Traustholtshólmi

• Sleeps: 2 (+1)
• Bedrooms: Open plan
• Bathrooms: External shared
• Minimum stay: 1 night

If you’re looking for the perfect natural location from which to tick off that ‘bucket list’ item of viewing the Northern Lights, Traustholtshólmi is it.

A stunningly mesmerising private island, Traustholtshólmi measures just fifty-seven acres, and is magically positioned within one of Iceland’s largest glacial rivers. Your stay promises spectacular natural scenery, spectacular salmon feasts, and spectacular starry nights.

Here you’ll find three gorgeously snug, off-grid Mongolian yurts, each sleeping up to two adults and two children. Stay perfectly toasty even on the crispest of nights, with help from your yurt’s insulated walls and warming wood oven.

There are generous shared facilities, and a 30m2 communal yurt that’s perfect for making new friends.

You’ll be warmly greeted by the island’s only residents – carpenter Hákon and his dog Skuggi, and once you’ve settled in to your yurt, you’ll be invited to join Hákon as he catches wild salmon from the river.  

Enjoy a fresh sashimi treat on the river bank, and then take a walk around the island as Hákon explains more about its fascinating history, and his mission to preserve the island in its remarkable natural state.  

Prepare to be utterly enthralled by your walk; the island’s only building is an old stone house, surrounded completely by tall grassland, sandy banks, and a huge, clear, ever-changing sky overhead. Seal-spotting and birdwatching are popular activities here…so don’t forget your binoculars.

At a glance

• A naturally captivating and remote private island, measuring 57 acres and located within Þjórsá, one of Iceland’s largest glacial rivers. Ideally located for viewing the Northern lights, and immersing yourself in unique history and culture.
• Stay in one of three insulated off-grid yurts, each sleeping up to two adults and two children. There is also a large communal yurt on site, along with shared facilities. WiFi is available.
• Your stay includes transportation across the river, a guided island tour, and a home-cooked meal of freshly caught salmon.
• Spend your time on the island nature-walking, stargazing, birdwatching and seal spotting, or take a boat to the mainland and explore Iceland’s southern regions.

Features

• Family Friendly
• Off-Grid

More information

As the sun sets, savour a three-course feast by the firepit, with the freshest salmon served with wild herbs and island-grown vegetables. As the flames flicker on the firepit, wash down your meal with a well-deserved drink as you share stories with your new-found friends.

By day, why not take a boat to the mainland, where you can explore the breathtaking southern regions of Iceland? This is your chance to feast your eyes upon the natural world at its most visually captivating. Think sparkling waterfalls, geysers and incredible volcanoes, with black sands and windswept, barren highlands.

Otherwise, make your new home on the island itself, taking a nature walk, holing yourselves up in your comfortable yurt, or simply curling up amongst the grassland with a good book.

However you decide to spend your time, once you’ve immersed yourselves in the unspoilt nature, friendly hospitality, unique culture and incredible scenery you’ll find on Traustholtshólmi, you’re sure to be forever hooked.