Iceland, known as the “Land of Ice and Fire”, is famous for its extreme natural landscapes, unique geographical location and rich geothermal resources. The country’s scenery is breathtaking, with majestic volcanoes, huge glaciers and steaming geysers. These natural wonders not only attract countless tourists, but also provide Iceland with a unique accommodation experience. If you are looking for a place close to nature, Iceland is undoubtedly an ideal destination. In this article, I will recommend some unique hotels located between volcanoes and glaciers, allowing you to enjoy an extraordinary accommodation experience at the intersection of ice and fire.
1. Northern Iceland: Magical Hotels Between Volcanoes and Lakes
1.1 Mývatn Nature Hotel
Located in the northern part of Iceland, Lake Mývatn is a volcanic lake formed by volcanic activity and glaciers. The surrounding area is filled with steaming geysers, hot springs, and lava formations, making it a natural paradise for visitors. The Mývatn Nature Hotel sits next to this beautiful lake, offering an unparalleled accommodation experience. With its combination of nature and luxury, the hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring this unique and vibrant region.
Surrounding Environment: Lake Mývatn is one of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions, and the hotel is only a few minutes’ drive from the lake. Several famous spots like the Hverir geothermal area and the Dimmuborgir lava fields are nearby, perfect for travelers who enjoy exploring natural wonders. In summer, the area around the lake becomes a paradise for birds, especially wild ducks, which are spectacular to see. The nearby Námafjall Mountain, with its geothermal activity, provides a stunning backdrop for the hotel. The tranquility of the area, combined with the awe-inspiring natural beauty, ensures that guests can experience Iceland’s wilderness in its purest form.
Hotel Facilities: The hotel features a hot spring pool, allowing guests to enjoy the warm waters while taking in the majestic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. The restaurant serves authentic Icelandic cuisine, including traditional dishes such as lamb and fish, as well as delicious Icelandic desserts. Each room offers a view of the lake, and at night, the twinkling stars over the lake are truly mesmerizing. For relaxation, the hotel also provides a spa where guests can unwind after a day of exploration. The lounge area, with its large windows overlooking the lake, offers the perfect spot for enjoying a drink while soaking in the panoramic views.
Recommended Activities: There are many activities to choose from in the Mývatn area. For instance, you can take a boat tour of the lake to observe the wildlife up close, or go on a hike to explore the nearby volcanoes. Winter is the best time to experience the Northern Lights, and the hotel offers specialized Northern Lights observation tours, taking you to the best viewing points to witness this magical phenomenon. Additionally, you can visit the nearby Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can enjoy soothing geothermal waters, or embark on a snowmobile adventure on the nearby Vatnajökull Glacier. These experiences allow visitors to engage with the landscape and truly immerse themselves in Iceland’s diverse environments.
1.2 Hotel Jökulsárlón
Located in southeastern Iceland, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is considered one of the most beautiful glacier lakes in the world. The icebergs floating on the lagoon, with the majestic glacier as a backdrop, create a stunning landscape. Hotel Jökulsárlón is the guardian of this breathtaking natural wonder, offering guests a front-row seat to the wonders of the ice world, right by the lagoon’s edge.
Surrounding Environment: Hotel Jökulsárlón is only a few steps away from the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, making it the perfect starting point for visitors wanting to explore the lagoon. You can take a leisurely walk around the hotel and admire the floating icebergs or visit the nearby black sand beaches where chunks of ice lie scattered along the shore. There are also glacier hiking and ice cave exploration activities nearby, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Iceland’s natural beauty. The rugged beauty of the area, with its towering glaciers and stunning ice formations, ensures that guests are constantly surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes. A short drive away, you’ll find the famous Diamond Beach, where icebergs that have washed ashore glisten like diamonds against the dark sand.
Hotel Facilities: The hotel provides modern amenities with cozy and comfortable rooms, each offering an expansive view of the glacier lagoon. The hotel’s restaurant serves local ingredients, with specialty dishes such as fresh seafood and Icelandic lamb, offering both delicious flavors and local authenticity. In winter, the hotel’s snow-covered scenery makes you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. The hotel also features a cozy lounge where guests can relax with a drink while enjoying the panoramic views of the lagoon. For those interested in photography, the hotel provides expert guidance on capturing the mesmerizing landscapes of the lagoon and surrounding areas.
