Surrounded by mossy lava fields, glaciers, and steaming geothermal vents, ION Adventure Hotel is built for travelers who want to feel immersed in Iceland’s wild landscape without sacrificing comfort.
The building itself is bold and modern, a sleek concrete-and-glass structure cantilevered over a slope of ancient lava rock. Inside, the interiors reflect Iceland’s natural elements: basalt walls, reclaimed wood, local wool textiles, and pale furnishings inspired by ice and ash. Large picture windows in the common spaces and guest rooms make the most of the panoramic views.
Rooms are simple but comfortable. Each one comes with organic Icelandic toiletries, blackout curtains, soft duvets, and views over lava fields or Lake Thingvallavatn. Northern lights sightings are frequent in winter, and the hotel provides aurora wake-up calls upon request. The Northern Lights Bar is the hotel’s hub. lass-walled on two sides, it’s the perfect place to settle in with a cocktail and watch the sky shift colors.
The Lava Spa offers a quiet geothermal soak and Finnish sauna, with spa treatments that use Icelandic herbs, minerals, and sea salt. A heated outdoor pool looks out over the mountains. It’s peaceful and rarely crowded, even in peak season.
The on-site restaurant, Silfra, serves modern Nordic cuisine made with local produce, wild herbs, and sustainably sourced seafood and meats. Menus change seasonally but may include Arctic char with skyr and dill, or lamb with pickled root vegetables. Breakfasts are generous and include local cheeses, fresh bread, fruit, and Icelandic specialties like smoked trout.
Adventure is central to the ION experience. The hotel helps arrange activities ranging from Super Jeep safaris and glacier hikes to horseback riding and diving in the nearby Silfra fissure. In summer, you can explore Thingvellir on foot or by bike; in winter, snowshoeing and aurora chasing take over. The location, while remote, is ideal for day trips around the Golden Circle.
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Iceland’s surf scene is raw and remote—better suited for adventurous, cold-water surfers. The best breaks are concentrated along the Reykjanes Peninsula, about 1.5–2 hours from ION. Sandvik offers a beach break with left and right peaks, consistent in winter but frigid year-round. Thorli, near Þorlákshöfn, provides powerful rights off a rocky point, ideal for experienced surfers. Consistency improves from October to March, with fewer crowds but harsher conditions. Local knowledge is key, and gear up for 5mm+ wetsuits, boots, and gloves.
Silfra Restaurant serves new Nordic cuisine with an Icelandic twist. Dishes highlight ingredients like Arctic char, free-roaming lamb, skyr, and wild herbs. The setting is sleek and minimal, with views over mossy lava fields. Breakfast is hearty and fresh, featuring breads, cheeses, and local smoked salmon. The hotel’s Northern Lights Bar offers Icelandic craft beers, cocktails, and snacks in a relaxed lounge. For local dining, the nearby town of Selfoss (45 minutes) offers casual Icelandic eateries and bakeries.
ION is located near Nesjavellir, by Lake Thingvallavatn in southwest Iceland. From Keflavík International Airport, it’s a 90-minute drive through the Golden Circle. The route passes geysers, waterfalls, and rift valleys. Weather can shift quickly—expect wind, rain, and snow depending on the season. The region is culturally rich, with Viking history and geothermal wonders. The nature of the location is its shining star, with opportunities to dunk in cold water, follow sheep across the hills, and see the northern lights. Nearby activities include Thingvellir hikes, diving in Silfra, and day trips to Geysir and Gullfoss.
Address: Nesjavellir, 801 Ölfus, Iceland
Check-in: 15:00
Check-out: 11:00
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