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

Those exploring the south coast of Iceland are likely going to be looking for an overnight base in various places such as Vik, Hofn or near the incredible Jokilsarlon Glacier Lagoon.

All three of these places are located close to some of the most beautiful natural attractions in Iceland and planning to stay the night in this area is much more preferable than taking day trips from Reykjavik.

In general, 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 either Vik, Hofn or near 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)

Why You Should Stay in Vik

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 – both of which are located right next to the village of Vik.

There are also plenty of hiking and walking areas within easy reach of the village, perfect for those looking for a base for their active holiday. For instance, if you want to make the trek out to the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, Vik is the perfect base for that.

The same goes for those wanting a stretch of black sand beach all to themselves. Just west of Vik and the popular Reynisfjara Beach and the Dyrhólaey Arch, you can find the Endless Black Sand Beach path, which is exactly as it sounds – a stretch of black sand that spans as far as the eye can see. This is something that makes Iceland feel truly out of this world.

You can also easily use Vik as a base to explore Skatafell National Park and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, which are located about 1.5 and 2.5 hours away respectively.

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

Where to Stay

Hótel Kría – 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.

Hotel Katla – 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!

Vik Apartments – If you’re travelling as a family, then these apartments can accommodate up to six people. The apartments are located right on the coast in the centre of town meaning you have great sea views.

Black Beach Suites – Located approximately four kilometres from the centre of Vik, this is one of the best hotels in Vik 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.

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.

The Barn – Another fantastic option for accommodation in Vik if you’re 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.

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

Where to Stay Near Vik

If you’re unable to find somewhere in Vik, then there are still plenty of options closeby to the village. 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!).

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

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.

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.

Why You Should Stay Near Jokulsarlon

Whether you can’t find suitable accommodation near Vik or want to break up your journey by staying close to the Glacier Lagoon, there are several great places to stay near Jokulsarlon as well.

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.

There are also plenty of great things you can do in this area that aren’t related to the lagoon itself. For instance, make sure you spend time wandering along Diamond Beach – an incredible stretch of black sand adorned with small icebergs that resemble diamonds.

Those who want to get a bit more active will also love the hike to the nearby Múlagljúfur Canyon – here you will be treated to jaw-dropping views of some of Iceland’s most beautiful natural scenery.

Staying in this area also puts you in close proximity to the beautiful Skaftafell National Park and the abundance of activities on offer in this area. And just south of Skaftafell on the Ingólfshöfði headland, you can also find a puffin colony that calls the area home from the months of May through August!

Where to Stay

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – This modern and comfortable hotel is located between Skatafell National Park and the Glacier Lagoon. Rooms are spacious and guests have access to a sauna and breakfast that can be included in the room rate.

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 to see the Northern Lights. A fabulous breakfast is included in the daily rate.

Kálfafellsstadur Bed & Breakfast – This hotel is located about a twenty-minute drive from the Glacier Lagoon and is a fantastic option if you are 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.

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.

Skyrhúsid HI Hostel – Located about a ten-minute drive from the Glacier Lagoon, this hostel is about as close as you can stay to Jokulsarlon! Rooms are basic and clean, with the option to 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.

Why You Should Stay in Hofn

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 Southeast Iceland. There are even regular flights from Reykjavik to a nearby airport making it incredibly convenient to base yourself here.

There are a few hiking areas within easy reach of the town centre, as well, which is perfect for active travellers. And if you haven’t seen enough of the famous black sand beaches, then make sure not to miss Austurfjorur beach and the beautiful mountain formations of the nearby Stokksnes.

In general, Hofn makes a great base for those continuing on their Iceland road trip past Jokulsarlon as there it is one of the largest towns in the area with plenty of amenities.

Where to Stay

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.

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.

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.

Skýjaborg Apartments – The apartments are modern and comfortable and some can accommodate couples and larger families.

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 Hofn, Vik or near Jokulsarlon.

Are you wondering where to stay on Iceland’s South Coast? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!

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