Iceland's Hidden Gem: Syðra-Skorðugil Guesthouse - Unforgettable Stay!
Syðra-Skorðugil Guesthouse: Iceland's Hidden Gem - A Review That's Actually Real! (And Probably Needs Editing)
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups. You’re not getting some sanitized, corporate-sponsored review here. This is real. This is me, fresh off an adventure to Syðra-Skorðugil Guesthouse, Iceland's… well, hidden gem it claims to be. And honestly? It mostly delivers on that promise.
First off, let’s be honest: Iceland is expensive. So finding a place that feels like a genuine experience and doesn't require selling a kidney? Winning. And this place… well, let's dive in, shall we?
The Basics (and the Good Stuff First!)
Accessibility? Look, I didn't need it, but glancing around, the website says it's got "facilities for disabled guests." That's a start, but I can't personally vouch for the wheelchair-accessibility of everything. Contact them directly for specifics. This part is kind of important, so if you need it, verify!
Internet? FREE Wi-Fi, people! THANK. GOD. I’m still recovering from a remote mountain town in the middle of nowhere where my only connection was the faint hope that my data plan would hold out. Strong Wi-Fi even in the rooms. And for the old-fashioned folks, Internet [LAN] is also available. It worked swimmingly, which is a huge relief when you are trying to post your stories on a rainy day like the story below.
Cleanliness and Safety (the post-Covid Stuff, I mean). Okay, this is where Syðra-Skorðugil really shines. Anti-viral cleaning, professional-grade sanitizing… they take it seriously. I even caught someone disinfecting EVERYTHING in a hallway. I actually felt… relaxed. They offered "Room sanitization opt-out," too, so you don't have to breathe a cloud of chemicals if you are sensitive. Sanitized kitchen items is also a big plus.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because Iceland!) The restaurant, oh my god. The breakfast buffet… Oh, how I miss the buffet. It wasn't just a pile of sad croissants. It was a feast. Full of the classic Icelandic food that I never get tired of. They also serve Asian food, and there's a bar. And a coffee shop. The coffee was strong enough to wake the dead (which, after some of those hikes, I was almost). Breakfast in room? Yes, please. Room service? 24 hours. Genius. And there’s also a snack bar, for those moments (read: all moments) when you need a quick refueling. I highly recommend the soups.
The Chill Zone (and the “Could Be Better,” Too!)
- Spa, Sauna, and Relaxation? This is where things get… aspirational. They have a spa? A pool with a view? A sauna?! I’m not sure I saw either of these. But, hey! The website says it. This is the one place I wish they had more facilities, or offered more spa packages on the booking page.
- Things to Do. I didn't see a fitness center. But that’s no fault of the hotel – Iceland itself is the fitness center. Hiking, waterfalls, glaciers… You’ll be exhausted, but happy.
The Room Itself (And the Little Things That Matter)
Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning (in Iceland!), alarm clock, bathrobes, bathrobes, free bottled water, hairdryer (THANK YOU), in-room safe box, free Wi-Fi. The rooms were clean, simple, and comfortable. I was thankful for the blackout curtains after the midnight sun tried to wake me up at 3 AM. There are also smoking areas.
Bonus points: Complimentary tea & coffee. Extra long beds. A seating area to relax and chill. Seating areas are always a plus for me.
The Nitty-Gritty: Services and Conveniences
- The "Yes, Please!" List: Free parking (huge), daily housekeeping, laundry service, luggage storage, concierge service (they were super helpful with tips and directions).
- The "Meh" List: I didn't see a convenience store. Not a dealbreaker, but good to be aware of.
The "For the Kids" Section (Because Even Vikings Need a Babysitter!)
- Family/child friendly is a big yes! The whole atmosphere is welcoming. They are probably equipped for Kids meal.
The "Getting Around" Stuff
- Airport transfer: Yes! (Worth it after a long flight). Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge].
Now, Let's Talk About My Personal Syðra-Skorðugil Story:
Okay, so picture this. It’s Day 3 in Iceland. I'm utterly wrecked from a hike that involved climbing a waterfall (don’t ask). Muddy, freezing, and probably resembling a drowned rat. I stumble back into the guesthouse, just wanting a hot shower and a real bed. I expected a standard, generic hotel experience. But the staff at Syðra-Skorðugil were unbelievably warm and friendly. They greeted me with smiles and a genuine interest in my adventures - even though I undoubtedly smelled of wet wool and desperation.
I remember the exact point when I knew it was special. It was after the buffet breakfast. I'd filled a plate with all the Icelandic cheeses, smoked fish, and rye bread I could cram on it. (No judgment, okay?). I was trying to work out how the hell to make it all fit in my mouth when one of the waitresses, a woman with laughing eyes and a killer braid, saw me struggling. She just… knew. She brought me a second plate, a sly smile, and said, "Enjoy this wonderful land, my friend!". It felt like a hug.
