Hotel Budir
Budir, Snaefellsnes Peninsula
At a Glance
A fantastic base from which to explore this wild and beautiful part of Iceland
From January to April hire a boat and go whale-watching or in the summer months horseback ride along the coast
In winter try and spot the Northern Lights from the comfort of the hotel's cosy lounge
Experience Iceland's raw beauty on this little-visited stretch of coastline
Spend a few nights at the hotel relaxing and soaking up the scenery or stay as part of a longer Icelandic itinerary
A great option for nature lovers, romantics and older children with a sense of adventure
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
May, June and July are the driest months of the year, although rainfall is largely consistent throughout the year, falling as snow in the colder winter months. Mid-June to August is high season, but most highland tours don’t operate until July because of snow. Areas with geothermal activity are often noticeably warmer than surrounding areas. Temperatures drop considerably as you go up into the mountains, particularly around the ice caps. From September through March, the night is dark enough to see the Aurora Borealis.
Insider's View
Snuggle up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate or glass of red wine and watch the sun set over the glacier.
Take a sunrise hike up to the beautiful Black Church just minutes from Hotel Budir, then continue on to one of the many hiking trails that lead to the beach and across the lava fields.
Follow one of the walking trails from outside the hotel through lava fields all the way to the sea for a pre-dinner walk.
Make sure you leave time before dinner to have a drink by the fire, play board games and enjoy the stunning coastal views.
Sea otters like to hang out in the bay next to the hotel. Be sure to use the telescope in the bar for the best chance of spotting one.
To start planning your holiday to Hotel Budir
Description
Located on a lava field overlooking the sea on the westernmost tip of the remote Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the iconic Hotel Budir enjoys one of the most dramatic and beautiful settings in this little explored region of Iceland.
Set in the heart of the untamed countryside of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Hotel Budir is surrounded by dramatic mountainous landscape stretching as far as the eye can see. Floor to ceiling windows in the hotel's cosy lounge look out onto the Budir estuary, home to a number of seal families which can often be seen frolicking in the shallows. Beyond is the vast Faxafloi Bay leading out to sea.
To the west of the hotel the mighty Snaefellsjokull glacier is clearly visible and offers excellent hiking opportunities during the summer months. In winter, the hotel's remote location away from the glow of the city makes it a fantastic place to try and spot the elusive Northern Lights.
Rooms at the hotel are simply furnished but cosy and comfortable, providing an excellent base from which to explore the incredible landscape in this little visited part of Iceland. Or you can simply choose to relax with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and enjoy the view.
Hotel Budir’s restaurant is a particular highlight and offers a seasonal menu serving delicious food sourced from neighbouring villages such as Stykkisholmur, Olafsvik and Borgarnes.
The hotel is a perfect base for active couples and families with older children who want to get off the beaten track and discover Iceland away from the tourist trail.
Accommodation
The 28 rooms at Hotel Budir are stylish yet simply furnished with either a bath or a shower. Every room comes with aTV, DVD player, telephone and a hairdryer. All rooms are non-smoking.
| Standard Room | This room comes equipped with a King size bed, private bathroom with toilet, bath and shower. These are minimalistic and stylish. |
| Deluxe Room | This simple yet stylish room comes complete with a king size bed, bathroom, shower, toilet, bath, TV and hairdryer. |
| Loft Room | Set in the loft of the building this room boasts great views and are flooded with natural light. Room comes equipped with king size bed, bathroom, shower, toilet, TV and hairdryer. |
| Master Suite | This spacious suite comes with sofas and a welcoming living area. The suite is equipped with bathroom, shower, toilet, bath, bathrobe, TV, tea/coffee maker and hair dryer. |
Childcare
Children are welcome to come and stay at Hotel Budir. However, there are no specific facilities available for them at the hotel.
Facilities
The hotel serves unique fish dishes, original starters and heavenly desserts. Chef Björgvin Mýrdal delivers delicious courses of seafood, fish and lamb, accompanied by specially selected wines by the in house sommelier. The restaurant's focus is on the freshness and quality of the food and the chef tries to use local ingredients whenever possible. The menu is changed depending on the season and sources available.
Activities
Hotel Budir's stunning countryside setting makes it a perfect base from which to explore the Snaefellnes Peninsula. In winter, ice hiking and visits to the Deildartunguhver hot spring can be arranged - one of the most powerful hot springs in Europe. In summer hiking, horse riding and boat trips are available, as well as sightseeing tours by helicopter.
