Fosshotel Núpar, Höfn

kimkim team favorite
4.2 (29 reviews) Mid-Range
Remote eco-certified hotel set amid lava fields with panoramic glacier views, a restaurant and bar, and basic rooms

Overview

Fosshotel Núpar, just off the Ring Road in southern Iceland, sits amid an expansive lava field. It's a modern and eco-certified retreat that offers guests panoramic views of the Vatnajökull ice cap. Located near the Vatnajökull National Park's highlights, including Skaftafell and the Laki craters, the hotel provides a countryside base for exploring Iceland's dramatic southern landscapes. Though rooms are minimalist, their standout feature is the view of the surrounding mossy lava fields, glaciers, and mountains. Guests can savor Icelandic cuisine in the on-site restaurant, unwind at the bar, and start the day with a highly praised breakfast buffet (not included in the room rate).

Kimkim's Take

Pros
  • You'll find yourself in an ideal location for exploring southern Iceland, with relatively nearby attractions like Skaftafell nature reserve and the Laki craters.
  • Past kimkim guests praise the property's remote location set amid Vatnajökull's lava fields, and surrounded by mountains and glaciers.
  • Fosshotel Núpar is eco-certified, participating in an initiative to minimize its environmental impact.
  • You can enjoy delicious Icelandic dishes at the in-house restaurant, with breakfast and dinner options available.
Cons
  • While the breakfast buffet is highly rated, it isn't included in the room rate.
  • Rooms are modern and have everything you need, however, they're a little basic in aesthetic.
  • The property's remote location means fewer nearby amenities, though you'll enjoy a peaceful retreat with convenient access to natural attractions.

Authenticity

Fosshotel Núpar leans into its remote Icelandic setting atop a long-solidified lava flow, now covered in moss and scrubby grasses and backed by jagged mountains and the Vatnajökull ice cap—the largest glacier outside the Arctic Circle. The hotel's long, single-story modern architecture seamlessly integrates with its surroundings and provides plenty of opportunities to bring the outdoors in. The eco-certified property participates in the Green Key program, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and the environment.

Location

Located along the Ring Road (Route 1), Fosshotel Núpar makes for a good base to check out southern Iceland's natural wonders. Mount Lómagnúpur is 20 minutes away by car, while the Skaftafell nature reserve is 30 minutes, and the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon and the Laki craters (Lakagígar) are 75 minutes to 2 hours away, respectively. The hotel is set in a remote area, providing a tranquil retreat with stunning views of the surrounding lava fields and glaciers. Despite its secluded setting, a 20-minute drive takes you to the nearby village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, where you can find a couple of dining options and amenities.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The rooms at Fosshotel Núpar are minimalist with each opening up to a view of the property's natural surroundings via windows and a glass door that leads to a small porch. Each room comes with a private bathroom, though some guests have noted the need for updates, particularly with the showers. The decor reflects a modern Icelandic aesthetic, with simple yet functional furnishings. While the rooms provide a cozy atmosphere, some travelers have mentioned that blackout shades could be improved for better light control during the long summer days. Two of the three room categories sleep two people, while the Triple Room services three. 

Amenities

You'll find a modern, open restaurant lined with windows serving a dinner buffet and a la carte options. The bar offers happy hour drinks and closes at 11 pm. A decent breakfast buffet is served daily, though for a surcharge. 

Family-Friendliness

Fosshotel Núpar is suitable for families, offering amenities like toys and a kids' table to entertain younger guests. The restaurant's dinner service features a kid's menu, while the dinner buffet is free for children under 10, and children between 10 and 14 years receive a 50% discount. Families of three can request the Triple Room, and while extra beds aren't available, cots for infants are.

