Hlid Hostel

The Hlid Hostel is an unmatchable place to stay for budget travelers in the landscapes around the Lake Myvatn area. Those exploring the north of Iceland or encircling the entire country will find it a fantastic and affordable base or pit-stop!

Location & Nearby

Hlid Hostel is just north of Lake Myvatn, surrounded by the lava landscapes that define this region. You can marvel at the abundant birdlife, discover unique flora, and find some stunning geology here. Pseudocraters, which you can hike to the top of, form striking rows along the shores, and basalt stacks tower above the water’s surface. You can also find Dimmuborgir, a dramatic landscape nicknamed ‘the lava fortress.’

Not only is the feature incredible in its natural formation, but the folklore is fascinating. Dimmuborgir is said to be home to Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads, or the Christmas Trolls, and their child-eating mother, the giantess. On top of this, it was a shooting site for Game of Thrones.

Just 4 miles (6 kilometers) away is the geothermal mountain pass of Namaskard. Smoking fumaroles spit volcanic gasses into the sky, filling the air with the smell of sulfur and ridding the area of any sign of vegetation.

From Hlid Hostel, you can reach the other stunning sights of North Iceland with ease. Most notable are those on the Diamond Circle, a popular sightseeing route. You could reach Godafoss waterfall or the village of Husavik by driving 30 miles (49 kilometers) and 34 miles (54 kilometers). Dettifoss waterfall is 43 miles (70 kilometers) away, Asbyrgi canyon is 51 miles (82 kilometers) away, and the town of Akureyri is 52 miles (83 kilometers) away, respectively.

Godafoss is a beautiful feature steeped in history. In these waters, Iceland’s law speaker threw his idols of the Old Norse Gods in 1000 AD to mark the country’s conversion to Christianity. Husavik, meanwhile, is one of the world’s best places for whale watching, with regular sightings of humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Blue whales, orcas, belugas, and other species are also seen occasionally.

Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe, a hundred meters wide and forty tall, thundering into a barren valley. Asbyrgi is a horseshoe-shaped valley renowned for its enormous cliffs, abundant birch forests, and plentiful hiking trails.

Akureyri, meanwhile, is the capital of North Iceland and the center of the region’s tourism and commerce. It is the best place to go for services and amenities, although you can find some at Husavik.

Facilities & Amenities

The Hlid Hostel is set out in a stunning wooden building less than half a kilometer from Lake Myvatn. It offers accommodation in either family rooms or a 52-bed dorm. The family rooms have two bunk beds and a single bed, whereas the dormitories provide mixed sleeping bed accommodation.

Each morning, guests are provided with a locally sourced breakfast buffet, and you will have access to a free parking space and free and fast WiFi. Furthermore, there are outdoor barbecue facilities that you are welcome to use.

The fully equipped kitchen and regularly maintained bathrooms are communal.

Why Choose Hlid Hostel?

Those on a budget embarking on a Ring Road adventure or exploring the sites of North Iceland will love their stay at the Hlid Hostel. Few other options can match its amenities, price, location, and surrounding nature. Check availability by choosing a date.