Where to Stay in Vik, Hofn, and near Jokulsarlon, Iceland

For most travellers visiting Iceland, their next stop after spending a day or two in Reykjavik and exploring the Golden Circle is to drive along the Southern Coast of the Ring Road towards Vik, Jokusarlon and even Hofn. This means many travellers need to determine where to stay in Vik or near Jokulsarlon.

This is one of the quintessential Iceland itineraries for a first-time visitor, however, unless you have rented a camper van and have somewhere to sleep for the night, there are limited accommodation options to choose from.

This accommodation guide lists the best places to stay in Vik as well as those close to Jokulsarlon and Hofn. As mentioned, hotel options haven’t kept up with the increasing number of tourists visiting Iceland so it’s advisable to book as soon as possible, particularly if you’re trying to minimise your Iceland trip cost!

Looking for a quick answer? Here are the top choices for where to stay in Vik, Hofn and Jokulsarlon!

Vik: The Barn (Budget), Hótel Kría (Mid-Range) or Black Beach Suites (Apartment)

Hofn: Höfn Guesthouse (Budget), Old Airline Guesthouse (Mid-Range) or Skýjaborg Apartments (Apartment)

Jokulsarlon: Guesthouse Skálafell (Budget) or Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon (Mid-Range)

Where to Stay in Vik, Iceland

The small village of Vik is the perfect place to base yourself while driving around Southern Iceland.

If you’re coming from Reykjavik, it allows you to spend your day stopping at popular attractions such as Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, before exploring the attractions on the Southern coast of Iceland such as Dyrhólaey Arch and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach which is located right next to the village of Vik.

You can also easily use Vik as a base to explore Skatafell National Park and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Vik also has a number of restaurants, a couple of petrol stations and small supermarkets making it the perfect place to refuel for the evening!

Best Hotels in Vik

Hótel Kría – Recently opened in 2018, this hotel is situated in the centre of Vik and within a few minutes walk of the black sand beach. All rooms are modern and comfortable and some come with fantastic mountain views. A superb buffet breakfast is included in the room rate and there is also a bar on site. Click here to check their availability

Hotel Katla Hofdabrekka – Located just a few kilometres from the centre of town, this rustic hotel is set in a fantastic location that offers great views of the mountains and the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. One of the highlights of staying here is access to an outdoor hot tub that is a welcome relief after a long day of hiking! A great breakfast is also included in the room rate. Click here to check their availability

Vik Apartments – If you’re travelling as a family and wondering where to stay in Vik, then these apartments are a fantastic choice. Offering apartments that can accommodate up to six people, they are located right on the coast in the centre of town meaning you have great sea views. Click here to check their availability

Black Beach Suites – Located approximately four kilometres from the centre of Vik, these studio and small apartments are perfect if travelling as a couple or with up to two children. Apartments here have great sea views and contain a fully equipped kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. Click here to check their availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Vik

Best Hostels in Vik

Vik Hostel – One of the best places in Vik if travelling on a budget, this hostel offers both dormitories and private single and twin rooms with a shared bathroom. A great buffet breakfast is included in the room rate and it is located in the centre of town. Click here to check their availability

The Barn – Another fantastic option if you’re wondering where to stay in Vik on a budget, this hostel also has a couple of different dormitory sizes as well as private rooms. It is located a few kilometres from the centre of town and has really clean and modern facilities. Click here to check their availability

Where to Stay near Vik, Iceland

If you’re unable to find a place to stay in Vik, then there are still plenty of options for where to stay near Vik, particularly when driving from Reykjavik. One of the advantages of staying a bit outside the centre of town is you will be in a more rural setting (don’t forget to bring a proper pair of hiking boots!) which does increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights!

There also tend to be a greater number of more affordable options away from the centre of Vik.

Best Hotels near Vik

Volcano Hotel – Located about a fifteen-minute drive from Vik and on the way from Skogafoss just off the Ring Road, this charming hotel offers a range of comfortable private rooms which are suitable for couples or if travelling with children. A fantastic breakfast is included in the daily rate. Click here to check their availability

Sólheimahjáleiga Guesthouse – Located around twenty minutes from Vik, this guesthouse is located on a farm making it perfect for travellers who want to enjoy the countryside. This hotel is also located just off the Ring Road and offers guests simple clean rooms with a delicious breakfast. Guests also have access to a shared kitchen and lounge. Click here to check their availability

UMI Hotel – A highly rated hotel, located about 40 kilometres from Vik, it is located close to Eyjafjallajökull (the famous volcano that grounded European flights in 2010!), giving guests fantastic views of the area. There are a range of clean and comfortable rooms available with breakfast also included. Click here to check their availability

Ásólfsskáli Cottage – Located about 50km from Vik but close to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, this cottage is perfect for families or larger groups who want to beat the crowds at the famous waterfall while still being able to drive to Vik in less than an hour. Click here to check availability

Where to stay near Jokulsarlon, Iceland

If you can’t find places to stay near Vik or simply want to stay as close as possible to the Glacier Lagoon then there are a number of great places to stay near Jokulsarlon instead.

