Fosshótel Mývatn, Lake Mývatn

• The hotel sits in a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Mývatn, just off the popular Diamond Circle route.
• Its innovative, eco-friendly architecture (including a living turf roof) blends with the surrounding landscapes.
• Rooms offer a minimalist, mid-century style with natural timber accents and floor-to-ceiling windows.
• The on-site restaurant serves farm-to-table Nordic cuisine using ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen.

Cons

• There's no spa or pool, though a session in the traditional sauna is a nice option after a long day of hiking.
• Past guests have noted that rooms don't have individual thermostats, and they can get too warm.

Authenticity

Constructed in 2017, Fosshotel Mývatn's innovative, eco-friendly architecture feels like an extension of the natural landscapes surrounding it at the edge of Lake Mývatn. The long, low-profile building features weathered larch timber and a living turf roof, and its ground-floor rooms include doors that let you step straight out into the heather (or visit with the heritage-breed sheep that like to graze the grounds). Inside, you'll find contemporary interiors with lots of warm wood, sculptural lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The sense of place extends to the restaurant, which showcases modern Nordic cuisine using local ingredients sourced from nearby farmers and fishermen. 

Location

Nestled amid the Mývatn Geothermal Area and directly off the Diamond Circle route, the hotel is ideally situated for exploring North Iceland's attractions. You'll have easy access to the Mývatn Nature Baths, the Hverfjall crater, and the lava fields and caves of Dimmuborgi, all less than a 15-minute drive away, and other popular natural wonders like Dettifoss waterfall and the Ásbyrgi canyon are reachable within about an hour. It's a 5-minute drive to the tiny village of Reykjahlíð, where you'll find some amenities like a mini-supermarket and local restaurants, and the hotel offers free parking on-site and four EV charging stations. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 90+ rooms feature a stripped-down, mid-century aesthetic, with classic Scandi comforts like fluffy duvets and creative lighting. Paneled larch wood walls or ceilings are accented with spruce green and charcoal furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows keep things bright. Opt for the Lake View rooms to make the most of the setting, or splurge on a Suite for a luxurious soaking tub and a private terrace. The modern bathrooms come with rainfall showers, and all rooms are fitted with blackout curtains to ensure a restful night's sleep during the midnight sun.

Amenities

The on-site restaurant is a highlight, serving innovative Nordic cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a stylish dining area with panoramic Lake Mývatn views. An optional breakfast buffet is served here in the mornings, and nearby you'll find a cozy lounge and bar area. There's no spa, but you can enjoy the traditional sauna with an accompanying cool shower for a classic Icelandic wellness experience. The hotel also provides bike hire for guests keen to explore the surrounding area on two wheels.

Family-Friendliness

Families are welcome at Fosshotel Mývatn, though there aren't many child-focused amenities. Children over the age of six are charged as adults, and the room options with extra single beds to sleep up to three are the best bet for families. Cribs are available for younger ages, and the on-site restaurant features a kids' menu.