Iceland's Hidden Gem: Hestheimar Hella - You HAVE to See This!
Iceland's Hidden Gem: Hestheimar Hella - You HAVE to See This!
Iceland's Hidden Gem: Hestheimar Hella - You HAVE to See This! – A Review (That's Actually Honest, Okay?)
Alright, folks, buckle up. Forget those airbrushed, perfect hotel reviews. We're going REAL. I just got back from Hestheimar Hella, Iceland, and honestly? My brain is still processing the sheer… Icelandicness of it all. This place is a vibe, a whole chunky, beautiful vibe. And you, yes you, need to experience it.
Let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way first, because, you know, practicalities.
Accessibility: They say it's accessible. I didn't personally test the full spectrum of wheelchair accessibility, but the public areas seemed okay, with an elevator and ramps. (I'll update if I get more intel, but for now, call ahead and double-check. Seriously, do it).
Internet (The Real World): This is Iceland. Internet is… there, but it's not the star of the show. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, they say! And they're not lying. But it's like, Icelandic Wi-Fi. Mostly functional. You're not going to be streaming 4K documentaries every single day, got it? Wi-Fi in public areas? Yes, and that’s slightly better. But seriously: disconnect. You came to Iceland, not to binge-watch cat videos, even though I did and it was tempting at times. There's also Internet [LAN] if you really need to plug in (old school!), and whatever Internet services they could muster. Don't bank on anything lightning fast. Embrace the slower pace. (Trust me).
Cleanliness and Safety (The Covid-19 Edition): Okay, they’re on it. Big time. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere (seriously, I still smell like the stuff), Individually-wrapped food options (more on that later, it's a mixed bag), Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They're taking it seriously. They also have Rooms sanitized between stays and offer a Room sanitization opt-out available. Feel safe, friends. I did. Cashless payment service made things easy-peasy. Professional-grade sanitizing services were a thing that was going on. Hot water linen and laundry washing, too. Hygiene certification? Check. The only thing is, they had Shared stationery removed, which makes sense but like… I wanted to write a postcard! (Minor complaint, I know).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure): This is where things get interesting. The restaurants are good. Okay, they’re actually pretty darn good. The A la carte in restaurant is great. The Breakfast [buffet] (yes!) is a proper Icelandic buffet, if one could even exist. Western breakfast, but also with some intriguing local options. You'll find your fill. Buffet in restaurant for breakfast, too. Score. The coffee/tea in restaurant? Plentiful. They have a Coffee shop too, where I spent far too much time plotting my next horse ride. I love Asian cuisine in restaurant to break the usual Icelandic fare. I'm also happy with the Soup in restaurant.
Now, about that Alternative meal arrangement. Listen. I’m a picky eater. So, I requested a lot of changes. The staff, bless their patient souls, handled it with grace and humour. Seriously, they went above and beyond. And the Bottle of water upon arrival? A lifesaver after a long flight.
But the Best Part?? The Poolside bar! (More specifically, the Pool with view). Picture this: You’ve spent the day exploring glaciers and waterfalls, wind-whipped and exhilarated. You saunter over to the pool. The water is perfectly heated. And the view? Holy. Moly. I spent hours there, just… existing. Sipping something cold (they have a Happy hour!), gazing at the Icelandic landscape, feeling all my worries just… melt away. Pure bliss. I think they even had a Snack bar for a quick bite near the pool.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (The "Why You're Here" Stuff): This is the real meat of Hestheimar. Look: It's all centred around horses. You have to ride a horse. Period. You must see the Icelandic horses. You must get to Hestheimar. Body scrub and Body wrap if you want it. They have a Spa, Spa/sauna, and Sauna! They have a Swimming pool! (And they have Swimming pool [outdoor]!).They have a Foot bath, too, and a Massage. I didn't get a massage (stupid me!) but I heard amazing things. They have a Steamroom too. Fitness center, yes. Gym/fitness, too. So, yeah, you can totally detox and get your zen on.
