Part 2 of our 4 part series on planning the ultimate road trip in Iceland. We will cover every aspect – accommodation, packing, driving, shopping – of planning an unforgettable Icelandic road trip
Read Part 1 – The Ultimate Road Trip in Iceland : An Itinerary (opens in a new tab)
Read Part 3- Packing for a Road Trip in Iceland (opens in a new tab)
Read Part 4- How much will that Road Trip in Iceland cost (opens in new tab)
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On our last day in Iceland, one of our Icelandic friends, Maria, gifted us a book with a series of Viking proverbs that have been passed down generations in Iceland. The Vikings’ definition of wisdom is fascinating :-
He is truly wise
who’s travelled far
and knows the ways of the world
It isn’t very often that a short proverb takes one on a roller coaster ride but this one did! The Vikings knew what they were saying when they equated wisdom with exploration. Over the years, we’ve discovered that exploring new places makes us appreciate life that little bit more. This is nowhere truer than in Iceland. The country is bound to inspire the poet/writer in everyone. Its magnificent scenery and surreal landscapes seem fictional, straight out of The Lord of The Rings. Don’t even get us started on the caves, hidden grottos, tumbling streams, and expansive grasslands.
But it was the accommodation that made our trip truly special. If you’ve been following us on Facebook or Instagram, you would know that we stayed at a variety of working farms, countryside guest houses, rustic hotels, and self-catering cottages over 2 weeks and each of them provided the perfect backdrop for contemplating Iceland’s majestic scenery. We spent countless hours pondering over the beauty of the fjords in one farmhouse, photographing neighbouring waterfalls in the next , playing with horses at a hotel, and lying down on damp grass at our cottage near Akuryeri. We never wanted to leave!
If you’re considering a road trip to Iceland, be prepared to stay at a different hotel almost every night. We stayed at 8 hotels over a period of two weeks. Individual bookings can be a hassle, especially when the areas in question are so remote.
We booked most of our accommodation with Icelandic Farm Holidays, a company which has hundreds of properties on Iceland’s Ring Road. To be honest, we were apprehensive about booking rooms on working farms but the videos on their website put us at ease. Of course, once we got there we realised we were worrying in vain because we were treated to spacious and impeccably clean rooms, generous breakfasts, and warm people 🙂 Having experienced Icelandic hospitality, we can safely say Iceland has some of the prettiest B&Bs and hotels anywhere in the world.
Of course, you can shop around and choose the hotels you like, but here’s where we stayed.
Day 1 – Airport Hotel Smari, Keflavik
Our flight landed in Keflavik in the evening and we wanted to spend the rest of the day familiarising ourselves with our rental car and stocking up on groceries for our road trip. So we chose to stay at Hotel Smari, which is conveniently located at the Keflavik International Airport itself. Rooms were spotless and breakfast was plentiful. It’s perfect if you have a late night/early morning flight because the departure gates are less than 5 minutes away. Yay 🙂
Day 2 – Country Hotel Anna
Icelandic Farm Holidays have a number of properties in the area, but we got tempted by Country Hotel Anna when we saw photos of its surroundings on their website. And it did not disappoint. The hotel is surrounded by dozens of waterfalls and farms with Icelandic horses.
We spent Day 2 exploring The Golden Circle, so we were completely knackered (and cold!) by the time we reached Hotel Anna but their hot tub put us in a good mood in no time 🙂 The rooms are spacious and bedecked with vintage furnishings. We’re sure there’s a hidden attic with boxes of heirlooms somewhere in the building 😉
We were rather surprised by the amazing variety at breakfast – expect Icelandic specialities such as Skyr (Icelandic Yogurt) and pickled herring in addition to continental staples such as breads, cereal, milk, and cold cuts. The music playing in their rustic breakfast room with exposed beams made us want to waltz.
Day 3 – Guest House Hali
Guesthouse Hali is just 10 kms away from Jokulsarlon, a glacial lagoon with floating icebergs. The guesthouse is surrounded by towering mountains, which were half covered with dreamy fog when we visited. The yellow cottage and the residential block at Hali offer a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets. The guesthouse is located on a working farm, so there are cute sheep everywhere.
