Looking for the most unique places to stay in Iceland? You just found them!
The land of ice and fire has been soaring in popularity thanks to its plethora of natural wonders. Northern lights, dramatic waterfalls, awe-inspiring glaciers, volcanoes, black-sand beaches — the list is long.
Exploring the country’s natural splendour can be exhausting, which means you’ll need a place to rest in between your expeditions. Luckily, you don’t have to rack your brain thinking of where to stay in Iceland.
Having spent some time on the island, I have a few picks for you to choose from during your visit. With these unique hotels in Iceland, you’re guaranteed a stay you’ll never forget.
This Iceland unique hotels guide goes beyond the usual accommodation suggestions. I wanted to put together a guide on places that are truly exceptional, where even just staying there is part of the experience and will add to your Iceland trip.
Whether it’s a glamping experience, a stay in a traditional wooden hut or a particularly scenic glass hotel, you can rest assured that there are plenty of unique htoels in Iceland. So without further ado, let’s dive in and discover them all!
Contents
Gulfoss waterfall in the Golden Circle, Iceland
The Unique Hotels Iceland Has To Offer
Let’s dive into the list of the most interesting places to stay in Iceland for an unforgettable visit.
Hotel Rangá
The Rangá Hotel is undoubtedly one of the most amazing hotels in Iceland, offering a countryside stay defined by luxury. This property features 52 rooms, with some decor inspired by the continents.
The rooms come with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, TVs, minibars, coffee and tea makers, and more. The hotel also has a bar and restaurant serving fine Icelandic cuisine, all enjoyed with riverside views.
Hotel Rangá is located in an area renowned for the appearance of the Northern Lights, and this is what makes it unique. On any given night, guests can be spoiled with the phenomenon of a sky beaming with something other than the stars.
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However, you won’t have to endure late nights in the hopes of seeing the Northern Lights. The hotel’s staff will call you should the lights appear in the sky (talk about customer service!).
Afterwards, you can enjoy them from the comfort of the rooftop observatory with a local astronomer providing insightful information as you explore through the cosmos with your telescope.
If you have lady luck on your side, you may even enjoy the Northern Lights while sipping on bubbly in a geothermally heated hot tub.
Click here to see prices and availability at Hotel Rangá!
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Hotel Viking
A visit to Iceland wouldn’t be complete without living like a Viking. After all, the island is a Nordic country with a rich history of Vikings embedded in its culture.
This Viking-themed hotel, the only one in Iceland, allows you to turn your fantasy into a reality.
Despite being set in a Viking den, the hotel is as modern as you’d expect today’s hotels to be. The 42 luxurious rooms feature internet access, private bathrooms, TVs, and more.
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The main attraction here is undoubtedly the Valhalla restaurant which resembles the traditional Viking dining hall. The tables are big, shields hang off the walls, and there’s a fireplace.
Once you’ve settled into your seat, enjoy a mouthwatering meal from the comprehensive menu.
In addition to the feast, you can extend the fun by arranging to get “kidnapped” by the hotel’s “Vikings”. They whisk you to The Cave for an evening filled with Icelandic folk songs while you sip on mead.
Click here to book your stay at Hotel Viking!
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ION Adventure Hotel
The ION Adventure Hotel is one of the more amazing hotels in Iceland, thanks to many deluxe amenities. It’s located on the iconic Ring Road in the Thingvellir National Park and provides views over some of Iceland’s best landscapes.
The abandoned inn turned boutique hotel is appropriately named as it’s the perfect base for an adventurous Iceland outing.
Take on a challenging glacier hike, join the daily Golden Circle tour (one of the most popular Iceland tours), or go fly-fishing in the nearby river.
Ultimate relaxation follows immediately, with a team boasting the softest hands ready to take care of you at the spa.
If that’s not your vibe, dip into the geothermal pool and laze around as you watch the Northern Lights dance in the sky — only if you’re lucky, though.
Before retiring to your comfy bed, pass by the bar and restaurant to enjoy a meal along with incredible views.
Check out prices and availability at ION Adventure Hotel here!
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Reykjavik Domes
If you’d like to live in a bubble but don’t want to sacrifice your internet access, opt for this Iceland dome hotel. This dome tent sits just outside Reykjavik and is ideal for travellers looking for a remote stay with a pinch of romance.
The domes boast a fridge with various drinks as well as a fire burner to keep you warm when you aren’t using the electric blankets.
You can also stay warm by enjoying a cup of the complimentary coffee or tea on offer. The king-size bed features soft bedding, and you can enjoy scenic views of the outside surroundings without losing any comfort.
