Introduction

Lying in a warm bed while gazing at the dancing green lights in the night sky through a glass ceiling - this is definitely one of life's most romantic moments! As a travel blogger who has been around the world, I must recommend Iceland's guesthouses to everyone. The accommodation experience here is absolutely incredible and has completely transformed my understanding of lodging. Without exaggeration, Iceland's guesthouses have shown me the purest aesthetics of living.

Seeking the North

I still remember that evening when I first stayed at a guesthouse in Reykjahlíð village, as darkness was beginning to fall. Pushing open the heavy wooden door, I was greeted not by an impersonal front desk, but by the host's warm smile and a cup of hot mulled wine with cinnamon. The entire room was decorated cozily with wooden furniture and soft carpets, with a subtle birch fragrance in the air. The host told me that this building has over 50 years of history, but through careful maintenance and renovation, it still maintains an impressive 4.6 rating with an amazing 1,945 genuine positive reviews.

Speaking of which, I must mention why Iceland's guesthouses are so popular. First is the advantage of location - take the Englendingavik guesthouse in Borgarnes for example. Though only 1.2 kilometers from the town center, its location is absolutely perfect! Built on a small hill, backed by rolling mountains, with an open meadow in front, completely undisturbed by urban noise. I remember one night, just as I was preparing for bed, the host suddenly knocked to say the Northern Lights had appeared. I quickly wrapped myself in a blanket and rushed to the outdoor viewing platform. Standing there in the bitter cold of minus ten degrees, watching the green lights dance across the sky - at that moment, all the cold was worth it.

Another characteristic of Iceland's guesthouses is that each has its own unique features. For instance, I stayed at one called Viking Village where the entire room was decorated in Viking style, even down to the antique oil lamp-styled bedside lights. The host was an elderly gentleman particularly interested in Viking history who would tell guests Viking legends in the evenings. Listening to the crackling fireplace, it felt like traveling back a thousand years.

Facility Experience

The hardware facilities of the guesthouses really surprised me repeatedly. First is the parking - almost every guesthouse in Iceland has spacious parking spots, some even with charging stations, which is incredibly thoughtful for self-driving tourists like us. I remember arriving at a guesthouse during a snowstorm once to find the parking lot equipped with anti-slip mats and snow removal tools - such attention to detail really warms the heart.

The kitchen facilities are also a highlight. The kitchen at Blabjorg guesthouse where I stayed was equipped at a Michelin level: German brand ovens, imported Italian coffee machines, and all kinds of cooking tools readily available. Most touching was that the host had prepared fresh ingredients in the refrigerator. The next morning, I made a hearty breakfast with these ingredients: traditional Icelandic oatmeal topped with seasonal blueberries and homemade jam, along with freshly baked cinnamon bread. Sitting by the floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoying the food while watching the sunrise outside - it was truly an amazing experience.

The bathroom design is also unique. Many guesthouses are equipped with floor heating systems, so walking barefoot on the floor in winter isn't cold at all. Some guesthouses even have outdoor hot spring tubs. I remember at a guesthouse in Húsafell, soaking in 40-degree hot spring water with countless stars overhead and snow-capped mountains visible in the distance - it was like heaven on earth.

The public areas are also designed warmly. Most guesthouses have a common living room with comfortable sofas and bookshelves. Once at a guesthouse in Akureyri, I met travelers from around the world in the living room. We chatted around the fireplace, sharing travel experiences until late into the night. The host specially made hot cocoa for us and brought out their treasured Brennivín (a local specialty spirit), letting us experience authentic Icelandic life.

Unique Charm

Speaking of the charm of Icelandic guesthouses, what moves me most is their perfect integration with nature. Take the Seljavellir guesthouse in Höfn for example - its design is a perfect combination of architecture and nature. The building uses extensive glass materials, offering unobstructed views of the magnificent Vatnajökull glacier from the rooms. I remember one morning being woken by noises outside - drawing back the curtains, I discovered a herd of wild reindeer foraging on the grass outside the guesthouse. That feeling of such close contact with nature was truly amazing.

Many people might worry about guesthouse prices. Actually, compared to hotels charging 1,500-2,000 kronur per night, guesthouses offer much better value. From my experience, prices generally range between 800-1,200 kronur, often including breakfast. Most importantly, these guesthouses offer not just a bed, but a living experience.

For instance, services like internet and parking are free at almost all guesthouses in Iceland. Many guesthouses also offer bicycle rentals for exploring nearby attractions. Some even organize special activities - like a guesthouse I stayed at in Reykjavík where the host would take guests to nearby farms to experience milking cows or to the seaside to catch crabs. These unique experiences are simply not available at hotels.

Booking Suggestions

Regarding booking guesthouses, I must especially remind everyone to plan ahead. Particularly during Northern Lights season from September to March the following year, well-reviewed guesthouses are basically impossible to book. I suggest starting to watch for desired guesthouses at least 3 months in advance and booking immediately when you find something suitable.

Take Solheimahjaleiga guesthouse as an example - this popular guesthouse with a 4.6 rating is usually fully booked half a year in advance during peak season. Its popularity isn't just due to its excellent location and complete facilities, but mainly because it has a huge viewing platform that's perfect for watching the Northern Lights. Last year I booked too late and could only stay at another guesthouse 30 kilometers away.

When booking, pay attention to the guesthouse's specific location and transportation situation. Although self-driving in Iceland is convenient, some guesthouses are in rather remote locations where winter road conditions can be dangerous. I suggest checking the specific location on a map before booking to assess accessibility.

Additionally, many guesthouses provide pickup services, especially those far from public transit stops. If you're not self-driving, it's advisable to confirm this with the host when booking. I've met many warm-hearted hosts who would voluntarily drive to pick you up even if the guesthouse didn't officially offer pickup service.

Helpful Tips

There are some details to pay special attention to when staying at guesthouses in Iceland. First is check-in and check-out times - most guesthouses have check-in between 2-4 PM and check-out at 11 AM. But specific times may vary by season or guesthouse policy. I suggest confirming exact times with the host after booking so you can better plan your itinerary.

If you plan to arrive very late or check out very early, be sure to communicate with the host in advance. I've met many thoughtful hosts who would specially wait for your check-in or help arrange luggage storage after check-out. I remember once needing to leave at 4 AM to catch an early flight - the host specially prepared a packed breakfast for me and helped book a taxi, such thoughtful details were really heartwarming.

Many guesthouses provide kitchen access, but be sure to clean up after use. Icelanders are very environmentally conscious, so pay special attention to waste sorting. Some guesthouses provide free bicycles - be sure to use them safely and it's best to purchase travel insurance.

Conclusion

In Iceland, guesthouses are not just temporary accommodations, but windows into experiencing local life deeply. Through interactions with hosts, you can learn about the most authentic food recommendations, discover the most hidden attractions, and feel the most genuine Icelandic life. Each guesthouse is like a warm home where you're not just a passing traveler, but a warmly welcomed guest.

I remember when leaving one guesthouse, the host gave me a postcard they had drawn themselves showing the Northern Lights I had seen during my stay. This kind of warm friendship makes my memories of Iceland not just about the magnificent natural scenery, but more about the sincere interactions between people.

If you're planning to travel to Iceland, don't miss these heartwarming guesthouses. They will make your journey more special and give you a deeper understanding of Iceland as a country. Looking forward to hearing about your anticipation and expectations for Icelandic guesthouses in the comments!