The highlight? Guesthouse Hali’s in-house restaurant which serves delicious meat stew, a favourite amongst locals in the area. The culinary fun continues at breakfast because Guesthouse Hali has the BEST breakfast we got anywhere in Iceland – warm waffles with chocolate syrup, homemade jams, freshly-baked tarts, crumbly cakes and more. It was so good that we were seriously contemplating stealing some of their baked goods (we didn’t, law-abiding citizens and all that 😉 )
Day 4 – Eyvindara II
Eyvindara II is a little hotel hidden amongst the woodlands around Egilsstaddir. It’s a proper hotel with well-appointed rooms and a large dining room, where breakfast is served every morning. The surroundings are absolutely gorgeous and the hotel’s proximity to Egilsstadir town centre makes it extremely convenient. Having said that, we felt Eyvindara II was a bit expensive for what it offered. Try looking for another property in the vicinity if you’re on a budget.
Day 5 and 6 – Narfastadir
Oh what do we say about Narfastadir?! This quaint B&B is located deep in the Icelandic countryside. It’s just a short drive away from Godafoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Narfastadir has a sprawling complex with spacious rooms and a generous spread at breakfast.
Make sure you catch sunset at the lake next to Narfastadir – it’s an unforgettable experience 🙂
Day 7 and 8 – Ytri Vik
Finally, the one place we’ve been dying to tell you about – Ytri Vik self-catering cottages are located on the outskirts of Akureyri. Our cottage was right next to the sea. For two days, we had snow-capped mountains, endless wild flowers, and glistening waters for company. The cottage is equipped with a large kitchen, a BBQ, and a HOT TUB (ooh yeah!). The second we unlocked the door to that cottage, we knew we wouldn’t be stepping out for the next two days.
Ironically our favourite property was the cheapest of the lot. The cottage is affordable and can accommodate up to 6 people. If you’re travelling in a group, the cost gets split further. We’re definitely going to go back to Iceland and spend a week at Ytri Vik sometime soon – watch this space!
Day 9 and 10 – Sudur Bar
Towards the end of our road trip, we stayed at Sudur Bar, a tiny B&B located on a farm and golf course. Their rooms were comfortable and spacious but breakfast was minimal. The mighty Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most famous mountains is in the area. Don’t miss it if you stay at Sudur Bar.
We loved staying on working farms with Icelandic Farm Holidays – Places such as Sudur Bar offered a typical Icelandic experience and ensured that we met some amazing people on our road trip in Iceland.
Hope you discovered some unique options for staying in Iceland via this article. If you need any help leave us a comment and we’ll get back asap.
And if you need more convincing to finally pack your bags and head to Iceland, then this video diary of our trip should help 😉
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Are you a road trip junkie too? Read about our favourite Road Trips from around the world
If you enjoy unique accommodation, check out the places we’ve stayed at so far – everything from Swiss Chalets to igloos is on the menu 🙂
I love that little yellow guest house! It’s ADORABLE! <3
Karisa me too, I want to live in it and waltz around all day #daydreamingmuch 😉
This looks positively idyllic. I’ve always wanted to visit Iceland. Thanks for providing such lovely photos and information!
Carrie it was- we’ve been back for less than a month, but we’re already planning our next trip to Iceland 🙂
the cottage really seems dreamy or like a fairy tale cottage !!! great information too !!! 😀
Thanks Kushagr. Another one for your wishlist perhaps? 😉
oh that cottage at Akureyeri is to die for!! what backdrop, I am stunned 🙂
It is, isn’t it?! Even the other hotels, especially hotel Anna, had stunning surroundings. There’s no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery in Iceland 🙂
Such cute rooms! How did you even feel like coming back? 😀 Anyway great info 🙂
Soujanya can we just say no – we just did NOT want to come back 😉
Hi Savi Vid… First i would like to say that your reply to my comment on “The Ultimate Road Trip in Iceland” just made my day. Whenever i feel low, i just go through this site. I guess after F.R.I.E.N.D.S, Bruised Passports is the one which makes me really happy and acts kind of a stress buster. Thank yoooou guys.
And regarding this post, I just LOVE the Ytri Vik cottages and the icelandic horses. Oh..I love horse riding. 🙂
Thank u again guys.
