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This striking hotel sums up so much about Iceland: it’s architecturally bold, effortlessly stylish and situated only a stone’s throw from a geothermal power station.
Perched on stilts, with a projecting, glass-fronted wing that looks out over the landscapes of Thingvellir National Park, it’s the epitome of Icelandic industrial chic. It’s luxury with an edge of austerity, and feels a little bit like staying inside a lunar space station.
Everything here is designed to make the most of the hotel’s setting – through every window there are views of barren lava fields, tufty hills and the nearby Nesjavellir Power Plant.
The hotel’s Silfra restaurant specialises in Icelandic ‘slow food’, with many of the ingredients (including Arctic char) sourced within the local area.
This is a truly wild spot, with no near neighbours apart from the blinking lights and steaming towers of Nesjavellir Power Plant.
The hotel is perfectly placed for exploring Thingvellir National Park: it’s just south of Thingvallatn Lake, so ideal for combining with a visit to see the Althingi (ancient Icelandic parliament) and a snorkelling adventure in the Silfra Rift.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland[16.5 miles]
A wonderous landscape of geological wonders – lakes, lava flows, striking rock formations, and tectonic rifts – only 40km from Reykjavik.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1 night
Iceland[16.7 miles]
Dive or snorkel between two continental plates in this strikingly unique gorge, filled with pure and crystal-clear glacial meltwater.
Best for ages: 6+ | £80 | 4-8 hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Iceland[20.9 miles]
One of the longest lava tunnels in Iceland – 1360m long, 30m wide and up to 10m high. The ‘Standard’ lava tunnel tour (1 hour) visits the most accessible section of the cave, while the longer ‘Adventure’ tour (3-4 hours) ventures into the deeper sections.
Best for ages: 6+ | £45
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Iceland
From volcanoes and glaciers to black beaches, geothermal pools and the Northern Lights, Iceland is one of the world’s wildest, weirdest destinations. A paradise for adventurous travellers.
