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Check-in
18Apr2026Select date
Check-out
19Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Freysnesi, Skaftafell, Iceland, 785
-
Near the glaciers
Great
8.2
8.7
/10
3.6
3.9
/5

Location

Hotel Skaftafell is situated near the breathtaking landscapes of Skaftafell National Park, just a few kilometers to the west. Guests can embark on various hiking opportunities directly from the hotel grounds, including trails that lead to Svínafellsjökull glacier, an outlet glacier from Vatnajökull. The scenic proximity to notable attractions like Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón adds to the hotel's appealing location for nature enthusiasts.

Activities

Hotel Skaftafell offers numerous guided tour options for guests, including glacier walks, ice climbing, and birdwatching trips to Ingólfshöfði. During the winter months, ice cave explorations through local guide services provide exciting experiences close to the hotel. Available sightseeing flights from a nearby airport extend the adventure options for visitors looking to explore the unique Icelandic landscape from above.

Dining

The hotel features a dining room that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing a dining option for guests throughout their stay. For those preparing for excursions, the hotel can assist in creating lunch packets tailored to the day's adventures. A bar with scenic views complements the dining experience, making it a perfect spot to unwind after outdoor activities.

Accommodations

Hotel Skaftafell offers 63 rooms, accommodating 1 to 3 guests, each equipped with private bathrooms and essential amenities for convenience. The hotel ensures guests have comfortable spaces to relax after exploring the stunning natural surroundings. Room service options provide additional comfort during their stay.

Seasonal Highlights

From the midnight sun in summer, allowing for nighttime hiking, to the captivating Northern Lights visible in autumn and winter, the hotel's location offers year-round attractions. Seasonal activities include migrating birdwatching in spring, enhancing the location's appeal for nature lovers and photographers. Each season introduces new opportunities to appreciate the dynamic beauty of the surrounding area.

Highlights

Location: Near Skaftafell National Park, few kilometers to the west

Activities: Guided glacier walks and ice climbing available

Dining: On-site dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Accommodations: 63 rooms for 1 to 3 persons, all with private bathrooms

Seasonal: Midnight sun in summer and Northern Lights in winter

“Hotel Skaftafell places you squarely in Iceland's glacier country; you're not just visiting, you're practically on the ice. The proximity to Skaftafell National Park is a real boon for hikers and those chasing the Northern Lights. While the hotel is simple, its location-and the views-make it a worthwhile base for exploring this dramatic landscape, in my opinion.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

Hotel Skaftafell offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Twin Room
2 persons
185 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Triple Room
3 persons
270 sq. feet 
3 Single beds
Shower
Heating

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Hotel Skaftafell offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's buffet

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
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Dining Onsite

At Hotel Skaftafell, guests can indulge in authentic local flavors in a cozy dining atmosphere. With a delightful restaurant showcasing regional cuisine and a welcoming bar/lounge, each meal becomes a treasured moment amidst stunning natural surroundings.
Hotel Skaftafell Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Local
Ambiance
A warm and inviting space designed for comfort, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Key Offerings
Savor satisfying meals that highlight local culinary traditions. Pair your favorites with refreshing drinks at the adjacent bar/lounge.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open daily from 18:30 to 21:30.

Hotel Skaftafell Location

Freysnesi, Skaftafell, Iceland, 785
Map view
Freysnesi, Skaftafell, Iceland, 785
Nearby
Freysnes
Local Guide
600 ft
Restaurants
Veitingasala Restaurant
600 ft
781 Hofn Öræfi
Explore Skaftafell
Explore the Surroundings
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Svinafellsjokull Glacier
Svinafellsjokull Glacier
25 minutes' walk
A stunning glacier known for its striking blue ice formations and accessible hiking trails, perfect for photography.
Skeithara Bridge Monument
Skeithara Bridge Monument
10 minutes' drive
A historical monument commemorating the importance of local infrastructure with dramatically scenic views.
Skaftafellsjokull
Skaftafellsjokull
45 minutes' walk
An impressive glacier offering breathtaking vistas and excellent hiking opportunities in a unique natural environment.
Hiking in Skaftafell National Park
10 minutes' drive
Various trails for all skill levels, featuring stunning landscapes and unique geological formations, with guides available.
Glacier Tours
5 minutes' drive
Ice climbing and glacier hiking tours available for thrill-seekers, with expert guides and gear rental options.
Veitingasala Restaurant
Veitingasala Restaurant
5 minutes' walk
A cozy dining spot specializing in local Icelandic cuisine with fresh ingredients and a warm atmosphere.
Local Music Venues
10 minutes' drive
Dive into local culture with live music events featuring regional artists, including folk and contemporary genres.
Getting around
City Centre
Skaftafell14 min  ·  3700 ft
Airports
Hornafjordur (HFN)188 min  ·  77.5 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:00
Check-out
from 01:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Skaftafell provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Icelandic
Number of rooms:
51
Former name
Fosshotel Skaftafell

