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Home » Europe » Iceland » Best Airbnb

15 of the Best Airbnbs in Iceland: My Top Picks

The Land of Ice and Fire has become one of the world’s top tourist destinations in recent years, and it’s no surprise! Iceland is totally beautiful, with natural wonders aplenty. You can truly see why Game of Thrones and a number of other big series and films have used it as a base for filming.

One of the best spots in the world to see the Northern Lights, you can also see awe-inspiring waterfalls and geysers, ride tiny Icelandic horses across stunning landscapes, or take Super-jeep tours right out into the wilderness!

Unfortunately, there is one little downside to Iceland: the price. It can be frightfully expensive and this will be a red flag to some backpackers – especially if they’re broke! However, that needn’t be the case.

There are some awesome rentals in Iceland that can save you money over staying in the country’s hotels. And what a lot of choices there are! From cottages where you can hunt the Northern Lights, to private rooms in farmhouses, to sweet pads in Reykjavik and Akureyri, Iceland has it all!

In this post, we’ll take a look at the best Airbnbs in Iceland. Not only will it help you plan your trip, but also save you a bit of cash too!

A woman looks out down a massive cliffside where a rainbow can be seen in Iceland

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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Iceland

The top 15 airbnbs in iceland, more epic airbnbs in iceland, faq about airbnbs in iceland, what to pack for iceland, final thoughts on iceland airbnbs.

Awesome views in downtown Reykjavik

> High speed Wi-Fi
> Basic toiletries provided

Fossatún Camping Pods

> Free Parking

Luxury Villa in Northern Iceland

> Jeep rental available

Cosy Loft Room in Central Park

> Fully equipped kitchen
> Garden and back porch

Lovely room in panoramic art house

> Laptop friendly workspace
> Outdoor terrace with glacier views

Awesome views in downtown Reykjavik | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Iceland

Let’s kick off with one of the best all-round Airbnbs in Iceland. Located in the capital city, Reykjavik, it’s an ideal base for your Icelandic adventures! And you can use that free high-speed Wi-Fi to plan them out! Of course, you probably won’t want to as you’ll be admiring the views of downtown and the sea – especially during sunset.

In terms of convenience, this place is just a ten-minute walk from the main shopping street of Reykjavik, where you’ll find some great places to eat and drink too. Don’t fancy that? Use the fully equipped kitchen to prepare something delicious!

Fossatún Camping Pods | Best Budget Airbnb in Iceland

What’s that you say? Camping? Surely that’s not on Airbnb? Well it is, and it’s not just any kind of camping! As we have already said, Iceland can be incredibly expensive but you can find places well within your budget – especially if you get creative! And you’re not staying in a tent here – Fossatún Camping Pods are nice and warm as they have electrical radiators, and they’ve also got modcons like sockets so you can charge your phone and get that shot of the Northern Lights for your Instagram!

Oh, we almost forgot to mention that there’s a hot tub too!

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Luxury Villa in Northern Iceland | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Iceland

There are plenty of luxury Airbnbs in Iceland, so it can be hard to know the right one to choose. However, the daddy of them all is this luxurious villa in Northern Iceland – another one that’s close to Akureyri. As well as the peace and tranquility, you’ve got an incredible terrace and hot tub so you can stay warm as you search the skies for the Northern Lights!

Inside, there’s heating, a DVD player, and a washing machine and dryer. Useful if you’ve been out in nature and got snowy or dirty! There’s also a Jeep Cherokee for rent, if you’re looking for an easier way to get around!

Cosy Loft Room in Central Park | Perfect Iceland Airbnb for Solo Travellers

If you’re travelling solo, most people will tell you a hostel is a good idea, but we know that’s not the case for everyone. We’d still recommend staying in one of Iceland’s cities though. And the capital Reykjavik is a great base as it has tours, nightlife, and lots of things to do. This private room is located in the Laugardalur, and one of the key attractions there is the largest geothermal swimming pool in the country!

In the apartment itself, you can make use of its fully equipped kitchen, or try and catch a view of the Northern Lights from the back porch!

Lovely room in panoramic art house | Perfect Short Term Airbnb in Iceland for Digital Nomads

As long as accommodation has a laptop-friendly workspace and wi-fi, digital nomads can work anywhere. So, why stay in the city when you can be somewhere like this? Just imagine how inspiring it’d be to work in front of those glacier views or on the outdoor terrace! This artist’s house is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the town of Borgarnes, where you’ll find an outdoor thermal swimming pool.

