"What didn't I like? The weather.....it was very wet and cold but I packed a lot into four days, and a bus tour where the same person drove for 16 hours!!
I highly recommend going to Perlan. I spent a few hours there after I landed as my accommodation was not ready until 3pm. Food is good and sitting in the revolving restaurant after seeing the various exhibitions and shows is a great place to relax and enjoy the views.
Try a cinnamon bun from Braud & Co in Reykjavik - a tiny bakery - absolutely amazing.
All the people I met in bars, shops, cafes etc were friendly, whether they were Icelandic or from other countries.
I went whale and dolphin watching and saw a few dolphins.
I would recommend a visit to Diamond Beach and the Glacier Lagoon at Jökulsárlón but if you have a hire car, it would be better to drive yourself than go on a bus tour. The roads are easy to navigate and you can stay as long as you want to at each attraction.
On the way back to the airport I drove out through the lava fields to Gunnuhver Hot Springs and then onto the Blue Lagoon.
I will definitely go back maybe later in the year when the weather is, hopefully, better."
"It's a lovely place. Must visit. If you have kids under 8 then you might not be able to go to a lot of adventures tours. Food is expensive. Rain is a Scandinavian restaurant where one must go if visiting Iceland."
"It was very interesting to visit "Iceland's Capital of the North" after having spent ten days in Reykjavik earlier this year. Akureyri is a lot quieter than Iceland's capital and is perfect to visit during the Autumn or Winter with the "magical" snowy scenery and with an excellent chance of seeing the Northern Lights, but a visit there in the Summer is also highly recommended to visit the amazing Botanical Gardens and lush green grass, flowers and trees."
Geological Phenomena, Sandy Beach, Volcanic Landscapes
29 hotels
One of 1,141 reviews:
"Vik is a beautiful place and a must as a stopping point in the south! In addition to the black beach and the famous viewpoints, the view from the church (and the small cemetery right above the church) are amazing. We found one night stay to be long enough.
It's a small town, however, there are a few nice options for food. Very much recommend the Restaurant Suður-Vík - hands down the best meal on our trip. Great arctic charr and lamb dishes and the pizza and deserts (warm apple pie) were also surprisingly amazing! A meal for two (including two mains, one starter and one desert and only one beer) was £80. Quite a few lovely places to stay, however, much like the restaurant - on the pricey side.
The locals say Vik is notorious for the clouds, rain and bad weather, so prepare!"
"I stayed 2 nights to rest because this location is almost 1/2 of the Ring Road distance and near the glacier activities. I could rest here peacefully. The shower has nice hot water and a heated towel rack! There is a public pool nearby. I had the MOST delicious langoustine lobster sandwich at a cafe on the water within walking distance. In the menu, it says it is their most popular dish. The cafe's name is in a photo. There is a golf course nearby and a smoothly paved walking path going around the water's edge to the cafe I recommend. It is a lovely quiet town with an interesting history, posted on signs at buildings and rocks."
"Borgarnes is underrated as it doesn't have any bucket-list sights. It's a mid-size small town by Iceland standards, but it's got a lot to recommend it - it's a very typical Icelandic place, and one with a variety of landscapes and bay views.
The Settlement Museum is overpriced (as most Icelandic museums are), but even without a visit there, Borgarnes is a good place for walking. It also has some decent to excellent eateries (the Bara bar and restaurant in the heart of the town is outstanding, and even the N1 station cooks up some of Iceland's best meat soup.)"
"I’m 2/3 of circumnavigating Iceland, and I have to say that this area is the weirdest landscape yet—in a good way. In a small area there are extinct volcanoes, steaming hillsides, lakes with strange lava 'islands', ethereal mountains…….. so strange. So beautiful. Highly recommended."
"An unusual place to be sure. Not too "in yer face" , nor up it's own pipe. Just about right. Superb geolocation. Car necessary to fully appreciate the opportunity on offer. Highly recommend to independent traveller."
"Beautiful town and so much more there than we knew about! The hot river hike up in the mountains at the back of the town was simply beautiful. So glad we found this place.
Great location for ease of access to main road routes and golden circle."
Volcanoes, ice caves, hot springs, Northern Lights, waterfalls, glaciers, spouting geysers. It's hard to imagine all these natural wonders on one island with a population of around 300,000. Iceland's otherworldly landscape is a fitting setting for the Vikings who once inhabited the 'land of ice and fire'. Take a drive around Iceland's ring road in a 4x4 and you'll feel like you're on another planet. One minute you'll be cruising past the tumbling waters of Gullfoss and the next you'll be alongside the eerily beautiful black-sand beach of Vik. Don't leave without taking a dip in a hot spring. If you want to avoid the crowds of the Blue Lagoon, other options include Mývatn in the north and the hot streams of the Reykjadalur valley. The elusive Northern Lights feature on many a bucket list. There's no sure way to see them but it’s more likely during the winter months between September and April. Although it’s a lively city, you can see most of Reykjavik in a couple of days, and it’s secondary to the natural wonders the rest of the island has to offer. Main sights include the towering Hallgrímskirkja Church and the National Museum exhibiting the country's compelling history and culture. As the capital, Reykjavik offers the biggest choice of accommodation with a variety of hostels, hotels and apartments. A number of cosy guesthouses are dotted along the ring road but note that many are closed during the winter months.