But back to the horses. I can't even describe the feeling of galloping across the Icelandic landscape on one of those sturdy, adorable ponies. Pure freedom. Seriously, if this doesn’t scratch your soul, nothing will.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter): Air conditioning in public area (didn't need it, but good to know). Concierge. Daily housekeeping – they do a good job. Elevator for easy access. Facilities for disabled guests, as mentioned (check on specifics), etc. They have a Gift/souvenir shop, so prepare to buy all the Icelandic wool things. Laundry service, always a plus. Luggage storage, important for any adventurer. They offer Meetings and Seminars, if you're there for something other than pure joy. Outdoor venue for special events – perfect for a wedding! Terrace for enjoying the neverending daylight. And the Car park [free of charge] is a huge bonus (because Iceland is expensive!). They even have a Car power charging station.
For the Kids: Babysitting service if you need it, and the place is definitely Family/child friendly. They have Kids facilities, just what you may need. I didn't see any, but they probably had a Kids meal menu.
Available in All Rooms (The "Home Away From Home" Stuff): This is where the review gets really detailed. Additional toilet? Nope, but the bathroom was spacious. Air conditioning: Nope, you don't need it, it's Iceland! Alarm clock, Bathrobes and Slippers (a must!). Bathroom phone: Seriously? Who uses those anymore? Bathtub and Shower are separate. Blackout curtains: Crucial for those long summer days (or nights, whatever). Coffee/tea maker: Yes! Complimentary tea: Double yes! Daily housekeeping: As mentioned, excellent. Desk, Extra long bed: Perfect for tall people like me. Free bottled water: Always appreciated. Hair dryer: Essential for windy Iceland. High floor: Not applicable (it's Iceland, not a skyscraper!). In-room safe box: For your passport and winnings from the happy hour at that poolside bar. Ironing facilities: Probably, though I didn't bother (who irons on vacation?). Laptop workspace: If you must work. (Seriously, don't). Linens: Soft and clean. Mini bar: Yes! Mirror: Plenty. Non-smoking – of course. On-demand movies? Nope. Private bathroom: Yup. Reading light: Excellent. Refrigerator: Useful. Satellite/cable channels: If you need to watch the news. Scale: Yikes. Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing. Telephone: Old school, still there. Toiletries: Nice ones. Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens.
The Quirks and Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect): Okay, let's be real. It's not all rainbows and Icelandic ponies. The food? Mostly amazing. But the Individually-wrapped food options for the breakfast buffet were… a bit much. Like, the pre-packaged muffins and croissants felt a little out of place. It's a minor blip, but it's there. Not a dealbreaker.
And the decor? It’s… you know, functional. Clean, tidy, and everything.
Now, For the Emotional Stuff (The "Why You'll Remember This Place"):
Honestly, Hestheimar isn't just a hotel. It's an experience. It's waking up to the crisp air, the sound of horses
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned Icelandic adventure. This is Hestheimar Hella: The Unfiltered Edition. Expect less "sunrise yoga, followed by geothermal pool immersion" and more "mild panic, questionable decisions, and the overwhelming urge to hug every Icelandic horse I see." Let's go:
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Horse-Hugging Debacle (And a Slight Melt-Down Over the Icelandic Traffic Laws)
- 10:00 AM (Give or take… Icelandic time, right?): Touchdown at Keflavik Airport. The air hits you like a slap in the face – COLD. Beautiful, crisp, and definitely wakes you up. I'm instantly regretting not packing more layers. Immediately get lost in the airport. Because, you know, navigating feels extra hard after a red-eye.
- 11:30 AM: Rental car pick-up. The car is smaller than I anticipated. Like, comically small. Good thing I didn't pack that extra suitcase. I have this vague feeling of anxiety as the person told me what the traffic rules are. I am pretty sure I will fail this part of my trip.
- 12:30 PM: Head on my way to Hestheimar Hella. Omg, the scenery! It's like a postcard exploded. I'm already pulling over every five minutes to take photos, which slows things down, of course. Road trips are awesome!
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at Hestheimar Guesthouse. It's charming, cozy, smells vaguely of horses and wet wool. Already love it. I'm assigned to a room. I'm already missing my comfy bed.
