My Stay at Hotel Geysir: A Boutique Hotel in Iceland’s Golden Circle with Northern Lights Views

Over the years, I’ve stayed in just about every type of accommodation while traveling, from hostels and Airbnbs to boutique hotels and charming family-run inns. But nothing has quite compared to my recent stay at Hotel Geysir in Iceland.

Nestled in the countryside along Iceland’s famous Golden Circle and just steps away from the country’s legendary geothermal geysers, this beautiful hotel feels like something out of a dream. With floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the surrounding landscapes, a gourmet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a sleek yet cozy Scandinavian design, Hotel Geysir instantly feels both luxurious and welcoming.

As a family-run property, the hotel has a warmth that larger hotels often lack. During my solo trip to Iceland, it felt less like checking into a hotel and more like being welcomed into a home away from home. My first hotel experience in Iceland truly couldn’t have been more perfect.

Below, I’m sharing my full experience staying at Hotel Geysir, along with everything you need to know if you’re considering it for your own trip.

Location

If you’re planning to explore Iceland’s Golden Circle, Hotel Geysir is one of the most convenient places you can stay. Located in the heart of the countryside, the hotel sits less than an hour from many of the Golden Circle’s most iconic destinations, including Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, Brúarfoss, Faxi Waterfall, the Secret Lagoon, and Silfra. In this famous fissure, you can snorkel between two continents.

Because of its central location, I was able to easily access several excursions, including glacier snowmobiling and snorkeling in Silfra, without dealing with the heavy tour bus traffic coming from Reykjavík. One of the most unique perks of staying here is that the famous Geysir geothermal area is directly across the street from the hotel. You can simply walk over and watch the geysers erupt as often as you’d like, something most visitors only get to experience once during a quick stop.

The remote countryside setting also makes it an ideal place to see the Northern Lights, thanks to the minimal light pollution in the area.

Room Quality

The rooms at Hotel Geysir are incredibly inviting and thoughtfully designed.

With just 77 rooms and 6 suites in the entire property, the boutique hotel maintains a quiet and intimate atmosphere while still offering spacious accommodations designed with comfort in mind.

The beds are exceptionally comfortable and follow a Scandinavian sleeping style, meaning each guest has their own individual comforter, a small detail that makes a big difference in comfort. The rooms themselves are generously sized with plenty of space for luggage storage, including a closet and large drawers. Warm ambient lighting throughout the room creates a cozy atmosphere in the evenings, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. The bathrooms are equally spacious, featuring large countertops with storage underneath, a full bathtub and shower combination, and a separate toilet area.

Each room is also furnished with modern touches like a seating area, television, adjustable heating, and a small table for relaxing or planning your next day’s adventures. If you’re traveling with a third guest, the hotel can arrange a cot in the room while still leaving plenty of space to move comfortably. Overall, the rooms strike the perfect balance between modern Scandinavian design and the feeling of a warm, cozy retreat.

Cleanliness

From the moment I arrived, one thing that stood out immediately was how spotless the entire property was. Every space in the hotel felt impeccably clean and well-maintained. Hotel Geysir is also a certified BioStay property and places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Their commitment to environmentally conscious practices is evident throughout the hotel.

Some of the sustainability initiatives guests will notice during their stay include the option to reuse towels or skip daily housekeeping, recycling and waste separation throughout the hotel, and reduced electricity usage in certain areas like hallways. Beyond these visible efforts, the hotel has also invested in larger sustainability initiatives. The property is heated entirely using renewable geothermal energy, while electricity is sourced from a green hydroelectric power plant.

The hotel also utilizes natural geothermal runoff water from the surrounding area to help heat the building. One of the most impressive initiatives is the hotel’s investment in over 70 hectares of wetlands, which helps protect natural ecosystems while supporting tree-planting efforts to combat deforestation. These sustainability efforts were one of the many reasons I chose to stay at Hotel Geysir and made the experience feel even more meaningful.

Amenities included

While the hotel continues to expand its offerings, there are already several wonderful amenities included during your stay.

One of the highlights is the breakfast served each morning in the hotel’s restaurant. It’s a delicious and satisfying way to start the day before heading out for a full itinerary of exploring Iceland’s natural wonders.

The restaurant also operates throughout the day and includes a bar where guests can enjoy drinks in the evening. During warmer months, the rooftop terrace opens as a beautiful place to relax with a cocktail while enjoying views of the surrounding countryside.

