Húsafell is a historic farm and church estate in southwest Iceland that is now a beautiful nature and recreation area. Both visitors and locals enjoy spending time here, especially hiking the variety of trails.
Dense birch woods and lava formations characterize Húsafell’s landscape. You will also find crystal-clear mountain springs, stunning ravines, glaciers, rushing glacial rivers and extraordinary bird life. Due to the landscape and its warm summer climate, Húsafell has always been a beloved getaway for Icelanders, especially families. The resort is also a splendid stop in the winter time, when the northern lights dance in vibrant colours across the darkened night sky. There are many activites you can enjoy year-round, and we recommend staying in the area more than one night.
The recreation area is completely self-sustainable. There is plenty of geothermal water in the area that heats many of the buildings and pools. Cold, fresh water comes from the many glacial streams that run through Húsafell.
What to do in Húsafell?
Húsafell is a popular hiking destination. A network of trails that suit different skill levels crosses through Húsafell. You can enjoy challenging treks up mountains, glaciers and ravines. Alternatively, you can enjoy simple and scenic loop trails through the woods. There is even a history-themed hiking trail winding by remains of farms and homes.
If you enjoy hiking and hot springs, we recommend the Húsafell Canyon Baths. A local guide brings visitors to the edge of the highland wilderness, visiting local places most tourists never see. The trail leads into a canyon where visitors can relax in several stone-lined hot spring-fed pools. It is a special experience to soak in soothing hot springs in a dramatic, secluded setting.
Near Húsafell you can explore Barnafoss and Hraunfossar waterfalls, as well as the underground caves of Viðgelmir og Súrtshellir. If you like glacial exploration, Eiríksjökull and Langjökull glaciers are not far away.
An Artist Colony: Then and Now
In the 19th century a colony of artists lived at Húsafell. One of these artists was the famous Icelandic painter Jóhannes S. Kjarvall. Today, the stone sculptor Pall Guðmundsson, has his studio in Húsafell. He was born and raised in the area. “Páll of Húsafell,” locals call him, paints and sculpts faces into stones found in the Húsafell area. You can see his works when you hike on the trails. The Hotel Húsafell also features Páll’s art as part of the decor.
The Húsafell Stone
Husafell is also home to the famous Húsafell Stone. Locals used this legendary stone as a test of strength for hundreds of years. The stone weighs around 190 kg (418 lbs). It can either be lifted up or lifted and carried around the goat pen where it’s kept. If you want to achieve fullsterkur (full-strong) status, you must lift the stone up and carry it the 50 metres (164 feet) around the perimeter of the goat pen. Moreover, the 1992 “World’s Strongest Man” competition took place in Iceland and featured a stone lifting event using the actual Húsafell Stone.
Húsafell offers locals and visitors amenities such as a swimming pool, golf course, restaurants, convenience store, and various types of accommodation and more. Húsafell is about one hour and 40 minutes’ drive from Reykjavik.
GPS: 64.6959131, -20.8741819