- 4:00 PM: Horseback riding! THIS is why I'm here. I'd seen the photos, read the reviews, and had a ridiculously romantic vision of galloping across the open plains, wind in my hair, feeling one with nature. Truth time? My horse, Grimur (which sounded suspiciously like "Grim Reaper" to me), was surprisingly… grumpy. He mostly wanted to eat grass. I, on the other hand, wanted to gallop. Which Grimur did not. Not one bit. I swear he was judging my riding skills, or lack thereof. It was funny at first, but, by the end, I was just fighting the urge to cry. I am not a natural. sigh.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the guesthouse. Delicious, hearty stew. I needed that. I'm exhausted, slightly sunburnt (who knew you could get sunburnt in Iceland?), and covered in horse hair. I tried to have a conversation with the people around me. No luck.
Day 2: The Golden Circle & Geothermal Grief
- 9:00 AM (ish): Breakfast at the guesthouse. This is when my internal clock fully adjusts to Icelandic time. The food is awesome. I am full.
- 10:00 AM: The Golden Circle bonanza. I heard this was the touristy stuff, and I'm usually a "get off the beaten path" kinda gal, but hey… when in Rome (or, uh, Iceland). First stop: Þingvellir National Park. It's breathtaking. My jaw actually dropped. The tectonic plates? Insane. I took a ton of photos. The sky was a brilliant shade of blue.
- 12:00 PM: Geysir geothermal area. Strokkur erupts! It's awesome! Everyone cheers. Then, I get caught in the spray. Cold, sulfurous mist. I shriek. People laugh (mostly me - I have a weird relationship with humiliation).
- 1:30 PM: Gullfoss waterfall! Majestic. Powerful. So much water! Spray everywhere! I take more photos. I feel like a total tourist.
- 3:30 PM: Secret Lagoon. The ultimate relaxation after the chaos of the Golden Circle. Then I got in the lagoon. And then I started feeling a panic attack. I am just standing here, in the middle of the water, alone, and my head starts swimming. This is worse than the horse.
- 6:00 PM: Back to Hestheimar. I feel like a wet, prune-like, overwhelmed version of myself. I had to call my therapist in tears. She was understanding.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the guesthouse again. This time, I'm sitting alone.
- 8:30 PM: Went to bed.
Day 3: Riding the Rollercoaster, And Learning to Love the Grumpy Horse
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast! More amazing food. I sit with a slightly forlorn air.
- 10:00 AM: Horseback riding. I chose to go for it again. This time, I requested Grimur. I was determined to make peace with the grumpy horse. The horse gave me the same look: "Why are you here? And when are you bringing carrots?" I am still horrible at this.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. I am just sitting here, eating lunch. Then, all of a sudden everything started to hit me, like a wave of depression. I just stared at my plate, not having the drive to go explore and get lost again. The person told me I can go for a hike. I am not sure how long I can survive here.
- 2:00 PM: I'm back in the room. I spent the whole time staring at the ceiling.
- 4:00 PM: I decide to visit the stables. I start smiling at the horses, and start talking to them.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner again. I am not really hungry.
- 7:30 PM: In bed, alone, looking ahead. I feel so calm after all this time.
Day 4: The Unscripted Farewell (and a Vow to Return, Better Prepared)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Last one! So much to eat.
- 10:00 AM: Check-out. The guesthouse owners are incredibly kind. They gave me a hug before I left.
- 10:30 AM: Head back to Keflavik. I'm already planning my return trip, even though I'm convinced my rental car will be the death of me. Maybe next time, I won't try to do so much.
- 1:30 PM: Keflavik Airport. Waiting area time. I am just relaxing, drinking coffee.
- 3:00 PM: The flight departs. Tears, happy tears. Goodbye Iceland!
Final Thoughts: This trip was a rollercoaster! I had moments of pure awe, moments of abject panic, and a constant internal battle between my desire for adventure and my need to retreat into my comfort zone. Iceland, and specifically Hestheimar, you tested me. You humbled me. You made me laugh at myself (again). And, dare I say it… you made me stronger. Next time, I'll bring more layers, more patience, and maybe, just maybe, a carrot or two for Grimur. And definitely, I'll bring better coping mechanisms.
