Húsafell, human settlement
Húsafell is a large farm in West Iceland, set among lava fields with the glaciers Eiríksjökull and Langjökull nearby. The grounds include a birch forest, natural geothermal pools, and several caves that can be explored on foot or with a guide.
For centuries, Húsafell served as a stopping point for travelers crossing between northern Iceland, the Westfjords, and Reykjavik. It was one of the few places along these routes where people could reliably find food and shelter before roads were built.
Húsafell has long drawn artists who come here to work away from city life. The sculptor Páll Guðmundsson, who grew up in this area, carves faces into local stone and leaves his works scattered across the grounds for visitors to find while walking around.
The property works well for a short day trip or a longer stay, with accommodation ranging from camping to hotel rooms and holiday homes. Restaurants, a bistro, equipment rentals, and guided tours are all available on site, so there is no need to bring much from outside.
The Húsafell Stone is a large rock stored in a sheep pen that has been used as a strength test for generations, long before it became known in international competitions. Tradition held that anyone who could lift it was strong enough to work on the farm.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
