Húsafell - A hidden gem in the west of Iceland

I went to Húsafell last Saturday on a private tour with Húsafell Hotel to the Canyon Baths. Húsafell is located in west of Iceland and where sustainability is a priority!

This beautiful pearl in the west of Iceland is family owned and has now been owned for seven generations.

Húsafell is fully sustainable with all energy sources. They have hot and cold water that they run in their own utility system and 4 hydroplants that provide for all the houses in the area. It’s self sufficient area regarding hot and cold water as well as electricity.
 

Back in the 60’s a farmer named Kristleifur created today’s Húsafell.

On the way to the Canyon Baths our guide told us interesting things about the land and talked about Kristleifur and how humble and special he was.

He told us this story that I am about to tell you and which I am still thinking about how marvelous it is.

One day after the festival in Húsafell, Kristleifur went to the bank with big black plastic bags with money inside with the purpose of opening a account, but he got late and the bank was already closed so he left the bags outside the bank and left. The next morning when the staff arrived at the bank and saw the bags outside they suspected it was him, Kristleifur who had left them there and called him. They asked him if he knew how much money was inside the bags and he calmly answered that it wasn’t his job to count the money but the bankers! That was how Olgeir Helgi, our guide described him, a special man, always calm with his actions.

What a story! Makes me think how things were done so easily back in the old days!

After a short and sweet drive full of stories and laughter we arrived at our destination, the Canyon Baths.

What a little hot spring paradise it is!

You really have to see it to believe it. No picture can make justice to this idyllic scenario with spectacular views of mountains and glaciers.

The Canyon Baths are built with sustainability. The whole project is reversible in the way that there is no concrete so it makes it possible to take everything back. There are no materials used that aren’t necessary. As for the changing rooms they reuse timber and horseshoes as the hooks from a nearby family farm. 

We charged our energy and enjoyed a good soak in the restful and soothing hot springs before continuing exploring Húsafell.

You can book this tour here:

I hope that by reading this post makes you want to book this tour right away and just enjoy the dreamy Húsafell specially the Canyon Baths!

Just a curiosity, did you know that Húsafell Hotel is one of the hotels which has been recognized by Forbes and National Geografic?

Until next adventure!