One of the best ways to explore Iceland is by making a road trip out of it. But how do you plan your itinerary? How do you pick the sleepover spots, so you can take advantage of a variety of our local attractions and activities? Well, if you’re deciding on sleepover spots, you need to ensure that the town of Hvolsvöllur makes the cut.
Hvolsvöllur has become a favorite stop amongst roadtrippers here on the island. This quaint little town has a lot to offer both inside and outside its borders. We give you the lowdown on Hvolsvöllur and tell you everything you need to know for an enjoyable stay.
Quick Facts About Hvolsvöllur
The town was founded in 1930.
Hvolsvöllur has a population of less than 1000 permanent residents.
The name Hvolsvöllur loosely translates to ‘Hill Fields’ which is incredibly descriptive of the town and its surroundings.
The name is also very descriptive of the industry that has sustained this town for all these years; agriculture.
Hvolsvöllur is the only town in Iceland that has not been established next to a sea, a river, or any other water mass.
Hvolsvöllur is the setting of one of Iceland’s most infamous Viking sagas; Njal’s Saga.
Where is Hvolsvöllur in Iceland?
Hvolsvöllur is situated in the south of Iceland, conveniently close to the main road and a popular road trip route called the Ring Road. The town is located about 100 kilometers from the capital city of Reykjavík.
How to Get to Hvolsvöllur
The easiest way to get to Hvolsvöllur via car is by taking on one of the road trip routes that use the main roads passing close by the town.
These routes include the Golden Circle, the South Coast Way, and our personal favorite, the Ring Road, which will take you right around the island and give you a taste of everything the country has to offer. If you are traveling from the direction of Reykjavík, the journey to Hvolsvöllur will take you roughly 1.5 hours.
The directions are pretty easy. Just take Route 49 to Sudurlandsvegur/Pjodvegur 1 and take the Vik/Hverageroi exit. Continue on Pjodvegure 1. Then take Sudurlandsvegure, Route 1 and Pjodvegur to Hildarvegure in Hvolsvöllur.
If for some strange reason you can’t do a road trip, and just want to do Hvolsvöllur as a day outing, you can catch the bus from Reykjavík Campsite to Hvolsvöllur twice a day.
Things to Do in Hvolsvöllur & Surroundings
You will find an absolute legion of things to do in Hvolsvöllur and its surroundings. Some of the things you can include in your trip itinerary are:
Shop at the Local Products Market
Seljavallalaug (Iceland’s oldest swmming pool)
Thorsmork Valley
Geysir Geothermal Area
Hiking the Solheimajökull Glacier
The ferry to Westman Islands from Landeyjarhofn (just half an hour away from Hvolsvöllur).
Where to Stay at Hvolsvöllur
There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Hvolsvöllur. You can opt to stay at a hotel such as Hotel Hvolsvöllur or Hotel Ranga. Go the more affordable route and choose a guesthouse stay such as Eldsto Guesthouse or Dægra Farm Cottages. Or go for the most budget-friendly options, such as Midgard Base Camp or Hvolsvöllur Campsite.
Where to Eat at Hvolsvöllur
You’ll definitely not go hungry when visiting Hvolsvöllur. These are a few spots that come highly recommended:
Valhalla (an incredible Viking experience)
Hvolsvöllur; A Gateway to Iceland’s Highlights
After reading this article, it should come as no surprise why Hvolsvöllur is such a popular stop here in Iceland. The town offers visitors everything they need. You will find plenty of Iceland’s must-visit attractions and must-do activities in its surroundings, and it’s pretty easy to add as a stop on a variety of local road trip routes.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Iceland adventure, rent a car in Iceland, and hit the road to Hvolsvöllur!