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Hestheimar Hella: The Unfiltered Truth (and My Heart)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. You wanna know about Hestheimar? Forget sterile brochures. This is the real deal. And let me tell ya, it's a ride. A real, honest-to-goodness, Icelandic horse-powered, soul-stirring ride.
What's the deal with Hestheimar? Sounds...horsy.
Okay, yeah, it’s horsy. Duh. But picture this: rolling green fields, mountains in the distance all covered with this amazing moss, that crisp Icelandic air (freezing, but in a good way!), and these adorable, shaggy Icelandic horses. They're not like those prissy show ponies, these are genuine, sturdy little beasts built for the elements. My first thought? ‘Wow, that's a lot of fuzzy ponies.’ My second thought? ‘I’m never leaving.’ Seriously. It's a riding center, focusing on Icelandic horses and their unique gaits. It's more than just "horsy" though. It's a vibe. A *feel*. Imagine a place where worries melt away with every gentle rhythm of the horse's tölt. Oh, the tölt! We'll get to that…
Is this JUST for experienced riders? Because I’m… not.
Nope! *Absolutely* not. They cater to everyone, bless their cotton socks. They have lessons, guided treks, and everything in between. I myself am, let's say, a *beginner-adjacent* rider. (Meaning I can mostly stay on… most of the time. Gravity is a fickle mistress, you know?). Honestly, I was terrified before my first lesson. I pictured myself being flung into a rock (dramatic, I know). The instructors are incredibly patient and kind. I mean, they *had* to be with ME! They start slow, build your confidence, and make you feel like you can actually, you know, *ride* a horse. Which, turns out, I could! Sort of.
I remember my first real trek. I was so nervous my hands were clammy. The wind was whipping, the rain was coming down sideways, and I thought, 'What have I gotten myself into?!' But then, the horse started to tölt…
Tell me about this 'tölt' thing. Is it some kind of Icelandic horse secret handshake?
OMG, the tölt! It's the most magical, smooth, and comfortable gait *ever*. Forget those jarring trots and bouncy canters. This is different. Imagine floating on a cloud. That’s the tölt. It's the horse's legs are constantly moving, but you barely feel a thing. You can drink your coffee without spilling it! I kid you not. Okay, I didn't *actually* try to drink coffee, but the thought crossed my mind. It’s like a magic carpet ride!
The first time I felt the tölt... I think I actually giggled. It was pure, unadulterated joy. It's so efficient, too, allowing you to cover ground without the usual bouncing. It’s why these horses were so valued by the Vikings and is what makes them uniquely suited for the rugged Icelandic terrain.
What's the best part about Hestheimar, in your UNFILTERED opinion?
The people. Seriously. Forget Instagram-perfect landscapes (though the landscapes ARE stunning). It’s the *people*. It’s a family. The owners, the staff, the other riders— everyone is so welcoming and genuine. You can roll in there looking like you’ve wrestled a polar bear (which, let’s be honest, I often do after a long day), and they still greet you with a smile.
They genuinely love the horses and the experience. You're not just another tourist; you're part of something special. One of the owners, I think his name was Bjorn? (or maybe Lars? I'm terrible with names), he sat with a group of us one evening and just told us stories about the horses, about Iceland, about life. It was the most authentic travel experience I've ever had.
Layers, layers, layers! Iceland weather is notorious for changing its mind every five minutes. It's like the diva of climates. Waterproof and windproof outerwear is absolutely essential. I'm talking serious rain gear. And quick-drying fabrics are your friend. Trust me. And oh yeah, bring a good sunscreen too, the sun can be brutal.
Comfortable riding pants (or sturdy jeans if you're just starting), gloves, a hat (seriously, a warm hat!), and sturdy boots are a must. They usually have some onsite if you don’t. And, for goodness sake, don’t forget your camera – you’ll want to capture every moment, even the mud on your boots.Hotel Finder Reviews
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