Við Lónið Guesthouse, Seyðisfjörður

• You'll be in a great location on the popular Rainbow Street, steps from the iconic Blue Church—everything in town, including the harbor, is a short walk away.
• Rooms are bright, with top-floor Deluxe Doubles offering balconies and fjord views.
• There's much to explore in and around Seyðisfjörður, from waterfall sightseeing (check out Gufufoss) and walking trails, like the one that leads to Tvísöngur (a mountainside sound sculpture).

• There's no reception or common area, but you'll find your room key conveniently waiting for you upon arrival.
• During the off-season, dining options in town are limited, but nearby Egilsstaðir offers alternatives.
• While many places shutter in the off-peak winter months, you'll have to compete with summer crowds brought in by the ferries and cruise ships.

Authenticity

Originally a ready-made kit house imported from Norway in 1907, Viđ Lónið Guesthouse has served many roles through the years, including a shop, art studio, and café. And while the facade and inner structure have undergone alterations, the guesthouse, in more recent years, has been thoughtfully restored to echo its early 19th-century charm, even incorporating original wood in its Scandinavian minimalist design. Rooms feature oil paintings created by local artists and Spa of Iceland toiletries are scented with moss and thyme, a nod to the country's pure, unspoiled nature.

Location

Nestled in the small town of Seyðisfjörður—and at the tip of its namesake fjord—Við Lónið is a picturesque detour from the Ring Road, surrounded by mountains and flanked by the photogenic Rainbow Street (Regnbogagatan in Icelandic) and the Fjarðará lagoon. It's a few steps to a waterfront stone path that connects to the marina (about a 13-minute walk) and a stone's throw to the town's landmark Blue Church, Skaftfell (an art and book-filled bar and bistro), the Blóðberg design boutique, and a number of eateries. Note that most are closed during the off-season, with options available in Egilsstaðir, a 30-minute drive over a mountain pass (sometimes challenging in the winter). With so much surrounding nature, there are plenty of trails to follow, like up to the Vestdalsvatn Lake, and waterfalls to discover that cascade into the fjord.

Rooms & Bathrooms

While guestrooms appear a little spartan (white walls and textiles (save for a charcoal gray throw), you'll find a piece of local artwork in each, and some accent wooden elements crafted from the original house. The Deluxe Double units on the second floor offer balconies with fjord and mountain views, while Classic Double and Triple rooms look over Rainbow Street and out to the mountains. Modern bathrooms feature walk-in showers and are stocked with vegan-certified, hypoallergenic Spa of Iceland toiletries.

Amenities

Family-Friendliness

Við Lónið Guesthouse doesn't cater to families with children; you won't find cots or extra beds.

Wildlife

You might be able to spot wildlife in and around Seyðisfjörður, particularly in the Skálanes Nature Reserve (about a 30-minute drive east to the mouth of Seyðisfjörður) and along the fjord. Common sightings include reindeer, seals, porpoises, and various bird species like puffins, Arctic terns, and eider ducks.