One of the advantages of staying close to Jokulsarlon is that you can beat the crowds and day-trippers from Reykjavik and be able to enjoy the Glacier Lagoon in relative peace in the early morning or in the evening.

Just make sure you add a warm waterproof coat and a quality pair of gloves to your Iceland packing list so you stay nice and warm!

Best Hotels near Jokulsarlon

Skyrhúsid Guest House – Located about a ten-minute drive from the Glacier Lagoon, this guesthouse is about as close as you can stay to Jokulsarlon! Rooms are basic and clean, with the option to get book larger rooms that can accommodate families. There is a restaurant that serves lunch and dinner but guests need to travel a few hundred metres to another restaurant for breakfast. Click here to check their availability

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – This modern and comfortable hotel, located between Skatafell National Park and the Glacier Lagoon is one of the best places to stay near Jokulsarlon. Rooms are spacious and guests have access to a sauna and breakfast that can be included in the room rate. Click here to check their availability

Guesthouse Skálafell – A family-run guest house located on a farm just off the Ring Road, it is the perfect hotel near the Glacier Lagoon to base yourself when exploring and give yourself a chance of seeing the Northern Lights (just remember to pack a lightweight tripod if you want to photograph them!). A fabulous breakfast is included in the daily rate. Click here to check their availability

Kálfafellsstadur Bed & Breakfast – This hotel is located about a twenty-minute drive from the Glacier Lagoon and is a fantastic option if you are wondering where to stay near Jokulsarlon while travelling on a budget. There are a range of single and twin rooms with shared bathroom access and a great breakfast included in the price. Click here to check their availability

Hotel Smyrlabjörg – Another great budget option that is located about a 30-minute drive from the Glacier Lagoon. This hotel is family run with clean basic rooms and a delicious buffet breakfast included. Larger rooms are also available that can accommodate people travelling with children. Click here to check their availability

Best Hostels near Jokulsarlon

Vagnsstadir Hostel – This is the best option if you’re looking for a hostel near the Glacier Lagoon. This HI hostel offers basic accommodation with a good breakfast included in the rate. Click here to check their availability

Places to stay in Hofn, Iceland

If you are unable to find accommodation right next to Jokulsarlon then another good option is to find a place to stay in Hofn. Hofn is located about an hour’s drive from the Glacier Lagoon and is located right on the harbour with a population of approximately 2,000 people.

There are a couple of museums in town as well as a few restaurants and a supermarket that make it a great base for exploring South-East Iceland. There are even regular flights from Reykjavik to a nearby airport making it incredibly convenient to base yourself here.

Best Hotels in Hofn

Höfn Guesthouse – A great budget option located in the centre of Hofn, this guesthouse offers private rooms with a shared bathroom. There are some basic communal kitchen facilities and guests have the option to purchase breakfast at the hotel. Click here to check their availability

Apotek Guesthouse – This highly rated guest house offers a range of clean and modern private rooms. It is well located in the centre of town and is quite close to a supermarket. Click here to check their availability

Old Airline Guesthouse – A modern hotel located right on the harbour, they offer double rooms with shared bathroom access. Guests are able to also use kitchen and laundry facilities. Breakfast is included in the daily rate. Click here to check their availability

Skýjaborg Apartments – This is one of the best places in Hofn if you want the convenience of having your own studio apartment. The apartments are modern and comfortable and some can accommodate couples and larger families. Click here to check their availability

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Hofn

When embarking on a road trip through Iceland, one of the most important things to do is to book your accommodation in advance, particularly in the busy summer months. Luckily if you’re travelling along the South Coast, there are some fantastic places to stay in Vik, Hofn or near Jokulsarlon.

Are you wondering where to stay in Vik? Or are you looking for hotels near Jokulsarlon and Hofn? Let us know in the comments below!

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