Established in 1939, HI Iceland has over 80 years of experience connecting travelers and hosts.
Our network includes 18 hostels all over Iceland. The two Reykjavík hostels Loft and Dalur are owned and run by us, with the others privately owned but in close cooperation. Our hostels all have stories and offer unique experiences at reasonable prices. You could stay on a horse farm with the northern lights dancing above, chill in a hot tub with a view, or sweat in a sauna in a converted hospital. Often hosts are welcoming you into their homes, and are happy to share knowledge of the country and local area.
Hostelling International - a hundred-year-old heritage.
We are a part of Hostelling International - the largest hostel network in the world with 62 members and over 3000 hostels around the globe. HI is indeed the original Hostelling Movement that began nearly 100 years ago in the heart of Europe, spreading all around the world, including Iceland.
Our hostels meet the HI Quality and Sustainability standards, which guarantee good quality, safe and friendly accommodation at affordable prices. HI was founded on the principle of welcoming everyone - from solo travelers to couples, friends, family, and groups.
HI mission - a commitment to sustainable travel
HI Iceland supports responsible tourism and sustainability as well as cultural diversity, with our core values being Respect, Broad-Mindedness, and Hospitality. See Strategy Document for more information. We also conform to a range of environmental and sustainability standards.
HI mission is and has always been to promote and encourage people of all ages to travel and to increase their knowledge and appreciation of nature and cultural understanding. Staying at a HI Hostel helps minimize your carbon footprint while traveling as Hostels are the earliest example of sustainable travel, by sharing facilities, using resources mindfully, and learning from others we protect our environment and thrive for others to enjoy. Read more about Sustainable Hostelling.
Our History
Bandalag íslenskra Farfugla, now Farfuglar ses was established in 1939 by a small group of students at Reykjavik Collage who had gotten to know the European movement when travelling. It became a full member of the International Youth Hostel Federation - later renamed Hostelling International - in 1952 and has been welcoming people from all over the world ever since.
The hostels that have been with us for the longest are Berunes (since 1973), Seyðisfjörður (since 1975) and Fljótsdalur (since 1980).
Today, HI Iceland stands for the following:
We own and operate the two HI Hostels in the center of Reykjavik, Dalur HI Hostel, and Loft HI Hostel.
The two hostels are both award-winning and certified with Swan - the Nordic Eco Label and HI-Quality & Sustainability Label. The Loft Hostel is home to one of Reykjavik´s most popular Bar & Venue welcome to all. The Dalur - Play Café and Community Hub is a Family focused cafe located in Dalur HI Hostel. Both have the vision to deliver good quality events that are inclusive and assessable to all throughout the year. With more than 280 beds in the city, the two hostels are ideal social hubs for families, groups of all sizes, and other travelers looking for a budget, inspiring and safe place to stay.
We partner with local owners of Hostels throughout the country through standard cooperation agreements. All of them are in the most unique properties and locations, from rural escapes off the beaten track to central & social spots. You’re bound to find the perfect base to explore, a shared space where you meet like-minded travelers and you can be sure that you are supporting the local communities. The private HI Hostels meet the HI standards, which guarantee a range of good quality safe accommodations, in friendly surroundings at affordable prices.
We operate the Reykjavík Eco Campsite. The Campsite is the Reykjavik base between treks and exploring, perfectly located next to the Laugardalur Geothermal Pool and Dalur HI Hostel in Laugardalur. The Campsite is open all year round with a capacity of around 600 travelers in tents, campers, and caravans. Our focus is on supporting sustainable modes of travel and achieving results in sync with the City of Reykjavik´s ambitious Climate Policy.
We take part in global and local programs that support the global community of like-minded travelers who travel the world and are members of HI. Wherever you live you can buy your membership online now and start using your benefits even before your travel! HI members have access to member rates or a discount on accommodation in all HI hostels as well as travel-related savings.