Top picks for hotels in Iceland
Try one of these popular and highly-rated Iceland hotels
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 2,406 reviews
Exceptional · 2,406 reviews
Set in Jökulsárlón, 11 km from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Hótel Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon Hotel offers accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,344 reviews
Superb · 1,344 reviews
Nordic Hostel is well located in Reykjavík, and features a shared lounge, free WiFi and a bar. This 3-star hostel offers a shared kitchen and luggage storage space.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,272 reviews
Superb · 1,272 reviews
Hotel Stafholt has a garden, terrace, a restaurant and bar in Varmaland. The hotel features a hot tub and a tour desk. At the hotel, the rooms are equipped with a wardrobe.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,365 reviews
Superb · 1,365 reviews
Set in Höfn in the South Iceland region, REY Stays - House offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. This apartment provides a garden.
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,297 reviews
Superb · 1,297 reviews
Hotel Reykjavík Saga features a fitness centre, garden, a terrace and restaurant in Reykjavík. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk.
Freya Farm is located in Steinsholt and features a garden. There is a terrace and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking. Guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV.
Guest review
What a welcome! Ion and Karen were delightful hosts. Nothing was too much trouble. It was great to meet real Icelanders in their own home. Our room was spotless and everything was well thought out with plenty of lighting, complete blackout blinds, lovely toiletries and a view to die for!
Breakfast was delicious.
Most of all Ion was great to chat with and very generous with his time.
It was very easy to get to the Farm, good accessible roads the whole way in - we combined our stay with dinner at the Tomato farm and a visit to Laugaras Lagoon
We felt it was an authentic stay with an Icelandic family on a beautiful farm in peaceful countryside. I wish we could have stayed longer
Thanks v much
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 77 reviews
Set within 36 km of Thingvellir National Park and 37 km of Geysir, Tiny Glass lodge offers rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Selfoss.
Guest review
We had an amazing time! The tiny house is very modern and beautifully decorated!
Super comfortable with an amazing view! The private hot tub and the sauna make for an even better experience. Stefan was very kind and helpful for any questions we had. He even went as far as to send us some information about the northern lights activity that night. Overall we definetly recommend and would go back anytime!
Thanks again :)
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 70 reviews
ÖÖD Hekla Horizon - Mirror Houses is situated in Hella. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has mountain views, and guests can enjoy access to a sauna and a hot tub.
Guest review
Amazing vistas and the houses had everything we needed!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 179 reviews
Welcome to Aurora Lodge Hotel, where adventure awaits! Our complex of 8 charming buildings sits right on the banks of the East Rangá River, just a stone's throw from the Icelandic Route 1 (Ring Road)...
Guest review
Aurora is our favorite hotel in Iceland! It is just sublime. The picturesque location, very comfortable rooms for excellent sleep, absolutely delicious breakfast with buttermilk pancakes, and of course, the wonderful staff. Highly recommend taking advantage of the hot tubs and enjoying an aperitif in the cozy lobby.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 859 reviews
Siglo Hotel by Keahotels in Siglufjörður has 4-star accommodation with a terrace and a bar. Offering a restaurant, the property also has a shared lounge, as well as a sauna and a hot tub.
Guest review
Very relaxing atmosphere in the hotel, great facilities and perfect location to experience the northern part of Iceland. Restaurant in the hotel very good standard of food for both breakfast and dinner...the fish soup and lamb divine.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,140 reviews
Located on the 20th floor of a contemporary glass tower, these stylish penthouse suites are in central Reykjavik and feature panoramic views of the city or sea. Free WiFi is included.
Guest review
Location, Cleanliness and Professional staffs
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 345 reviews
AURA Retreat Iceland is located in Hvolsvöllur and features a garden. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has mountain views, and guests can enjoy access to a sauna and a hot tub.
Guest review
This was possibly the best accomodation we have ever had- in the world! What an amazing experience to stay in the glass case! The owners had thought of everything in here. It didn’t matter that you’re not near towns. Coffee was excellent, sauna was amazing! This place was just tops!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 45 reviews
Located in Hvolsvöllur, 16 km from Seljalandsfoss, Skálakot Manor Hotel provides accommodation with a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.
Guest review
This was a cosy weekend getaway for my birthday and it was perfect. Incredibly friendly and helpful staff. Wonderful food. Cosy and tasteful decor. Beautiful little spa with sunken hot pool. Extremely professional massage therapist. And the building itself is nestled against the mountain with stunning views over fields and horses out to the Westman Islands. Wonderful!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 282 reviews
Set in Jökulsárlón, 11 km from Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Hótel Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon Hotel offers accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.
Guest review
Modern, clean, great views. Amazing stay overall
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 2,406 reviews
Set in Hvolsvöllur, 22 km from Seljalandsfoss, Hotel Loa offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking and a bar. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage...
Guest review
Quite new hotel, very quiet rooms, lovely views to the fields. Great breakfast
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 512 reviews
Flying in to Reykjavík Keflavík Airport and need to hire a car? Book it now to pick it up when you touch down.
Start of dialog content
Verified reviews from real guests.
We have more than 70 million property reviews, and they're all from real, verified guests.
How does it work?
1
It starts with a booking
It starts with a booking
The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property.
2
Followed by a trip
Followed by a trip
When guests stay at the property they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff are and more.
3
And finally, a review
And finally, a review
After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. We check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our site.
If you booked through us and want to leave a review, please sign in first.