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Hotel Skaftafell from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Hotel Skaftafell enjoys a convenient location, with some guests especially appreciating the direct trail access to the glacier, just a short walk away. The breakfast receives positive mentions, including the good bacon, and an electric kettle in the room is a welcome feature. While some have noted that the hotel's design appears a bit dated, many find the rooms clean and comfortable, often mentioning the effective blackout curtains; furthermore, its proximity to a gas station with dining options across the street proves handy for many travelers.
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Review score
Based on 875 verified reviews
8.0/10
Great
83%
Recommend
Location
9.1/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.9/10
Value for money
6.8/10
Breakfast
7.6/10
Pros
Clean rooms
Tasty breakfast
Glacier access
Ample parking
Cons
Expensive restaurant
Thin walls
Guest reviews
based on 875 reviews
8.0/10
based on 2482 reviews
8.2/10
Willie from United Kingdom
Family with children
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 06, 2026
8/10
large portionsdelicious food
The hotel features a restaurant. It offers large portions of delicious food, THOUGH a bit pricey. I tried the cod and arctic char. Both meals were amazing.
The hotel rooms design looked old. Space was limited. It was TRICKY with luggage.
0 Helpful
Jonathan from United Kingdom
Family with children
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 31, 2025
6/10

Adequate Stay with Pricing Concerns

adequate breakfasthard mattress
Breakfast was satisfactory and provided an adequate start to the day.
I found the room quite cramped and not ideal. The hard mattress made it uncomfortable for sleeping. The room's limited space affected our overall experience.
0 Helpful
samantha from australia
Single
twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 29, 2025
8.7/10

amazing glacier backdrop

convenient locationfine viewsplastic sheet
the location was very convenient for exploring. the bar on the second floor offered fine views. i especially appreciated the very good bacon served during breakfast. the location also allowed a short walk to the glacier.
the shower had a plastic sheet, it wasn't ideal. also, the soap, body soap, and shampoo were all the same green gel product. the carpet and curtains look quite old.
Dining
9/10
Dinner was great. It had a super restaurant, but a little expensive, with delicious food and large portions. I tried the cod and arctic char and both were amazing. the free breakfast buffet was also very good.
Service
9/10
The staff was friendly. i received a warm welcome and helpful information at reception, including a northern lights wake up call. dinner in the restaurant was friendly, and the staff had fun at the bar. They even sorted an aurora wake up call.
Facilities
8/10
there is a bar area available to drink and relax while enjoying the view. the location is close to a good route for seeing the glacier. i could walk a short distance to an outdoor drink terrace overlooking the glacier.
0 Helpful
|
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Questions of the users
About Hotel Skaftafell
Are laundry services available at Hotel Skaftafell? If so, what are the charges?
25 November 2024
Laundry services are offered for a fee of 4,000 ISK per load, covering both washing and drying.
Is there an electric kettle in each room at Hotel Skaftafell?
15 January 2025
Every room at Hotel Skaftafell is equipped with an electric kettle for your convenience.
Can dinner be enjoyed at the hotel's restaurant without prior reservations?
5 April 2024
There are always enough tables available in the restaurant for guests without needing to make a reservation.
Is the restaurant currently open for dinner service?
12 December 2024
Sadly, the restaurant is closed at the moment, but there is another option nearby offering a variety of meals.
Are kitchen facilities available for guests at Hotel Skaftafell?
30 March 2025
There are no kitchen facilities in the hotel; however, a restaurant operates every evening from 18:30 to 21:00.
Are vegan meal options available for guests at the hotel?
18 February 2025
Both breakfast and dinner menus include a range of vegan options for guests to choose from.
What are the hours of operation for breakfast at the hotel?
9 May 2024
Breakfast is served from 07:00 until 10:00 am daily.
Are pets allowed to stay at Hotel Skaftafell?
22 August 2024
Unfortunately, pets, including dogs, are not permitted in the hotel.
Can arrangements be made to have a double bed in the room?
11 July 2024
Preferences for a double bed can be accommodated when notified in advance.
Are there family-friendly policies regarding children staying at the hotel?
3 September 2025
Children up to 12 years old can stay free of charge with their parents, and arrangements can be made after booking.
How can one travel from the airport to Hotel Skaftafell?
19 October 2024
Transportation options depend on the specific airport; assistance can be provided for planning the trip.
What outdoor activities are available near Hotel Skaftafell?
14 February 2025
The hotel is surrounded by stunning landscapes, offering excellent hiking opportunities and access to guided tours for glacier walks and more.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room