Best Waterfall Stays around Fellabær, East Iceland
Fellabær is a small village on the west bank of the Lagarfljót river, facing Egilsstaðir across the bridge, in the Lagarfljót valley of East Iceland. Two waterfalls shape stays here: Fardagafoss, a short drive from the airport side of the valley, and Hengifoss, one of Iceland's tallest falls, further along the lake. The four listed properties sit near one or the other, from a lodge minutes from Hengifoss to a hotel with a hot tub and cabins. I compared them on location, space and reviews, because the distances to each waterfall differ more than the names suggest.
Fellabær is a quiet village on the west bank of Lagarfljót, linked by a bridge to Egilsstaðir, the main service town of East Iceland. The area is a broad valley of forests, farmland and lake views, with the long Lagarfljót lake stretching south toward Hallormsstaðaskógur forest and the Hengifoss trail. It is calmer than Egilsstaðir across the river, yet close to the airport, shops and restaurants, which makes it a practical base for the region.
Where to stay
Between Hengifoss and Fardagafoss
I recommend a waterfall base around Fellabær because it puts you between two of East Iceland's best falls while staying close to Egilsstaðir Airport and its services. Hengifoss, with its red-striped basalt cliffs, makes a fine half-day hike, and Fardagafoss is an easy short walk. The listed stays add hot tubs, kitchens and a restaurant, which matter in a region where distances are long.
The first reason is Hengifosslodge, the closest stay to Hengifoss. It is six minutes by taxi from the waterfall, with a fully equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi, free parking and a pet-friendly policy. It holds 9.8 from 109 reviews, an excellent score backed by a solid number of guests. To be clear, it sits near Hengifoss along the lake rather than in Fellabær itself, so it suits travelers whose main goal is the hike to the falls. For me, it is the best choice if you want to start the trail early in the morning, before other visitors arrive, and cook your own meals afterwards.
The second reason is Greystone Summerhouse, a private retreat on the Fellabær side of the valley. It is seven minutes by taxi from Fardagafoss and from Restaurant Gistihúsið, and only six minutes from Egilsstaðir Airport. Rated 9.8 from 27 reviews, it has a strong score from a modest number of guests. Its listing presents it as a tranquil base for exploring the area. I would choose it for couples who want privacy and a short drive to both the airport and the waterfall, with the option of a restaurant meal nearby instead of cooking every evening after a day of sightseeing.
The third reason is Hotel Eyvindará, the most tested option and the only one with full hotel services. It offers simple rooms and wood cabins, some with kitchens, plus a terrace, a bar, a restaurant, a hot tub and free breakfast. With 8.6 from more than 550 reviews, its score is very reliable. It is six minutes from the airport, kid-friendly and accessible, and it is a seasonal hotel, so check opening dates. I would pick it for families or travelers who want breakfast, a hot tub after a waterfall walk and a restaurant on site, without the need to drive anywhere in the evening.
The fourth reason is Finnsstaðir Holiday Home, the best pick for longer stays and families. It is a three-star holiday home one minute by taxi from the airport and eight minutes from Fardagafoss, with a hot tub, a fully equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi, and it is pet-friendly. Rated 9.6 from 156 reviews, it combines a strong score with enough guests to trust. Its listing describes it as ideal for families and longer stays in Fellabær. I would choose it as a base for several days, with Fardagafoss close by and Hengifoss reachable as a day trip along the lake.
A traveler's takeFor a waterfall stay here, I would choose Finnsstaðir Holiday Home first: a hot tub, a full kitchen and a pet-friendly policy, eight minutes from Fardagafoss, rated 9.6 from 156 reviews. Hengifoss, further along the lake, is one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, framed by red layers in its basalt cliffs. If you want to start the Hengifoss trail at dawn, Hengifosslodge is my alternative.
Waterfall viewHengifosslodge
Pet-friendly lodge with kitchen, near Hengifoss waterfall
Why guests love itHengifosslodge in Fellabær is pet-friendly and sits 6 minutes by taxi from the Hengifoss waterfall, a useful base for exploring the East Fjords. Guests have a fully equipped kitchen to use, free WiFi and free parking, so a family can cook and keep costs down. The listing gives few details about room types, so confirm what you are booking. Guests rate it 9.8, though only 109 have reviewed it so far.
Waterfall viewGreystone summerhouse
A private summerhouse near Fardagafoss waterfall and the airport
Why guests love itGreystone Summerhouse is a private summerhouse in the Fellabær area, with Fardagafoss waterfall and Restaurant Gistihúsið about 7 minutes away by taxi. Egilsstaðir Airport is only 6 minutes by taxi, which helps on arrival and departure days. The listing describes a quiet location. Guests rate it 9.8 across 27 reviews. Our editorial verdict: a calm, private base for a couple or a small family exploring the Egilsstaðir area.
Waterfall viewFinnsstaðir Holiday Home
Pet-friendly holiday home with a hot tub, close to the airport and Fardagafoss
Why guests love itI recommend Finnsstaðir Holiday Home to families and pet owners who want a holiday home right by the airport in Fellabær. The three-star property is one minute by taxi from the airport and eight minutes from Fardagafoss waterfall, with a hot tub, a fully equipped kitchen and free WiFi, and pets are welcome. An airport shuttle is listed. Guests rate it 9.6 across more than 150 reviews, an outstanding score for longer stays.
Waterfall viewHotel Eyvindará
Wood cabins and simple rooms with a hot tub near Egilsstaðir Airport
Why guests love itHotel Eyvindará is 6 minutes from Egilsstaðir Airport and offers simple rooms and wood cabins, some with kitchens. The casual, seasonal hotel has a terrace, a bar, a restaurant and a hot tub, and free breakfast, WiFi and parking are included. It is listed as kid-friendly and accessible. Guests rate it 8.6 across 554 reviews. Our editorial verdict: an easygoing family stop near the airport, with cabins for those who want more space.
Local tips
- 1Book Hengifosslodge if Hengifoss is your priority, as it is six minutes from the trailhead rather than in Fellabær.
- 2Allow a few hours for the Hengifoss hike, which climbs steadily to the base of the falls.
- 3Choose Hotel Eyvindará for breakfast, a hot tub and a restaurant, but check its seasonal opening dates first.
- 4Travelling with a dog? Hengifosslodge and Finnsstaðir Holiday Home both list a pet-friendly policy.
- 5Shop for groceries in Egilsstaðir, across the bridge, before settling into a self-catering stay.
- 6Visit Fardagafoss on a short walk, as Greystone, Finnsstaðir and the airport area are only minutes away.