Guesthouse Steinhusid

Occupying a charming old house that sits a seashell's throw from the North Atlantic Ocean, Guesthouse Steinhusid is perfectly placed for the unlikely but fascinating combination of whale watching and witchcraft.

Location & Nearby

Guesthouse Steinhusid is located in the whale-watching stronghold of Holmavik, the largest settlement in the Strandir region of the Westfjords approximately 145 miles (233 kilometers) north of Reykavik. During the summer, whale watching is in full swing in the village, with humpbacks, white-beaked dolphins, and over twenty other species making waves in the ocean near town. Curiously, though, this fishing village has a far darker side to it than just a bunch of cutesy marine animals mingling amongst each other just off the coast. Holmavik is notorious throughout Iceland for its links to witchcraft and witch hunts. In fact, runes Icelanders would carve to curse their enemies or bless their friends can be studied at the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft which is located across the street from the guesthouse (itself next door to the Sorcery Café, of course). Café Riis, inside the oldest home in town, is also steps away and serves up pizza, butter-fried cod chins and lamb salads. Completing the town trifecta of culture is Holmavik's art history - poet Stefan fra Hvitadal and musician/composer Gunnar Thordarson hail from the area, giving the whole place a keen sense of awareness of art, music, and literature. The region’s Sheep Farming Museum, which chronicles the history of Icelandic sheep farming, is 7.4 miles (12 kilometers) south of Guesthouse Steinhusid. It also serves coffee, local bread and cakes. Also in town, excellent hiking opportunities await. Namely on the peaks of Kalfanesborgir, which affords impressive views of the region.

Holmavik itself is sort of a gateway village to the Westfjords as most of the big ticket attractions in the region (Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Latrabjarg cliffs, Dynjandi waterfall, Raudasandur beach) are all quite a slog from Guesthouse Steinhusid. But with the Snaefellsnes Peninsula equidistant away as well, it's a nice location to thread the needle between these two wonderful regions of the country. The closest airport is Bildudalur Airport, 111 miles (179 kilometers) west.

Facilities & Amenities

Guesthouse Steinhusid offers seven double/twin rooms with shared bathrooms and one-bedroom apartments. All guestrooms are located on the first floor of the house along with the shared toilet. A shared kitchen with dishwasher and lounge are found on the ground floor as well as shared bathroom facilities. With hardwood flooring and old-style wood tiling throughout the guesthouse, a cozy sense of home permeates the interiors. Blackout curtains insure a good night's sleep during the midnight sun. Free Wi-Fi, parking, and coffee/tea are available. The entire property is smoke free.

Why Choose Guesthouse Steinhusid?

Travelers looking a simpler accommodation to use as base for all the attractions of the Westfjords and the Snaefellsnes peninsula will be well-sorted at Guesthouse Steinhusid. In summer, it's also an excellent spot from which to set out on an excursion in search of humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins. Alternatively, if you're looking to put a curse on someone's who has wronged you, it's apparently a great spot for that, too! Book your room today