Name: Wilderness Center / Óbyggðasetur Íslands
Address: Egilsstaa Ir Flja Tsdal 701 Hallormsstadur, Egilsstadir, 0701, IS

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2026

Christine

La route pour s'y rendre doit être mieux entretenue.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2026

Siew Kin

I was very impressed by all the staff I interacted with, especially the check-in staff. Had they not went above and beyond, we would have been stranded that night without a room!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

Brenda

First things first. Hands down the best dinner we had in Iceland. There was considerable conversation about trying to recreate it at home. We ate family style and the meal was bountiful. The Wilderness Center is a drive from the Ring Road, a bit out of the way if you don't have time to smell the roses. It was truly an idyllic setting with waterfalls (small ones), mountains, river, and plenty of sheep and lambs. We stayed upstairs in the main house. The room was clean and comfortable. Not too spacious but sufficient. The staff were all friendly. I think this stay was more of an experience than just lodging. Oh, and breakfast was lovely and plentiful with fresh homemade bread.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

05 Sep 2025

Pawel

Very nice place to stay in remoteness. Common dinner with others was very nice experience.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

29 Aug 2025

Jorge

The staff were nice, but the property is a little dated. And the breakfast is well overpriced (around 20 EUR) for what they offered. I asked to have fried eggs, and the lady told me they don't have a kitchen to fry the eggs, so we ate bread and butter!

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

A

Very special place!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

Breanna

AMAZING. The staff were super accommodating and welcoming. I was technically late for supper, but they still provided me with THE BEST lamb dinner (sooo much food was provided, and every bite had my mouth watering). The property was beautiful, and the hot tub/sauna were perfect after a long day of traveling. Met some wonderful people who quickly became friends. Would 100% recommend to anyone passing by this area.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

20 Aug 2025

Samuel

Kitchen and shower nice, but no toilet in the pod is not convenient

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

11 Aug 2025

Wojciech

Nice place. A bit on the older side. Breakfast and food, not to my liking. Setup as a shared communal event, which some may like some not. You share a table with random people. Food was average.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2025

Gerald

Best ever farm stay and experience. Outstanding staff, food and chef that are well worth the cost. Unexpectedly good dormitory sleeping. Great hot showers are everywhere. Many activities that are well guided and some that are totally sublime that you can do on your own which cost nothing extra. Great Canyonside exploring and waterfalls to chase. Personal transportation to and from the Egilsstadirr airport was a great experience in itself.
Will return because the place is magical.

Partner

4/10

Poor

06 Jul 2025

JIN BEUM

Ask for laundry but no answer

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Jul 2025

Shawn

It’s remote location… my only complaint is I did not know how remote the property was. That’s fine. It’s a great place. They should’ve been able to ask me if I wanted dinner part of my arrival so I had to drive 30 minutes into town to get dinner. They said they tried to call me, but they did not leave a message or send me a text. That’s my only complaint.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2025

Nazanin

Better than great! Wonderful staff; awesome Icelandic traditions exhibition in dormitory. Great great food by chef Jakob and his crew. Tranquil environment, sheep farm next door. Beautiful and comfortable sauna cottage included. 100% recommend! Thank you for making our trip so much better! Nazanin and fam :))

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2025

Matthew

Welcoming host greeted us, showed us around, then prepped dinner while she enjoyed the hot tub and sauna. The dinners she prepared were nothing short of outstanding. Think pinnacle home cooking. Breakfast was decent but not special. Gorgeous setting. Highly recommended.

2/10

Poor

15 Sep 2024

Vibha

The room that was assigned to us was nothing like shown in the pictures. It was way too small with no place to keep or hang things and no place to move. The girl kept saying it is antique which we appreciate but it was not confortable or convinient. When we reached here it was very windy and raining and my spirits were dampend looking at the room as there was no place to put our bags down or to hang our waterproof jackets and pants. We could hear the couple in the neighboring room as well as all the guests in the dining area downstairs. Lot of noise from cleaning the kitchen late night after all the guests had dinner. There was only one bathroom for four rooms and the food served at dinner was not worth the price we were charge. We stayed at six different places and all were great except for this one. We had a very bad experience here. It is hyped and not worth the money.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2024

