AIRBNB- ICELAND - Luxury Hilltop Lodge w/ private natural hot spring

Luxury Hilltop Lodge w/ private natural hot spring

About this space

The Luxury Lodge is part of Hvammsvik Estate, a gated private 1200 acre estate along the coast enjoying spectacular nature and views, only 40 min away from Reykjavik. It's a magical place where you become one with nature in a rustic yet luxurious lodge with top quality furniture and art. You have your own geothermal pool, fishing lake and close to many of Iceland's natural pearls like the Golden Circle and Glymur and multiple hike and bike paths. Scenes in Game of Thrones were shot at Hvammur.

The space

The Luxury Lodge is a truly unique property, it has an exceptional 360 degree panoramic view sitting on a hill overlooking the Whale Fjord bay and mountain ridge on both sides of the fjord. Apart from the spectacular natural setting, what makes the Panorama Lodge one of a kind is the completely private natural hot spring hidden in the landscape right next to the lodge along with another geothermal hot spring at the edge of the ocean. Even if it's only 40 minutes from Reykjavik, it is very private and you truly feel one with nature as you enjoy the spectacular views or walking around the estate.

The Panorama Lodge was originally built by the British Navy as their communication headquarters in Iceland during WWII and was recently completely renovated and today includes art by many of Iceland's leading contemporary and modern artists, design furniture and interiors of the highest standards. During renovation respect was kept for the history of the house while at the same time meeting all modern requirements, the final design being contemporary rustic showing a lot of originality, combining art, good design and nature.

When Churchill came to Iceland in 1942 to meet with FD Roosevelt Junior they sailed into the Whale Fjord and had secret meetings at the Panorama Lodge which was code named Falcon Crest.

The Lodge has 3 bedrooms and two full bathrooms, including an en-suite Master Bedroom. The second bedroom has a queen size bed and a TV/apple TV/Netflix. The third bedroom has two bunk bunk beds. Every room enjoys spectacular views over the bay and mountains. The kitchen is in an open space shared with the living room and dining area. The outdoor area around the lodge includes two terraces, one with glass roof and electric heaters, a large bbq, fireplace with seats around it and the "hidden" geothermal hot spring, one of the best places to view the northern lights in winter time.

Hvammsvik Estate consists of several old farm buildings and a large barn that have all been newly renovated to meet all modern needs while still keeping the integrity and rustic charm of its origin. One of the unique elements of Hvammsvik Estate is that it is entirely self sufficient both for its hot and cold water sourced within the estate. There is a geothermal hot spring at the ocean's edge which is available to our guests and the same well provides all the hot water for the property. 

Another unique part of the property is a private lake where guests are welcome to fish for rainbow trout which we highly recommend you to put on the grill. Nothing beats enjoying a fresh catch in the midnight sun! There are over 30 different types of birds in and around Hvammsvik. Wild sheep roam around and if you are lucky you can spot the Arctic Fox roaming around. The Arctic Fox is a small and completely harmless Fox that changes colors with the seasons. There are also a lot of mussels around the islands on the property that are accessible in low tide and are delicious to cook. The season for picking fresh Mussels is September through December.

Hvammsvik Estate is a historical landmark that was first discovered by the Vikings 1000 years ago as recorded in Landnáma, the Icelandic book of settlers dating back to the 11th century. No wonder they choose Hvammur given its incredible landscape, natural harbor, geothermal hot spring and wildlife. The Vikings are not the only ones who fell for the natural beauty of Hvammur. Several scenes in Game of Thrones were also shot on the property highlighting the incredible landscape all around the Fjord.

During World War II Hvammur Farm was taken over by the allied forces as their Naval Headquarters in Iceland. At its peak there were almost 40.000 soldiers in Whale Fjord and over 200 ships. During the War Hvammsvik was code named "Falcon Crest" and "Falcon Beach" in order not to reveal its true location, hence the name of one of our Lodges.

Along with Icelandic tradition Hvammsvik has its share of Trolls and Elf stories. Many who are said to be residing in famous rocks and the hillsides of the property. One of the best known Elf "castle" in Iceland is "Steðji" or Staupasteinn. There is also said to be an Elf Church and Elf Queen residing in the hill side right next to the Lodges so don't be surprised if you witness outer worldly creatures of all sizes at dawn.

Guest access

The lodge is entirely private for our guests. Our guests are welcome to explore around the entire Estate and its surroundings. You can even walk onto Hvammshofdi an island connected to the land in low tide. Just be careful not to get caught by the high tide as you might become Robinson Crusoe for 6 hours until the low tide allows you access back to shore again :) There is also a small lake on the property full of rainbow trout that you are welcome to fish and enjoy.

Hosted by Gríma

I'm an interior designer who has been fortunate enough to renovate our estate in Hvalfjörður and am now looking forward to sharing it with you. We love the nature and ocean surroundings and use every opportunity we have to go for hikes and mountain biking in the surrounding mountains.

Gríma is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Where you'll sleep

Bedroom 1 has 1 king bed, Bedroom 2 has 1 queen bed and Bedroom 3 has 1 bunk bed. 

