Bask in Natural Hot Springs at Iceland’s Frost & Fire Hotel

Just outside Reykjavik in Hveragerdi sits the beautiful Frost & Fire, right on the banks of the River Varma in the midst of bubbling springs. The combination of the smoke that rises from the springs and the beautiful views of the waterfall and mountains nearby is simply sublime. There could not be a better place to stay in south Iceland — or to catch the Northern Lights. Best of all, families will feel right at home.

Family-Friendly Review of Frost & Fire Hotel

Location

Frost & Fire is just past the beautiful Reykjafoss Waterfall. As soon as you arrive at the hotel, you’ll smell sulphur and see steam, which has a curiously relaxing effect. Just minutes away are Reykjadalur Valley; Thingvellir National Park; LA Art Museum; and a geothermal park where families can take a dip in the hot springs or go hiking. The area also is a good stopping point for the classic Golden Circle tour of Iceland, as it’s close to Gulfoss Waterfall, Geysir, Kerid Volcanic Crater Lake, Skalholt, and river rafting on Hvita.

Accommodations

Frost & Fire’s owner, Elfa, takes great pride in the unique experience her property offers. She’s carefully kept the decor simple yet faithful to the area’s tranquil aura. The 22 rooms (several of which can accommodate families) are all individually furnished, with wooden floors and specially made pottery and furniture. Each room’s door bears a sign with the name of a different Icelandic artist, and the walls are adorned with Icelandic art.

The accommodations are incredibly cozy, with fine linens, bathrobes and slippers. Rooms offer dazzling views of the River Varna, Mt. Reykjafjall, and the valleys Reykjadalur, Graendalur and Gufudalur above Hveragerdi.

Dining

Frost & Fire’s restaurant serves delicious Icelandic dishes based on slow-food ideals, including selections such as smoked goose and lamb in licorice. Local, organic farms provide many of the breakfast products. The morning meal includes fresh fruit, rugbread, cereals, meats, cheeses, liver oil shots, coffee and juices. Kids will love trying their hands at boiling an egg or helping Elfa make carrot cake or bread, all thanks to the in-ground geothermal oven outside the restaurant.

Amenities

Each room has access to a pool, two outdoor hot tubs, a steam room, 40 TV channels (including kids’ channels), and toys and games. All include DVD players, free WIFI and daily housekeeping. Sparkling wine is offered to adults using the hot tub; the combination of the views and wine creates a totally zen mood as the day draws to a close.

Relevant Links:

Browse family-friendly hotels and things to do in Iceland on Ciao Bambino

5 Incredible Places to See the Northern Lights

A great 5-day itinerary in Iceland with kids

A summer vacation in Iceland with kids

Editor’s Note: Holly experienced Frost & Fire as part of a media trip. As always, thoughts and opinions expressed on Ciao Bambino are our own. Photos by Holly Rosen Fink.