Sky Retreat Iceland

Sky Retreat Iceland

Travel Guide

Local attractions: Your Iceland Adventure Starts here.

This guide is designed to help you make the most of your visit. From breathtaking waterfalls and fascinating geological sites to charming local restaurants and hidden gems, the surrounding area offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Dive into the natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality of Hvolsvöllur and beyond. Let us help you plan your perfect Icelandic adventure!

Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

The ocean with dramatic and cool waves is in walking distance from the wreck so if you have extra time then that is something I also recommend.

Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar is a place in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in the Highlands of Iceland. It is at the edge of Laugahraun lava field, which was formed in an eruption around the year 1477.

Keldur Turf House

The historical buildings at Keldur are the oldest house in Iceland. It was the home of the Viking Ingjaldur and it has alot of history from the last war of Iceland.

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjall is a 340 m high tuff mountain arising out of a volcanic eruption from under a glacier in the penultimate Ice Age, near the village of Vik. Alternating in an irregular manner are layers of tuff, pillow lava and columnar basalt veins and loops.

Bucketlist Trips

MUST-SEE SOUTH COAST DESTINATIONS

From thundering waterfalls to glacier lagoons, these are the top destinations within easy reach of Sky Retreat. All directions start from our cabins.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

Seljalandsfoss

13 km

Waterfall

One of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, where you can walk behind the 60-meter curtain of water for a truly unique perspective. Best visited in the golden hour for spectacular photos.

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Reynisfjara black sand beach

Reynisfjara

39 km

Black Sand Beach

The world-famous black sand beach with dramatic basalt column formations and the towering Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Be cautious of the powerful sneaker waves — they are stronger than they look.

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Dyrholaey arch

Dyrhólaey

37 km

Arch & Viewpoint

A massive rock arch jutting into the Atlantic, offering panoramic views of the black sand coastline and Mýrdalsjökull glacier. A prime spot for puffin watching from May to August.

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Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon

Jökulsárlón

184 km

Glacier Lagoon

A stunning glacier lagoon where massive icebergs calve from Breiðamerkurjökull and float toward the sea. Boat tours take you among the icebergs. Often called the "Crown Jewel of Iceland."

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Diamond Beach icebergs

Diamond Beach

184 km

Beach

Crystal-clear icebergs washed ashore on jet-black volcanic sand — like scattered diamonds. Located right across from Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, best at sunrise or sunset for incredible photos.

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Skogafoss waterfall

Skógafoss

14 km

Waterfall

A powerful 60-meter waterfall that often produces a single or double rainbow on sunny days. Climb the 527 steps to the viewing platform for breathtaking views along the Skóga River trail.

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Solheimajokull glacier

Sólheimajökull

24 km

Glacier

An accessible outlet glacier of the mighty Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. Glacier walks depart from the parking area year-round — a surreal experience of walking on ancient blue ice and crevasses.

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Strokkur geyser erupting

Gullfoss & Geysir

88 km

Golden Circle

Two Golden Circle highlights in one trip: Gullfoss, a thundering two-tiered waterfall plunging into a rugged canyon, and the Geysir geothermal area where Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes.

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Fjadrargljufur canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur

83 km

Canyon

A dramatic 100-meter deep canyon carved by glacial rivers over millennia. Walk along the rim trail for jaw-dropping views into the lush, winding gorge below. Made famous by Justin Bieber's music video.

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Vestmannaeyjar islands

Vestmannaeyjar

16 km to ferry

Westman Islands

A volcanic archipelago off the South Coast, home to the world's largest Atlantic puffin colony. Visit Eldfell volcano (erupted 1973), the Eldheimar museum, and enjoy the charming island town.

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Hidden Gems

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

These lesser-known spots near Sky Retreat are where the locals go. Fewer crowds, authentic experiences, and landscapes you won’t find in the guidebooks.

Iceland highlands hiking

Þríhyrningur

~30 km to trailhead

Mountain Hike

A striking three-peaked mountain near Þórsmörk offering a challenging but rewarding hike with panoramic views of glaciers, volcanoes, and highland valleys. Best attempted in summer with proper gear and hiking experience.

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Keldur turf house

Keldur Turf House

34 km

Historic Site

One of Iceland's oldest medieval turf farmsteads, dating to the 12th century. Features a remarkable underground escape tunnel from the Saga Age — a fascinating glimpse into centuries of Icelandic rural life.

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Kvernufoss waterfall

Kvernufoss

~15 km

Hidden Waterfall

A beautiful 30-meter waterfall tucked behind Skógar Museum, often missed by tourists rushing to nearby Skógafoss. A 15-minute walk from the car park leads you right behind the falls — far fewer crowds than its famous neighbor.

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Icelandic waterfall

Írárfoss

3.8 km

Waterfall

A lesser-known waterfall in the Rangárþing area, framed by lush green moss and dramatic basalt formations. Rarely visited by tourists and located right off Route 1, making it a perfect peaceful stop along the way.

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Black sand volcanic landscape

Skógasandur

~16 km

Black Sand Landscape

A vast black sand outwash plain where the Skógá river meets the Atlantic, stretching from Skógafoss to the coast. Hauntingly beautiful and desolate, with sweeping views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glaciers.

Get DirectionsNote: Follow the gravel road from the bridge over Skógá river. Not fully mapped in Google Maps.
Moss-covered lava rocks

Álfakirkjan í Fljótshlíð

~40 km

Rock Formation

The "Elf Church" — a remarkable rock formation in Fljótshlíð valley that folklore says is a sacred site for Iceland's hidden people (huldufólk). Reach it via a 4×4 track from Fljótsdalur, with stunning views of Eyjafjallajökull.

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Eyjafjallajokull landscape

Stóri Dímon

16 km

Mountain Hike

A distinctive flat-topped tuya mountain formed by a volcanic eruption under a glacier during the Ice Age. The short but steep hike rewards you with 360° views of the Markarfljót valley and the South Coast.

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Seljavallalaug mountain pool

Seljavallalaug

~4 km

Geothermal Pool

One of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools, built in 1923 and nestled in a narrow mountain valley. Fed by a natural hot spring, this pool offers a magical bathing experience surrounded by mossy cliffs. A 15-minute walk from the car park.

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