Later, I was sitting on the terrace, nursing a coffee, the rain started. I didn't want to go back into the room, so I sat there watching the storm roll in over the mountains. It was a moment. A simple, perfect moment of peace and quiet.
Then, the sun came out (okay, maybe not perfect) and the rainbow came out! It was just pure magic.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing is Really Perfect)
- The decor is simple. Functional. Think clean lines, not fussy frills.
- The spa situation could be clearer. Maybe I was looking in the wrong place.
The Verdict: (Would I Go Back?)
YES. Absolutely. Syðra-Skorðugil is a place that cares. It’s not just a place to sleep. It’s a home base. It’s friendly, comfortable, safe – and it feels genuinely Icelandic. It’s a memorable stay, not just a functional one. The staff's warm welcome, the delicious food, and the overall atmosphere made it a highlight of my trip. It's a solid choice.
The Offer (Get Your Butt to Iceland!)
Tired of bland hotels and tourist traps? Escape to Syðra-Skorðugil Guesthouse!
Book your stay at Syðra-Skorðugil Guesthouse today and get 10% off your booking!
- Experience the Icelandic dream: cozy rooms, stunning views, and a welcome that’ll warm your soul.
- Fuel your adventures with our incredible breakfast buffet!
- Rest easy with our top-notch safety and cleanliness measures.
- Enjoy free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and everything you need for an unforgettable Icelandic experience.
This isn't just a hotel; it's the starting point for your Icelandic adventure. Click here to book now and claim your exclusive discount!
(Don't forget to mention this review when you book! Seriously, I'll split the commission… Just kidding. Maybe.)
P.S. Pack layers! You’ll need them! And don't skip the hot springs!
Carson's BEST Kept Secret: Rodeway Inn LA South!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your pristine, color-coded travel brochure itinerary. This is my messy, glorious, probably-gonna-get-lost-in-the-wilderness-and-love-every-second-of-it itinerary for Syðra-Skorðugil Guesthouse, Iceland. Let's see if I even make it back.
Day 1: Arrival and the Utter, Blinding Beauty of It All
- 10:00 AM: Land at Keflavík International Airport (KEF). Survive the inevitable jet lag and the sheer existential dread of realizing I'm actually in Iceland. First impression? Everything is aggressively clean. Like, the air itself is meticulously vacuumed. Slightly unnerving, but okay, I'm here to embrace it. Find the car rental place - and pray, pray, I survive driving on the "wrong" side of the road. Seriously, I'm more likely to swerve into a herd of Icelandic sheep than stay in my lane.
- 12:00 PM: Quick pit stop for a gas station hot dog. Apparently, this is a thing in Iceland. I will approach this culinary experience with both optimism and a healthy dose of skepticism. Fuel up the car - and myself - for the drive.
- 1:00 PM: Start the drive to Syðra-Skorðugil Guesthouse. The GPS is my (probable) lifeline. I've loaded up a playlist of Icelandic music, in the hope, it will magically make me fluent. Let's face it, it's probably just going to make me even more aware of how far away I am.
- 4:00 PM (ish): Arrive at Syðra-Skorðugil. Oh. My. God. The photos (they're always a lie, right?) understated it. The mountains loom, dramatic and majestic. The guesthouse itself looks like something out of a fairytale. I'm already completely overwhelmed. Like, I need to sit down and just breathe overwhelmed.
- 4:30 PM: Check-in. Pray to the Icelandic gods the receptionist speaks English (I know, I know, I'm a tourist). I fumble with my bags, probably spill something, and immediately feel like a complete idiot tourist. But the woman at the desk is all smiles and warm welcome. Crisis averted (for now).
- 5:00 PM: Unpack. Attempt to organize my life (and my suitcase). Fail spectacularly. Decide to embrace the mess. This is going to be a "live in the moment" kind of trip, right? Right.
- 6:00 PM: Explore the guesthouse. Scope out the common areas, the all-important kitchen (coffee!), and any secret nooks and crannies where I can hide and read a book. Maybe even find the local cats.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. (Hopefully, it's not gas station hot dogs again). Tonight, I'm going to try to be "adventurous." This means trying the local Icelandic food. If it turns out to be that fermented shark, I'm blaming Lonely Planet. They told me it was a must-try.
- 8:00 PM: Stare at the sky. Pray for Northern Lights. Cross my fingers. Wish upon a star (if I can find one through the clouds). Feel a sense of childlike wonder. This is it. This is the start of something amazing! Holy cow, I'm actually here.
Day 2: Waterfall Wonders and Existential Sheep
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Immediately question my life choices. Am I really going to do this? (Yes!) Breakfast - eggs, bread, coffee, and an attempt to not spill anything.
