Fosshótel Vatnajökull
Contemporary Nordic country hotel. Unpretentious but well-designed — natural materials, no excess, enormous glacier views doing all the heavy lifting. The lobby and bar area feel genuinely nice; economy rooms are considerably more modest.
Book a Standard Room or above to get glacier views — economy rooms look toward the lower building and miss the main vista
Why It Matters
Selected by the Michelin Guide. One of the few hotels in southeast Iceland with direct, unobstructed glacier views and a restaurant that takes local langoustine and fresh-caught fish seriously. Film crews from Tomb Raider and James Bond's Die Another Day have used it as a base. As of August 2024, it holds Green Key certification — part of Íslandshótel becoming the first fully sustainability-certified hotel chain in Iceland.
Fosshótel Vatnajökull is a 66-room contemporary hotel sitting directly in front of Europe's largest glacier, about 10 km outside the small fishing town of Höfn. The building has a clean, functional Scandinavian silhouette — hardwood floors, big windows, Nordic furniture — and the views it frames are the whole reason to be here. This is a stop for Ring Road travelers who want something better than a guesthouse, with a proper restaurant, a bar pouring creative cocktails, and rooms that range from compact economy to spacious suites with bathtubs.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Economy Room
The smallest option in the house, and the reviews make no secret of it. Located on the building's lower floors with no elevator access. Functional and clean with a compact private bathroom. Night stand fits only one side of the bed. Not the room for bag-heavy travelers. But the price (relative to other categories) is the appeal.
16 sqmFamily Connecting Rooms
Two interconnecting rooms totaling 45–50 sqm, sleeping up to four. Each room has its own private bathroom. Good option for families or small groups who want their own space without booking separate units. Same clean Nordic design and standard amenities as the rest of the hotel.
47 sqmStandard Room
Step up from the Economy and you get noticeably more space — 18–20 sqm — plus a tea and coffee maker. These rooms sit higher in the building and offer better views. Hardwood floors, clean Nordic design, private bathroom with shower. The sweet spot for most travelers who want comfort without suite pricing.
19 sqmSuite
At 30–35 sqm, the suites are the only rooms with a bathtub — a real selling point after a day on the glacier. Some have balconies or patios looking out at the ice. Separate living area with a convertible sofa. Coffee machine rather than a basic kettle. Guest reviews specifically call out the views from the suites as the best in the building.
32 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Iceland's deepest lake and most dramatic glacial lagoon, with floating icebergs and resident seals. Boat tours can be arranged through the hotel. The diamond beach — where wave-polished ice chunks wash up on black sand — is right next to the lagoon.
Guided treks on Svínafellsjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, running through the Skaftafell area. Available March through December. Routes range from straightforward walks to more technical routes across crevasses and ice formations.
Guided hiking trips to Skaftafell, part of Vatnajökull National Park, can be arranged through the hotel's tour desk. Multiple trail options exist from easy walks to full-day hikes.
The Crystal Cave inside Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier is the largest ice cave in Vatnajökull National Park — where the glacier meets the Icelandic coast. Tours can be arranged via the hotel's tour desk partner at vatnajokull.tourdesk.is.
The hotel sits in near-total darkness with open sightlines in all directions — one of the better spots in southeast Iceland to catch the aurora. Guests frequently mention seeing strong displays from just outside the hotel entrance. Best from September through October (the only months the hotel is open with reliable darkness).
The hotel offers a tour desk service for booking regional activities, accessible at vatnajokull.tourdesk.is. Covers glacier tours, ice cave visits, lagoon boat trips, and Skaftafell hikes.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Wheelchair accessible property with accessible room options. Note: Economy rooms are on lower floors without elevator access.
Two venues for small to medium groups. The Axlarfoss banquet hall accommodates up to 56 for seated dining and 104 for standing receptions, with 180-degree glacier views and terrace access. Full AV equipment provided. Suitable for corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings.
Available throughout the property, including in all guest rooms.
Cribs and extra beds available upon request, subject to availability.
Outdoor terrace available for guests, particularly linked to the event venues. Good for pre-dinner drinks when weather allows.
Reception will store luggage if guests arrive before their room is ready.
Staff can help arrange tours and activities in the surrounding area.
Housekeeping is available on request only — part of the hotel's Green Key sustainability commitment. Request at check-in or before 10am for same-day service.
Dogs are permitted in restricted areas. Must be requested at time of booking via the comment box; contact the hotel to guarantee a pet-friendly room.
Certified by FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) since August 2024. All hotels in the Íslandshótel group are certified, making it the first fully sustainability-certified hotel chain in Iceland. Runs on 100% renewable energy.
Electric vehicle charging station located in front of the hotel.
On-site parking is free for all guests. No reservation required.
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