Inside the hotel, there are several cozy spaces designed for relaxing. Guests can curl up in the library seating area in the lobby, enjoy the warmth of the fireplace, play card games while overlooking the garden, or simply unwind after a long day of adventures. You can also take a quiet stroll through the garden while watching travelers across the road gather to see the geysers erupt, a uniquely Icelandic moment.

Another major perk is the complimentary parking available on the hotel property. Many accommodations in Iceland charge nightly parking fees, so having free parking on site is a huge convenience for travelers exploring the country by car.

Extra amenities

In addition to its comfortable accommodations and beautiful setting, Hotel Geysir also offers several unique experiences for guests looking to add a little adventure to their stay.

Golf Course

Adjacent to the property is a nine-hole golf course, which guests can access for an additional fee. Unlike traditional courses, this one embraces Iceland’s natural landscape. Instead of perfectly manicured greens, the course follows the unpredictable landforms of the surrounding countryside, making it a truly unique golfing experience. There is also a driving range available, and the course is open year-round for those who want to enjoy a round of golf surrounded by Iceland’s dramatic scenery.

Excursions

The hotel also offers special activities that can be arranged directly through the property. One particularly unique experience is hiking through the nearby Haukadalur Valley with a Viking, followed by a traditional Viking-style meal. Guests can also arrange private guided tours of Iceland’s South Coast through the hotel, allowing you to visit some of the country’s most famous attractions without having to drive yourself.

These curated experiences make Hotel Geysir feel less like just a place to stay and more like a hub for exploring the surrounding region.

Customer Service

The customer service at Hotel Geysir was truly exceptional and one of the highlights of my stay.

From the moment I arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make sure I felt welcome and comfortable. Everyone I interacted with was incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely invested in making sure guests had the best experience possible. The restaurant staff was especially wonderful. Each evening, they were attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and happy to offer recommendations based on what I was in the mood for. They also checked in throughout the meal to make sure everything was perfect.

One moment that really stood out was when the front desk manager added my room to the hotel’s Northern Lights wake-up call list. If the Northern Lights appeared during the night, the staff would call my room so I wouldn’t miss them at their peak, something that was incredibly thoughtful, especially since I was traveling solo.

Because the hotel is family-run, there is a warmth and authenticity to the service that you don’t always find at larger properties. From check-in to check-out, the team made me feel like I was truly part of their extended family.

Public Transportation

While public transportation does exist in Iceland, it can be somewhat limited when traveling outside of Reykjavík, especially to more remote areas like the Golden Circle.

Some buses run throughout the country, but getting to Geysir using public transit may require multiple transfers and significantly more travel time. Hotel Geysir is located right next to the Geysir Center, which serves as a hub for visitors to the geothermal area. Here you’ll find a bus stop, tour bus parking, and access to the walking paths that lead to the famous erupting geysers.

For travelers who prefer not to drive, the hotel can help arrange transportation options such as private shuttles, guided tours, or even airport transfers. Rental cars are also available nearby for those who want the freedom to explore Iceland at their own pace. However, if you are planning to explore the Golden Circle and surrounding regions, renting a car is often the easiest and most flexible option.

Dining

Dining at Hotel Geysir was another highlight of my stay. The hotel’s on-site restaurant focuses on creating dishes using locally sourced ingredients, many of which come from nearby farms and fisheries. The menu blends Icelandic flavors with international influences, offering something for everyone. The restaurant offers an à la carte menu that includes light bites, fresh seafood, hearty main dishes, creative desserts, and even a three-course dinner option.

I ended up dining at the restaurant both nights of my stay, and every dish I tried was fantastic. On my first night, I kept things lighter since I had an early morning planned the next day. I ordered the focaccia with sweet onion dip, the lobster soup, and finished the meal with a matcha lava cake. It was the perfect cozy dinner before turning in early.

On my second night, I decided to go with a vegetarian option. I started with the beet carpaccio and followed it with the mushroom risotto. I was having trouble deciding what to order, but my waitress was incredibly helpful and suggested dishes that would pair well together while also being different from what I had eaten the night before. Her recommendations were spot on. Not only did the dishes complement each other beautifully, but they were also incredibly flavorful.

The restaurant itself has a warm yet romantic atmosphere, making it a lovely place to unwind after a day of exploring Iceland’s landscapes. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s absolutely worth stopping by for a meal after visiting the nearby geysers.

Breakfast

Breakfast is included with your stay at Hotel Geysir and is served each morning from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. It’s a wonderful way to start the day before heading out for a full day of exploring the Golden Circle. The breakfast spread includes a wide variety of options such as eggs, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, cheeses, salami, ham, vegetables, and other small bites. My personal favorite part of breakfast each morning was the Geysir bread, which is baked fresh daily. It’s warm, slightly sweet, and absolutely delicious.