Recommended Activities: You can take a boat tour on the lagoon to observe the size and beauty of the icebergs, experiencing the raw power of glaciers and volcanoes. In winter, ice cave exploration is one of the most popular activities. The hotel provides professional guides who lead you into the spectacular ice caves, revealing natural wonders that can only be formed in extreme cold conditions. In addition, the nearby Vatnajökull National Park offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding terrain. If you’re lucky, you may even spot seals lounging on the icebergs or cruising through the lagoon.
2. Southern Iceland: Luxurious Accommodation Under the Glaciers
2.1 Sólheimajökull Glacier Lodge
Located in southern Iceland, the Sólheimajökull Glacier is one of the country’s most famous glaciers, attracting many hikers and photographers. The Sólheimajökull Glacier Lodge is situated at the foot of the glacier, offering a unique accommodation experience close to the ice and snow.
Surrounding Environment: The hotel is surrounded by vast glaciers and stunning volcanic landscapes. Notable attractions such as the Seljalandsfoss Waterfall and the Skogafoss Waterfall are nearby, making it a must-visit location for those traveling in southern Iceland. Glacier hiking and glacier exploration are popular activities, and the hotel can provide professional guides and equipment rentals.
Hotel Facilities: Sólheimajökull Glacier Lodge offers a simple yet comfortable accommodation environment. Each room has large windows, allowing you to admire the grandeur of the glacier. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves traditional Icelandic cuisine, including lamb stew, seafood, and delicious dishes cooked on volcanic stones. The hotel also provides a warm hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day of glacier hiking.
Recommended Activities: In addition to regular glacier hiking, the hotel also offers ice climbing and ice cave exploration. In summer, you can choose to hike across the glacier, experiencing the grandeur of nature; in winter, you can explore the mysterious ice caves, discovering the world under the snow.
2.2 Volcano Hotsprings Hotel
This hotel is located in a volcanic region in southern Iceland, and its hot spring facilities are one of the hotel’s biggest highlights. The Volcano Hotsprings Hotel is one of the few hotels in Iceland that offers a volcanic hot spring experience, allowing guests to enjoy relaxing geothermal waters surrounded by volcanic landscapes.
Surrounding Environment: The hotel is surrounded by several active volcanoes, especially Eyjafjallajökull, which gained international attention due to its eruption in 2010. The geothermal water here is sourced from underground volcanic heat, providing pure and soothing water. The natural landscape around the hotel, including volcanic craters, rocky terrains, and glaciers, offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure.
Hotel Facilities: The hotel’s volcanic hot spring is the most distinctive feature. Guests can soak in the hot spring pools while enjoying the magnificent views of the surrounding volcanoes. The hotel also offers various spa treatments, including massages and saunas, to help guests relax and recharge. The restaurant at the hotel serves authentic Icelandic cuisine, allowing you to enjoy fresh seafood, lamb, and more.
Recommended Activities: Volcano hiking is one of the most popular activities, and the hotel offers volcano guides who will lead guests on adventures deep into the volcanoes. In addition to volcanic exploration, there are also many glacier hiking activities nearby, allowing guests to fully enjoy the thrill of adventure and exploration in the icy world.
3. How to Book These Unique Accommodations?
To help you easily book these unique accommodations, we recommend some popular online hotel booking platforms. These platforms offer a wide range of Icelandic accommodations, making it convenient for you to filter options based on your preferences.
3.1 Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the leading hotel booking platforms worldwide, offering a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to family guesthouses. Through this platform, you can easily find hotels, guesthouses, and unique accommodations across Iceland and plan your trip in advance.
3.2 Airbnb
If you want to experience more unique and local accommodations, Airbnb is a great option. Many Icelandic homestays and cottages are listed on this platform, making it especially suitable for travelers who want to be closer to nature.
3.3 Hotels.com
Hotels.com also provides a wide variety of accommodations in Iceland, with various promotional offers and discounts available, making it easy for you to find high-quality accommodations at a good value.
