From bubble hotels in the woods to luxury resorts perched on steep mountains and traditional lodges in the midst of green hills, Iceland is home to some of the most unique hotels in Europe. We separate luxury hotels in Iceland in two main categories: urban hotels whose luxury stems from their facilities and convenience of the city and the countryside ones which offer unique experiences mostly within their hotel grounds.
A common characteristic among Iceland's Luxury Hotels is their minimal and modern design - these guys have a keen eye for detail. City hotels in Reykjavik are distinguished from their quirky, boutique design while countryside hotels are known for their unique blending of their hotel building with its surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Iceland's iconic landscape are also common.
Of course, in this article, we are not going to talk about luxury hotels in general, but for a certain luxury hotel in Kirkjubaejarklaustur that marries comfort and luxury with the remoteness of a countryside resort. Plus, it serves dishes from the authentic Iceland Cuisine that's not to be missed.
Hotel Klaustur: A Luxury Hotel that sits between two of Iceland's most famous glaciers, Vatnajökull and Mýrdalsjökull
Located at the homonymous town Klaustur (Kirkjubæjarklaustur) on the Southern part of Iceland, Hotel Klaustur is a comfy, modern hotel that preserves the feeling of seclusion from civilization while offering, at the same, easy connectivity to the majority of Iceland's other areas.
The hotel seamlessly combines modern and traditional design with a quirky restaurant interior and floor-to-ceiling windows at the lobby, which offer exquisite views of the countryside - waiting to check-in has never been so exciting.
Four Luxury Rooms where Comfort meets Authentic Luxury
Hotel Klaustur is home to four wonderful room types: the King Junior Suite, the Twin Superior Room, the Queen Guest Room and the Twin Guest Room. For an ultimate comfort, we recommend the King Junior Suite which is spacious, bright and comes with a lounge area and various smart facilities. Staying at this type of room will also grant you access to the pool and gym areas.
The Queen Guest Room is another lovely room option, as it's not only well-dressed in modern colors and rich furnishing but also equipped with an assortment of modern amenities. Although, this type of room does not offer access to the pool and gym, it is definitely perfect if you are planning to spend most of your time doing outdoor activities in Iceland.
Embark on a Culinary Journey with Rich Flavors at Klaustur Restaurant
For authentic Icelandic Cuisine you won't have to look further than Klaustur Hotel, as it is home to one of the best restaurants in the entire country. The hotel's chef creates a unique seasonal menu with rich flavors "endemic" to the region. The high quality of the ingredients, which come exclusively from local producers, creates a gourmet culinary experience that's definitely not to be missed.
The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner while the menu includes an abundance of dishes to choose from. From the starters, don't forget to try the Icelandic lobster ravioli with fennel, hazelnuts, dried sage and beurre blanc. For your main course, the grilled arctic, lava'' char with sautéed fennel, leeks, potatoes and dill hollandaise is a must-try while for dessert, you will fall in love with the arctic thyme and honey Crème Brûlée.
Things to do near Hotel Klaustur | Attractions in and near Klaustur
The hotel's convenient location and abundance of things to do nearby will offer you the perfect Icelandic experience. In Klaustur, you can admire the stunning Stjornarfoss and Systravatn waterfalls, visit The Chapel and the Church Floor east of Kirkjubaejarklaustur, take a picture of the steep rocky kill Systrastapi, and go hiking in one of the numerous hiking trails.
Near Klaustur, you can pay a visit to the stunning Fjadragljufur Canyon and admire the famous Lakagigar craters. Follow the Road #1 further East to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon (it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland), and Skaftafell National Park, watch the Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, located on the southern end of the Vatnajokull glacier, and enjoy numerous other unforgettable activities in nature.