Selfoss, Iceland
Torfhús Retreat
Turf-roofed Viking homestead
Turf-roofed Viking homestead
The retreat revives ancient Icelandic turf homesteads, running entirely on geothermal energy among meadows where native horses graze.
“The eco-luxury resort combines basalt walls, turf roofs, and geothermal heating with Nordic interiors.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Turf-roofed longhouses feature reclaimed timber frames and walls lined with leathered salmon skins.
Remarkable
Cabins translate medieval turf-farm architecture beside roaming herds of native Icelandic horses.
Notable
Geothermally heated basalt pools and stocked minibars sit outside the turf-sheltered cottages.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Wallpaper* and AFAR.
Turf-roofed cabins sit over reclaimed oak interiors, furniture comes from the hotel's own workshop, and the Viking-style Langhús where dinner is served is lined with salmon skins and rough-hewn timber.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Fifty acres of meadows look toward Langjökull glacier, and Gullfoss waterfall is a twenty-minute drive away.
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The rooms
Interiors are built with reclaimed timber and workshop-crafted furniture, stepping outside to hot basalt plunge pools.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The geothermal pools
Sunken pools built from basalt columns stay heated between 38°C and 42°C, steaming in the open meadows.
Restaurant
Viking Langhús
Timber tables look toward the glacier. The kitchen serves a nightly set menu of river char and mountain lamb.
The turf-roofed architecture here is inspired by nearby Stöng, the ruins of an ancient Viking farm that dates to about the 11th century.
How it began
The architecture draws directly from Stöng, an eleventh-century Viking farm buried by volcanic ash when Mount Hekla erupted.
Selfoss
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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.