Vagnsstadir HI Hostel

Self check-in was convenient, so we didn’t need to arrive at a particular time. The floor was fairly clean too, since everyone has to take their shoes off at the entrance. But I wouldn’t stay in the hostel again. I can’t speak for the hotel. The building is very old. Doors slam loudly, conversations carry through the thin walls, and there are only two toilets for about 10 rooms. The showers were awful: there’s no way to adjust the temperature, and you have to keep pressing a button to get water. I assume it’s meant to save water, but I wasted a bunch waiting for it to finally turn off after I’d finished. Not sure who thought that was a good idea. The light by the top bunk in my room didn’t work. I’d read a review from someone in that same room a year earlier who had the same problem, so it seems like they don’t fix things. It’s conveniently between Vík and Höfn, but you might be better off driving on to either place for a higher quality stay. In my opinion, it wasn’t worth the price, and I had the cheapest room.

The common spaces were a pleasant part of the stay. The kitchen had plenty of cookware, utensils and basic appliances, including a stove, microwave, sandwich grill press and fridge. There’s no dishwasher, so guests need to wash their dishes by hand. The living and dining rooms were nice, and the dining room’s large glass windows gave us a magnificent view. Other guests were considerate, and it was fairly quiet after 11pm. I stayed here in September 2023. The hostel is conveniently close to South Coast attractions, especially Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon and Diamond Beach. The surroundings were beautiful, with views of mesas, and we often saw two horses and sheep grazing near the property. Our Room 5 was the cheapest option, but the bunk beds seemed meant for children. The beds fit an average adult in length and width, but I couldn’t sit upright in the lower bunk, which was uncomfortable. One of the overhead bed lights didn’t work either. Other rooms seemed to have adult-sized bunks. I wish the room details had been made clear when booking. The communal showers had lukewarm water, and drainage was poor, leaving water pooled around your feet. Because there aren’t many places to stay in this area, I’d come back, but I wouldn’t choose that room again.

The property is beautiful, and I loved the cute little cabin at first. But the heating barely worked, and it felt as cold inside as it was outside. I slept in layers with only a very thin blanket. It was an extremely cold stay, and I can’t recommend it. The curtains were light and didn’t darken the room. I’d paid extra for a private cottage, but the showers were shared in the hostel, with nowhere to put things while changing privately. A curtain didn’t fully cover the entrance to the shower area, so people could see you naked. The listing said linens and towels were included, but towels weren’t provided.

The kitchen is a good size, though it only has one stove. There’s a single WC on each of the two floors, but showers are only on the ground floor. The place is very close to Route 1. The room’s old, worn almirah didn’t seem suitable for storing belongings. Rooms aren’t soundproof, and the staircase is very narrow. Carrying large or heavy luggage up to the rooms would be difficult.