Best Ring Road Stops in Blönduós, North Iceland
Blönduós is a small town on Route 1 in northwest Iceland, where the glacial Blanda river meets Húnaflói bay, roughly halfway between Reykjavík and Akureyri. That makes it a natural overnight stop on the Ring Road. The three listed stays are all practical rather than luxurious: cottages by the river with hot tubs, a guest house with a restaurant and fjord views, and a country guest house a few kilometres off the road with a pool and a playground. I compared them on facilities and reviews, and I am honest that none of the scores is exceptional.
Blönduós is a service town of under a thousand residents on both banks of the Blanda river, where it flows into Húnaflói bay. It has a fuel station, shops and a swimming pool, a striking modern church and the small river island of Hrútey, popular for short walks. Most visitors know it as a stop on Route 1 between Reykjavík and Akureyri, and its calm streets and wide sea views make it an easy place to spend a night.
Where to stay
A practical halfway night on Route 1
I recommend Blönduós as a Ring Road stop because it breaks the long drive across the north at a town with fuel, shops and a few useful places to sleep. Two of the listed stays sit right by Route 1, and the third is only 6 km away. A night here lets you arrive in Akureyri or Reykjavík rested, with a hot tub or a pool on the way.
The first reason is Gladheimar Cottages, right beside the Ring Road and overlooking the Blanda river. Every cottage has its own kitchen, a sofa and a furnished terrace, and most come with a geothermal hot tub and a barbecue, while some even have a private sauna. Free parking is on site. It holds 7.5 from 559 reviews, a fair score from many guests. For me, this is the best choice for travelers who want independence after a long drive: you park at your door, cook your own dinner and soak in the hot tub by the river before getting back on the road the next morning.
The second reason is Guesthouse Kiljan, also just off the Ring Road, with views over Húnaflói bay. It has an on-site restaurant with a bar, a furnished terrace with barbecue facilities and free Wi-Fi, and rooms come with private or shared bathrooms. It holds 7.7 from 378 reviews. I would choose it if you would rather eat at your accommodation than cook after hours of driving, which matters on a stretch of the Ring Road where restaurants are few. Ask for a room with a private bathroom when booking, because the listing makes clear that some rooms share facilities with other guests.
The third reason is Hunavellir Guesthouse, a short detour 6 km from Route 1 with mountain views and some rooms overlooking Lake Svínavatn. Guests can use a summer outdoor swimming pool, a playground and an indoor sports arena, and horseback riding, hiking and fishing can be arranged. It holds 7.9 from 622 reviews, the best score and the most reviews of the three. I would pick it for families on a Ring Road trip, since the pool and playground give children a break from the car. The short detour also means a quieter night by the lake rather than beside the main road.
The fourth reason is honesty about what Blönduós offers. None of these stays scores above 8, so I would not plan a trip around them. Their value is location and practical facilities: a hot tub, a restaurant or a pool exactly where the Ring Road journey needs a break. My advice is simple: choose Gladheimar for a self-catering cottage with a hot tub, Kiljan for a meal on site, and Hunavellir for families who want a pool and a calmer setting by the lake. All three give you a reliable night between the capital and the north, with the town's services close by.
A traveler's takeFor a Ring Road stop here, I would choose Gladheimar Cottages first: cottages by Route 1 with a private kitchen and, in most of them, a geothermal hot tub, rated 7.5 from 559 reviews. Blönduós sits where the Blanda river meets Húnaflói bay, and the river island of Hrútey offers a short walk to stretch your legs. For families, Hunavellir Guesthouse with its pool is my alternative.
Ring RoadHunavellir Guesthouse
Mountain views, a summer pool, and activities near Blönduós
Why guests love itHunavellir lies 6 km off the Ring Road, with rooms that face the mountains and some that overlook Lake Svínavatn. The extras suit families: a summer outdoor swimming pool, a playground and an indoor sports arena. Horseback riding, hiking and fishing can be arranged. The pool is a summer feature, so check the season before counting on it. A sensible rural stop for families on a budget.
Ring RoadGuesthouse Kiljan
Fjord views and a restaurant just off the Ring Road
Why guests love itGuesthouse Kiljan sits just off the Ring Road in northern Iceland, with views of the Húnaflói Fjord. Rooms come with either private or shared bathrooms, so check which you are booking. There is an on-site restaurant with a bar, free WiFi and a furnished terrace with barbecue facilities. Guests rate it 7.7 across 378 reviews, which is on the lower side, so read recent comments before booking.
Ring RoadGladheimar Cottages
Riverside cottages with private kitchens, terraces and geothermal hot tubs
Why guests love itGladheimar Cottages stand beside the Ring Road at Blönduós, facing the Blanda river. Each cabin has a private kitchen, a sofa and a furnished terrace, and most have a geothermal hot tub and a barbecue; some add a private sauna. Parking is free. Independent stays are the point here, so bring food. Check which cabin has the sauna, since only some do. Ratings are more mixed than average.
Local tips
- 1Ask Gladheimar for a cottage with a hot tub or sauna when booking, since not every cottage has both.
- 2Request a private bathroom at Guesthouse Kiljan, as some rooms share facilities.
- 3Choose Hunavellir if you travel with children: the summer pool and playground are a welcome break from driving.
- 4Fill up with fuel in Blönduós, because stations are spaced out on this part of the Ring Road.
- 5Take a short walk on Hrútey, the small island in the Blanda river, to stretch your legs after hours in the car.
- 6Check that Hunavellir's outdoor pool is open if you travel outside summer, as the listing describes it as seasonal.