John

Only constructive feedback was that the hot pool was lukewarm and the room was a bit small for a family of four.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2024

Laura

First time staying in a hostel, and found it to be a quaint and lovely experience

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2024

Noe

One of the quietest and relaxing places I have been to. All the dairy products is also very fresh

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2022

ALLAN

This place is really great in a beautiful wilderness valley. Dinner and company were excellent.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Jun 2022

Ashleigh

Lovely staff and a comfy stay

I booked The Wilderness Center as a surprise for my husbands birthday because we had seen it on an episode of Ben Fogle & we loved the idea of riding an Icelandic horse & soaking in the hot springs on site. However, on arrival we were informed our riding had been cancelled as the horses weren’t able to be shoed in time which was very disappointing. Despite this, the staff went out of their way to make our stay special by organising a horse ride with another company & when we found the hot springs weren’t working (upon our return) they made us coffee and provided us with bread and homemade cookies for supper. It meant we had a wonderful day & our stay was very comfortable! It really makes all the difference when staff are so accommodating and helpful.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2021

Verified traveler

This was a beautiful location with family history. The host was so friendly we thought we were staying over at cousins house. Very special

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Sep 2021

katherine

Fun unique experience

The Wilderness Center is a great place to get off the beaten path, eat a home cooked meal and learn about the history. There's a variety of stay options. The bathrooms were clean. The food was great. Couldn't ask for anything more.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Aug 2021

Meir

great

4/10

Poor

26 Jul 2021

Verified traveler

Its a 56 Kilimeter drive from the town some on gravel road. Old rooms (tiny) in an old house. Little to ni privacy.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2021

Helen

Such a unique experience in a beautiful part of the country! The room was very clean and cozy.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2021

Dana

Icelandic Farm and Cultural Adventure

This is a unique experience in which you feel a great sense of being enmeshed in a rural Icelandic setting. Such fun!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Very good location, peacefull. Very nice vintage decoration. The cake buffet is delicious!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2019

Jessie

LOVED OUR STAY!!!

We loved our stay at the wilderness center! It was beyond what we expected. The sauna and got tub was the absolute best way to end your day on the farm. The air was fresh, the staff extremely accommodating and there are lots of fun and explorative activities to do.
The rooms were beautiful, built how the Icelandic people used to live. A great experience.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Sleeping in a museum.

Fantastic experience. Sleeping in a museum is not your everyday experience. We chose a coded bed in the common room for the fun of it and didn’t regret it. Common bathrooms were clean and decorated with taste. The dinner was excellent and Dany a great host.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Aug 2018

Sander

Fantastic stay in a beautiful location

Great hosts and accomodation in a superb setting at the end of the valley with hiking, horse riding options

4/10

Poor

13 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

Very very rustic. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxcxxxxxxxxxxxxxxccccxxxxxxxxxx

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

Experience the Wilderness Center

The Wilderness Center is a small guest house near the Hallormsstaðaskógur forest. The old farmhouse was lovingly updated but the original character was retained.

The location is beautiful and there is hiking and horseback riding on the property. It is owned and run by a kind hospitable young couple with roots in the town.

Breakfast and dinner are available and the food is delicious and fresh.

We enjoyed every minute. If you are looking for a unique Icelandic experience, don’t miss the Wilderness Center.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2018

Corinne

This was one of our favorite experiences in Iceland. We wished we had stayed longer! Absolutely stunning house and property, very kind hosts and beautiful food. We loved the authenticity of the farmhouse and the remoteness in the valley. We will definitely stay again!

10/10

Exceptional

18 Oct 2017

April

An awesome remote location. Peaceful and beautiful

It was an awesome experience, wish we could stay longer. Saw the northern lights on both nights of our stay. The interactive museum on site is a must to visit. The kids loved it. Our host was warm and welcoming and our dinner and breakfast there was delicious! Will definite visit again and take advantage of the other activities available there.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Aug 2017

liv477

Off the beaten path

Staying here is like stepping into a bygone era. We had a lovely stay, the staff were wonderful, food was excellent and they accommodated us as vegetarians. Had so much fun riding Icelandic horses, and our guide was fantastic. Shared bathroom got a bit crowded, but it was to be expected.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2017

Jodie

Excellent stay....sad to leave!