Hey Kika – You’ve plastered a smile on our faces now (and made us jump like bunnies 😉 ) Yayy – so happy to hear you enjoy Bruised Passports. We’ll look forward to reading your comments
The view from that guest house at Akureyeri looks absolutely sensational!! What a unique way to experience Iceland 🙂
Absolutely – we didn’t expect to fall in love with Icelandic B&Bs, but we did 🙂
This is heaven! this is it! i have seen this cottage in my dreams 😀 speechless!!!
Laks mine too. I hope you make it there sometime 🙂
I loved reading your blog and it got me even more excited (is that even possible?) about the trip my daughter and I are planning for next summer. Iceland is my bucket list destination and I really appreciate all of the experiences you shared. Your blog has helped me focus on a realistic and fantastic itinerary. I’d love the discount code for the Farm Holidays site! Bruised Passports has a new fan!
Hi Peachy,
Thanks for your wonderful message 🙂 We have sent you an email !
Cheers
Hi,
Loved your blog. Soooperb!!
Would like to chat/write to you sometime (like now 🙂 to plan a trip I’m taking with friends the coming summer. How do I reach you for this?
Hey Aljeesh,
Just drop us an email at info {at} bruisedpassports {dot} com and we’ll take it from there 🙂
Cheers
Spent the night and early morning reading your informative and delightful blog. Very excited about our upcoming trip this July. After reading your blog, I think we will rent the car and book accommodations separately rather than through a tour group. We would appreciate the discount code.Keep on writing- you guys did a great job.
Hey Susan – please drop us an email for the discount code 🙂 You’re going to have such an amazing time in July -Iceland is at its best at that time
Hi,
Sorry for the delay. We did book with Farm but booked our car with a different company so the discount does not apply. We are leaving in a few weeks for Iceland and can’t wait. Your blog was terrific and we will be booking with the Jeep company. thanks- Happy Travels.
Good to hear from you Susan. Glad everything worked out. Have an amazing time in Iceland 🙂
I get very jealous every time I see photos of Iceland. I’m born in Norway and di**ing around in South-East Asia 🙂 Great photos mate.
Wow! You guys did an amazing job documenting your road trip around Iceland. My husband and I are starting to plan our own Icelandic adventure for next April… hopefully it won’t be too wintery during that time for us to do a road trip like you did. I’ll definitely be using your itinerary and advice as a guide for planning. Thanks!
Hey Leni – we’re soon going to be announcing a huge giveaway for Iceland later this week, so do subscribe to our Facebook page. Who knows- you might get to go to Iceland without spending a penny 🙂 Either way, I hope you have an amazing time in Iceland. It’s a very special country
That’s incredible! Thank you – just found you guys on Facebook. Excited to hear about your big giveaway and follow you on other adventures 🙂
Thanks Leni 🙂
Do you know/remember the name of the cottage you stayed in at ytri vik?
Hi Kara,
That’s what the cottages are called on the Icelandic Farm Holidays website 🙂
Hey guys, just wanted to say how much your Iceland posts helped in the planning of my own trip to the country in May! In fact, your gleaming reviews of some of the places you stayed inspired me to stay at some of them as well! The inspiration I gained from reading your blog has helped me start my own as well!
Happy Travels!
Jared
Hey Jared,
Thanks for your message – happy to hear you enjoyed staying at Ytri-Vik. It’s a magical place, isn’t it?
Good luck with the blog 🙂
Really wanting to book the Yellow Guest-house on our trip but having a hard time finding on the website through the link you posted.
Could you help a sister out??
Dear Calee,
We had sent you an email with the link of the accommodation – you got it and managed to book it 🙂
In case you didn’t, here is the link again: http://www.farmholidays.is/accommodation/detail/757/hali
Hi!
Your site is extremely wonderful and informative! I am so excited to plan for my Iceland roadtrip next Feb 2016! Can you share with me the promo code for the self drive tour please??
Thanks a million!
Elle from Singapore
Dear Elle,
Apologies for the late response – we have emailed you the promo code 🙂
Hope you have a great time in Iceland!
Hi,
Loved your website! Helped a lot in planning my trip to Iceland this December! really excited about it! Could you share the promo code for the self drive tour please? Thank you!!
