Boutique hotels in Iceland

Iceland is a country of extremes, and its best boutique stays are built to shelter you from them in style: Scandinavian-designed hotels in Reykjavík, converted farmhouses on the south coast, harborside inns in the fjords and remote lodges where the only neighbors are horses and waterfalls. Most places are small, family-run and serious about local lamb, fish and dairy, and many have a hot tub on the terrace fed by natural geothermal water.

Reykjavík and the southwest

The capital has the widest choice of design hotels, from an Art Deco landmark on Austurvöllur to quiet townhouses in the old center. Nearby, the Golden Circle, Hveragerði and the Hella countryside offer country hotels within easy reach of Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.

The south coast and the east

Vík, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Höfn and Jökulsárlón line the road beneath Vatnajökull, with glacier tongues, black beaches and few places to stay, so book early. Seyðisfjörður and Egilsstaðir bring the quiet of the eastern fjords.

North and west

Akureyri, Húsavík and Lake Mývatn are the base for whales, craters and hot springs. Snæfellsnes, Stykkishólmur and the Westfjords reward those who drive farther.

When to go

June to August brings midnight sun and open roads. From September to March the northern lights appear, but daylight is short and weather can close roads. Book summer rooms months ahead.