A. Bernhard Guesthouse
Description
Details
Description
A. Bernhard Guesthouse is an excellent, family-friendly B&B in the small coastal town of Keflavik on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula. Travelers looking for contemporary lodging with a familiar ambiance in close proximity to the international airport and the Blue Lagoon will be immensely pleased with what A. Bernard has to offer.
Location & Nearby
While most guests certainly choose A. Bernard Guesthouse for its proximity to Keflavik International Airport (just 2.6 miles, or 4.3 kilometers, away) and the world-famous Blue Lagoon – Iceland's most popular tourist attraction (13.6 miles, or 22 kilometers, south), the town of Keflavík on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula presents a tempting alternative to the bright lights and big city 31 miles (50 kilometers) northeast in Reykjavik.
Founded in the 16th century by Scottish entrepreneurs as a fishing and fish processing harbor, Keflavik's growth was mainly fueled by the international airport which was built by American military forces in the 1940s. The town evolved into a strategic stronghold during World War II and the Cold War, operating as a refueling pit stop and marine and submarine traffic monitoring station. It was also an important refueling stop for trans-Atlantic commercial air traffic.
In the 1970s, Keflavik became a hotbed for musicians, producing some of Iceland's most well-known musical acts, who were exposed to the rock 'n’ roll scene in America by US military personnel stationed in town (the Americans withdrew from Keflavik in 2006). In 1995, Keflavik merged with Njardvik and Hafnir to form the municipality of Reykjanesbaer and today stands at Iceland's 5th biggest town.
A. Bernard Guesthouse is located on a charming residential street two blocks south of the town's main drag, Hafnargata, and just three blocks from the ocean. Vatnaverold Water Park is a four-minute walk away; the Icelandic Museum of Rock ‘n’ Roll – a natural result of Keflavik's musical pedigree – is 1.2 miles (two kilometers) south of the guesthouse. Viking World, five exhibitions chronicling the history, traditions, and customs of the Vikings, is 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) south in Njardvík.
The Reykjanes peninsula itself is also home to an arsenal of seabirds, including those at the 9.3-mile (15-kilometer) long bird cliff Krysuvikurbjarg, one of the longest birdwatching cliffs in Europe and home to between 60,000 and 80,000 fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, peewits, and kittiwakes, among other seabirds.
Facilities & Amenities
A. Bernard Guesthouse offers double rooms both with and without a private bathroom as well as a studio apartment. Modern furnishings and contemporary décor - smooth, graphite-like tiling, black leather sofas, flat-screen TVs - feature in each room. EcoCert Cosmos Natural certified shower products made from sustainably-sourced wild, handpicked Icelandic herbs, essential oils, and fresh spring water elicit a distinct sense of place. Some rooms also include a seating area and tea/coffee facilities. Wi-Fi is standard.
Communal areas include a seating area, furnished garden, and BBQ equipment. On-site private parking is free for guests.
Why Choose A. Bernhard Guesthouse?
Folks looking for an alternative to Reykjavik, birders, other nature enthusiasts, and travelers who want to cut down on their travel time to/from Keflavik International Airport and/or the Blue Lagoon should give this family-run B&B serious consideration. It's small and intimate – so reserve well in advance.
