Stories, tips, inspiration

Loft HI Hostel has been awarded Best Hostel in Iceland 2025 by HostelWorld! Having previously won the award in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2024, this HI hostel is no stranger to excellence. So, what makes Loft HI Hostel the best hostel in Iceland?

For the third year in a row, we have the opportunity to witness the most powerful and intense expression of nature in Iceland. After 11 months of resting, last Monday 10th of July, the Fagradalsfjall Volcano system woke up again, this time by Litli Hrútur.

From a converted hospital to a traditional turf house, many of our hostels feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Today we talk about adaptive reuse- how our network practices sustainability through taking old buildings and making them into your home away from home.

Travelling Iceland has become more affordable recently, with more budget airlines making stops here and more tourism companies opening. However, Iceland is still ranked as Europe’s most expensive country to live and travel in- but we have some tips for you on how to save króna!

November is a wonderful time to visit Iceland. From the northern lights to ice caves, there’s plenty of activities to keep you busy. Rug yourself up and start planning, as we’ve rounded up the 15 best things to do in Iceland during November.

Is it too early to start talking about Christmas? Probably, but it’s good to have something to look forward to- so we’ll tell you about the traditions, culture and food of Christmas in Iceland, as well as what you can expect on your visit here.

A couple of weeks ago we went to Heiðmörk to do our annual tree planting. The 480 little saplings we planted will grow into tall Icelandic birch trees and carbon offset the stays of everyone who stayed at our Reykjavík hostels this past year, but they also serve another important purpose- reforesting Iceland.

Iceland is a nature lover’s paradise, full of incredible landscapes and natural wonders that you simply won’t find anywhere else on earth. While there are plenty of reasons to embark on different Iceland tours, the diverse hiking trails in Iceland are icing on the cake. With so many incredible trails to choose from, it can be hard to decide which to tackle during your visit to Iceland. To help make it easier for you, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 short day hikes in Iceland. The best part? You don’t need any permits for these day hikes!

Iceland is the land of ice and fire, but also the land of the Midnight sun, a breathtaking natural phenomenon that occurs during the summer. During this period, there are no clear boundaries between one day and another. The long and bright nights in Iceland have good effects on the local people and affects their everyday life. Icelanders tend to stay longer outside and enjoy the long nights and even the children play outside long past their bedtime ... and it is ok!