Outside, you can choose to enjoy the scenic beauty while enjoying a soulful soak in the pool with a glass of champagne in hand. Plus, since the dome is part of a larger property, you can also partake in fun games of mini-golf, laser tag, and more.
Click here to book your stay at the Reykjavik Domes!
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Galaxy Pod Hostel
Continuing the list of Iceland’s amazing hotels is this unique hostel that may be a sci-fi fan’s dream place to stay.
What makes the lodging option intriguing is that you sleep in a futuristic space pod with different lighting options. You can enjoy the use of Wi-Fi in your dorm, a personal safe deposit box, and shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.
As far as on-site activities go, you can visit the games room to indulge in some VR fun or choose to enjoy a drink from the bar.
Don’t worry if that doesn’t excite you enough, as the hostel is located in the capital, meaning you can enjoy yourself with some of the things in my Reykjavik in one day guide.
It’s also a good idea to start your trip here, so that if you forget some of your Iceland essentials, you still have time to buy them in Reykjavik before heading out into nature!
Click here to book a stay at the futuristic Galaxy Pod Hostel!
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Frost & Fire Hotel
Frost & Fire Hotel is the ideal accommodation in Iceland for nature lovers. It’s surrounded by a hot spring, a mountain, and a warm river.
Rooms come with Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, and walls draped in Icelandic artists’ artwork. Some rooms feature incredible views, while others have comfort as their main draw.
Start your day with a complimentary, tasty breakfast buffet before venturing out to see what makes the hotel’s location unique.
The surrounding area is known for its geothermal activity, which you can see while trekking around the Reykjadalur Valley.
Frost & Fire is also an excellent base for visiting the South Coast, with black-sand beaches, glacier lagoons, lava caves, and more. Once you return, enjoy a soak in the hot tub, pool, or warm river.
Check out prices and availability at the Frost & Fire Hotel here!
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Kex Hostel
Kex Hostel is set on a historical biscuit factory and offers comfortable lodging with an industrial feel. The guest and dormitory rooms feature free Wi-Fi and a seating area, with some boasting private bathrooms.
The hostel is decorated with salvaged furniture, and curious minds can learn the backstory from the staff. While you’re spoiled daily with a tasty buffet breakfast, you can conjure up your own delicacies in the communal kitchen.
If you aren’t in your best Gordon Ramsay form, opt for treats at the in-house restaurant and then enjoy drinks from the bar.
Click here to book a stay at the Kex Hostel!
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The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland
This retreat is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Iceland and is unique in that it’s entirely surrounded by thermal springs. These springs, called the “Blue Lagoon”, are waiting for you to jump in and soak up the health benefits they offer.
They’re, of course, renowned as one of the must-visit attractions on the island and feature on almost every Iceland bucket list.
Besides a dip into the springs, you can enjoy a variety of treatments at the spa (including some in the springs) or enjoy a scenic hike outdoors. Alternatively, you can laze around enjoying views of a lava field or have a swim in the pool.
Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning. During the day, you can then enjoy tasty delicacies from one of three restaurants and get your favourite drinks at the bar.
Click here to see prices and availability at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland!
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Buubble 5 Million Star Hotel
Unobstructed views of the constellations and the Northern Lights from your bed and sleeping among nature — sounds dreamy right? Luckily, this isn’t something you can only enjoy in your dream, as Buubble makes it a reality.
While some may not consider it a hotel, I had to include what may arguably be the most unique Iceland lodging option. The transparent, giant bubble is set amongst trees and offers 360-degree unobstructed views of the area and the sky.
These Iceland pod hotels feature a comfortable bed for two, shower towels, a lamp, and a small table. This is the ultimate remote getaway for escaping the hustle and bustle of the world, as there’s no internet access or lively activities.
The only way to access this bubble stay is through a guided tour that features visits to the Golden Circle’s Thingvellir National Park, a geyser hot spring, a scenic waterfall, and a lagoon.
Book a fabulous stay at the Buubble here!
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Final Thoughts on Cool Hotels in Iceland
Well, there it is — a list of the best places to stay in Iceland for anyone who wants to enjoy Iceland accommodation differently.
Dome tents, Viking-inspired options, luxurious retreats, and other fascinating places are what awaits you on the island.
You can stay in these places while tackling this Iceland 7-day itinerary, or during a shorter visit. Sure, there is no Iceland ice hotel, but I think you’ll never forget a stay at one of the above unique lodgings.
Have you been to Iceland before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!
During my Iceland trip I was able to visit unique places like the Westfjords, the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and many stunning Icelandic waterfalls.
I hope you will find this guide to the most unique hotels in Iceland useful in planning your trip, and in making your trip extraordinary! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!
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