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Afternoon Cottages

Self-catering cottages at Svínhagi, on the road from Hella toward Hekla

Best forTravellers exploring Hekla, Þjórsárdalur and Gjáin4x4 road-trippers heading for Landmannalaugar in summerCouples who want a self-contained cottage away from the Ring Road
Hella, Hella
Couples

About this stay

Arriving at Afternoon Cottages, travelers will find a welcoming holiday home in Hella, conveniently located for exploring the South. The property offers private check-in and check-out, making arrivals smooth after a day on the road. Evenings here are for unwinding on the terrace, enjoying the garden, mountain, and river views, or catching up on streaming services inside. The well-equipped kitchenette allows for preparing meals, a practical feature for those preferring to dine in. The atmosphere is quiet, ideal for couples seeking a peaceful retreat with easy access to local attractions like Thjofafoss, 22 km away.

  • About 23 km from Hella on Þingskálavegur, toward Hekla
  • Roughly 22 km from Þjófafoss
  • Private kitchen, shower room and entrance in each cottage
  • Extra long beds and electric heating
  • Terrace with river and mountain views
  • Parking in front; check-in from 16:00

Our take

Afternoon Cottages stand at Svínhagi on Þingskálavegur, about 23 km inland from Hella on the way toward Hekla, which makes them a base close to the volcano and to Þjófafoss, roughly 22 km away. Each cottage has its own kitchen, shower room, private entrance and electric heating, and the beds are extra long. I would book two nights here for the Hekla side of the south: Gjáin, Hjálparfoss and, in summer with a 4x4, Landmannalaugar by the F225. I would not book it as a Ring Road stop between Reykjavík and Vík, because the detour inland costs time, and shops, fuel and restaurants are back in Hella or Hvolsvöllur.

  • ✓The F225 to Landmannalaugar starts in this direction, but it is a summer-only F-road for 4x4s with river crossings; a standard rental car is not allowed on it.
  • ✓Þjófafoss, on the Þjórsá about 22 km away, is a short detour where the broad glacial river falls below the Búrfell mountain.
  • ✓Before any walk on Hekla, check vedur.is and SafeTravel: it is one of Iceland's most active volcanoes, and the conditions on top change fast.
  • ✓Do your shopping and fill the tank in Hella on the way in: the cottages are well past the last shop, and check-in starts at 16:00.
  • ✓Combine the Caves of Hella, man-made caves visited with a guide in the Hella area, with your arrival day if you reach the town early.

Why we love it

  • Comfortable holiday home with a kitchenette
  • Terrace with garden, mountain, and river views
  • Free WiFi and streaming services
  • Private check-in and check-out
Why guests love it

These are renovated, self-contained cottages in open country, with river and mountain views and a terrace, and they suit people who want space and quiet more than a village. The layout works for couples and small families who cook: a full kitchen in each unit with a stovetop, microwave and fridge, a private shower room and parking in front of the door. The setting is the reason to come: you are on the Hekla side of the south, within reach of Þjórsárdalur, Gjáin and Hjálparfoss, and of the Highlands road in summer. The downsides are equally clear. It is a drive back to Hella for dinner, the last part of the route is rural, and a short Ring Road trip will lose time on the detour. Guests rate it 9.2 across 330 reviews in our data.

Guest reviews

4.6
Superb
based on 330 reviews
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Guest score
4.6
· 330 reviews
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