Author
Ellen Eberhardt & Breanna Wilson
Iceland is a destination as alluring as they come. The natural beauty is spectacular. The architecture is inspiring. And the locals? Well, their hospitality is known to be warm even on the coldest days, leaving not much more to be desired from the Land of Fire and Ice.
Which explains why we here at FM HQ have a slight obsession with the place. From #vanlifing to surfing, camping to glamping, experimental landscape photography to disconnecting under the Northern Lights, nearly any adventure you can imagine is possible in Iceland. (It doesn’t hurt it’s almost impossible to take a bad photo here, either.)
Iceland is where you come to experience nature in its purest form. Where national parks are at your doorstep, fjords are your friends, the Ring Road is your guide, and waterfalls and hot springs become the background music to your grand adventure.
To explore it all there's plenty of options to call basecamp, including sprawling hotels and affordable hostels, but it’s also where Airbnb cabins seamlessly blend into the landscape as if they were meant to be there all along. And despite the platform rolling out stricter regulations for hosts, it continues to be a popular service to use througout the island, offering up a variety of stays, which we've sorted through to find the best.
Whether this frozen island is calling to you for a big, bucket list adventure or a slow, quiet escape, we’ve hand-picked our 20 favorite Iceland Airbnbs and cabins for just that. And so much more.
Field Mag's 20 Best Cabins in Iceland
- Manta North — Borgarnes, Iceland
- Deplar Farm — Troll Peninsula, Iceland
- Panorama Glass Lodge — Selfoss, Iceland
- Modern Loft in Northern Iceland — Akureyri, Iceland
- The Secret Cabin — Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
- The Garden Cottage — Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
- Fossar Cabin — Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland
- Small Cozy Cabin — Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland
- Barn House by the Sea — Stokkseyri, Iceland
- Highland Base — Kerlingarfjöll, Iceland
- Cozy Cabin in Hvalfjordur — Kjósarhreppur, Iceland
- Capital Area Cabin — Kjósarhreppur, Iceland
- Snæfellsnesjökull National Park Cottage — Snæfellsbær, Iceland
- Modern Luxury Villa — Árnessýslu, Iceland
- Hvammsvik Estate Farm House — Kjósarhreppur, Iceland
- Stóratorfa 5 — Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland
- Kolsstaðir — near Búðardalur, Iceland
- Ash Modern Cabin — Reykjahlíð, Iceland
- Garden Cottage — Hveragerdi, Iceland
- Northern Lights Luxury — Mosfellsbær, Iceland
The 20 Best Airbnbs in Iceland
Manta North — Borgarnes, Iceland
Vibe: Bygone era
Standout Amenities: Heated floors, deck
A sleek summerhouse with a view of the sea? It’s no wonder we've fallen in love with this idyllic prefab cabin by Manta North. A 30 minute drive from Reykjavík and Blue Lagoon hot springs, with two bedrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows providing uninterrupted views of the sea just walking distance away, the cottage at Manta North is just as much an experience as it is a destination. With touches such as heated flooring, tapered (dripless) candlesticks, and black-out curtains, it's the sprawling deck that will call your name at night to take in the dark skies above. No matter how many days you book here, it won’t be enough.
Deplar Farm — Troll Peninsula, Iceland
Vibe: One with Nature
Standout Amenities: Geothermal-heated pool, indoor sauna, hot tub, media room, helipads, cold plunge
This plant-covered luxury hotel offers guests stunning views and access to outdoor adventures like biking, kayaking, fly fishing, hiking, whale watching and more, plus a spa for after-adventure relaxation. And if that wasn't enough, there's also helipads and a geothermal pool, plus elevated, homey design to boot.
Panorama Glass Lodge — Selfoss, Iceland
Vibe: Dark skies delight
Standout Amenities: Hot tub, wraparound windows
Two hours by car from Reykjavik, four dream-worthy glass, wood, and steel-constructed cabins await. Under the careful eye of the Dedlers, a young family based in Selfoss, these stunning glass cabins blend into the landscape in such a way you soon wouldn’t be able to imagine this part of the country without. Whether you soak in your outdoor private hot tub, cook up a meal in the kitchenette, or spend the evening in bed under the stars, the remote location in the Icelandic countryside only adds to the peace and serenity you’re sure to find here.
