Vagnsstaðir HI Hostel

Southeast Iceland


Snowmobiles litter this Ring Road property, HQ of Glacier Jeeps. There's a small, bunk-heavy hostel with a sunny enclosed dining area, plus additional six-bed cottages (each with toilet, but no shower) next to the main building. The common complaint is that the limited bathroom facilities and small kitchen are now inadequate for the number of beds. Non-HI members pay an additional 800kr.

The newest addition: a separate block of hotel-standard rooms with private bathroom and breakfast included in the rate. The property is 26km east of Jökulsárlón.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Southeast Iceland attractions

1. Þórbergssetur

7.26 MILES

This cleverly crafted museum (its inspired exterior looks like a shelf of books) pays tribute to the most famous son of this sparsely populated region –…

2. Flatey Farm

8.7 MILES

The Flatey dairy farm (also known as Flatey á Mýrum) lies almost exactly halfway between Jökulsárlón and Höfn and is hard to miss as you drive along – the…

3. Heinabergsjökull

8.7 MILES

Heinabergsjökull is 8km off the Ring Road on a gravel road (signposted not far east of Guesthouse Skálafell). Brilliant summertime kayaking trips operate…

4. Fláajökull

12.77 MILES

Fláajökull is 8km off the Ring Road on a gravel road (signposted just east of Hólmur guesthouse) that leads to a small car park with pit toilet. A…

5. Diamond Beach

14.9 MILES

At the Jökulsá river mouth you’ll see ice boulders and bergs resting photogenically on the black-sand beach as part of their final journey out to sea…

6. Seamen's Monument

18.74 MILES

This monument stands on Ósland, the bird-filled promontory south of the harbour. Head here for good walks and views.

7. Gamlabúð

18.88 MILES

The 1864 warehouse that once served as the regional folk museum has been moved from the outskirts of town to a prime position on the Höfn harbourfront. It…

8. Hoffellsjökull

20.53 MILES

From the Hoffell guesthouse, a signed, 4km gravel road leads to Hoffellsjökull glacier tongue, calving into a small lake. There are some good short walks…