Gamla Rif Guesthouse

Gamla Rif Guesthouse is a five-room converted farmhouse on Iceland's breathtaking Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Travelers to this spectacular region will appreciate its location, affordability, welcoming atmosphere, and self-catering facilities.

Location & Nearby

Gamla Rif is located in Rif, a tiny village on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. Rif is just under two miles (three kilometers) west of Hellissandur, and between the two settlements, you'll find a wealth of amenities such as shops and gas stations. Directly beside Rif is the Freezer Hostel and Culture Center, renowned for its live music, film screenings, and live music. As such, guests can easily socialize with other travelers while still maintaining more privacy.

For more cultural attractions, shops, restaurants, and bars, you can travel 44 miles (71 kilometers) to the largest town of the peninsula, Stykkisholmur. This settlement is also the port from which travelers can access the Westfjords, making Gamla Rif a great place to stay for those taking a slow-paced journey around Iceland.

Ten miles (15 kilometers) from the guesthouse, you can find Snaefellsjokull National Park. This fantastic area is centered around a sub-glacial volcano of the same name, a feature steeped in legend surrounded by countless hidden wonders. These include the black sand beach of Djupalonssandur, the caves of Vatnshellir and Songhellir, the dramatic basalt plug of Londrangar, and the crater of Saxholl.

Outside of the park are plenty of other natural and cultural attractions. Villages such as Arnarstapi, which is 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, provide a great insight into the region's history. With ease, you can also discover geological wonders, such as the cliffside gorge of Raudfeldsgja, which is 26 kilometers (42 kilometers) away.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is also a haven of wildlife. From the guesthouse, you can look out at a wealth of birdlife across Breidafjordur Bay. On the southern shore, you can marvel over seals hauling out on the beach of Ytri Tunga, which is 27 miles (44 kilometers) southeast.

Facilities & Amenities

Gamla Rif Guesthouse has four twin rooms that can be converted into doubles and one single room, all of which have views over the ocean or Snaefellsjokull glacier. Each room also has tea and coffee facilities. There are two bathrooms with showers shared between the guests, a large kitchen area where you can self-cater, and the living room has a TV, board games, books, and toys.

Outdoors, there is a terrace and picnic area overlooking the beautiful harbor of Rif. You can use this space to seek out the northern lights on clear nights in winter.

Larger groups of up to nine can book the entire house, making it perfect for family gatherings or an escape with friends.

The style of the guesthouse is rustic but modern and welcoming. It also has an ambiance of a historical site because it's the oldest house in the vicinity, dating back over 120 years.

Why Choose Gamla Rif Guesthouse?

Gamla Rif Guesthouse is an affordable, welcoming choice of accommodation by Snaefellsjokull National Park on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Check availability by choosing a date.