18 Hostels in Reykjavik, Iceland

About Reykjavik

Reykjavik has gone from a relatively unknown destination for backpackers to one of the most popular places to visit for those in search of adventure.
If you’re not sure why, how do lava fields of black rock, geothermal springs, lively nightlife, friendly locals and the Northern lights sound?

Even though certain things can be expensive in Iceland, there is plenty of cheap accommodation available on the island for backpackers.
The best hostels in Iceland pride themselves on good design and offer plenty of added extra, including on-site bars, self-catering kitchens, gyms and more.

You can also find cheap hostels in Iceland that offer private rooms, if you prefer a bit more privacy than a shared dorm has to offer.
As for location, almost every hostel in Reykjavik is within easy reach of the downtown area, where you can find all the best entertainment, nightlife and attractions.

Reykjavik city centre is extremely small compared to other cities in Europe, which means you won’t have to decide on the best neighbourhood to stay. It’s more about finding the best accommodation for you. There are youth hostels for those mainly interested in socialising and exploring the nightlife, or boutique hostels that offer a bit more peace and quiet,
craft beers and a chance to relax at the end of a long day. If you want to splash out, you could even stay in a space pod!

Some of the most well-known attractions include Hallgrimskirkja Church, which towers over the city from its hill top vantage point, the Solfar Sun Voyager,
a steel sculpture by Jón Gunnar Arnason which resembles a Viking ship and offers stunning views of Mount Esja, especially at sunset.

If you prefer to steer clear of the tourist attractions, there is plenty of street art on display, which you can admire while exploring the various cafes, bars and restaurants the city has to offer. Nature lovers will need to venture outside the city centre in order to find the glaciers, waterfalls, whales and thermal baths that make Iceland so popular.
Here are a few of the best things to do in Iceland.

Thanks to how compact the downtown area is, you’ll be able to reach all of the best bars, cafes, restaurants and attractions on foot. There’s also the option of renting a bicycle, assuming you visit Iceland during the summer months. If you visit during the winter, then you might prefer to rely on the public transport in Reykjavik, which consists entirely of buses and will get you anywhere you need to go.

If you want to visit other parts of the island, then you will probably want to make friends with a few other travellers in your hostel and rent a car. Doing it on your own can be expensive, but if you split the cost with a few others, it opens up all kinds of places that you can only reach by car.