Best Guesthouses in Hella — Biggest Selection & Lowest Prices Guaranteed

Guesthouses in Hella offer a friendly, homey base along the Ring Road, with welcoming hosts, comfortable rooms, and a more personal feel than larger hotels. As a popular option among guesthouses in Iceland, they’re also well-placed for exploring the South Coast and nearby attractions

Hella is a farming and horse-breeding town on the banks of the Ytri-Ranga River, about 59 miles (95 kilometers) east of Reykjavik and a little over an hour's drive away. Its location on Route 1 makes it a convenient overnight stop for South Coast trips and a useful base for Hekla tours and Highlands adventures.

Picking up a car rental in Iceland or booking one of the self-drive tours that overnight in the region makes the most of that position. Read on for the guesthouses worth booking and how to choose between them.

Best Guesthouses in Hella

The best guesthouses close to Hella sit within a 10-minute drive of the town's fuel, shops, and swimming pool, which matters on a long driving day. Set against the larger hotels and accommodation in Hella, these smaller properties trade facilities for lower rates and hosts who live on site.

• Loa's Nest: Twelve rooms with private bathrooms on open farmland about 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) from Hella. Breakfast is included and features homemade waffles, and ground-floor units are wheelchair accessible.

• Farmer's Guest House: A self-catering cabin on a family farm, about a 9-minute drive west of Hella. Sheep and horses graze outside, and the windows face Eyjafjallajokull Volcano.

• Millhouse River Front: A cozy lodge beside the Ytri-Ranga, roughly a 30-minute walk from the town center. Continental breakfast is included, and Aegissidufoss Waterfall is about 1.24 miles (2 kilometers) upstream.

• Ugla Gistihus (Ugla Guesthouse): Three rooms with private bathrooms and in-room kitchenettes at Aegissida, the farm on the edge of town that holds the Caves of Hella.

Top Countryside and Farm Guesthouses Near Hella

Countryside guesthouses within about 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) of Hella swap walkable convenience for space, quiet, and darker skies. They belong to the wider set of guesthouses in South Iceland, and most are working farms where the owners live on the property.

• Skeidvellir: A three-bedroom villa on an Icelandic horse-breeding farm about 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) from Hella. The farm was renovated in 2023, and its eastern view overlooks Hekla.

• Guesthouse Elin: Six units with private bathrooms at Thverholt in Landsveit, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) northeast of Hella. The remote setting and minimal light pollution make it a strong base for seeing the northern lights in winter.

• Guesthouse Hateigi: Rooms with shared bathrooms and private kitchen access in Thykkvibaer, a lowland farming village about 10.6 miles (17 kilometers) southwest of Hella, with an on-site coffee house and a garden play area for children.

• Hellatun Guest House: A two-bedroom self-catering house west of Hella that sleeps six, with a private hot tub on the patio, a full kitchen with a washing machine, and horses grazing in the neighboring field.

• Kaldbakur Guesthouse: Four rooms plus two separate cottages on a riverside farm about 10.6 miles (17 kilometers) northeast of Hella, all with private bathrooms and underfloor heating. The farm sells its own lamb and wild-berry products.

Why Book a Guesthouse in Hella

Hella is a practical base for exploring South Iceland by car, with easy access to the South Coast, Hekla, and the Highlands. Consider a guesthouse in Hella if:

• You're planning a trip to the Highlands: Hella provides convenient access toward Landmannalaugar and other Highland destinations during the summer. You can book a Hella to Landmannalaugar bus transfer or join Hekla Volcano tours for guided excursions into the region. 

• You're exploring the South Coast: Hella is well-placed for visiting nearby attractions, including Caves of Hella and Urridafoss Waterfall, while Route 1 provides easy access to South Iceland's main highlights, including Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls.

• You're on a self-drive Ring Road trip: If you’re traveling by a rental car, many guesthouses in and around Hella often offer free parking and make a convenient overnight stop.

• You want a quieter stay: Many Hella guesthouses are located outside the town center, offering peaceful countryside surroundings while remaining within driving distance of shops and restaurants.

• You prefer to cook your own meals: Some guesthouses in Hella have shared or private kitchens, which can be useful during longer road trips.

• You're hoping to see the northern lights: Countryside guesthouses away from Hella's main streets can offer darker surroundings during the aurora season. Check the northern lights forecast before heading outside for the best chance of seeing them. 

Guesthouses in Hella can fill up during July and August, particularly for travelers planning trips to Thorsmork or Landmannalaugar. Reserve at least three to six months ahead if you're visiting during the peak summer season.

Make Hella Guesthouses Your South Iceland Base

Choose a Hella guesthouse if you want a smaller, more personal stay with easy access to the South Coast and Highlands. Stay near town for groceries and dining, or choose a countryside farm for more space, darker skies, and a quieter setting.

Whether you're planning a short overnight stop or using Hella as a base for several days, simply compare the guesthouses above to find the right location, amenities, and price for your South Iceland itinerary.