Welcome to our little corner of Iceland! Here at Skyrhúsið Guesthouse, we believe that the best adventures don’t always come with a bus, a guide, or a strict schedule. Some of the most magical experiences happen when you have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
We always recommend that our guests stay at least two or three nights in the area if possible. There’s simply too much beauty here for a single day, from glaciers and black beaches to hidden canyons and quiet coastal trails.
That’s why we’ve created our Free Self-Guided Adventures, a collection of our favorite places nearby, carefully chosen and written up by locals who know the area like the back of their hand. It’s our way of helping you see the hidden gems, the secret spots, and the must-see wonders that surround us here in southeast Iceland.
Guests who would like a guided experience can book a private tour with local professional photographer Hörður Kristleifsson (@h0rdur). The tour combines local insight with professional photography, creating memorable images from some of Southeast Iceland’s most beautiful locations. Learn more here
Below are a few of our favorite nearby adventures.
Grandma’s Hali Trail – right outside your door
A gentle, peaceful walk around Hali — perfect for your first day here. It’s all about stretching your legs, breathing in the clean air, and getting a feel for our surroundings.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach – 15 minutes away
This one never gets old, no matter how many times we visit. The lagoon is full of floating icebergs from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, and just across the road, the black sands of Diamond Beach sparkle with pieces of ice washed ashore. It’s absolutely stunning, and easy to reach year round.
Múlagljúfur Canyon – nature’s secret
If you’re up for a short drive and a little hiking, Múlagljúfur is a hidden gem. The hike isn’t long, but it feels like stepping into another world: green moss, roaring waterfalls, and deep, quiet beauty. (Best from late April to early October.)
Svartifoss – the waterfall with black basalt columns
About an hour’s drive away in Skaftafell, this one’s worth the trip. The trail is moderate and the view at the end is unforgettable, black lava columns framing a white waterfall, like something from a fantasy movie.
Glacier Adventure Stone Arch – local’s hidden gem
In the Breiðabólsstaðarklettar cliffs, located just across the road from Skyrhúsið, lies a beautiful stone arch called Heilrifað og Gat. Only known by locals, this spot truly is a hidden gem.
Skálafellsjökull – hiking trails and glacier views
Only 20 minutes from Skyrhúsið is a stunning hiking trail called Hjallanes. Starting at the car park at Skálafell farm, the path completes a loop around the mountain following the river Kolgríma to Skálafellsjökull glacier.
A smaller and more intimate glacier lagoon compared to Jökulsárlón, Fjallsjökull Glacier remains an unforgettable experience. Spend your time walking along the shore, witnessing the beauty of Icelandic nature.
Vestrahorn mountain, Stokksnes peninsula, Kirkjusandur beach and the Viking Village
Vestrahorn is a captivating and iconic mountain located on the southeastern coast of Iceland, offering stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean. Rising dramatically from Kirkjusandur’s black sand shores, this majestic landmark is a photographer’s dream.
Explore Vestrahorn, Kirkjusandur beach, reflective lagoons, sandy dunes, Stokksnes peninsula and the Viking Village in this one of a kind nature paradise.
Skútafoss – waterfall and cave
Skútafoss is a beautiful and lesser known waterfall in the area of Lón. It is a waterfall on the river Þorgeirsstaðaá. The waterfall is 6 meters high, and right beneath the waterfall is an impressive accessible cave that makes a great place for relaxing and having a picnic.
Located right off highway 1, the Hvalnes Lighthouse offers stunning views of the rocky shore and sea. You can spend the time walking around the path up to the lighthouse, and venture over to the Beach Reserve. A great place for bird watching, you might even see an Arctic Fox dashing through the brush. We recommend stopping your drive for a picnic in summer months.
