Fljótsdalur HI Hostel

Top choice in The South


It's very basic, but if you’re looking for a peaceful, remote base for highland walks, with a beautiful garden, homey kitchen, cosy sitting room and mountain views that make your knees tremble, then you’ll find it here. There are only seven bare mattresses in the attic (bring a sleeping bag) and two four-bed rooms on the main floor. Book ahead. HI members get a discount.

Find it 27km east of Hvolsvöllur. The road gets rough toward the end and only 4x4s can make it up the steep hill to the hotel's parking area; those with regular cars should park at the bottom and walk the 50m up. Bring all supplies.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The South attractions

1. Gluggafoss

4.93 MILES

Around 8km west of Fljotsdalur HI Hostel you'll find this lesser-known waterfall dropping some 45m from the cliff above, fed from the Merkja River. It…

2. Nauthusagil

4.95 MILES

Not far from Seljalandsfoss, on the road to Þórsmörk (4WD required), hides one of the most thrilling and adventurous scrambles to a waterfall along a…

3. Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfurárbui

10.54 MILES

From the Ring Road you'll see the beautiful high falls at Seljalandsfoss, which tumble over a rocky scarp into a deep, green pool. A (slippery) path runs…

4. Keldur

12.95 MILES

About 5km west of Hvolsvöllur, unsurfaced Rte 264 winds about 8km north along the Rangárvellir valley to the medieval turf-roofed farm at Keldur. This…

5. Drangshlíð Rock

14.35 MILES

Impressive turf houses and old farmhouses built into an enormous freestanding rock, in front of the Eyjafjöll Mountains. Local farmers would keep their…

6. Skógafoss

14.51 MILES

This 62m-high waterfall topples over a rocky cliff at the western edge of Skógar in dramatic style. Climb the steep staircase alongside for giddy views,…

7. Skógar Folk Museum

15.05 MILES

The highlight of little Skógar is the wonderful Skógar Folk Museum, which covers all aspects of Icelandic life. The vast collection was put together by…

8. Kvernufoss

15.1 MILES

Pretty much off the tourist radar (you'll likely have the place to yourself) is this hidden 20m waterfall that you can walk behind. The short trail to it…