Lamb Inn Öngulsstaðir Hotel

The biggest surprise was seeing the Northern Lights from a hot tub in the snow. On our second night at the Lamb Inn, after several days in Reykjavik without even a glimpse, the Aurora put on a stunning display. The third night was even better: we watched it from the hot tub in the freezing snow, which the owner had prepared for us. Our family group, two families and five guests altogether, also had the whole inn to ourselves. It felt strange at first to find no one around, but we came to enjoy the privacy. We arrived at the end of the off-peak season, in early April 2025, with snow all around and some doubt about whether our car would reach the entrance. The front desk was unmanned. We found our room keys on the desk along with a note giving the owner's or manager's contact number. We'd mostly stayed in regular four- and five-star hotels and weren't used to a countryside inn, so we weren't quite sure what to expect. The place has a lot of charm. The decor is dated, but I think that's part of its character, along with old board games and beautiful little trinkets on the shelves. It took us until the second day to understand the name 'lamb' inn, when we spotted the barn full of sheep. Breakfast was light, healthy, and good quality, though there weren't many dishes and it wasn't as varied as what you'd find at a three-, four-, or five-star hotel. In low season the kitchen was open only for breakfast and the bar was closed, so bring supplies. There aren't any stores nearby. The owner was very courteous and explained why he hadn't been at the front desk the previous day. With no other guests around, he had some free time and kindly took us to his private museum. For me, it was the historical highlight of our entire trip, even better than the museums in Iceland. He also showed us his private home. He and his wife were a warm, lovely couple, and I'll always treasure our brief time with them. If I return to Iceland, I'd visit just to say hi. The staff kept quietly to themselves and did their jobs. They were around in the mornings for breakfast, always willing to help when we asked. Everything was neat and clean. Our room was clean, the beds comfortable, and there were seating areas in the shared corridor, handy for groups. This is a simple, family-run hotel for people who value authenticity. It's not one to compare with established hotel brands. We left with beautiful memories, and a reminder that there's something special behind the simplest appearances. If you want time to slow down and forget your worries, this could be the place.