Húsafell and the Borgarfjörður district of West Iceland is surrounded by untapped nature, adventure and history. With traditional turf houses, geothermal pools, waterfalls, glaciers, mountains and a breathtaking landscape, it’s easy to see why we love to take guests here, often as part of our multi-day trips.
Húsafell is often described as a gateway to some of the most amazing natural wonders of Iceland. Being further inland, it often escapes the coastal weather in winter, too. As we explore Húsafell, we like to take it easy, as we travel back in time to learn all about Iceland’s relationship with the land.
Sustainable is certainly a word to describe this region of the country, thanks to the warming geothermal effects, alongside the crystal clear glacier water and rural farm life. In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the best activities and experiences that Husafell has to offer. Húsafell is often included as part of our private multi-day tours or as stand-alone day trips, upon request.
Húsafell Village | Dating back to the Viking Age
Húsafell village is a small but lively community of about 200 people, who live and work in harmony with nature. Húsafell has a rich history and heritage, dating back to the Viking Age. You can visit the Húsafell Church, the former site of a rectory, and see the old farmhouse that is now a hotel. You can also admire the stone sculptures and the stone harps made by Páll Gudmundsson, a local artist and musician. Húsafell is also a paradise for nature lovers, as it has a beautiful birch forest, a rare sight in Iceland.
You will also get a chance to see examples of traditional Icelandic houses that are partly built underground and covered with turf or grass. They were common in rural areas until the 20th century, as they provided insulation and protection from the harsh weather. The local turf houses have been preserved and restored, such as the old rectory, the old farmhouse, and the old schoolhouse. You can even see some of the original furniture, tools, and artifacts that were used by the residents. This is a fascinating glimpse into the past of Iceland and its people.
Visit the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls
Húsafell is also close to two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Hraunfossar, or the Lava Falls, is a series of cascades that emerge from the lava field and flow into the Hvíta river. The contrast between the turquoise water and the black lava is stunning, especially in autumn when the leaves change color. Barnafoss, or the Children’s Falls, is a powerful waterfall that runs through a narrow gorge, creating a dramatic spectacle.
According to a legend, two children fell into the waterfall and drowned, and their mother cursed the bridge that crossed the river. The bridge was later destroyed by an earthquake, and the waterfall was named after the tragic event. You can reach the waterfalls by car or by bus from Húsafell, and walk along the trails and bridges that offer different views of the falls.
Experience the Viðgelmir Cave
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also visit the Víðgelmir Cave, one of the largest and most impressive lava tubes in Iceland. The Víðgelmir Cave is located in the Hallmundarhraun lava field, about 20 minutes drive from Húsafell. The cave is 1585 meters long and up to 16.5 meters wide, making it a spacious and spectacular underground world. The cave has a variety of features, such as stalactites, stalagmites, ice formations, and lava flows. You can join a guided tour that takes you into the cave with helmets, lights, and safety equipment. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. You can learn about the history, geology, and folklore of the cave, and marvel at the wonders of nature.
Relax in Natural Hot Pools
One of the highlights of West Iceland is its rich geothermal activity. You can barely pass a local farm without seeing steam coming out of the ground. The locals use it to heat their homes, bake their bread and even bathe in. A trip to West Iceland isn’t complete without checking out one of the numerous natural hot pools. We love to visit the newly opened Hvammsvík hot pool, which is situated right on the edge of a breathtaking lake, but there are many others in the area that we frequent when staying a little longer, such as Krauma Spa and the Húsafell Canyon Baths. The pools are fed by natural hot springs and offer a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. Natural hot pools are a perfect place to unwind and soak in the healing waters, while enjoying the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Sturlureykír Stable Visit & Horse Riding
If you love animals, you should not miss the Sturlureykír Stables, a local horse breeding farm with about 60 horses. The farm is offers a variety of stable visits and horse riding tours for all levels of experience. Just popping in to try the Geothermally baked rye-bread, learn about the history and take a tour of this authentic farm is worth the trip alone. Or, you can choose from a one-hour ride along the river, a two-hour ride to the hot springs, or a longer ride to the glacier or the waterfalls. The farm is run by a friendly family that has been living there for over 150 years, and they will make you feel welcome and comfortable.
Into the Glacier | Ice Cave Experience
Húsafell is also the base for exploring the Langjökull glacier, the second largest glacier in Iceland. Langjökull is a wonderland of ice and snow, where you can experience the thrill of snowmobiling while also visiting the amazing Ice Tunnel, the largest man-made ice cave in the world. The Ice Tunnel is a 500-meter long tunnel that goes up to 40 meters deep into the glacier, where you can see the blue ice, the ice formations, and the layers of history. The Ice Tunnel is accessible by a specially modified truck that takes you to the glacier. This is a perfect family friendly activity but does take up much of the day.
The Northern Lights
West Iceland also offers a great opportunity to see the northern lights, since there are few unnatural lights to contend with and a wide and unencumbered horizon. We love to stay overnight in or near this area when planning Northern Lights friendly trips. You can often watch the aurora right from your hotel room.
On the way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Although Húsafell is the perfect stand-alone day trip, we do often find ourselves combining this wonderful location with a trip to the nearby Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Don’t be fooled by the closer proximity though, Snæfellsnes is a full day out in its own right. Snæfellsnes is a scenic region that is often called “Iceland in miniature”. The Snaefellsnes peninsula is home to the Snaefellsjökull National Park, where you can see the majestic Snæfellsjökull volcano, the inspiration for Jules Verne’s novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth”. The peninsula also boasts of diverse landscapes, such as lava fields, black sand beaches, cliffs, caves, and fishing villages. Hidden Iceland also run day tours here as part of their Small Group Tours options.
To start planning a multi-day trip you can fill in our Private & Package Optionsand simply mention you want to include Húsafell. Or if you’re still undecided, just drop us an email at info@hiddenciceland.is.
See you soon!
Hi, I’m Ryan Connolly; Co-Founder and Marketing Manager of Hidden Iceland.
I’ve guided in multiple countries around the world and stepped foot on all 7 continents. My passion for the outdoors, science, nature, glaciers and volcanoes has led me to study and write about Iceland. I have been interviewed in Forbes, Conde Nast Traveller and Travel Pulse on various subjects.
thank you for all this great information. We are headed to Iceland in April. We have planned to stay in Reykevick first night, Husafell one night and Vik for 2 nights. How far is the Sneafellnas penninsula from Husafell?
Maureen
Hi Maureen, great question. Snæfellsnes is around 1 hour from Husafell driving, however the peninsula is quite large to get around, so I would suggest allocating a full day to it if you are hoping to head into that area and cover the must see spots.