There are Airbnb amenities and then there are Iceland Airbnb amenities. At first glance, they may feel like the same set of offerings: in-unit washer and dryer; expansive, fully equipped kitchen; central location. If you’re lucky, something with a private hot tub or sauna will be available. But there are benefits to booking a Reykjavik Airbnb over a hotel that you wouldn’t recognize on your first visit.
As someone who has visited Iceland more than a dozen times, I can tell you that there’s something special about the Airbnbs housed in the capital city. The secret is in Iceland’s two seasonal phenomena: the northern lights and the midnight sun. When you’re staying in a hotel—a wonderfully anonymous experience, for the most part—you give up a certain layer of freedom. Stepping outside to see the aurora is different in a hotel, where you may feel pressured to get fully dressed and—gasp—put on shoes. In an Airbnb? Slide on some slippers, maybe grab a blanket to wrap up in (or not), and enjoy a late-night viewing session from the porch, or balcony, or backyard. There’s no chance you’ll run into anyone while crossing a lobby.
To help whittle down the options (there are many), we pulled together the best stays across the city—with a few located slightly outside of the city limits. You know, to make the most of that Icelandic nature you came to experience.
We’ve vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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