- 9:00 AM: Drive to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Pack the camera, the waterproof jacket, and a solid sense of "wow." This is going to be EPIC.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Seljalandsfoss. Walk behind it. Get soaked. Laugh like a maniac. The sheer power of nature is just… humbling. Take a million photos. Annoy everyone around me. Because, you know, I have to document everything.
- 11:30 AM: Hike to Gljúfrabúi waterfall. Find it. Get even more soaked. The hike is short, but intense. I find myself completely alone at one point. It's quiet. It's peaceful. And then I fall in a puddle because I wasn't paying attention. Graceful? No. Memorable? Absolutely.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. (Hopefully, I packed something besides granola bars). Maybe a picnic. Maybe a disaster. It depends on how hangry I get.
- 2:00 PM: Drive to Skógafoss waterfall. Marvel at its size. Try to climb the stairs (and almost die). Watch people getting married. Secretly wish I was getting married. (Okay, maybe not secretly). But still, romantic, right?
- 3:00 PM: Walk the Skógafoss trail. It's a long hike, but oh so beautiful. Get distracted by the sheep. The Icelandic sheep. They're everywhere. They're fluffy. They're judging me. Have a surprisingly profound moment contemplating the meaning of life and the existential dread of being a human, all while watching the sheep.
- 5:00 PM: Drive back to Syðra-Skorðugil. Legs ache. Soul is full.
- 6:00 PM: Post-adventure bliss. Warm shower. Dinner. Journal my feelings. Probably write something overly sentimental. Or maybe just complain about my sore feet.
- 7:00 PM: Stargazing! (If the weather cooperates). Even if the Northern Lights don't show, the sky is still astounding. If it's clear, I plan on laying down and just staring up, feeling insignificant, but in a good way.
- 9:00 PM: Early night. Tomorrow - more adventures!
Day 3: The Glacier and the Embrace of the Unknown
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. (Again.) Question, repeat. Breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Prepare for a glacier hike! I am actually going on a glacier. (Is this real life?) Pack layers, the crampons, and a healthy dose of terror.
- 10:00 AM: Drive to the glacier. The drive is beautiful. The anticipation is palpable. I'm simultaneously excited and terrified.
- 11:00 AM: Meet the tour group. Suit up. Get instructions (while barely understanding a single word). Feel incredibly out of my depth.
- 12:00 PM: Hike on the glacier. It's even more spectacular than I could have imagined. The ice is a stunning blue. The views are amazing. The guide points out crevasses. I try not to think about falling into them.
- 1:00 PM: Take a million photos. Try not to slip. Consider becoming a professional glacier photographer. Immediately reject the idea because I would probably fall into a crevasse.
- 2:00 PM: Feel the thrill of ice. Climb a small ice wall. Laugh. Sweat. Try not to trip over my own feet in a vain attempt to look cool.
- 3:00 PM: Pack up and drive back to the guesthouse-exhausted, but in the best way.
- 4:00 PM: Hot bath. Need to soak my muscles.
- 5:00 PM: Walk around the property. Find the local cat. Ask the local cat for life advice. The cat probably ignores me.
- 6:00 PM: More food. Maybe attempt cooking. Probably set something on fire.
- 7:00 PM: Plan my next move!
Day 4: Geysers and Goodbye (For Now)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up with the usual morning struggle. Eat all the breakfast I can – gotta fuel the adventure!
- 9:00 AM: Drive to the Geysir geothermal area. Prepare to be amazed (and maybe a little smelly). Wear comfortable shoes because this is going to be a lot of walking.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Geysir. See Strokkur erupt. Be amazed. Be slightly disappointed that the Great Geysir doesn't do it as often. Take a million photos and videos. Accidentally get sprayed with hot water. Laugh.
- 11:30 AM: Walk around the hot springs. Admire the bubbling mud pools. Try not to fall in. Watch the steam rise. Feel the earth breathe. Reflect on the power of nature.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Have a picnic. (Hopefully, I remembered to pack one.) Sit down and enjoy the surroundings.
- 2:00 PM: Drive to the Gullfoss waterfall. This is a classic. Admire its beauty. Get wet. (Again.) Take more photos. This is the
Syðra-Skorðugil Guesthouse: Spill the Beans (and the Coffee) FAQs – Prepare for Glory!
Okay, seriously... What *is* Syðra-Skorðugil? I looked it up and... mountains and sheep?
Alright, deep breaths, because this is where the magic starts. Syðra-Skorðugil (try saying *that* three times fast after a few Brennivín shots!) is basically... heaven disguised as a guesthouse. Picture this: you're in the middle of Iceland, like, *proper* middle, surrounded by these epic, jagged mountains that make you feel ridiculously small (in a good way!). And yes, there are sheep. LOTS of sheep. They’re basically the welcoming committee, bleating hello as you pull up. It’s remote. Like, *really* remote. Which is fantastic! You escape the Instagram hordes. You disconnect (mostly, the Wi-Fi is… Icelandic). You *breathe*. It’s a farm, basically, but a farm with soul. Seriously, if the air had a flavor, it’d taste like pure, unadulterated freedom.