So, if the isolation does get too much you’ve at least got some escape from it! This beautiful house has been featured in design magazines and documentaries on more than one occasion. Yep, it’s that beautiful!

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Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Iceland!

Beautiful Northern Lights Cottage | Best Airbnb in Iceland for Nightlife

Beautiful Northern Lights Cottage, Iceland

Reykjavik may have a decent bar and club scene, but the nightlife that people come to Iceland for isn’t music and drinking. It’s the incredible Northern Lights. So, let’s check out one of the best Airbnbs in Iceland for viewing the Aurora Borealis ! This beautiful cottage is about an hour from Reykjavik and Selfoss is the nearest city.

The bonus? There’s almost no light pollution. Although you can never guarantee Northern Lights sightings, you’ve got a pretty great chance of seeing them from the tranquil balcony here!

Nonnstein: Life in the Countryside | Best Short Term Rental for Couples

Nonnstein: Life in the Countryside, Iceland

Nonnstein’s listing says it’s perfect for newlyweds and couples, so who are we to argue?! If you want a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of life, there’s nowhere better. It’s not just this Iceland Airbnb that’s so great, but what’s around it. Take advantage of whale watching, black beaches, waterfalls, and lava fields! Once you’ve spent the day exploring the area’s natural wonders, head back to the comfy queen-sized bed or take a seat to enjoy the landscape and maybe even the Northern Lights!

Restored home in heart of Reykjavik | Best Homestay in Iceland

Restored home in heart of Reykjavik, Iceland

If you want to stay save money and have an authentic experience, then there’s no better idea than staying with a local. Here’s one of the best homestays in Iceland, right in the heart of Reykjavik! The home has over 100 years of history but has been restored to give you the ultimate cosy and comfortable experience. It’s in a great location, with many of the capital’s top attractions on your doorstep. If that’s not enough, you’ve also got used of the kitchen!

Owl Room at Spirit Farmhouse | Runner Up Homestay in Iceland

There are so many great homestays in Iceland that we couldn’t just show you one. The Spirit Farm may not be in the centre of Reykjavik, but this is really just an excuse to get out and enjoy the awesome countryside! On a clear day, you have views of two of Iceland’s most famous volcanoes, Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull . You’ll just have to hope they don’t erupt or this Iceland homestay might become your accommodation for much longer than you originally intended!

Modern Apartment in the Countryside | Amazing Luxury Airbnb in Iceland

Modern Apartment in the Countryside, Iceland

If you don’t mind splashing the cash on holiday, check out this phenomenal luxurious Iceland Airbnb. There’s nowhere better if you want to escape and disconnect from the stress of daily life! Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Akureyri, this minimalist apartment blends into the landscape and offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and distant mountains. I mean, could you imagine anywhere better to enjoy a meal than that table on the decking outside?!

Nature cabin near Blue Lagoon | Best Airbnb in Iceland for Families

Travelling with the family? Why not pick an Iceland Airbnb that everyone will remember? This nature cabin can hold up to 4 guests and it’s close to one of the top attractions in the country – the Blue Lagoon! It’s suitable for all ages, and the living room with its’ rocking chair is a perfect place to spend the evening playing cards or board games and spending quality time together!

Icelandic Country Suite on farm | Best Airbnb in Iceland for a Group of Friends

Icelandic Country Suite on farm, Iceland

When travelling with friends, you’ll probably want something cool and exciting to do after a day of exploring the island. This Airbnb in Iceland certainly ticks those boxes, as it has a snooker table, a jukebox, and even a bar! Don’t worry about being cold here – as well as those comfy beds with plenty of covers, every room boasts an environmentally friendly geothermal radiator! Breakfast isn’t included, but pick up some stuff at a store as you’ve plenty of facilities to cook, including an outdoor grill!

Great Downtown Reykjavik Apartment | Best Airbnb in Reykjavik

Great Downtown Reykjavik Apartment, Iceland

We know we’ve already shown you a few places to stay in Reykjavik, but that’s because it’s home to some of the best Airbnbs in Iceland! So, we’ve got a couple more for you. This comfortable downtown apartment offers a super king bed and a sofa bed, so it’s suitable for couples, business travellers, or perhaps even a small group of friends or family. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay for a long time, this place offers long-term stays. So you can wake up in Central Reykjavik as long as necessary!

Scandi Chic Downtown Apartment | Another Great Apartment in Reykjavik

Okay, we promise this is the last Reykjavik Airbnb we’re going to show you! But aren’t you glad we did? This studio can sleep two guests, so it’s perfect if you’re travelling solo or with your other half. It’s just 5 minutes away from Reykjavik’s bus station – so ideal for exploring the city and making your onward journeys around the island’s ring road! No matter what time you arrive, you don’t have to worry about not getting into your apartment. There’s 24-hour self-check-in!

