Hveragerði is one of the most geothermally active towns in Iceland. This little place in the south of the country draws visitors keen to experience its hot springs. While its greenhouses are popular stops on Golden Circle tours, the town also makes a convenient overnight base. If you’re arriving on a late flight it’s little more than an hour’s drive from Keflavik airport, while if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Reykjavik, you can be back in the capital in around 40 minutes. When it comes to accommodation, there’s plenty of choice. Here are a few ideas if you are looking into where to stay in Hveragerði.
Frost and Fire Hotel
Overlooking the Varmá River, surrounded by hot springs and with a view of Mount Reykjafall as a backdrop, the Frost and Fire is a pretty special place to stay. This boutique resort maximises its connection with its setting offering a spa, outdoor thermal pool, access to the thermal river and also riverside hot tubs. Rooms are designed in Nordic style, sophisticated and sleek, with equal emphasis on aesthetics and practicality. Each has direct access to the outside. Breakfast is a big deal here, not least the hverabrauð, rye bread slow cooked using the heat of the ground. Spread it thick with Icelandic butter and top with smoked local trout or boil your own egg in the hot spring.
Reykjadalur Guesthouse
This great value option is a simple but comfortable guesthouse located in the heart of Hveragerði. Modern and stylish, each room is designed in a soothing colour palette of soft greys and charcoal accents. Each room has a flat screen television and a kettle, as well as an ensuite bathroom. Perhaps the biggest draw – certainly on warmer days – is the private garden. If you’re looking for a budget friendly base close to local amenities then this is a smart choice.
Hotel Örk
Hotel Örk is a solid family option, not least because of the outdoor pool with slide that will keep the kids happy at the end of a summer day’s sightseeing. This large hotel offers 157 rooms in all categories, from cheaper standard options in the original wing to spacious suites worth splurging on. Its size and amenities make it a popular choice for business travellers too, who can host meetings and conferences on site. The HVER restaurant has an à la carte menu should you wish to dine in.
INNI Boutique Apartments
INNI consists of nine serviced apartments: choose from roomy two-bedroom apartments or studios. These well-appointed spaces won’t disappoint. Even the smallest has those little touches that make all the difference, such as a Nespresso coffee machine, dishwasher, Bluetooth speaker and hairdryer. Carefully curated accessories, such as stacked wood and flower vases, plus luxurious touches like velvet armchairs elevate this from a run of the mill rental. They even supply bathrobes and slippers for when you’re ready to hop in the outdoor hot tub and steam bath that all guests have access to.
Ás Guesthouse
Sometimes all you need out of a place to stay is simplicity, cleanliness and the knowledge that where you sleep isn’t going to bust the budget. This affordable three-star option is centrally located, yet in a quiet neighbourhood, and you’ll find yourself within walking distance of shops, restaurants and local museums. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay including a shared kitchen and bathroom.
Varmi Guesthouse Apartments
Whether you’re looking for a self-catering apartment or a double room, this conveniently located guesthouse in the centre of Hveragerði can accommodate your needs. Clean and practical, they’re decorated with modern furnishings. The garden’s a treat and guests have direct access to it. In summer it’s worth dragging yourself away from the beautiful surrounding countryside to relax in one of the hammocks that the owners have strung between the trees.
The Greenhouse Hotel
Opened in 2021, The Greenhouse Hotel injects some luxury into Hveragerði’s accommodation offering. The understated black exterior offers few clues to the playfully chic décor inside. Striking shared spaces capture your attention and bring the outside in. The place has its own food hall and shop as well as a cosy café and breathtaking bar. Rooms all boast mountain views. Contemporary accents blend seamlessly with carefully chosen antique furniture and wool blankets. In the bathroom, you’ll find Sóley toiletries in the large walk-in rain-shower. It’s dreamy to look at without losing sight of functionality and you’re almost guaranteed to have a smile on your face from check-in to check out.
