Guesthouse Steinsholt

The horse-centric Guesthouse Steinsholt is primed for satisfying the South Iceland travel dreams of both outdoor adventures and equestrians alike. Hosts Kari and Gunnar run both day and multi-day horse riding trips from their stables near Arnes as well as offering modern accommodations that are perfectly-positioned for regional highlights such as Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park, and the Geysir geothermal area.

Location & Nearby

Far-reaching views towards Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano are on offer from this horse farm and guesthouse 3.1 miles (five kilometers) from Arnes in South Iceland. For horse lovers, this is an equine paradise. Those looking for a ride can be set up from the property on anything from a one- to three-hour excursion to multi-day trips to Hekla volcano, the Thjorsardalur valley, and Landmannalaugar. If you'd rather get to nearby attractions the old-fashioned way, the university town of Selfoss is only 28 miles (45 kilometers) away. Located the on the banks of the Olfusa river, the town counts as South Iceland's largest residential area. A plethora of lively bars and restaurants can be found here thanks to the presence of FSU Fjolbrautaskoli Sudurlands, one of Iceland's largest universities. Just six miles (9.6 kilometers) north of Selfoss is Ingolfsfjall, an 1807-foot (551 meter) tall tuff mountain.

The Golden Circle sites of Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area are easily reached from Steinsholt as well; both are located just 34 miles (55 kilometers) and 30.7 miles (49.5 kilometers) away, respectively. The third, Thingvellir National Park, is 49 miles (79 kilometers) from the farm.

From a practical standpoint, there is a small store and gas station just 3.1 miles (five kilometers) away in Arnes.

Facilities & Amenities

Guesthouse Steinsholt is definitely a horse farm first, guesthouse second, so nights here are more like sleeping on a horse farm rather than sleeping in a hotel with horses. There are double/twin, triple, and quadruple rooms are offered, with or without a bathroom (but all feature a wash basin). Rooms feature bright décor, some with hardwood-tiled bathrooms that evoke showing in a sauna. There is a small kitchen for our guests to use, but home-cooked meals (namely lamb) are also available with advance notice (obviously the way to go unless you are really pinching aurar). A substantial breakfast buffet is served at Steinsholt featuring homemade bread and produce from the owners’ farm. Beyond the food, Steinsholt features an open-air hot tub and outdoor terrace – the perfect place to soak off overtired muscles after an adventurous day or just sip a Kaldi Blonde and look out for the northern lights between August and April. Free Wi-Fi in the public areas and free parking round out the amenities.

All the pertinent local activities can be arranged from the guesthouse as well as any and all of your dream horse riding tours.

Why Choose Guesthouse Steinsholt?

If you are a horse lover or just curious about Icelandic horses, point your Google Maps to Guesthouse Steinsholt, where these four-legged friends come part and parcel with the ranch. Even if horses aren’t your thing, the homespun hospitality, home-cooked meals, and fantastic South Iceland location should warrant your serious consideration as well. Giddy up and see if rooms are available for your travel days and book as soon as possible!