Hotel Grimsborgir
Golden Circle, Southern Iceland
At a Glance
Fantastic location for exploring the south of Iceland and the Golden Circle
Comfortable chalet-style apartments each with their own hot tub overlooking the mountains
Beautiful views across the River Sog to the snow-capped hills behind
Excellent home-cooked food and Icelandic specialities served in the hotel's restaurant
Tranquil countryside setting less than an hour from Reykjavik
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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
Relax in your outdoor hot tub after a day of excursions and be in with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights dance across the sky above you
The heated floors are a really welcome warmer during the snowy winter months.
The food on offer at Grimsborgir is varied and delicious - from Icelandic lamb to Minke whale!
There are 29 hot tubs in total at the hotel - a dip in one is a must after a long day of adventures.
Hotel Grimsborgir is the perfect base to explore the Golden Circle and offers many comfortable options for both families and couples.
??Be sure to make the most of the hotel's Northern lights wake-up call. The lights are surprisingly elusive so make the most of them while you can!?
Call us on 020 3993 4743 to start planning your holiday to Hotel Grimsborgir or take a look at our itineraries to Iceland
Description
Surrounded by stunning mountain vistas and located on the banks of the beautiful River Sog, Iceland's largest freshwater river, Hotel Grimsborgir offers comfortable and stylish 4 star accommodation with an incredibly warm welcome.
Hotel Grimsborgir sits on the famous Golden Circle route and makes a fantastic base from which to explore the highlights of Southern Iceland such as the waterfall Gullfoss, the hot water fountain Geysir and the historic site of Thingvellir National Park. Located in Grímsnes, about 45 minutes outside Reykjavik, the setting is both peaceful and beautiful; and due to it's setting on the River Sog it is famous for fishing Arctic char, Atlantic salmon and brown trout.
Accommodation is in ten comfortable apartments dotted around the property, most with their own private hot tub overlooking the river, fields and mountains beyond.
The owners, Kristin and Olafur, have taken great care in the décor which has a stylish home-from-home feel and the welcome here is as warm as the cosy firesides in each apartment. The charming Grimsborgir Restaurant offers traditional Icelandic meals as well as other delicious, home-cooked dishes, all prepared from fresh, local products.
Far from the bright lights of the city and surrounded by open countryside, Grimsborgir is a great place from which to try and see the Northern Lights during the winter months. In summer, guests can choose to fish in the river that runs adjacent to the hotel.
Accommodation
The hotel has ten apartments of varying sizes, all with one or more bathrooms and most with a kitchen and private hot tub on the terrace. The largest apartment is around 200 sq m, sleeping up to nine people in four double rooms and one single room. The smaller apartments sleep up to four people in two double rooms. Guests can also stay in the house which has two floors and sleeps up to nine people in three double rooms and one triple room. All apartments are allocated on a private basis and are suitable for families, groups of friends or couples. The hotel also has two double rooms with en-suite facilities.
Childcare
While there are no dedicated facilities for children, the hotel is a great option for families with both children and teenagers. The larger apartments are particularly suitable, with lots of room both indoors and outside so older children feel they have their own space, while younger children can be easily supervised.
Facilities
While most apartments have kitchen facilities, the hotel does have its own restaurant, serving a range of Icelandic specialities as well as more traditional fare such as pasta, soups and salads. A lot of care goes into the cooking and all breads and pastries are baked fresh each morning in the kitchen.
Activities
Hotel Grimsborgir is an ideal base for which to explore the south of Iceland, with highlights such as the Golden Circle, Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfalls and the famous Geysir all within easy reach.
Activities during the winter months include glacier hikes, snowmobiling, caving, quad biking and - if you can brave the cold - even snorkelling. In the summer the colder weather activities are replaced by white water rafting and horse riding.
Reviews
Fran Weekes (Staff)
Hotel Grimsborgir offers spacious and comfortable accommodation in the heart of Southern Iceland. The hotel opened 10 years ago and it has expanded to 130 rooms in total. The rooms vary in size from regular hotel rooms to four bedroom villas. The rooms are spacious, clean and bright and Grimsborgir has accommodation to suit everyone's needs. Each of the different buildings has a hot tub and the apartments and villas have private hot tubs for each unit. The dining room serves a cold buffet breakfast and made to order hot breakfast for guests. The restaurant offers a set dinner menu or a la carte. The main building also offers a bar with a cosy fireplace for evening drinks and the main reception area. On Friday and Saturday nights, the hotel offers live music shows and the hotel restaurant tends to be booked by local groups for these events. It is best to avoid staying here on these nights as the groups take over the hotel and "regular" guests could feel a bit over-looked. This hotel is great for families or multi-generational gatherings because it is spacious and it has many different rooming options.