Modern Loft in Northern Iceland — Akureyri, Iceland
Vibe: A little slice of Akureyri
Standout Amenities: Great views, quick drive to downtown
For starters, this dreamy, minimalist lofted retreat has a jaw-droppingly low nightly rate of around $100/night on Airbnb. (We know, we couldn’t believe it either.) Located in the exclusive residential area of Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city, the city center is a mere 10-minute drive away, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, cafés, art galleries, summer music festivals, nightlife, and more.
The Secret Cabin — Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
Vibe: Snug as a Bug
Standout Amenities: Deck, hot tub, wood-burning stove
Nestled hillside in a stunning nature reserve close to downtown Reykjavik, this cabin offers prime views for Northern Lights spotting and relaxation in its outdoot hot tub. 20 minutes from downtown Reykjavik and 40-50 minutes from the international airport, it's conveniently located for exploring the Southwest, with attractions like the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle within easy reach. Surrounded by moss lava fields and wildflowers, guests can enjoy the pristine air and water, and even embark on forest horseback rides from nearby stables.
The Garden Cottage — Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
Vibe: Electic in Iceland
Standout Amenities: Garden patio, greenhouse, fresh eggs
Built in 1884, this darling Garden Cottage has been given an update by the owners of Reykjavík Trading Co., a local design studio. With an eclectic mix of handmade furniture from California, Scandinavia, and Mexico, as well as a greenhouse, communal garden, and chickens roaming the grounds just behind the house. This is also where you’ll find The Shed, the design studio’s workshop—stop in for a coffee and to see what the designers are working on.
Fossar Cabin — Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland
Vibe: Straight out of a fairytale
Standout Amenities: Heated floors, great views, sheep farm
This rustic A-frame is located on Fossar Farm, where your super host David and his wife Sunneva, along with their four children, 400 sheep, two dogs, and a cat, live not far away (if needed). This craftsman home with heated floors, a bubbling brook called Jónskvísl filtered by lava rocks from the nearby lava field, and the ability to sleep five, is the perfect hideaway for exploring the southern part of the country. Complete with magnificent views of Vatnajökull, the largest and most voluminous ice cap in Iceland, and Öræfajökull, an ice-covered volcano, this rental is straight out of a fairy tale.
Small Cozy Cabin — Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland
Vibe: Volcanic Vacay
Standout Amenities: Remote, full kitchen
Journey to worlds unknown at this bright red cabin, which sits amoung rolling hills formed by volcanic activity. Situated outside of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, its remote setting offers a peaceful retreat, plus Northern Light viewing at the popular Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon.
Barn House by the Sea — Stokkseyri, Iceland
Vibe: Eco-friendly Friendly
Standout Amenities: Wood-fired hot tub, heated flooring
Overlooking the lava coastline, this eco-friendly barn house is as comfortable as it is earth-conscious. Take a dip in the geothermal outdoor wood-fired hot tub, put your bare feet against the geothermal floor heating, and enjoy the electricity generated by a hydroelectric power station. With thoughtful touches such as robes for every guest to make the trek to the hot tub bearable and a Nespresso machine and French press for every type of coffee lover, the place is high on the hygge charts. Guests will also find a guidebook with recommendations for everything from food to local attractions courtesy of the host, Kristinn.
Highland Base — Kerlingarfjöll, Iceland
Vibe: Chic Retreat
Standout Amenities: Geothermal springs, on-site restaurant, A-frames
Highland Base offers a variety of accomodations, including a lodge with a restaurant, A-frames, and individual cabins all decked out in classy Scandi style. And if you can peel yourself away from the on-site geothermal springs, there's plenty of adventuring to do nearby, including hiking, mountain biking, backcountry skiing and snowmobiling.
Cozy Cabin in Hvalfjordur — Kjósarhreppur, Iceland
Vibe: Home is Where the Icelandic Horses are
Standout Amenities: Hiking nearby, garden
Only 35 minutes by car from downtown Reykjavík, this comfy cabin is a remote spot made for enjoying the beauty of the aurora borealis and the Golden Circle route (an hour away) at an affordable price. Spend your days exploring the walking trails, setting off on a hike through the mountains, or taking in the garden where free-roaming Icelandic horses love to visit. The open bohemian living room leads into a fully equipped kitchen with a small refrigerator, oven, stove, toaster, electric kettle, and pots and pans for cooking so you can settle in and feel right at home.
Capital Area Cabin — Kjósarhreppur, Iceland
Vibe: Chill and Cozy
Standout Amenities: Large deck, hot tub, close to town
Situated in a picturesque nature reserve, this cozy cabin conveniently close to Reykjavik city center, the Golden Circle, and Ishestar for horse riding, with the Black Beach just 2.5 hours away. Guests can enjoy a cozy stay with two connected bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a hot tub on the veranda, all surrounded by Icelandic beauty.