Is it DIFFICULT to get to? Because I'm not exactly Bear Grylls.
Okay, look. It's not a walk in the park, but you don't need to be a survivalist. The road is a gravel road – *sometimes* okay, *sometimes* a teeth-rattling adventure. I rented a tiny little hatchback once... not my finest hour. Let’s just say my car’s suspension did *not* enjoy the experience. Four-wheel drive is your best friend, especially if it's rained. But even in my (shaky) hatchback, I made it. Slowly. Just download the offline maps, keep an eye out for oncoming traffic (there won't be much), and be prepared for the occasional "Did I take a wrong turn into Mordor?" moment. The payoff, though? Worth every bump. Trust me.
What are the rooms like? Are we talking rustic charm or… cramped prison cell?
Rustic charm! Absolutely. Think cozy. Think warm. Think wool blankets and probably a slight smell of hay (in a good way!). The rooms aren't five-star hotel suites, but they're clean, comfortable, and filled with character. I stayed in a room overlooking the… well, the *everything* once. The view woke me up in the morning! It was like a painting. Then the sheep started bleating. You might hear some creaks from the old wooden floors... but that adds to the charm, right? It’s not about luxury; it's about authentic experience. The beds are comfy and sleep is crucial after a day of hiking, you know.
Food! What's the food situation? I’m not surviving on instant noodles, am I?
Oh, the food. Prepare your taste buds for Icelandic culinary gold! Breakfast is a feast. Seriously. I'm talking homemade bread (oh, the bread!), local cheeses, Skyr (duh! Icelandic yogurt's the MVP), and hot coffee. The host, bless them, are probably making the most delicious rye bread you'll ever taste. Dinner is usually home-cooked, and they take great care. Sometimes it's lamb stew (hello, authentic Iceland!), sometimes it's fish. Always delicious. And even if you are a vegetarian, they'll always have something for you - Icelanders take care of their guests. The portions are HUGE, which is excellent, because you'll *need* the fuel for exploring. Just... be prepared to loosen your belt a notch. Or two. I did.
What can I *do* there, besides eat and sleep (which sound tempting, by the way)?
Ah, the activities! Get ready. This is where it gets EPIC. Hiking is king. There are trails for all levels, from gentle walks to "I'm-going-to-conquer-this-mountain" expeditions. The views... I can't even describe them. Waterfalls galore. And the silence! The *silence* is almost overwhelming at first. Then you get used to it, and you never want to leave it. The Northern Lights… potentially. If you're lucky enough to be there during aurora season, prepare to have your mind blown. Stargazing? Unbelievable. You'll feel like you can reach out and touch the cosmos. I sat outside one night, wrapped in a blanket, with a hot chocolate, staring up at the stars until my neck hurt. Best. Night. Ever. Seriously, book your stay around the aurora forecast!
Is there Wi-Fi? (I know, I know, I'm an addict)
Yes, there *is* Wi-Fi. However… it's… Icelandic. Let's just say it's not always lightning fast. Embrace the digital detox. You’re in Iceland! LOOK UP FROM YOUR PHONE! I’m just saying… a little forced disconnection is actually… liberating. Read a book. Talk to your travel companions. Stare out the window and daydream. It's a necessary evil. You'll probably be checking it for news, but maybe you will not post it online. Instead, enjoy the moment!
Tell me about the hosts! Are they friendly? Should I be worried about awkward small talk?
The hosts? They are the heart and soul of Syðra-Skorðugil. They are the BEST! The genuine, friendly, welcoming spirit of Iceland in human form. They're warm, they're helpful, and they truly care about their guests. You won't feel like a stranger. You'll feel like you're visiting family. They’re happy to answer questions, give advice, and tell you about the local area. The only awkward small talk you might encounter is if you're terrible at making eye contact! But seriously, they make you feel at home. They probably have the best coffee on the island, too. I had an amazing conversation with the host once about Icelandic folklore, over a slice of cake and endless cups of coffee, and it still sticks with me.
Okay, so, what's the WORST thing about staying there? Be honest!
Alright, here’s the truth bomb: leaving. That’s the worst part. Seriously. You'll get so comfortable, so relaxed, so... you. The pull to stay longer is incredibly strong. You'll be back in the "real world," with all its noise and chaos, and you'll crave the peace and quiet of Syðra-Skorðugil. Another small thing – the water pressure in the shower might be a little… "Icelandic" (aka not always the strongest). But honestly? That’s a small price to pay for the overall experience. If I *really* had to nitpick, I'Local Hotel Tips
