Dalahyttur

The breakfast and dinner were both good. Breakfast is included, and while the selection may seem small at first, it’s quickly topped up so there’s plenty to eat. Dinner needs to be ordered ahead, though you can do that later in the day too. If you’re out and don’t make it back in time, they can turn it into takeaway. The local ingredients, tasty food, and lovely presentation made it worth having dinner there at least once. Daria, who isn’t the owner but seems to take care of everything, is a wonderful person and knows a lot about places to visit. This quiet farm sits near the far end of a gravel road in a valley, with three cabins and three twin bungalows across the road. There’s also an unusual black half-barrel building for breakfast, dining, and reception. Our clean cabin had a small balcony with valley and hillside views, plus a well-equipped kitchenette with a mini fridge, hotplate, and kettle, but no microwave. The double bed has a quirky bunk above it. Thoughtful extras included towels, slippers, shoe polish, a charging cable, and a travel plug. From its spot at the base of the Snaefellsness Peninsula, it’s easy to head north to the Western Fjords, west to Snaefellsjökull National Park, south to Akranes and Reykjavik, or east toward Akureyri and North Iceland.

The breakfast had lots of options, and the waffles are worth trying. We liked having a reception and restaurant where we could check in, since many places we’d stayed at had no service or interaction. Our cabin was clean and cozy, though a little small and short on extras. It only had salt and pepper, with no dishwashing linens or cooking oil. The breaker tripped on the first day, but we fixed it quickly, and the shower had trouble draining. Still, we had a great stay.

Dinner was a highlight: two local women looked after us, and, I believe, lived there. We had lamb from the farm, cod caught that morning by the farmer’s son, and salad greens from a neighbor. They also sold authentic wool sweaters made from their own sheep, and the women were lovely to talk with. They even made a great espresso martini. We came across this lodge while driving the ring road, and it was the best place we found for enjoying Icelandic culture. The lodges were adorable, clean, comfortable, and modern, with beautiful views of the mountain and sheep. It’s a little off the beaten path, down a three-mile dirt road, but we had a beautiful night there. Breakfast was included, and the restaurant closes at 8 pm.

We stayed in one of the larger double units just below the road, and the valley views were amazing. The room was modern, stylish, and very functional. The main building houses reception, dining, and a few small units. The place is in a green valley at the start of the West Iceland peninsula, about 5 km along a well-maintained gravel road. Dinner needs a reservation by early afternoon. The menu is short, but the dishes are excellent, well prepared, and nicely presented. The wine list is limited, though the quality is good. Breakfast is served from a small but well-stocked buffet. The family who runs the place was very kind and gave us useful tips for sightseeing, cafes, and fuel stops. Prices are on the high side, but fair for Iceland and the quality. A quiet, comfortable place that I’d especially recommend to couples.