Self Catering Farm Stays: Capital Region (2023)

For those who’d like to add a little quirkiness to their Icelandic farm holiday or horse riding experience, in the shadow of Esjan Mountain near Reykjavik, some unique glamping style accommodation awaits you. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation is in the form of converted city buses which are cosy and cute and can sleep up to four people on one double bed and one bunk bed. The space is tight there’s no denying but clever design allows for something of a seating area, including dining table, and a kitchenette. They are all rather nicely decorated and come with heating and WiFi. There are no private bathrooms on the buses but just outside is the ‘Bath Bus’ which you’ll clean, warm and well equipped. Outside too you’ll find picnic tables and a barbecue where you can socialize with your fellow guests. The farm is a working farm with sheep and Icelandic horses and horse riding trips can be arranged around the surrounding countryside. Esjan mountain, from where the farm gets its name, towers above and the surroundings have a beautifully wild feel to them. THE LOCATION: Though just across the bay from the city of Reykjavik the surroundings, like most of rural Iceland, have a wild, frontier like feel to them. It’s a great place for long hikes, especially around Esjan Mountain which though generally referred to as a single mountain is more a series of volcanic peaks with the tallest reaching over 900 meters (3,000 feet) and they generally have tremendous views over the sea and Reykjavik in the distance. The location is also less than twenty minutes from the Golden Circle many other of Iceland’s natural wonders; the awesome Þingvellir National Park for example, the Geyser, the Blue Lagoon and many hot springs and lava fields. Public transport is limited in this area so it’s recommended you come by car or taxi with the journey from Reykjavik taking no more than a half an hour. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This place is AMAZING!!!! The landscape is stunning, the buses are so cool – you can tell that they put a lot of thought and effort into the renovations. They have READ MORE

Akurholt is a small horse riding school and guesthouse on the edge of the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik with a communal, hostel type atmosphere, a shared kitchen and lounge, and very friendly, hospitable owners. The location is a plus; conveniently close to the city but just far away enough to feel the peace and tranquility of nature. The views are gorgeous too, with the lights of Reykjavik and the coast below and Mount Úlfarsfell right behind. THE ACCOMMODATION: The house has just four rooms; triples and doubles, so it’s a small, intimate place and a great place to get to know your fellow guests as well as the friendly owners.  There is lots of common space including a spacious communal kitchen and lounge area and  the rooms, though somewhat on the small side, are very clean and comfortable. The bathrooms are shared too but they are equally clean and well maintained. The Icelandic horse farm predates the guesthouse by a number of years and they do some lovely horse riding tours around the local area. There are some nice hiking routes around here too including a hike to the top of Mount Úlfarsfell just behind the farm. THE LOCATION: The farm is only 14km from the city but still feels very rural indeed, with lots of wild open scenery all around. There is bus stop just down the road too so it’s convenient to get to even if you don’t have a car at your disposal. It can also make a good stopping off point for those of you exploring Iceland’s scenic Golden Circle, the route which runs by some of the country’s most iconic scenery; the stunning Thingvellir National Park for example and Gullfoss Waterfall. A section of the route passes just a few kilometres from the farm. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This place was great to stay at, close enough to the city so you can easily get to it, and far enough that when you step outside you can see the Northern Lights! The staff were lovely and I definitely recommend taking part in their horse riding experience, very beautiful….” “We’ve spent there 6 nights and it was READ MORE