Region
West Iceland
130 km from Reykjavik
Husafell: Iceland's Gateway to Glaciers and Lava Wonders
A tiny highland hamlet in West Iceland surrounded by glaciers, lava fields, and some of the country's most spectacular waterfalls.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Population
~50
West Iceland • Glacier country
Husafell is a small settlement nestled in the Borgarfjordur valley of West Iceland, long cherished as a country retreat. Surrounded by the Hallmundarhraun lava field and sitting at the edge of the Langjokull ice cap, it has become one of Iceland's premier adventure destinations. Visitors come for glacier tours, lava cave explorations, and the mesmerising Hraunfossar waterfalls that seep through porous lava rock.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
Population and distance figures based on official Icelandic statistics and local tourism sources.
Sources to check
Population
~50
Small highland settlement
Known for
Langjokull glacier
Ice tunnels, lava caves & waterfalls
Top Attractions near Husafell
Langjokull Glacier & Ice Tunnel
Iceland's second-largest glacier features a man-made ice tunnel that lets visitors walk deep inside the ice cap year-round.
Hraunfossar
A stunning series of rivulets streaming out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field over a stretch of nearly 900 metres into the Hvita river.
Barnafoss
The 'Children's Waterfall' sits just upstream from Hraunfossar and rushes through a narrow rocky channel with tremendous force.
Vidgelmir Lava Cave
One of Iceland's largest lava tubes at over 1,585 metres, offering guided walks through colourful geological formations.
Deildartunguhver
Europe's most powerful hot spring, producing 180 litres of boiling water per second, located a short drive south of Husafell.
Husafellslaug Hot Spring
A historic geothermally heated bathing pool used since the age of settlement, offering a peaceful soak amid highland scenery.
How to Get to Husafell
From Reykjavik: Drive north on Route 1 to Borgarnes, then take Route 50 east and Route 518 inland to Husafell. The 130 km journey takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Public transport: There is no regular public bus service to Husafell. Most visitors arrive by rental car or join guided day tours from Reykjavik that include glacier or cave excursions.
Best Time to Visit Husafell
Summer: June through August brings mild temperatures (10-15 °C), long daylight hours, and access to highland hiking trails. The hot spring pool and all attractions are fully operational.
Winter: October to March is ideal for natural ice cave tours inside Langjokull and northern lights viewing. Roads may require 4WD and weather checks, but the glacier tunnel operates year-round.
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Husafell FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.