in a vast landscape. Each cottage features a kitchenette and a terrace with barbecue facilities for summer enjoyment. The highlight, of course, is the Icelandic scenery, as the cottages offer stunning views of Lake Lagarfljót. The village of Egilsstadir is only a 5-minute drive away.
#21 Krákhamar Apartments (Djúpivogur) for unique cottages with modern architecture. These cottages provide sea views and come with a fully equipped kitchen. Guests at Krákhamar consistently give glowing reviews and exceptionally high ratings.
#22 Hrafnavellir Guest House (Hrafnavellir) for one of the top-rated accommodations in East Iceland. The cozy cottages at Hrafnavellir Guest House receive enthusiastic reviews. Hotel guests praise the welcoming owners, the sea views, the excellent location, and the extensive breakfast options.
#23 Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (Hnappavellir) for a luxurious hotel experience with beautiful rooms and modern decor. The hotel features its own restaurant with a bar and a spa with a sauna. Fosshotel provides suites with large panoramic windows, and executive suites include a private hot tub on the balcony.
Unique places to stay in Northern Iceland
#24 Berjaya Myvatn (Myvatn) for an exceptionally beautiful and popular hotel located 3.3 km away from the natural baths of Mývatn. The well-appointed rooms, hot tubs, convenient location, and excellent restaurant are frequently praised in the glowing reviews.
#25 Hestasport Cottages (Varmahlid) for cozy wooden cottages amidst a vast landscape. These cottages feature a fully equipped kitchen and a patio, providing a perfect retreat after exploring the northern regions of Iceland. Guests can also unwind in the hot tub.
#26 Fjalladyrd – Modrudalur á Fjollum (Modrudalur) for a wooden guesthouse situated in a secluded location with breathtaking mountain views. It boasts an excellent restaurant, a children’s play area, and the opportunity to book excursions. The guesthouse receives rave reviews, with special mentions of its stunning landscape and unique setting.
#27 Sky sighting Iglúhús (Litli-Árskógssandur) for distinctive accommodation experience in wooden igloos. These cottages feature ample windows, including a ceiling window for stargazing and Northern Lights viewing. Nestled in a beautiful landscape, these extraordinary cottages guarantee an unforgettable experience in Iceland.
#28 Camp Boutique – Original North (Aðaldalur) for glamorous camping in the countryside of Húsavík, along the banks of the Skjálfandafljót River. Guests can enjoy sleeping in beautiful, spacious, and comfortable tents equipped with a stove, a large bed, and stylish décor.
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