Name: Guesthouse Himnasvalir
Address: Egilsa, Varmahlíð, Iceland, Varmahlid, Varmahlid, Varmahlid, 560, Iceland
Rating: 9

Smoke-free property

Terrace

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Guesthouse Himnasvalir

Varmahlid

We had never stayed at this kind of place, but found it online near where we wanted to spend one of our nights when planning our Ring Road trip.  I was a little concerned about how it would work out, and even more so when it was so hard to get Google to tell me exactly how to get there.  But in the end, it was a great experience.   It's not too hard to find but not exactly right off the main road.  It's a long gravel road (in good condition) to get there.  At one point going out we seemed to start a stampede of sheep along the road in front of us.  The location is very remote but spectacular.  When we arrived, we were greeted by our very friendly and helpful hostess (Kasia, if I remember the name correctly) along with the very friendly dog.  Since we were the only group staying, we could have had a couple different rooms but were happy with the first option shown.  She showed us around a bit, made sure we had what we needed, and arranged our preferred time for breakfast in the morning.  The room was plain but comfortable.  No complaints about the shared bathroom or shower facilities (though admittedly we were not really sharing with anyone).  I saw an earlier review that a shower drained slow - still the case!  All in all, a very nice stop and a nice change of pace.  It will make me more likely to consider these kinds of accommodations in the future if I am fortunate enough to return to Iceland.

A pleasant surprise

Very comfortable stay. Stunning views of the mountains. Secluded remote location.

Free wifi and breakfast is included. Breakfast options included toast, eggs, yogurt and a selection of hot drinks. Coffee was excellent. 

Excellent shared shower and toilet facilities. Very clean and good water pressure in the shower - refreshing! Bedroom was comfortable and to reiterate, the view was absolutely stunning. Nice to wake up to. 

We contacted the host in advance and asked if it was possible to have dinner. When we arrived we had a choice of lamb soup served with bread or fried fish with potatoes. We opted for the lamb soup which was very moorish and nourishing. Afterwards the host asked if we wanted dessert and offered to make us waffles - nothing was too much trouble. We felt so welcome. 

It is also possible to buy beer and wine, which is extremely cheap compared to most places in Iceland.

Overall, a peaceful and relaxing stay. I would stay again!

Perfect pit stop if you’re travelling the ring road!

I stayed here overnight, while doing  a 4 day lap of the island. The guesthouse itself is well located, and easy to find, just one turn off the ring road.

The host greeted me as I arrived and was very friendly without getting in your space. Room was clean and excellent value, showers worked, and the whole building felt very authentic. A buffet breakfast was included and enough to fill anybody.

The host is also a tour guide and gave me tips for the rest of the journey which appreciated. The building is situated in a very quiet valley, and we were lucky to have a stunning display of the aurora.

Excellent value simple accommodation

We were on our way to Akureyri via the Ring Road when the road was closed down because of the snow storms. We found the guesthouse on Google and wanted to see if we could wait out the storm there. Upon arriving, the Icelanders (horses) were curious and came to our car to lick off the snow, very funny moment. Not sure how to move on, we called the guesthouse and could just honk to get the horses the back down a bit. We were welcomed inside for some coffee by Johann and his dog, Rosa, and cat, Boris Jelsin. All three so friendly and welcoming. The coffee turned into an unplanned afternoon waiting for the storm to pass and the road to open. Since he was not prepared for guests, we could prepare our own meal in the comfort of his home. 
We hope to return to Iceland soon and will be sure to pay him a visit again! Thanks!

Unplanned afternoon: cosy and welcoming

​The rooms of this guesthouse are very spacious, but perhaps a bit too spacious as they were quite empty and 'cold'. The beds were comfortable though. The owner is friendly, the breakfast is tasty and plenty. The location is remote, but with good weather conditions you'll have a great view over the valley.

Remote location with great view.

The three of us spent the night here. The owners were very friendly, the rooms were nicely decorated and very clean. The guest house is very well suited for a stopover, for example on the way to the lunar landscapes/ Askja.

Super friendly hosts

The room was huge, bed comfortable, and a good breakfast spread. The decor was a hodge podge of fun and interesting things, really fun and bohemian. The guesthouse is family friendly, with two large dogs that the children enjoyed playing with. The only downside were the shower drains - plugged or not draining well. Otherwise, we enjoyed and would stay here again!

Super comfortable beds

Really pleasant stay here. Rooms very large and clean, extremely friendly owner Johann was keen to speak about the area. Good breakfast and lovely dog! The house overlooks a beautiful valley and feels very relaxing.

Great friendly stay 

Above the river opposite the highway, the guest house is located in a small wooded area. It can be reached via the bridge and then about 1 km along the dirt road. The rooms and bathroom are well furnished and clean. Unfortunately there is only one toilet.

Clean and friendly guesthouse

The accommodation is very secluded, which you must like (as they found it great). There is no other building, restaurant or anything. Breakfast is included. Dinner can also be enjoyed there. Wonderful in nature, with many horses, dog, etc. Nice host and very loving. Rooms are purposeful and clean.

Guesthouse Himnasvalir

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