If you know anything anecdotal about Iceland, it’s that the island boasts expansive ocean and mountain views, waterfalls, volcanoes, and craters of eruptions long past. At the best Iceland Airbnbs, nature is the number one amenity, but city escapes offer plenty of perks too.
In Reykjavik, there are enough options to make your head spin: mid-century beauties with plenty of room for the whole family, Scandi-style apartments, and harbor-view condos. Whether you’re circumventing the entire Ring Road (highly recommend!), taking on the southern coast (great for a long weekend), or making a voyage to the Westfjords (the ultimate summer road trip), the Airbnbs dotting Iceland’s outer limits all put the landscape first. Floor-to-ceiling windows are far from uncommon, hot tubs are usually a given, and room-darkening shades are ready to give you a pause from summer’s midnight sun.
Choosing the right place to lay your head is just as important—both aesthetically and logistically—as picking your itinerary. Ahead, we pulled together nine Icelandic Airbnbs surrounded by natural wonders to put on your dream travel wishlist.
Perks: Hot tub, full kitchen, ski-in/ski-out, BBQ, crib upon request
At this wood-paneled villa—a quick drive from the self-proclaimed whale capital of Europe, Húsavík, and within reach of the Myvatn area known for its lava rock fields, bubbling mud pits, hot springs, and craters—the proximity is reason enough to book a stay. The roomy one-bedroom has a dedicated workspace, cushy wraparound seating in the living area, and a direct line between the hot tub and the house so you can beeline out back for a pre-bedtime soak. Skip heading into town for dinner and put a meal together from the comfort of home and its well-stocked, midcentury-style kitchen. From $716 per night.
Perks: Bathtub, private outdoor space, free parking, piano, dishwasher
It’s not often that you find mid-century in the middle of Reykjavik—the interiors tend to lean more stark and Scandinavian around town—but this four-bedroom home close to downtown is a design lovers’ gem for a reason. Guests can spot the omnipresent Mt Esja from the kitchen balcony (one of three outdoor spaces). There’s plenty of seating in the living area for game nights, movies, and story swapping, but the backyard dining space is a strong competitor on warm(er) summer nights. From $496 per night.
Perks: Heated floors, hot tub, nearby hiking trails, volcano views
Three walls of floor-to-ceiling glass ensure that you’ll be surrounded by beauty on your stay in this secluded studio: It’s as close as you can get to the wilderness outside your door without catching a breeze. Because of the tight space for two here, we’d suggest it as an intimate hideaway for a couple of lovebirds on a honeymoon or otherwise. The space is layered with cozy details, from the textured chairs in the dining nook to the mood lighting in the bedroom. Even the shower looks out onto a pristine landscape of rolling hills and mountains to heighten the relaxation of a long soak, with heated floors to meet you when you step out of the steam. When you need to reacquaint yourself with civilization, the town of Hella is just a 30-minute drive away. From $643 per night.
Perks: Patio, dishwasher, nearby hiking trails, crib