Located on a lava field overlooking the sea on the westernmost tip of the remote Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the iconic Hotel Budir enjoys one of the most dramatic and beautiful settings in this little explored region of Iceland.
A fantastic base from which to explore this wild and beautiful part of Iceland
From January to April hire a boat and go whale-watching or in the summer months horseback ride along the coast
In winter try and spot the Northern Lights from the comfort of the hotel's cosy lounge
Experience Iceland's raw beauty on this little-visited stretch of coastline
Set in the heart of the untamed countryside of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Hotel Budir is surrounded by dramatic mountainous landscape stretching as far as the eye can see. Floor to ceiling windows in the hotel's cosy lounge look out onto the Budir estuary, home to a number of seal families which can often be seen frolicking in the shallows. Beyond is the vast Faxafloi Bay leading out to sea.
To the west of the hotel the mighty Snaefellsjokull glacier is clearly visible and offers excellent hiking opportunities during the summer months. In winter, the hotel's remote location away from the glow of the city makes it a fantastic place to try and spot the elusive Northern Lights.
Rooms at the hotel are simply furnished but cosy and comfortable, providing an excellent base from which to explore the incredible landscape in this little visited part of Iceland. Or you can simply choose to relax with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and enjoy the view.
Hotel Budir’s restaurant is a particular highlight and offers a seasonal menu serving delicious food sourced from neighbouring villages such as Stykkisholmur, Olafsvik and Borgarnes.
The hotel is a perfect base for active couples and families with older children who want to get off the beaten track and discover Iceland away from the tourist trail.
When to visit
Snuggle up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate or glass of red wine and watch the sun set over the glacier.
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Hotel Budir is set in a remote location two hours from Reykjavik on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Private transfers by helicopter from Reykjavik can also be arranged.
Ultimate Iceland
Adventure on the road less travelled with this ultimate itinerary through the awe-inspiring landscape of Iceland. Leap into the charm of Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon before heading to the beautiful and dramatic landscape of the sublime Snaefellsnes Peninsula, one of the country's hidden gems. Stay at contemporary Icelandic hotels and welcoming guesthouses as you bask in the amazing landscapes in this authentic and wild side of Iceland.
ATV tour in the Reykjanes peninsula
Explore the Reykjanes peninsula on an exhilarating ATV experience, driving across stunning black sand beaches and through dramatic scenery. Start on the easy terrain of the beaches as you get to grips with your ATV before exploring rugged landscapes.
Bathing in the Blue Lagoon
One of the world's most unique spas, Iceland's Blue Lagoon is an outdoor, geo-thermally heated spa providing an amazing experience that cannot be missed when visiting Iceland.
Blue Dragon Ice Cave by helicopter
Embark on an exhilarating scenic helicopter flight over Skeiðarárjökull glacier, taking in panoramic views of Vatnajökull National Park’s sprawling network of glaciers.
Borgarfjordur and into the glacier
Explore the beautiful west coast of Iceland, discovering its incredible scenery, impressive waterfalls and the breathtaking Langjokull glacier. Venture deep into the glacier itself, walking through fascinating ice caves, for a truly unique experience.
Buggy and ice cave adventure
Discover the dramatic scenery of southern Iceland on an exhilarating tour with your private guide. Begin with a hike across a glacier, followed by a visit into an ice cave, before driving a buggy across one of the south coast's black sand beaches.
Explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
On this tour pass through the traditional fishing villages perched on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula's coast. Visit the unique Shark Museum and stop at Ölkelda where naturally carbonated water springs from the ground.
Giljabod canyon baths
Explore the beauty of western Iceland with a gentle hike through Husafell canyon, passing by incredible scenery before reaching the Giljabod pools, hidden in the canyon, to enjoy a relaxing soak in the geothermally-heated water.
Glacier hiking
If adventure is high on your holiday checklist, hiking on one of Iceland's monumental glaciers is a must. An immense wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses await discovery!
Glacier snowmobiling
Langjokull is Iceland's second biggest glacier with several enormous ice filled volcanic craters, encircled by imposing volcanoes. Exploring by snowmobile is an adrenaline-fuelled way to experience the breathtaking landscape of this region of Iceland.
Inside the Volcano
This is an extraordinary opportunity to explore the heart of a volcano. Thrihnukagigur is a unique natural phenomenon and the only place on earth where you can enter a magma chamber.
Jet skiing in northern Iceland
Take to the water and explore the dramatic coastline of northern Iceland by jet ski on a small group tour. You'll have the opportunity to visit hidden coves which are inaccessible by road, while keeping your eyes peeled for whales swimming alongside you.
Jökulsárlón private tour
Visit the breathtaking Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and witness bright blue icebergs floating across the lagoon's glassy surface, with the Vatnajökull glacier towering in the background. A magnificent sight, this makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
Lava tunnel caving
Witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption; walking in the path of 5,000 year-old lava, for a truly unique experience.
Northern Lights Hunt
Venture out in search of the elusive Northern Lights, with your private guide leading the way and using expert knowledge to give you the best chance of finding them. Head away from the artificial lights of Reykjavik and discover this wonderful phenomenon.
Private Superjeep Tour to Thorsmork
Explore volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers and more on this amazing volcano safari super jeep tour to the dramatic landscapes of Thorsmork. Your expert private guide will take you to places very few people get to experience up close and personal.
Snorkelling between Tectonic Plates
Snorkel the crystal-clear waters of Iceland's Silfra fissure and discover the secret underwater canyon located between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Snowmobiling in the Troll Peninsula
Explore the mountains of the stunning Troll Peninsula on the back of a snowmobile, taking in the incredible views as you speed across the snow. During the winter, look out for the Northern Lights dancing through the sky above.
Snowmobiling on langjokull
Meaning 'the long glacier', Langjökull makes for a thrilling snowmobile experience. Join your private guide as you ride across the surface of the glacier and take in the incredible views of Iceland's south coast.
South Shore safari
On this amazing guided safari you will see the South Shore’s most treasured natural sights, including impressive waterfalls, epic landscapes, as well as its black lava sand beaches and dunes.
The Golden Circle
Iceland's ruggedly beautiful and tectonically active landscape offers some amazing natural attractions, known as the "Golden Circle". These include the Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur Geysir and Thingvellir National Park.
Visit the Westman Islands
Head away from mainland Iceland to discover the fascinating Westman Islands, located just off the country's south coast. Take the ferry to Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the archipelago, and explore its dramatic landscape with your private guide.
Whale watching from Snaefellsnes
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west of Iceland is regarded as one of the best places to observe orca whales in their natural habitat. In the summer, you may spot an array of other whale species too, including minke and humpback whales.
Whale watching in Eyjafjordur
Eyjafjordur is Iceland's longest fjord, home to breathtaking scenery as well as resident whales and dolphins. Take to the water with your expert guide to try and spot these beautiful creatures swimming below.
