Húsafell: Family Wellness in West Iceland

Húsafell is located in West Iceland, about a two-hour drive from Reykjavík. It works well for a family weekend or as a stop on a longer road trip around the country. The area is surrounded by birch woodlands, lava fields, crystal-clear springs, rivers, and waterfalls, with the glaciers Langjökull and Eiríksjökull in the distance. It’s a place where you can spend the day outdoors, enjoy great food, soak in geothermal baths, and experience Iceland’s landscape without needing to travel far between activities.

There’s plenty to do, from golf, hiking, mountain-biking, horseback riding and cave tours to glacier adventures and geothermal bathing. Or, if you’re simply looking for quality time together, Húsafell makes it easy to enjoy a few days at your own pace.

Húsafell’s scenic 9-hole golf course is one of the highlights of the area. The course winds through beautiful woodland and alongside crystal-clear streams, with mountain views throughout your round. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and easy to enjoy whether you’re an experienced golfer or trying it for the first time. Bring the whole family along the kids can explore, take a few swings, or simply enjoy being outdoors while you play.

A visit to Húsafell’s geothermal swimming pool is something you don’t want to miss. With its setting and design, it feels more like a natural wellness space than a standard pool. Swim in warm water, move between outdoor hot tubs, warm up in the sauna, or cool down with a cold plunge if you’re feeling brave. While the kids play in the water, there’s plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the surroundings. It’s an easy way to spend a few unhurried hours together.

Hótel Húsafell offers 48 rooms across several categories, all with a clean, modern design. The rooms feature heated floors, comfortable furnishings, organic Icelandic toiletries from Sóley, and artwork by local artist Páll Guðmundsson.

In winter, the area is also a great place to watch the Northern Lights. On clear nights, sightings are fairly common, and the combination of dark skies and the nearby Langjökull glacier creates excellent conditions for viewing the aurora.

Hótel Húsafell’s restaurant serves seasonal dishes made with fresh Icelandic ingredients, making it an easy choice for a relaxed family dinner. There’s something for everyone, and the cosy atmosphere is the perfect way to end the day.

Giljaböð can be accessed directly from Húsafell, making it an easy addition to your stay. It offers a quiet geothermal bathing experience with lava fields and open landscapes all around. It’s a calm, unhurried place to spend a couple of hours and a nice contrast to a day of activities.

Book your visit to Giljaböð here

Just a short drive from Húsafell, you’ll find Hraunfossar and Barnafossar two of West Iceland’s most distinctive waterfalls. Hraunfossar flows in clear streams out of a lava field, spreading across the landscape in an unusual and beautiful way. Next to it, Barnafoss runs through a narrow canyon with powerful, fast-moving water. It’s an easy stop that adds even more to a stay in the area.

Just a short drive from Húsafell, Krauma is another great option. Heated by water from Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful hot spring, it offers a mix of hot pools, steam baths, cold plunges, and relaxation areas. It’s an easy addition to a family trip through West Iceland. Children of all ages are welcome to enter the facilities as long as they are accompanied and supervised by an adult.

Book your visit to Krauma here.

One of the great things about Húsafell is that several hiking trails start right by Hótel Húsafell. Just below the hotel, you’ll find a large information board with route details and maps, making it easy to choose a walk that suits your day. The area has a variety of marked trails, ranging from short and easy walks to more challenging routes. Most paths are well defined and lead through lava fields, rivers, forests, and open landscapes with views of glaciers and surrounding mountains.

Bæjargil
A scenic route with varied terrain and great views of the surrounding area. It’s a rewarding walk through natural landscapes and local history, but includes rocky sections and some elevation, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with uneven ground.

Oddaleið
A popular and relatively easy trail that follows rivers and open landscape. The path is clearly marked and offers a relaxed hike through typical Húsafell scenery.

Kiðárbotnar
A shorter route that connects with parts of Oddaleið before continuing toward the main road and nearby airstrip area. A good option for a lighter walk.

Hraunfossar route
This longer trail follows older roads and paths through woodland and lava terrain all the way toward Hraunfossar waterfalls. It offers a varied walk through different landscapes, ending at one of West Iceland’s most unique natural sites.

Kaldárbotnar
A longer route with wide views toward glaciers and surrounding peaks. The trail passes through open land, forest, and alongside rivers, giving a good sense of the area’s scale and scenery.

• Trails range from short walks (around 1–2 hours) to longer hikes (up to 3–4 hours)
• Most routes are easy to follow, with some marked posts along key trails
• Terrain varies from gravel and lava fields to rocky sections and forest paths
• Some routes are easier, while others require a bit more sure-footed walking
• Trails are open year-round, but conditions vary with weather and season
• Starting point: Húsafell, Borgarbyggð (next to Hótel Húsafell)