Region
West Iceland
130 km from Reykjavik
Husafell, West Iceland
A tiny highland hamlet in West Iceland surrounded by glaciers, lava fields, and waterfalls.
Population
~50
West Iceland • Glacier country
Husafell is a small settlement in the Borgarfjordur valley of West Iceland, long used as a country retreat. It sits beside the Hallmundarhraun lava field at the edge of the Langjokull ice cap. Visitors come for glacier tours, lava caves, and the Hraunfossar waterfalls, which seep out through porous lava rock.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
Population and distance figures based on official Icelandic statistics and local tourism sources.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official 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 has a man-made ice tunnel where visitors can walk deep inside the ice cap year-round.
Hraunfossar
A series of rivulets streaming out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field into the Hvita river over a stretch of nearly 900 meters.
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 meters, with guided walks past colorful lava formations.
Deildartunguhver
Europe's most powerful hot spring, producing 180 liters of boiling water per second, located a short drive south of Husafell.
Husafellslaug Hot Spring
A historic geothermally heated bathing pool in use since the age of settlement.
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 the season 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.
Canyon Baths or Lindin?
The Canyon Baths are an excursion: an English-speaking guide, transport, a walk and a soak are included. The operator describes a 1-hour-45-minute outing and warns that the route can change with snow, ice, mud or water. There are 64 steps down to the baths. Bring hiking boots, waterproof outdoor clothing and a swimsuit; a towel is included.
Lindin is the pool complex beside the hotel and is open to the public, including visitors who are not hotel guests. It has two larger pools and two hot tubs. When checked on September 10, 2026, its page listed daily 10:00–20:00 opening and 1,900 ISK adult admission.
Choose the canyon outing for a guided walk-and-bathe plan. Choose Lindin when you want a pool visit at the hotel complex. The two names should not be used interchangeably when booking or assessing access.
Planning help
Husafell FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the population of Husafell?
Husafell has approximately 50 permanent residents, though the area hosts many more visitors and summer house owners.
What is Husafell known for?
Husafell is a highland retreat near Langjokull glacier, Vidgelmir lava cave, and Hraunfossar waterfalls.
How far is Husafell from Reykjavik?
Husafell is about 130 km from Reykjavik, approximately 1.5-2 hours by car.
Can I visit a glacier from Husafell?
Yes, Into the Glacier tours depart from Husafell and enter man-made ice tunnels inside Langjokull glacier.
What is the Husafell Stone?
The Husafell Stone is a 186 kg basalt stone used historically as a strength test. It is associated with local strength-testing traditions.
Is Husafell open year-round?
Yes, though some activities like glacier tours have seasonal schedules. The Canyon Baths hot spring operates year-round.
What caves are near Husafell?
Vidgelmir is Iceland's largest lava cave, located near Husafell with guided tours available year-round.
What is the Canyon Baths?
The Canyon Baths are a guided outing with a transfer, walk and geothermal soak. The operator notes 64 steps down to the pools. They are separate from Lindin, the public pool complex next to Hotel Húsafell.
For national population totals and trends to put local figures in context, see our Iceland statistics.