An idyllic country hotel in lush South Iceland

Hótel Hekla is located, as the name suggests, underneath one …

Hótel Hekla is located, as the name suggests, underneath one of Iceland's most famous volcanoes. Photo/ Fosshótel

Anna Margrét Björnsson

mbl.is
Anna Margrét Björnsson

In the green farmlands below Mount Hekla, Iceland's most famous volcano, lies Hótel Hekla, a gorgeous country hotel which offers the perfect stay if you're intending to explore the many attractions of the area.

Located just beyond the town of Selfoss, it's only an hours drive from Reykjavik and from the hotel it's only a short drive to the spots such as the Secret Lagoon and historic Skálholt.

Tucked into lush green farmland, the hotel, which is part of the Fosshótel chain,  is surrounded by some of Iceland's most impressive mountains- volcanoes Mount Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull.

Located on two floors, the hotel offers numerous rooms decorated in a pretty, Nordic country style. I stayed in a wonderful family room which was incredibly spacious and could fit a family of six. The view from the windows was gorgeous, looking out to green fields where horses were galloping, something my youngsters were entranced by.

The spacious rooms are decorated in a fresh, simple Scandinavian …

The spacious rooms are decorated in a fresh, simple Scandinavian style. Photo/ Fosshótel

Upon arrival, the friendly and laid-back staff showed us how to go into the back garden to access two outdoor hot tubs. The area is of course known for its plentiful sources of warm geothermal water and soaking in an outdoor hot tub after a day of activities is something that Icelanders love doing.

The hotel offers two outdoor hot tubs, the perfect end …

The hotel offers two outdoor hot tubs, the perfect end to a day filled with activities. Photo/ Fosshótel

A cosy lounge complete with a fireplace and sheepskin rugs is a lovely spot to enjoy a pre-dinner drink and included in the stay is a sumptious breakfast buffet.

The hotel is surrounded by some of Iceland's most  stunning sights, such as Gullfoss and Geysir, and the highlands of Landmannalaugar, Kjölur and Sprengisandur are within easy reach if you have a well equipped vehicle.

There are plenty of hidden gems in the farmlands of South Iceland. Driving past Selfoss you can head to the geothermal area of Flúðir, which is a lovely fertile spot known for its greenhouses where both fruit and vegetables are grown.  Historic spots in the area include the Skálholt cathedral, which was the center of ecclesiastic power in Iceland for almost 700 years.

Children will love a visit to the nearby Slakki petting zoo where you can see, and pet Icelandic farm animals and even see Arctic foxes. Also near, at Reykholt,  is the wonderfu l Friðheimar centre - a greenhouse that grows tomatoes and offers a wonderful lunch of tomato soup, freshly baked bread and also what's been called "the best Bloody Mary in the world" by Vogue magazine.

A visit to Friðheimar in Reykholt is thoroughly recommended. It's …

A visit to Friðheimar in Reykholt is thoroughly recommended. It's a tomato plantation inside a greenhouse with a wonderful restaurant. Photo/ Friðheimar

Following a day of such plentiful activities, a three-course dinner back at Hótel Hekla is thoroughly recommended. The hotel restaurant offers exquisitely prepared dishes which feature the very best of local produce such as lamb and salmon and an array of exciting desserts which include Hekla lava - a chocolate concoction on top of creamy Skyr and home made berry coulis which resembles a volcano.

Children are most welcome at Hotel Hekla and although the restaurant is fairly fancy, it offers a children's menu and colouring books for tiny tots.

Dinner at the wonderful hotel restaurant is thoroughly recommended.

Dinner at the wonderful hotel restaurant is thoroughly recommended. Photo/ Fosshótel

To complete your stay there's nothing better than ending the evening in the hot tubs outside, where you will also find showers and changing rooms. Soak in the warm geothermal waters with a glass of white wine and enjoy the late sunset of an Icelandic summer night.

For more information and bookings at Hótel Hekla visit their webpage HERE.

Iceland Monitor travelled to South Iceland with Europcar.

Dinner at the hotel was also a great success with …

Dinner at the hotel was also a great success with the youngsters. Iceland Monitor/ Anna Margrét

The sumptious breakfast buffet at Hótel Hekla.

The sumptious breakfast buffet at Hótel Hekla. Photo/ Fosshótel

Hekla lava - a wondrous dessert made of chocolate, berries …

Hekla lava - a wondrous dessert made of chocolate, berries and skyr. Iceland Monitor/ Anna Margrét

Icelandic lamb on the menu.

Icelandic lamb on the menu. Photo/ Fosshótel

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