Snæfellsnesjökull National Park Cottage — Snæfellsbær, Iceland
Vibe: Bird’s the Word
Standout Amenities: Scenic location, group trip-friendly
Right on the edge of Snæfellsnesjökull National Park, this cozy cottage really lives up to the name. While the furnishings are basic, the location on Snæfellsnes Peninsula more than makes up for it. With the harbor and sea cliffs nearby, don’t forget your binoculars for panoramic mountain views, bird watching, and whale watching from nearby Olafsvik.
Modern Luxury Villa — Árnessýslu, Iceland
Vibe: Golden Circle Splurge
Standout Amenities: Jacuzzi, sauna, modern amenities
With four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, an outdoor jacuzzi, panoramic sauna, a 55" HDTV with Apple TV and Netflix, and 115 square meters of space, this luxury villa is worth the splurge. And, with three golf courses in the area, easy access to the Golden Circle and Gullfoss waterfalls, as well as the Geysir, Kerið geothermal area, and Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park and Laugarvatn Lake, knowing you have one no-expenses-spared home to return to after a long day of exploring makes it worth every penny.
Hvammsvik Estate Farm House — Kjósarhreppur, Iceland
Vibe: Game of Thrones IRL
Standout Amenities: Hot spring, fishing, on-site restaurant
As part of a gated and private 1200-acre estate where Games of Thrones was shot and where Vikings settled more than 1,000 years ago, this luxury farmhouse is so much more than a fancy home. With a natural hot spring, trout fishing, and multiple historical landmarks on site, the estate's exclusive access is part of what makes a stay at this Airbnb so unique. Wild sheep roam the grounds and 30 different types of birds live in the area, so the natural beauty here is just as cool as the history.
Stóratorfa 5 — Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland
Vibe: Untouched Icelandic Beauty
Standout Amenities: Wood-heated hot tub, sauna
With an amazing view of Katla Volcano, a wood-heated hot tub filled with fresh glacial water, a sauna, and unhindered access to the South coast and Hrifunes Nature Park, this three-bedroom cabin is the perfect spot for taking in the pristine natural beauty of Iceland. Drive to Vatnajökull, Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach, and the Westman Islands to fill your days and spend your nights soaking under the Northern Lights at this southern escape.
Kolsstaðir — near Búðardalur, Iceland
Vibe: Off the Grid in West Iceland
Standout Amenities: Remote, wood stove, scenic views
Venture off the beaten path and settle into 600 acres of mountaintop beauty tucked into the wilds of west Iceland. Hiking trails are just steps away from this beautiful cottage and were formed over hundreds of years thanks to the sheep who migrate through this area. A 4WD vehicle is necessary for reaching the cabin in the winter (November to April), which certainly adds to the adventure and charm of staying here.
Ash Modern Cabin — Reykjahlíð, Iceland
Vibe: Country Roads, Take me (Tiny) Home
Standout Amenities: Scenic views, bike rental, hiking nearby
While we’ve never met a tiny house we didn’t like, this one takes the Icelandic cake. Built in the middle of a 300-year-old lava field and with stunning views overlooking the lake, this tiny homestead is perfect for families or couples. Rent a bike from the property owner and make use of the maps they provide, highlighting all the best hiking and biking routes in the area—you can even pedal the 37-kilometer loop around the nearby lake, all on wild roads.
Garden Cottage — Hveragerdi, Iceland
Vibe: The Secret Garden (Cabin)
Standout Amenities: Hot springs nearby, group trip-friendly
Located in the garden of a main house, this secluded guesthouse is warm and charming, and located just a short away from the hot spring of Reykjadalur. Although it's on the smaller side, this cozy cabin sleeps six with multiple double beds throughout, and a private room in the back for whoever booked the place.
Northern Lights Luxury — Mosfellsbær, Iceland
Vibe: Easy Peasy Icelandic Exploring Made Easy
Standout Amenities: Lake close by, horseback riding
With close highway access for those nervous about a road trip amongst the remote Icelandic landscape, and with the Golden Circle and Þingvellir nearby, this luxury getaway makes exploring this part of the country comfortable and easy. The hosts even offer help in arranging day tours on quads/ATVs or on horseback—which shouldn’t be passed up on.
Published 06-08-2022
Updated 05-12-2024