We loved the Wilderness Center! The staff made our stay so memorable & fun! We hiked....enjoyed an amazing trail ride on their beautiful Icelandic horses....and truly enjoyed the tranquility of the area. We stayed in the Landowner's Suite and it was wonderful. In addition their breakfast, dinners & cake were beyond scrumptious! We will most definitely return!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2026

Marie-Christine

Séjour excellent, repas délicieux, ambiance agréable avec les autres personnes qui faisaient étape le même soir.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2025

Giuseppe

Posizione top

8/10

Excellent

23 Aug 2025

Karen Margrethe

Et godt sted, men vær opmærksom på at når der skrives traditionelt sovesal, så menes der en egentlig sovesal med plads til 16. Der er også andre muligheder med normale værelser. Personalet er mega søde og maden smager godt.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jul 2025

D

Sehr nettes Personal

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jul 2025

Ingrid

It was fantastic

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2025

Nouhade

Très bon séjour !
Personnel super gentil, le spa est un vrai plus.
Mais il est dommage que lorsqu’on dort dans le dortoir il y est pas un rideau pour cacher et conserver l’intimité + une cuisine

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2024

Verified traveler

Ring road Iceland trip

When you’re looking an authentic Icelandic experience, this is the perfect place to go. Food is prepared by the family who run the place, feels like at home. They also have a spa with a sauna and museum. The view is incredible.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Aug 2024

Manuela

Das Haus und die Zimmer sind wie in den Beschreibungen sehr alt und urig. Einfach toll.
Abendessen gibt es zusammen mit anderen Gästen. Alle an einem Tisch. Wir haben sehr gute Gespräche geführt. Das Essen selbst ist regional und lecker.
Die Nacht war in dieser Umgebung sehr schön ruhig.

Allerdings hatten wir uns auch auf den beschriebenen Hot Tube und Sauna gefreut, die aber leider nicht in Betrieb waren. Hier wäre es schön, wenn man diese Nachricht vor der Anreise bekommen würde. Dann wüsste man bescheid und kann sich drauf einstellen.

Partner

4/10

Poor

16 Jul 2024

Jan Magne

Skuffende opphold

Vi hadde sett en TV-reportasje på norsk TV om dette stedet og tenkte det var verd å å besøke på vår Islandstur i juli 2024. Stedet ligger utenfor allfarvei og selv om stedet har sjel og en praktfull beliggenhet, så er nok dette kun for spesielt interesserte. Vi fikk et knøttlite rom uten privat bad i annen etasje opp en smal og forholdsvis ufremkommelig trapp. Uhyre lydt, kunne høre folk snakke på naborommene. Frokosten var grei, men romforholdene utfordret vår komfortsone fordi vi ble sittende inne på selve kjøkkenet rundt et trangt bord. De serverer også middag, vanligvis en eller to faste retter. Grei mat, men dyrt. Ut fra forventningnene på forhånd, ble dette oppholdet dessverre en nedtur.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

29 Jun 2024

Marie Josee

The lamb dinner was excellent ! The horse ride was worth every penney!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Aug 2022

Joachim

Urige Zimmer, sehr schön gemachter heißer Pool mit Duschen! Das Abendessen (Lammragout mit Ofengemüse) war sehr gut!
Tolle Lage mit Flussrauschen

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

12 Jul 2022

Javques

Déception ou arnaque

Lieu ressenblant plus à un refuge de montagne au milieu de carcasse de voiture, et d'un chantier grossier.
Le bain eau chaude extérieur venté dans le descriptif est inopérant ce qui enlève tout l'intérêt de faire 40 kms de route piste.
Seule la table est bonne, une bonne soupe et un petit dej correct.le personnel tres bien aussi
Je vais demander a être dédommagé
Crdt

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2022

Maik

Fantastische Landschaft.Einfache und tolle Unterkunft

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2022

Valentina

Personale simpatico e disponibile, cena tradizionale abbondante ( prezzo super abbordabile per l'Islanda) ambiente tradizionale, piccolo spa rustico con stufa a legna e hottub naturale all'esterno. ECCELLENTE

Leisure Partner