Entire residential home hosted by Gríma which  can host 6 guests having 3 bedrooms, 4 beds and 2 bathrooms. This entire lodge cost $938  / night.

What this place offers

Bathroom

• Hair dryer

• Shampoo

• Hot water

Bedroom and laundry

• Washing machine

• Dryer

• Essentials

• Towels, bed sheets, soap and toilet paper

• Hangers

Entertainment

• TV

Family

• Cot

Heating and cooling

• Indoor fireplace

• Heating

Home safety

• Smoke alarm

• Fire extinguisher

• First aid kit

Internet and office

• Wifi

• Available throughout the listing

Kitchen and dining

• Kitchen

• Space where guests can cook their own meals

• Refrigerator

• Cooking basics

• Pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper

• Dishes and silverware

• Bowls, chopsticks, plates, cups, etc.

• Dishwasher

• Stove

• Oven

• Coffee maker

Location features

• Private entrance

• Separate street or building entrance

Outdoor

• Patio or balcony

• Garden

• An open space on the property usually covered in grass

Parking and facilities

• Free parking on premises

• Hot tub

Services

• Long-term stays allowed

• Allow stays of 28 days or more

Where you’ll be

Kjósarhreppur, Iceland

One of the most amazing things about Hvammur Farm is that it is so close to Reykjavik while still an entire world of its own. Located in Hvalfjördur "Whale fjord" which is a sparsely populated area rich in history and incredible nature. You have some of Iceland's most famous and best hiking spots all around you. Glymur, the second largest waterfall, is 15 minutes away. Mount Esja, the most hiked mountain in Iceland is 20 minutes away, although we would recommend skipping Mount Esja and rather hike Fossá, 5 min away and/or Botnsdalur and Brynjudalur all within 15 minutes from the Estate. More interesting places in and around Whale Fjord.

Other interesting things to see inside Hvalfjordur

• Staupasteinn, incredible viewing platform to have a look over the fjord and a trophy shaped rock.

• Brynjudalsfoss, beautiful waterfall

• Fossárrétt – Old Sheep Herding Station and Waterfall

• Hvítanes – the Old Abandoned Military Base during World War II

• Soak in the local swimming pool at Hlaðir

• Visit the War and Peace Museum.

• Visit Hallgrím’s Church built in tribute to the late Hallgrímur

• Pétursson who wrote the Passion Hymns.

Where to grab a bite in Hvalfjordur?

• Kaffi Kjós – all the classics, burgers, sandwiches, and vegetable dishes.

• Hotel Glymur Restaurant – great for local seafood and other Icelandic meals.

• The War and Peace Museum Café Shop

• Hotel Laxarárbakki – traditional Icelandic dishes with a modern twist.

Interesting places near Hvalfjörður:

• Akranes - 20 min drive away, a small fishing village where you can go up to the lighthouse there and have one of the best views over Reykjavik or take a dip in the new manmade hot geothermal pool at Langisandur beach. The pool is called Guðlaug and entry is free of charge.

• Hraunfossar waterfalls are 1h away from the Lodge, a nice day trip. On the way there is the new geothermal spa/bath Krauma where you could take a dip in the hot pools and get some spa treatments as well.

• Golden circle tour. On the way to Þingvellir you can make an extra stop at Þórufoss on the road Nr.48. It's a very beautiful and big waterfall, famous from the Game of Thrones. 

In order to go from Hvammur Farm to the Golden circle we recommend using Google maps. The shortest way is to drive past Medalfellsvatn towards Thingvellir and then past Thingvellir towards the Geysir area and Laugarvatn. It should be an approximately 1 hour drive to Geysir.

• Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls

• Deildartunguhver Hot Spring

• Krauma Geothermal Baths

• Reykholt

• Snorralaug in Reykholt was the home of Snorri Sturluson, born in the 12 century and author of many of the best known Icelandic Sagas.

The local store and coffee house Kaffi Kjós is open every day in June, July and August. In the winter time it is only open during weekends. Next open supermarket is in Mosfellsbær (40 km) or in Akranes (40 km). There is also a small store and petrol station which is open every day in Grundarhverfi (30 km).

Getting around

Hvammur Farm is located in the middle of the Hvalfjörður “Whale fjord” only 45 minutes drive from downtown Reykjavík. To get there from Reykjavík you should take route 1 towards Borgarnes. Once you are out of Reykjavík and Mosfellsbær you drive for about 15 minutes. Before you reach Hvalfjordur underwater tunnel and take a right turn onto road 47. ( Note: Please do not go into the tunnel! then you have gone too far. )

Then you will continue about 20 kilometres until you see the sign Hvammsvík and Hvammur on the left side of the road, where you will find Hvammur Farm, which is easily recognisable by the five black painted buildings on the property. To enter the estate you need to pass through the closed gate.

If you get into trouble you can also put “Hvammshofdhi” or Hvammsvik Kjos into maps, and that will give you the correct coordinates.

Visit this link to check availability and book accordingly.