Glamping on a private island?
12 of Iceland's unique and strange accommodations
Icelanders do not sleep in igloos – but you are welcome to. Here are 12 accommodations where architecture and design create a night destined to be remembered.
Dream big in a capsule
The Galaxy Pod Hostel in Reykjavik's city center is modeled after the popular Japanese pod hostels. This luxury pod hostel features a futuristic theme, making the capsule rooms feel reminiscent of sleeping accommodations on a spaceship bound for Mars. Surprise! It is very popular with Star Wars fans. Don't forget the virtual reality games in the hotel lobby.
Glass igloos
The Panorama Glass Lodge is situated on remote land near the town of Hella in South Iceland. Comprising several igloos fitted with large windows for viewing the landscape, this offers an immersive experience where sunlight and auroras serve as the primary source of light. Each house includes a private hot tub and hammock nets.
Lulled to sleep by the waves
For the first thousand years in Iceland's history, open sailboats were the only way to get to and from Iceland. Standing at the helm of a ship powered entirely by wind will undoubtedly give you a sense of the old way of life. In Húsavík, North Sailing sails to Grímsey for the summer solstice by the Arctic Circle, sleeping on board the Schooner Opal. In Ísafjörður, Aurora Arktika offers multi-day trips exploring the pristine fjords of the Hornstrandir nature reserve. Fair winds!
The Blue Lagoon's Backyard
The milky-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon need little introduction. The spa retreat is visited by two million people a year. But to the side, in a quiet pocket of that middle-of-moss property, is another lagoon available only to guests at the boutique Blue Lagoon Retreat. The most expensive option is the Lagoon Suite, which features a private, walk-in lagoon. Other rooms come with access to the Retreat Spa and meals from the Michelin-rated Moss Restaurant.
Modern twist on a traditional turf house
For most of history, living in Iceland meant living in a turf house, with a grass roof and walls made from rocks and mud. Like any architectural style, the houses evolved over the centuries. The 19th-century wooden structure has now been transformed into a 'luxury retreat' in South Iceland. The Torfhús Retreat is a place of ten exclusive cottages showcasing the distinct Medieval building style. Most of the houses are single-bedroom units, but double-bedroom options are also available. Attached to the premise is a longhouse serving as a gorgeous reception and a restaurant.
A Sci-Fi Stay
For a unique boutique hotel experience, try the Ion Adventure Hotel located near Þingvellir National Park. The hotel is built into the landscape in a minimalist sci-fi style. The location offers many hiking opportunities off-site, as well as an indoor heated pool and hot tub on-site. In case you are afraid of missing the Northern Lights, you can ask the hotel receptionist to give you a wake-up call at any hour of the night whenever the skies come alive with the lights.
Where luxury meets nature
Sörla Camp is a private oasis in South Iceland, near Hella, where guests can relax and unwind surrounded by stunning nature. This exclusive tented retreat blends wilderness and comfort, featuring four luxury Nordic tipis with premium amenities, geothermal hot pools, a cold plunge, and a sauna. A range of tailored activities is available year-round for an unforgettable stay.
Domes in a Reykjavík backyard
Part glass, part tent, lots of views; The Reykjavik Domes is the closest thing to living in an igloo in Reykjavík. The domes are on a quiet field in a seaside neighborhood with a view over the bay to Mt. Esja. Each comes with a private jacuzzi and a stove. The windows can be closed to the outside world for privacy if preferred.
The Little House by the Sea
In Iceland's Westfjords, one can find unusual accommodations offered by locals on Airbnb, such as this restored classic Icelandic fisherman's cottage from the 1900s in the village of Bolungarvík. The cottage is small and cozy, featuring a sun deck and garden, as well as stunning views of both the mountains and the sea. From the upstairs loft, one can even see the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve nearby.
Live in a bubble
The Bubble Hotel is an ideal destination for those seeking to view the Northern Lights. The "hotel" is an actual transparent bubble that allows you to sleep under the Northern Lights in a remote forest, far away from the light obstruction of city lights. Open from mid-April to September, we recommend booking ahead as it is a popular getaway, especially for couples. However, be flexible with your expectations—the Northern Lights are an unpredictable phenomenon. To protect the privacy of guests, the location of the premises is only revealed via GPS coordinates upon booking.
Glamping by the river
Voted one of the best glamping spots in Europe in 2020, Original North is located on a private estate on the banks of the glacial river Skjálfandafljót. The tents have been designed with Icelandic weather conditions in mind and are well-equipped with furniture, heating, and Wi-Fi. The camp is located near several notable sites, including the waterfall Ullarfoss, the forest Fosselsskógur, and the ancient parliamentary sites of Þingey and Skuldaþingsey.
The island of Vigur
The peaceful Vigur Island in the Westfjords is delightful even for a day trip. From April to September, some 7,000 breeding eider ducks, more than 100,000 puffins, a rare colony of black guillemot, as well as nesting arctic terns are present on this tiny island. In fact, the main occupation of the island farm is collecting and cleaning the soft down left behind by wild eider ducks in their nests, which is a valuable insulation material used in many products. To stay overnight in this bird paradise, on which only one family lives year-round, there are a few options in historic housing. All revenue from overnight stays on Vigur significantly contributes to the efforts to develop the conservation activities on the island.
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