Reviews
Robyn Ewart (Staff)
As you drive up to Hotel Budir you will be blown away by the location. Surrounded by black lava fields and the beach beyond, the hotel provides stunning views from all rooms. Inside, rooms are well appointed with lovely window seats to enjoy the mountains and sea. The lounge area provides a welcome retreat after a day of exploring, with ample space to relax by the fire, have a drink and play a game or two before dinner.
Claire Medlock (Staff)
Pulling up after a busy day of sightseeing in sub-zero temperatures, Hotel Budir was a cosy traditional beacon. We watched the last rays of the sun go down from the glass-fronted seating area before heading to dinner in the atmospheric dining room. The perfect place to unwind for the evening in the middle of the countryside.
Cammie Burke (Staff)
Hotel Budir has to be one of the most enchanting hotels I have had the pleasure of staying in. Located in the west of Iceland, this region is truly a feast for the eyes. With just 28 rooms, the hotel offers an intimate feel with amazing hospitality. The gourmet restaurant is known throughout Iceland to have the most delicious cuisine, while the setting of Hotel Budir with its backdrop of staggering mountains, lava fields, beaches and glaciers makes the hotel a truly special place to rest your head. Make sure to say hello to the hotel's adorable dog Igor, he will make you feel right at home along with a cosy lounge that is the perfect place for relaxation.
Experiences
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Bathing in the Blue Lagoon
One of the world's most unique spas, Iceland's Blue Lagoon is an outdoor, geo-thermally heated spa providing an amazing experience that cannot be missed when visiting Iceland.
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Borgarfjordur and into the glacier
Explore the beautiful west coast of Iceland, discovering its incredible scenery, impressive waterfalls and the breathtaking Langjokull glacier. Venture deep into the glacier itself, walking through fascinating ice caves, for a truly unique experience.
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Explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
On this tour pass through the traditional fishing villages perched on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula's coast. Visit the unique Shark Museum and stop at Ölkelda where naturally carbonated water springs from the ground.
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Ferry to Flatey Island
Charming Flatey sits in a cluster of around forty western islands in Breiðafjördur Bay. A short ferry from Stykkisholmur takes you to this characterful Icelandic village, with opportunities for hiking and an abundance of birdlife.
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Giljabod canyon baths
Explore the beauty of western Iceland with a gentle hike through Husafell canyon, passing by incredible scenery before reaching the Giljabod pools, hidden in the canyon, to enjoy a relaxing soak in the geothermally-heated water.
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Horse riding in Iceland
Known for their distinctive trot, Icelandic horses offer a unique horse riding experience. A completely pure breed, introduced to the island during the Viking settlement, these horses are perfect for both beginners and advanced riders alike.
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Lava tube caving
Explore the hidden side of Iceland, through the country's largest lava tube, Vidgelmir. Formed by lava draining from a volcano, lava tubes are intriguing caves dating back thousands of years, and make for a fascinating experience.
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Snowmobiling on Eyjafjallajökull
Perhaps Iceland's most famous volcano, Eyjafjallajökull makes for a thrilling snowmobile experience. Join your private guide as you ride across the surface of the glacier and take in the incredible views of Iceland's south coast.
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The Golden Circle
Iceland's ruggedly beautiful and tectonically active landscape offers some amazing natural attractions, known as the "Golden Circle". These include the Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.
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Whale watching from Snaefellsnes
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west of Iceland is regarded as one of the best places to observe orca whales in their natural habitat. In the summer, you may spot an array of other whale species too, including minke and humpback whales.
Holiday Ideas
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Iceland in Summer
Reykjavik, Snaefellsnes, Southern Iceland & Jokulsarlon
from £8200 pp inc flights & transfers for 8 nights
- Discover the highlights and off-the-beaten-track sights of Iceland
- The summer months offer endless days to explore the country and evenings spent under the Midnight Sun
- Explore some of Iceland's most iconic landmarks, from the explosive geysers to dramatic black sand beaches
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Off the Beaten Track Iceland
Reykjavik & Snaefellsnes Peninsula
from £5200 pp inc flights & transfers for 6 nights
- Discover the real Iceland away from the tourist trail
- Combine the buzz of Reykjavik with the beautiful and dramatic landscape of the Snaefellsnes peninsula
- The ideal summer itinerary, spend your days hiking or horse riding along the Snaefellsnes peninsula's grassy coastal trails
Location & directions
Budir, Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Hotel Budir is set in a remote location two hours from Reykjavik on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Private transfers by helicopter from Reykjavik can also be arranged.
How to get there
Reykjavik is a 3 hour flight from London. Icelandair, Wow Air and Easyjet all fly direct from Heathrow and Gatwick.
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