Hofn, Iceland
Fosshotel Vatnajökull
Glacier roadside lodge
Hofn, Iceland
Renovated
2014
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
The house
ÍslandshótelGlacier roadside lodge
The lodge functions as a quiet outpost on the southern Ring Road, oriented entirely toward the glacier across the plain.
What it’s good at
Listed
Utilitarian timber architecture with picture windows looking toward the Vatnajökull ice cap.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
a contemporary structure with a traditional silhouette, combining utilitarian materials and modernist-classic furnishings in front of vast windows facing spectacular natural vistas.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Höfn's fishing harbor lies a short drive away, and open coastal meadows stretch out toward the fjord.
The rooms
Hardwood floors and simple timber furnishings keep the rooms uncluttered, with windows looking straight toward the mountains.
Fosshotel Vatnajökull Restaurant
Continuous picture windows look across the coastal plains, and the kitchen serves Icelandic lamb and locally caught mackerel.
At the table
Low armchairs look out toward the plains beside an island cocktail bar wrapped in illuminated iceberg panels.
How it began
Built on the site of old sheep sheds, the hotel added forty contemporary rooms during a substantial 2014 rebuild.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.