ACTIVITIES

Activities, Services & Attractions

In The Area

The hotel's location is very convenient for those looking to explore the natural beauty that our country has to offer. The town of Hvolsvöllur has a population of only about 900 people, but there are still endless things to experience and discover in the area. 


Below, we have compiled some of our personal favorite locations and services in the area. Many of these places feel like a big part of home, and that is why we have carefully curated the list on this page. 

RECOMMENDED

Nearby Natural Attractions

There are endless things to experience and discover in the area. Just remember; the most important thing is remembering to relax, have fun, respect nature and the environment but also to stay safe while on your adventures!


Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is located in the South Region right by Route 1 and the road that leads to Þórsmörk (Road 249). 


The waterfall drops 60 m (197 ft) and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. Visitors can walk behind the falls into a small cave.


Seljalandsfoss is located only 20km from Hotel Hvolsvollur (17min drive)


Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westman Islands, is an archipelago of 15 islands and 30 rock stacks off the South Coast of Iceland, the only populated one being Heimaey island. 


Aside from their incredible natural beauty, the islands have the world’s largest population of nesting puffins in summer, lots of activities, and things to see, and of course a fascinating history. 


Heimaey can be accessed by a 35min ferry crossing at the Landeyjar Ferry terminal. The Landeyjar Ferry Terminal is located 30km from Hotel Hvolsvollur (20min drive). 


Þórsmörk (Thorsmork)

Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) is a valley between two glaciers, Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull. The valley is named after the Norse god Thor. 


Þórsmörk is considered the most beautiful place in Iceland by many Icelanders. In the valley, the river Krossá winds between the mountains. The valley is closed in between glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull being at the rear end of the valley. 


Many different tours are possible, from hiking on the glaciers to trekking.


The intersection of Road 1 and Road 249 leading to Þórsmörk mountain ridge is located only 21km from Hotel Hvolsvollur (17min drive).


Gluggafoss (our best kept secret)

Gluggafoss (Window waterfalls) is a series of beautiful waterfalls located in nearby Fljótshlíð, often overlooked by travelers. 


What makes Gluggafoss special are the holes and tunnels formed by the river through the soft palagonite. Known in Icelandic as gluggar, or 'windows', these holes allow observers at the base of the waterfall to see partly obscured water flow.


Gluggafoss is located 17km from Hotel Hvolsvollur (15min drive).


Dyrhólaey & Þingvellir

Dyrhólaey rock arch is a famous spot in Iceland, recognized for its natural beauty and distinct 'doors'. It is the southernmost point of Iceland, and from there you can have a good view of the big glacier Mýrdalsjökull in the north and the Atlantic ocean in the south. Adjacent Kirkjufjara and Reynisfjara are also two of Iceland's most famous black sand beaches.


Þingvellir / Thingvellir National Park is a scene of great historical, cultural, and geological significance, and is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Iceland. The national park lies in a rift valley that marks boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. To its south lies Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. We recommend visiting the Thingvellir Visitor Centre, which is open to the public.

Check out our guide to The Northern Lights

RECOMMENDED

Nearby Natural Attractions

There are endless things to experience and discover in the area.

Just remember; the most important thing is remembering to relax, have fun, respect nature and the environment. Stay safe while on your adventures!


Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss is located in the South Region right by Route 1 and the road that leads to Þórsmörk (Road 249). 


The waterfall drops 60 m (197 ft) and is part of the Seljalands River that has its origin in the volcano glacier Eyjafjallajökull. Visitors can walk behind the falls into a small cave.


Seljalandsfoss is located only 20km from Hotel Hvolsvollur (17min drive)


Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westman Islands, is an archipelago of 15 islands and 30 rock stacks off the South Coast of Iceland, the only populated one being Heimaey island. 


Aside from their incredible natural beauty, the islands have the world’s largest population of nesting puffins in summer, lots of activities, and things to see, and of course a fascinating history. 


Heimaey can be accessed by a 35min ferry crossing at the Landeyjar Ferry terminal. The Landeyjar Ferry Terminal is located 30km from Hotel Hvolsvollur (20min drive). 


Þórsmörk (Thorsmork)

Þórsmörk (Thorsmork) is a valley between two glaciers, Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull. The valley is named after the Norse god Thor. 


Þórsmörk is considered the most beautiful place in Iceland by many Icelanders. In the valley, the river Krossá winds between the mountains. The valley is closed in between glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull being at the rear end of the valley. 


Many different tours are possible, from hiking on the glaciers to trekking.


The intersection of Road 1 and Road 249 leading to Þórsmörk mountain ridge is located only 21km from Hotel Hvolsvollur (17min drive).


Gluggafoss (our best kept secret)

Gluggafoss (Window waterfalls) is a series of beautiful waterfalls located in nearby Fljótshlíð, often overlooked by travelers. 


What makes Gluggafoss special are the holes and tunnels formed by the river through the soft palagonite. Known in Icelandic as gluggar, or 'windows', these holes allow observers at the base of the waterfall to see partly obscured water flow.


Gluggafoss is located 17km from Hotel Hvolsvollur (15min drive).


Dyrhólaey & Þingvellir

Dyrhólaey rock arch is a famous spot in Iceland, recognized for its natural beauty and distinct 'doors'. It is the southernmost point of Iceland, and from there you can have a good view of the big glacier Mýrdalsjökull in the north and the Atlantic ocean in the south. Adjacent Kirkjufjara and Reynisfjara are also two of Iceland's most famous black sand beaches.


Þingvellir / Thingvellir National Park is a scene of great historical, cultural, and geological significance, and is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Iceland. The national park lies in a rift valley that marks boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. To its south lies Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. We recommend visiting the Thingvellir Visitor Centre, which is open to the public.

RECOMMENDED

Activities & Tours

Hvolsvöllur village has a great selection of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. These are our favorites:

The Lava Centre

The Lava Centre is an interactive, high-tech educational exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the creation of Iceland over millions of years.


The Lava Centre is located only 500m away from Hotel Hvolsvollur (1min drive / 3 min walk)


Horseriding in Smáratún

Ride through Smáratún's fields with Eyjafjallajökull for a view. 


From May to September, tours are offered in the mornings and evenings. Over the weekends and in the winter months the horses are on a break. Smáratún / Fljotshlid offers one-hour rides which can be adapted to beginner and experienced riders.


Smáratún is located only 12km from Hotel Hvolsvollur (10min drive)


Services
in the area

Grocery Store - 300m away

Bank & ATM - 300m away

Health Clinic - 500m away

Post Office - 300m away

Gas Station - 400m away

Car Repair Shop - 400m away

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