The Hot Spring Taste Experience

One of the most unique culinary experiences offered by the hotel is the Hot Spring Taste, which is available for an additional cost. During this experience, guests are greeted by Hotel Geysir’s chef, who explains the geothermal area and the traditional Icelandic baking methods used in the region. You’ll then get to taste freshly baked geothermal bread that has been buried in the hot ground for 24 hours, along with Icelandic butter, local rye bread, and geothermal-boiled eggs that were cooked in the same geothermal area. It’s a fascinating way to learn about Iceland’s geothermal traditions while enjoying a delicious and truly local tasting experience.

Room Options at Hotel Geysir

Hotel Geysir is a boutique property with 77 rooms and 6 suites, offering several different room categories designed to suit a variety of travelers, from solo adventurers to couples and small families. Below is a breakdown of each room type and what you can expect during your stay. During my visit to Iceland, I stayed in the Deluxe Room, which I’ll share more about below.

Standard Twin Room

The Standard Twin Room features two single beds and is perfect for friends traveling together. The room can accommodate two adults and one child under two years old.

The room is comfortably furnished with a console table, chair, a closet with drawers and hangers, a lamp, and a television. One of the most special features is the seated window area, where you can relax and watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky without even leaving your room. The bathroom is spacious and includes a walk-in shower — perfect for warming up and relaxing after a full day of exploring Iceland.

Standard Double Room

The Standard Double Room has a similar layout to the twin room but includes one double bed instead of two single beds, making it ideal for couples. Like the twin room, it can accommodate two adults and one child under two years old. The room includes the same cozy design elements and modern furnishings that make Hotel Geysir such a comfortable place to stay.

Deluxe Room (Where I Stayed)

During my stay at Hotel Geysir, I had the opportunity to stay in a Deluxe Room, and it was the perfect retreat after long days exploring the Golden Circle. This room features a French balcony, allowing you to step outside and take in the surrounding countryside views. The layout is similar to the standard double room but significantly larger, with additional furniture and space to relax.

The Deluxe Room can accommodate up to three guests with the addition of a cot, available upon request for an additional fee. One of my favorite features was the large bathroom, which includes both a bathtub and a shower. After spending the day out in Iceland’s cold winter weather, it was incredibly relaxing to come back, take a hot shower, and unwind.

The room also had plenty of counter space in the bathroom, which made it easy for me to set up my skincare, makeup, and hair tools, something I always appreciate while traveling. The highlight of my stay happened one evening when the hotel called my room for the Northern Lights wake-up call. I stepped out onto the balcony and watched the lights dance across the sky, a moment I’ll truly never forget.

Deluxe Room with Sofa Bed

The Deluxe Room with Sofa Bed features the same spacious layout as the Deluxe Room but includes an additional sofa bed. This room is ideal for families traveling with children, particularly those with one or two younger children. The French balcony offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and countryside and provides another great vantage point for spotting the Northern Lights on clear nights.

Junior Suite

The Junior Suite is perfect for travelers looking for a more elevated and luxurious stay. This spacious room features a double bed, a seating area, and a French balcony overlooking the surrounding mountains. The suite also includes a separate shower and bathtub, giving guests more space to relax and unwind. Large viewing windows create the perfect cozy spot to watch the Northern Lights from inside if the weather is too cold to step outside. With its sleek, modern design and spacious layout, the Junior Suite truly feels like a luxury home away from home.

Geysir Suite

The Geysir Suite is the most luxurious accommodation offered at Hotel Geysir. This suite features a fully furnished living room, complete with a dining table for six, a couch, and additional seating, making it ideal for guests who want extra space to relax or entertain. The bedroom includes a double bed and a cozy window seating area, perfect for enjoying the surrounding scenery. There is also a separate area with a coffee and tea station.

The bathroom is beautifully designed with separate spaces for the bathtub, shower, and toilet, creating a spa-like atmosphere. The bathtub even offers mountain views, and if you’re lucky, you may catch the Northern Lights while soaking. Despite its elevated design and spacious layout, the suite still maintains the cozy atmosphere that makes Hotel Geysir feel like a true home away from home.