Studio by the sea with hot tub | Top Value Airbnb in Akureyri

Last but not least on our list of the best Airbnbs in Iceland is this awesome apartment in Akureyri. We’ve shown you a few places nearby, but nothing in this pretty little town until now. This studio by the sea not only offers fabulous views, but you also get used of a hot tub and access to a fully equipped kitchen too. If you’re planning a tour around Route One, this is definitely the place to stay in Akureyri!

Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Iceland.

What are the ultimate best Airbnbs in Iceland?

This cute place with awesome views in downtown Reykjavik is our top choice for your stay in Iceland. Another great options is this lovely room in panoramic art house .

What are the best Airbnbs in Reykjavik?

Check out the best Airbnbs in Reykjavik: – Cosy Loft Room in Central Park – Restored home in heart of Reykjavik – Great Downtown Reykjavik Apartment

What are the cheapest Airbnbs in Iceland?

Iceland isn’t cheap, but these Airbnbs offer the perfect low-budget stay: – Fossatún Camping Pods – Cosy Loft Room in Central Park – Owl Room at Spirit Farmhouse

What are the most unique Airbnbs in Iceland?

Check out these hidden gem Airbnbs in Iceland: – Nonnstein: Life in the Countryside – Modern Apartment in the Countryside – Luxury Villa in Northern Iceland

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Don’t Forget Your Iceland Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

So, that concludes our list of the best Airbnbs in Iceland. Hopefully, you’ll have found something suitable for your travel style, budget, and personality. After all, we’ve included something in our extensive list for absolutely everybody!

Whether you want a downtown apartment to explore the capital Reykjavik , a friendly stay on a local farm, or an isolated apartment out in the gorgeous Icelandic countryside, this country really does have it all. In fact, we might have given you a little too much to pick from!

If so, sorry about that! But it can still be an easy decision. Go for the best all-rounder – our favourite Airbnb in Iceland – Awesome views in Downtown Reykjavik. It’s right in the capital, so it’s easy to get anywhere on the island. It also offers great value for money and it’s pretty cool and stylish too.

So, now that we’ve helped you plan your trip to Iceland, all that’s left is for us to wish you an incredible vacation. We hope you have a great time!

Check out our Backpacking Iceland guide for in-depth info for your trip.
Use our Where to Stay in Iceland guide to plan your adventure.
Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Iceland .

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Christina Grayt

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The 12 best Airbnbs in Iceland

From cabins with spectacular sky views to fabulous farmhouses, Iceland has a space for every explorer

Other than the fact it should really swap names with Greenland (because it’s green and Greenland is, erm, icy), Iceland is nothing short of wondrous. This place looks incredible, it was the site of the first European Parliament and is home to not one, but two tectonic plates – you can actually see them moving apart (at 2cm per year). Plus, it’s 80 percent powered by geothermal and hydropower, so that's pretty damn cool. It’s also one of the very best places to catch the Northern Lights, resplendent in all their majestical, trippy glory.

Ready for a getaway to this unique part of the globe? Well, we’ve already rounded up the best things to do on this mysterious and unique Nordic island, so all you need to do now is find somewhere to stay. And for a true taste of Icelandic living, nothing beats an Airbnb. Here’s our pick of the best Airbnbs in Iceland. Ready?

RECOMMENDED: The 22 best things to do in Iceland The best hotels in Iceland

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best Iceland Airbnbs

1. a contemporary space in akureyri.

This architectural stunner is located in the picturesque north of Iceland, the villa claims spectacular views over the countryside, as well as the aurora borealis (if you’re lucky) and midnight sun (if visiting in Summer). As for the apartment itself, it sleeps up to four and is kitted out with oodles of modern luxuries. Very nice stuff.

Rooms: Two. Sleeps four guests. Location perks? Well, the potential for a Northern Lights sighting is a big plus. Budget range? Very reasonable.

2. A cabin beneath the stars

You can think of staying in this beautiful cabin as the big brother to camping. The big brother that’s much more comfortable and warmer and a bit more grown up. With space for two guests, one night just wouldn’t be enough – mainly because you'll be located near water caves, lava fields and breathtaking black beaches.

Rooms: One. Sleeps two guests. Location perks? Apart from the natural wonders already mentioned above, there's mountain views and whale watching – plus you're in a great position to see the sunsets and Northern Lights in all their glory. Budget range? Worth it for a one-off experience.

