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Hestasport Cottages

Hestasport Cottages

North Iceland, Iceland

Hestasport Cottages

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The Hestasport Cottages are located in the heart of north Iceland, close to the village of Varmahlíð and surrounded by rolling farmland and distant mountains. Seven self-catering wooden cottages offer a comfortable stopover on a road trip. They range from compact and cozy Studio cabins with either a double or twin bedroom, plus sofa bed, to spacious Three Bedroom cabins set over two floors, ideal for families or groups of up to six. 

With decor reflecting local wildlife and attractions, all cottages have large en suite bathrooms with showers, and a fully-fitted, well-equipped kitchen. Barbecues are available so you can choose to eat outside. As there is no on-site restaurant, during the summer, breakfast is served at Hotel Varmahlíð, a short car ride away, while in off-peak seasons, a breakfast basket is delivered to your door.

A popular outdoor feature is the communal stone hot tub. Here, you can relax, enjoying the midnight sun in summer and, in winter, the crisp air and the chance to see the northern lights.

The area is renowned for its Icelandic horses, offering riding for all abilities, while its glacial rivers present exhilarating rafting opportunities. Cultural attractions include a museum with traditional turf houses. But the main draw is the unspoiled scenery itself.

OUR OPINION:

This is one of our preferred places to stay in rural northern Iceland, particularly in a region with limited options. Although the cottages are simple, their log house design is entirely in keeping with the surrounding countryside.

OUR RATING: Simple

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Audley Travel Specialist Julia

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Photos of Hestasport Cottages

  • Hestasport Cottages, Varmahlíð
    Hestasport Cottages, Varmahlíð
  • Hestasport Cottages, Varmahlíð
    Hestasport Cottages, Varmahlíð
  • Hestasport Cottages, Varmahlíð
    Hestasport Cottages, Varmahlíð

Rooms

There are seven wooden cottages in total, ranging from four Studio cabins that offer either a double or twin bedroom, plus a sofa bed, to spacious Three Bedroom cabins that can sleep up to six. There is also one Two Bedroom cabin sleeping up to four. With interior decor reflecting local wildlife, all cottages have large en suite bathrooms with showers, and a fully-fitted, well-equipped kitchen. Barbecues are available so you can choose to eat outside.

Location

You’ll be staying in the heart of the north Iceland countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, close to the village of Varmahlíð. Renowned for its excellent horse riding and white-water rafting opportunities, cultural highlights include the Glaumbær Museum with its traditional turf houses. Around 30 minutes’ drive away is the waterfront town of Sauðárkrókur, where you can take boat trips to Drangey Island. 

Food and drink

As the cottages are self-catered, there is no on-site restaurant, so during the summer, breakfast is served at Hotel Varmahlíð, a short car ride away, while in off-peak seasons, a breakfast basket is delivered to your door. Both lunch and dinner are also available at the hotel, but there is a supermarket in the village for those who prefer to cook and dine at their cottage.

Facilities and activities

A popular outdoor feature is the communal, stone hot tub. Here, you can relax, enjoying the midnight sun in summer and, in winter, the crisp air and the chance to see the northern lights.

Tour ideas in North Iceland

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Hestasport Cottages as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

    • Drangey Island boat tour
      Drangey Island

      Drangey Island boat tour

      Drangey Island boat tour

      Sheer cliffs drop into the sea on tiny Drangey Island, an uninhabited outcrop that’s home to thousands of nesting seabirds. A dramatic ascent by rope and ladder takes you to the summit for panoramic views and a chance to learn about saga-era outlaws.

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    • Family rafting
      River rafting in north Iceland

      Family rafting

      Family rafting

      North Iceland’s West Glacial River runs through a steep, stony canyon in the heart of the wilderness and plays host to family-friendly rafting trips with slow-moving water for swimming, rapids for exhilaration and the chance to brew hot chocolate in a natural spring.

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    • Geosea geothermal baths
      Geosea geothermal baths

      Geosea geothermal baths

      Geosea geothermal baths

      Take part in an Icelandic tradition and relax in the Geosea Geothermal Baths just outside Húsavík and enjoy the sleek design, balmy waters and views as far as the Arctic Circle. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some whales.

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    View all activities in Iceland

    North Iceland and nearby places