Room Amenities

All rooms at Hotel Geysir include the following amenities:

• Complimentary breakfast
• Free parking
• Room service
• Tea and coffee machine
• Television
• Hairdryer
• Toiletries
• Telephone
• Wake-up service
• Northern Lights wake-up call service
• Free WiFi and internet access
• Elevator access to rooms

Safety

Iceland is widely considered one of the safest countries in the world, and Hotel Geysir reflects that same sense of security. Because the hotel is located in the countryside along the Golden Circle, the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and quiet. Guest rooms can only be accessed with your designated room key, and the hotel maintains a 24-hour front desk to monitor who enters the property. While the restaurant is open to the public, it has a separate entrance from the hotel, helping maintain privacy and security for overnight guests.

As a solo traveler, I felt completely safe throughout my entire stay at Hotel Geysir, both inside the hotel and while exploring the surrounding area.

Public Attractions Nearby

One of the biggest advantages of staying at Hotel Geysir is its proximity to some of Iceland’s most iconic sights. The hotel’s central location in the Golden Circle makes it easy to plan your day without spending hours driving. Here are some highlights I visited (and a few I hope to explore next time!):

• Strokkur Geyser – Directly across the street from the hotel, you can watch Strokkur erupt every 10 minutes. It’s accessible all day and even at night, offering a prime spot to catch the Northern Lights in the winter.
• Gullfoss Waterfall – Just a 10-minute drive away, this is one of Iceland’s most photographed waterfalls.
• Bruarfoss Waterfall – About 15 minutes past Gullfoss, this small but stunning waterfall is famous for its vibrant blue waters. Peak brightness occurs in the summer.
• Caves of Laugarvatn – Only a few minutes past Bruarfoss, you can see a home built in a cave where Icelanders lived just 100 years ago.
• Langjökull Glacier – Around 5–10 minutes away, snowmobile tours and ice cave excursions are available — a thrilling way to experience Iceland’s second-largest glacier.
• Faxi Waterfall – A small, picturesque waterfall just a 10-minute drive from the hotel, perfect for a quick stop.
• Friðheimar Tomato Farm – About 20 minutes away, this farm is famous for its fresh tomatoes and greenhouse lunch experiences. Many visitors miss it due to tight Golden Circle itineraries, so I was glad to fit it in.
• Efstidalur II Farm – Also about 20 minutes away, this farm produces some of Iceland’s creamiest ice cream and cheeses. I stopped here for lunch between excursions.
• Secret Lagoon – Roughly a 25-minute drive from the hotel, this geothermal pool is one of Iceland’s up-and-coming hot springs. It was closed for renovations during my visit, but I plan to return.
• Laugarvatn Fontana – Famous for its geothermal bakery and spa experiences, also about 23 minutes away, though it was closed during my trip.
• Silfra in Þingvellir National Park – About a 50-minute drive, Silfra is perfect for snorkeling or diving between tectonic plates. I scheduled a 9 AM tour, which allowed time to enjoy breakfast and stop at attractions like Bruarfoss and Efstidalur Farm on the way back.

Check-In & Check-Out

Hotel Geysir makes arrivals and departures easy:

• Check-in: 3:00 PM (early check-in may be arranged upon request)
• Check-out: 11:00 AM
• Payment: Any room charges or restaurant bills charged to your room must be settled at check-out

The process was seamless, and the staff was always available to answer questions or accommodate special requests.

Positives & Negatives

For my first solo trip, Hotel Geysir was an unforgettable experience. From the modern yet cozy design to the attentive, family-run hospitality, everything about my stay felt special. Experiencing the Northern Lights every night was the ultimate highlight.

Positives

• Prime location in the center of the Golden Circle
• Full buffet breakfast included with your stay
• Free on-site parking (many Iceland hotels charge for this)
• Walking distance to Strokkur Geyser and the Geysir Center
• On-site restaurant serving locally sourced Icelandic and international cuisine
• Northern Lights wake-up call ensures you never miss the show
• Spacious rooms with plenty of storage
• Quick heating in winter
• Boutique size (under 100 rooms) ensures a quiet, intimate experience
• Great for retreats or those seeking countryside tranquility
• Vegan options available for breakfast and dinner

Negatives

• Rooms cannot accommodate more than three guests
• Peak tourist hours can feel busy near the Geysers
• Minimum three-night stay recommended to fully enjoy the area
• No spa or gym on-site (Coming soon)

Hotel Geysir isn’t just a place to stay, it’s an experience that will stay with you long after your trip. From the attentive staff helping you catch the Northern Lights, to the boutique, sustainable design, to its perfect location in the Golden Circle, everything is designed to make your stay comfortable, convenient, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with family, Hotel Geysir is an ideal base for exploring Iceland while enjoying the luxury of a warm, welcoming home in the countryside. For anyone looking to create once-in-a-lifetime memories, this hotel should be at the top of your Iceland itinerary.