Hólaskjól - Highland Center
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About Hólaskjól - Highland Center
Hólaskjól is a highland lodge and campsite on the southern stretch of Fjallabaksleið nyrðri (F208) in South Iceland, built against a lava tongue from the Eldgjá eruption of 934–940. It's the closest place to stay to Eldgjá, the long volcanic fissure a short drive farther north, and the lava and low hills around it keep the site sheltered from the wind. From Vík, plan on about an hour and a half to get there.
Most people come for the walking. A five-minute climb up the lava brings you to a waterfall on the Syðri-Ófæra river that people call Silfurfoss or Litli-Gullfoss, though the owners prefer Huldufoss. Longer hikes start at the door: Álftavötn is a 6–7 km walk past more falls and through the Syðri-Ófæra gorge, and the Strútsstígur trail runs about 27 km west to the Strútur hut and the Strútslaug hot spring.
The campsite has toilets and showers. Indoors, the Hólaskjól highland center has a two-story lodge with 61 sleeping-bag spaces, and each floor has its own entrance, kitchen, toilet and shower. Three small cottages for four people come with a toilet and cooking area, and the operator also rents a house by Langisjór lake that includes fishing rights.
Service runs from early June to the end of September, with stays outside that window by arrangement. For 2026, camping costs 3,500 ISK per adult and 1,750 ISK for ages 7 to 17, plus 1,000 ISK for a shower, while a sleeping-bag space in the lodge is 12,500 ISK per adult.
Getting there is easier than at most highland stops. Turn onto road 208 about 23 km west of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, drive up through Skaftártunga and join F208 just below the farm Búland; the operator says this 35 km approach from Route 1 is passable for all cars in summer, with no unbridged rivers. Many rental agreements bar 2WD cars from every F-road, though, and the 37 km of F208 north to Landmannalaugar has river crossings that need a 4x4, so check your contract and the official road-conditions map before you set off.
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Good to know
When is Hólaskjól open?
Service runs from early June to the end of September, and stays outside that period can be arranged with the operator.
Do you need a 4x4 to reach Hólaskjól?
No, not from the south in summer. The operator says the 35 km approach from Route 1 via road 208 is passable for all cars, with no unbridged rivers, but continuing north on F208 toward Eldgjá and Landmannalaugar means river crossings that need a 4x4.
How much does camping at Hólaskjól cost?
In 2026 it's 3,500 ISK per adult and 1,750 ISK for ages 7 to 17, with showers 1,000 ISK extra. A sleeping-bag space in the lodge costs 12,500 ISK per adult.
How far is Eldgjá from Hólaskjól?
Eldgjá is a short drive north on F208. From the Eldgjá parking area, the walk along the fissure floor to Ófærufoss is about 2 km.
Is there a waterfall near Hólaskjól?
Yes. A waterfall on the Syðri-Ófæra river, often called Silfurfoss or Litli-Gullfoss, is about a five-minute walk from the lodge.
What hikes start at Hólaskjól?
Álftavötn is a 6–7 km walk away, and the Strútsstígur trail starts here and runs about 27 km to the Strútur hut and Strútslaug hot spring.
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