Pippa Carey (Staff)
I really enjoyed our stay at Grimsborgir. We stayed in a couple of junior suites right by the main building which were comfortable, very warm and spacious. The hotel features several buildings all in a large circle, navigable either on foot or if you are staying at the far end of the loop, by the hotel's shuttle service. The bar is very cosy, with a lovely roaring fire place and a good selection of wine. Claudia at reception was an absolute delight. She greeted us with a warm smile and shared with us her bountiful knowledge of the area. A great base in this incredible country to recharge, relax and await those incredible northern lights.?
Anne Bamber (Staff)
Hotel Grimsborgir is a welcoming retreat set in the most beautiful countryside. This hotel is perfect for families and groups who'd like privacy and space. The 4 bedroom luxury apartments are well equipped, spacious and elegantly furnished - the addition of a private terrace and hot tub would make for a really memorable stay. The restaurant and bar area are homely and welcoming - with wonderful views in the daytime.
Milly Walker (Staff)
I loved Hotel Grimsborgir. The apartments are spacious and perfect for families or even couples who just want a little extra space. Located in the wilderness of Southern Iceland, you are surrounded by the beautiful rustic landscape - which when covered a blanket of snow is even more beautiful.
The bonus of a private hot but in these apartments is an excellent addition as you can gaze up in to the night sky from the warmth of the bubbling water and may even be in with a chance of seeing the illusive Northern Lights.
So many activities can be arranged while staying at this hotel in both the winter and the summer, from Glacier hiking and the Golden Circle to salmon fishing and rafting.
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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Blue Dragon ice cave by helicopter
Take to the skies and fly over Vatnajokull National Park in a helicopter towards the Skeidararjokull glacier, where, as part of a small group tour, you'll have the chance to explore the stunning Blue Dragon ice cave, one of the region's most remote.
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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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Buggy and ice cave adventure
Discover the dramatic scenery of southern Iceland on an exhilarating tour with your private guide. Begin with a hike across a glacier, followed by a visit into an ice cave, before driving a buggy across one of the south coast's black sand beaches.
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Essential Iceland helicopter tour
Explore Iceland from the air, discovering Iceland's highlights from a brand new perspective in your private helicopter. Fly above the iconic Golden Circle, spotting waterfalls and geysers, and admire the multi-coloured mountains of Landmannalaugar.
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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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Glacier hiking
If adventure is high on your holiday checklist, hiking on one of Iceland's monumental glaciers is a must. An immense wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses await discovery!
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Glacier snowmobiling
Langjokull is Iceland's second biggest glacier with several enormous ice filled volcanic craters, encircled by imposing volcanoes. Exploring by snowmobile is an adrenaline-fuelled way to experience the breathtaking landscape of this region of Iceland.
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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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Inside the Volcano
This is an extraordinary opportunity to explore the heart of a volcano. Thrihnukagigur is a unique natural phenomenon and the only place on earth where you can enter a magma chamber.
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Jökulsárlón by hovercraft
Discover the beauty of Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon from a unique perspective, on board a hovercraft floating across the icy water. As you travel on this small group tour, admire the incredible icebergs and look out for seals lounging on the water's edge.
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Jökulsárlón private tour
Visit the breathtaking Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and witness bright blue icebergs floating across the lagoon's glassy surface, with the Vatnajökull glacier towering in the background. A magnificent sight, this makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
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Lava tunnel caving
Witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption; walking in the path of 5,000 year-old lava, for a truly unique experience.
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Northern Lights Hunt
Venture out in search of the elusive Northern Lights, with your private guide leading the way and using expert knowledge to give you the best chance of finding them. Head away from the artificial lights of Reykjavik and discover this wonderful phenomenon.
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Private Superjeep Tour to Thorsmork
Explore volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers and more on this amazing volcano safari super jeep tour to the dramatic landscapes of Thorsmork. Your expert private guide will take you to places very few people get to experience up close and personal.
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Snorkelling between Tectonic Plates
Snorkel the crystal-clear waters of Iceland's Silfra fissure and discover the secret underwater canyon located between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
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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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South Shore safari
On this amazing guided jeep safari you will see the South Shore’s most treasured natural sights, including impressive waterfalls, epic landscapes, as well as its black lava sand beaches and dunes.
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Superjeep tour to Landmannalaugar
Experience the spectacular landscapes of Iceland's highlands with a private guide at the wheel of a superjeep - don’t forget to bring along your bathing suit and towel for a dip in one of the area's geothermal pools.
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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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Visit the Westman Islands
Head away from mainland Iceland to discover the fascinating Westman Islands, located just off the country's south coast. Take the ferry to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the archipelago, and explore its dramatic landscape with your private guide.
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Westman Islands and lunch on Elliðaey
Fly from the mainland to the Westman Islands to explore this beautiful archipelago. Visit the only inhabited island, Heimaey, before sailing to one of the smaller islands, Elliðaey, for a truly unique lunch.
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
Location & directions
Golden Circle, Southern Iceland
Hotel Grímsborgir is about 45 minutesfrom Reykjavik and a 90-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport.
How to get there
Icelandair fly directly from London to Reykjavík-Keflavík Airport in 3 hours, as do some of the low cost carriers including Easyjet and Wow Air.
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