3. Wooden camping pod in Borgarnes

You might need to bring your own bedding to this little pod (or pay a little extra to have it provided for you), but don’t let that put you off. Quaint and cosy, they’re properly insulated so you don’t get the shivers – and you’ll have startling views for a fraction of the cost you’d expect.

Rooms: One. Sleeps two guests. Location perks? A great base to explore some of iceland's best attractions, such as the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the lava falls. Budget range? Very cheap.

4. New design apartment in Reykjavík

Iceland’s capital city is famed for its museums, as well as harbouring a great chunk of the country’s Viking past – and now you can explore that for yourself, thanks to this perfectly located apartment. Situated in Downtown, it comes with parking, easy access to the Old Harbor and all of the basics you’d need for a comfortable stay.

Rooms: One. Sleeps four guests. Location perks? Close to the old harbour, under 1km from the city centre. Budget range? An average price for a Reykjavík property.

5. The old Icelandic cottage drenched in beauty

Let your wildest (and most romantic) dreams of Iceland become reality with a stay at this adorable – adorable – cottage. Created in the ‘Old Icelandic’ style, it feels snug and protective the moment you set eyes on it. There’s a village only fifteen minutes’ drive away, where you can stock up on warming supplies, but wild swimmers will love the natural pool and geothermal swimming pool just 30km away at Laugar. Dive on in.

Rooms: One. Sleeps two guests. Location perks? You'll be surrounded by thousands of acres of unspoiled nature, among the mountains of west Iceland. Ideal for hiking and observing the Northern Lights. Budget range? Quite expensive.

6. A quaint cottage in Selfoss

If you dream of a white winter but don’t always have your fantasy fulfiled then we have some good news for you: Selfoss, the largest town in South Iceland rarely reaches a temperature above 16 degrees Celcius – and is usually way lower than that. So snuggle up in this cottage and peer out over the white hills and fields.

Rooms: One. Sleep two guests. Location perks? 18km from Selfoss city and 60 minutes from Reykjavik. Budget range? Mid-range.

7. Log cabin for four

This cabin is truly something. Near to the Blue Lagoon, you climb 50 wooden steps to get here, and it has a spectacular view of the Northern Lights. This is a bucket list kinda place, with a rocking chair by a log fire and cosy corners to curl up in in the evenings – plus an outdoor hot tub and BBQ. There’s one double bed and two bunk beds, so it’s perfect for a family.

Rooms: Two. Sleeps four guests. Location perks? In a beautiful nature reserve, close to downtown Reykjavik. Budget range? A bit of a splurge.

Image©Airbnb

8. A Scandi-style penthouse in Reykjavík

Bringing elements of Swedish design to Reykjavík, along with phenomenal city views, this penthouse is on the third floor and can host four guests. Chic and comfortable, the residential area is fairly quiet, so you can rest very easy indeed.

Rooms: Two. Sleeps six guests. Location perks? Close to old harbor and under 1km from the city centre in the residential area of downtown Reykjavik. Budget range? Quite cheap if split between all six guests.

9. A cabin close to the Blue Lagoon

Desperate to feel at one with mother nature? This cool Airbnb is situated within an incredible nature reserve, which means wild and wonderful surroundings. The homely interior is rustic-inspired but updated, which means you won’t have to put up with a rickety build and nighttime breeze.

Rooms: Two. Sleeps four guests. Location perks? Located in a stunning nature reserve, close to Reykjavik city centre. Two and a half hours away from the black beaches, and one hour to the Golden Circle. Budget range? On the high end of the scale.

10. A countryside guest house with hot tub

Forget about the city because the countryside has a lot to offer, including wonderful wildlife, blissful breezes and this charming guesthouse. In fact, what it lacks in size it makes up for style; basically, this is every fond memory you’ve had of your nannas – a snug interior with a cute retro design. Oh, and did we mention that there’s a hot tub? (Massive respect if your nanna had one of those, too).

Rooms: Two. Sleeps four guests. Location perks? Set on a horse farm, 30 minutes from Reykjavik. Budget range? The usual price for this type of property.

11. A cottage made of glass

Looking for something unique? This glass cottage is the place to be. It’s just five minutes from the town of Hella, but it’s utterly secluded. And thank goodness for that, because the bedroom is made entirely out of glass. This is the kind of place you saw in a movie once that you hoped you might visit one day. Oh, and you can see a volcano from the bathroom.

Rooms: One. Sleep two guests. Location perks? On a lava desert in the south of Iceland. Close to popular attractions, while also being nice and secluded. Budget range? The most expensive in the list.