Lava Cave, Thermal Pool and Waterfalls
Víðgelmir, lava cave, is one of the world's largest known caves and is situated in the Hallmundarhraun lava field in West Iceland.
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Legendary landscape / Majestic beauty and magical powers
Brace yourself for adventures at the Snæfellsjökull glacier national park with its landscape of mystical powers and epic beauty that inspired such authors as Jules Verne and Nobel laureate Halldór Laxness. The picturesque and friendly fishing village Grundarfjörður, nestled amongst snowcapped mountains and majestic waterfalls, made its claim to international fame when providing the stage for scenes in the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty with our proud and photogenic Mt. Kistufell in the background. Check in at the bright red house and drop your luggage off in one of Grundarfjörður HI hostel's colourful rooms before heading out to explore the village, the national park or trying your luck at spotting the dolphins, whales and puffins out on on the bay.
Hostel Facilities
| • Free WiFi | • Laundry facilities | • Common room(s) |
| • Family rooms available | • Self-catering kitchen | • Garden |
GPS: 64.92275479999999, -23.25794540000004
Grundarfjörður is about a two-hour drive from Reykjavík. You start on the ring road towards Borgarnes but choose road no. 54 from Borgarnes towards Snæfellsnes, on the ring road towards West Iceland.
Coming from north: Stay on the ring road until after you have come down from Holtavörðuheiði mountain pass, then take road no. 60 to the north and consequently road no. 54. Or drive south to Borgarnes and then choose road no. 54 to Grundarfjörður.
Public transport: Bus no. 57 or 58 from Reykjavík to Stykkishólmur, then no. 82 to Grundarfjörður.
Parking: We have plenty of free parking onsite.
In the area
- Visit Snæfelljökull National Park on the tip of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, an area renowned for its natural beauty. The geology of the park offers a unique overview of almost every major era in the island's history.
- The Snæfellsjökull glacier, covering the top of an active volcano, is where Jules Verne based his famous sci-fi novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.
- Arnarstapi is a small village by the sea with picturesque cliffs and rich birdlife. From the village you can go on tours to Snæfellsjökull glacier.
- At Búðir, near a yellow sand beach lined with black lava, is a mysterious black church that is worth a visit.
- Visit the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum for a live presentation on the history of shark fishing in Iceland – shark tasting included.
- Stykkishólmur is a lovely little town full of old houses, with a vibrant atmosphere in the summer. There is a ferry to Flatey island and another one that goes all the way over to the Westfjords.
- Go on a birdwatching boat tour to see puffins and other seabirds in their hard-to-reach natural habitat.
At Grundarfjörður
- Take a walk around town, peek into the lovely old church, explore the harbour and have lunch at Bjargarsteinn restaurant while enjoying the view to Mt. Kirkjufell, the gem of Grundarfjörður.
- There are a number of accessible hiking routes to choose from, like the trail to Kvernafoss waterfall, but if you're in the mood for something more demanding the hike up Mt. Kirkjufell is uniquely rewarding.
- Like most towns in Iceland, Grundarfjörður has a nice outdoor pool with hot tubs.
Grundarfjordur HI Hostel is well suited to serve groups and provides quality, secure and affordable accommodation to all types of groups.
The hostel welcomes groups of up to 35 people all year round.
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Facilities and Services for Groups
Dorm rooms and private rooms.
Free WiFi.
Bed linen & towels included.
Lounge area.
Self-catering facilities, kitchen and dining area.
Meals
Breakfast can be arranged.
Rent-A-Hostel
You can book the hostel for your group.
We will be happy to discuss the options available to you and your group.
Book your Daytour with us
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Into the Glacier
Langjökull Ice Cave Tour. Explore the world's first and biggest man-made ice cave at Langjökull glacier, the second largest glacier in Iceland.
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The Wonders of Snæfellsnes
Visit a world of diversity at Snæfellsnes penisula on a day trip from Reykjavík. Includes a magical glacier, ocean views, fishing villages and white and black sand beaches.
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Glacier Walk and Northern Lights
On this amazing day tour you will be guided through the labyrinth of a glacier tongue, and have a delicious lamb soup dinner at a farm before a northern lights hunt.
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Food and Farm
In the spirit of slow travel. Get an insight into the life on a typical Icelandic farm, taste local treats and enjoy the stunning scenery at an easy going pace.
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Taste of Nature
Culinary experience in Iceland and a treat for all the senses, with short hikes and savour the local food.
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Cave Explorer
Scheduled lava caving tour for individuals and small groups to Víðgelmir lava tube in West Iceland.
