All HI Hostels which fulfil certain criteria in environmental work are granted permission to be called Green Hostels and to use our environmental logo.

This classification should make it simpler for our customers to make a greener choice and also encourage Hostels to constantly work on adapting and improving their green quality standards. 

The references used (for classification) are composed from the HI Iceland general quality standards, which all Icelandic hostels must fulfil. To gain the Green Hostel logo the hostels have to fulfil additional environmental criteria. It is important to note that this is not a recognised environmental certification but standards that HI Iceland decides and supervises.

This year, 10 Hostels hold the Green Hostel logo; Reykjavík, Grundarfjörður, Ytra Lón, Húsey, Seyðisfjörður, Berunes, Laugarvatn, Ósar, Kópasker and Hvoll. They are diverse Hostels with their own personality, but all have in common to want to do their share in protecting the environment and help their visitors to enjoy and experience the nature and surroundings. Because of their diversity the Hostels have all figured out smart ways which work at their location and surroundings, in addition to fulfilling the criteria needed to be able to use the logo.

Here are only few examples on how you can see Green Hostels in action:

• Berunes Hostel largely uses product from the area, like fish and meat, and grows potatoes. Hiking paths in the area are marked and guests can get hiking maps when they take off exploring. Heating is monitored and guests are guided in how to use resources without wasting.
• In Grundarfjörður, guests can leave clothing they are not using anymore and it gets donated to the Red Cross.
• The hosts at Laugarvatn Hostel are very knowledgeable and have guided small local eco groups for those who want to run greener homes.
• Seyðisfjörður Hostel has a “leave-or-swap” spot for clothing, so if you are bored of your outfit, you can always try if they have something you like. The Hostel has also made a map of the town with useful and interesting information.
• At Ytra-Lón Hostel you can see beautiful mosaic work from left-over tiles and second hand furniture. They also grow their own vegetables, in a greenhouse by the Hostel.
• Húsey Hostel is a paradise for those who want to enjoy the nature. There guests can join the life and work on the farm, including checking the farmer’s trout nets. There you can also see the seals in the sea nearby.
• At Reykjavík City Hostel you can leave or swap your travel reading, or read up on green travel at the small but growing environmental library. And if you want to explore the city, you can rent a bike at the Hostel.
• At Kópasker hostel, next to Ásbyrgi national park, guests can enjoy a great library with a lot of information on geology.
• At Hvoll hostel a big part of the waste is taken to the next town, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where it is burnt to heat up the local swimming pool. At Hvoll you will find baskets with left-over toiletries and stock up on shampoo, or leave your own if you are going hiking. At Hvoll hostel lights have motion detectors.
• At Ósar hostel around 1200 trees are planted annually and horse manure is used as fertilizer. At Ósar all organic waste goes to a compose bin.

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