Dear Annthea,
Iceland will be magical in December – drive safe:) We emailed you the promo code a few days ago!
Happy travels!
Hey,
Amazing! Simply Amazing!!! I was planning a trip to Norway but after reading your post Iceland is on the top of my list! I’m from mumbai and my 2-year MBA is going to start from June so I want to make this trip in April 2016. Will I be able to do all the stuff that you did or weather would be an issue? What’s the possibility of catching midnight sun in mid april? Would be glad if you can clear out these for me. Once again, amazing job and thank you for providing such awesome posts!
-Dev
Hey Dev,
Glad you enjoyed this series of article – you’ll have an amazing time in Iceland. You might not catch the midnight sun in mid-April but the days will be long enough for you to enjoy the sights that Iceland has to offer. You’ll definitely be able to do all that we did for sure 🙂
Hope this helps
Hi hi
Fantastic blog with great tips and itinerary.
Will be going to Iceland in March and stumbling upon this blog is the best thing that has happen.
Loved all the places that you went and accommodation you have stayed in.
Would you be able to share the promo code for the self drive tour.
Appreciate it and thanks much
Hi Shan,
Have emailed you the code.
Have fun! 🙂
Wow, what a helpful series of posts! I’m planning a trip for June and you have provided me with all sorts of useful information. Thank you for doing this! And thanks for the promo code. Now I want to read about your other travels too.
Thanks Sam 🙂 Hope you enjoy reading about our adventures around the world. Enjoy your time in Iceland -it’s a gorgeous country 🙂
Great post! You make me want to “copy paste” what u did! Btw is it too late to ask for the promo code? Hubby and i will be there only this june
Hey there – just send an email to you with the discount code for Icelandic Farm Holidays – hope you got it ok 🙂
hey would like to piggyback on this comment and state that my friends and i are gonna do the exact same trip. we love the fact that you were so informative with all the links and pictures. i am surprised yall dont get more attention. and id like those coupon codes hehe
Hey Zul,
So good to hear that. You’ll have a great time in Iceland 🙂
We’ll email the coupon code to you!
Cheers
Hello! Glad to find your blog about Iceland and many thanks for sharing. I want to know if you had a chance to do some glacier hikes or snowmobiling. I am wondering if I can book those activities at the hotel we are staying at or should we book online before we leave. The prices are around $100-$150 per person for these activities, is that standard? Thanks again.
Dear Marissa,
Yes, we did go for a glacier hike (we have written about it here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/wheres/road-trip-iceland-itinerary). Even though it was raining, we had an amazing experience. You should definitely try it too. Yes, those prices sound standard for Iceland and can vary a bit depending on what time of the year you visit. It’s better to book in advance 🙂
Cheers!
HI Savi and Vid,
We booked a “One-Bedroom House” at Ytri Vik. We are three adults and a thirteen year old. We do not plan on carrying a sleeping bag. Can you please comment on the size and fit of the accommodation based on your experience? booking,com chose this room for us (after we indicated 3 adults and a 13 year old). The size of the cottage is 398 sq.ft.
Thanks
Hey there – great hearing from you. I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Ytri Vik. We slept in a 2 bedroom cabin and it was quite spacious. But we don’t know how the other houses are equipped. It’s best to drop booking.com or Ytri Vik an email to help you out with this 🙂
Hi Savi & Vid. Your blog with all the stunning photos are superb! Which month did you go to Iceland? Is mid or end October a good time?
Thanks Mayurakshi – it starts getting quite cold in Iceland by mid October. We went in the last week of May 🙂
Hi,
What is the name of the specific cottage u stayed at Ytri Vik? There are 3 bedroom cottage with the name Bakki, Brekka and Hlid?
any idea which one was yours so I can book the same?
Thanks
Hi Kavita,
We don’t remember now but in all probability it was Bakki 🙂
Hope you have a great time in Iceland
Hi Kavita,
We don’t remember now but in all probability it was Bakki 🙂
Guys, THANK YOU SO MUCH. Your Iceland posts have finally inspired me to get off my butt and make it there this summer! You guy are the best 🙂 Quick question though, I’m vegetarian. Will the supermarket food be veggie friendly?
Great to hear that 🙂 Yes you can find lots of vegetarian options in supermarkets 🙂