Sustainability

The hotel is eco-certified and participates in Iceland's Green Key educational initiative. This program measures the property's impact on the environment, community, cultural heritage, and the local economy.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +354 5173060
Hotel address icon Núpar
Hotel website
Free parking

Traveler Reviews

29 total ratings, 25 with reviews
4.2
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.4
Location
4.7
Staff
4.5
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.3
Leslie
Leslie F.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026
Our room looked out at the glacier, and had trails directly from our deck where we sat for aurora viewing, as were stars in that dark sky! Staff, restaurant, breakfast and location were excellent. Waking up to sunrise on the glacier was the cherry on top! Read more

Our room looked out at the glacier, and had trails directly from our deck where we sat for aurora viewing, as were stars in that dark sky! Staff, restaurant, breakfast and location were excellent. Waking up to sunrise on the glacier was the cherry on top!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was extremely comfortable, modern in styling, with large windows and a door out to a private deck.
Stayed in September 2026
Eline
Eline E.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Sep 13, 2026
Super cool location Read more

Super cool location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2026
Lorraine
Lorraine R.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2026
The Fosshotel Nupar was the closest proximity to the glacier and waterfalls we were traveling to see on the southeast side of Iceland. We thoroughly enjoyed staying here. The rooms were a bit small but the views were spectacular. And the restaurant had a lovely bar and they were able to sit us when we needed for dinner. Would definitely stay here again if passing through Iceland. Read more

The Fosshotel Nupar was the closest proximity to the glacier and waterfalls we were traveling to see on the southeast side of Iceland. We thoroughly enjoyed staying here. The rooms were a bit small but the views were spectacular. And the restaurant had a lovely bar and they were able to sit us when we needed for dinner. Would definitely stay here again if passing through Iceland.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2026
Meredith
Meredith V.
Tuscaloosa, AL, USA | Reviewed on Aug 18, 2026
It was a clean basic hotel. We were lucky to have a cot to add to our room for our son. The staff was nice and the breakfast was good Read more

It was a clean basic hotel. We were lucky to have a cot to add to our room for our son. The staff was nice and the breakfast was good

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2026
G
Gwendolyn W.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 06, 2026
Great location and the restaurant was very good. The rooms allowed for a great view and we were treated to a beautiful sunset. Read more

Great location and the restaurant was very good. The rooms allowed for a great view and we were treated to a beautiful sunset.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2026
Jane
Jane B.
Philadelphia, PA | Reviewed on Jul 31, 2026
The view from thus hotel is awesome! The food is very good. It is a bit far from alternative dinner options. The bathroom needed to be cleaned better. Read more

The view from thus hotel is awesome! The food is very good. It is a bit far from alternative dinner options. The bathroom needed to be cleaned better.

Authenticity & Character
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom needed better cleaning
Stayed in July 2026
B
Beverly D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2026

Well situated for South Coast sites. Plenty of room and great breakfast and dinner

Stayed in May 2026
C
Cyd T.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jan 15, 2026
We enjoyed this hotel very much. We saw the Northern Lights from our back patio. The staff was very welcoming and made sure we were aware the Northern Lights could be viewed. When we did not make reservations for dinner, they still managed to get us in. The only draw back was the coffee machine at breakfast was broken and there was no back up. We just drank tea instead. Not a deal breaker. Read more

We enjoyed this hotel very much. We saw the Northern Lights from our back patio. The staff was very welcoming and made sure we were aware the Northern Lights could be viewed. When we did not make reservations for dinner, they still managed to get us in. The only draw back was the coffee machine at breakfast was broken and there was no back up. We just drank tea instead. Not a deal breaker.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very far from anything so you pretty much have to eat at their restaurant. But it the middle of nowhere is what made it perfect for the aurora.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2026
D
Diane A.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 15, 2025
Perfect choice close to our itinerary and good food Read more

Perfect choice close to our itinerary and good food

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in September 2025
M
Matty R.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025
Super busy hotel full of other travelers. Provides the basics and is very nice, but very impersonal. Read more

Super busy hotel full of other travelers. Provides the basics and is very nice, but very impersonal.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2025

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +354 5173060
Hotel address icon Núpar
Hotel website
Free parking