The best Airbnbs in Iceland, selected by travel experts

Best for: sweeping views of Iceland's natural landscape

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 in the winter) and midnight sun (if visiting in summer). As for the apartment, it sleeps up to four guests and is kitted out with oodles of space and modern luxuries. Very nice stuff.

Time Out tip: Have a coffee out on the patio while gazing at the stunning mountains in the distance.

Rooms: Two. Sleeps four guests. 
Price: From 57,391 ISK (€403) per night.
Location: Akureyri

Best for: having a warm, cosy and safe base in what can be a very hectic (and very cold) city

Sometimes you stumble across the perfect Airbnb – and this basement flat in Reykjavik was that for me. Cosy, quirky and intensely Icelandic, Randver’s place is lined with old books and a pretty remarkable – and extensive – vinyl collection, complete with a record player to take them for a spin. The kitchen was equipped with tea, coffee, olive oil and other basics, sweet treats in the freezer and a few boxes of Hraun (Icelandic chocolate ‘lava bites’) kindly left for us by the hosts. There’s a little table and chairs outside in case you’re blessed with a rare sunny day, and a strange, cosy little bathroom with sloped ceilings and a framed picture of the Mona Lisa. Oh, and in case you were wondering, the heating is on. We were warm and toasty even when it was blistering outside. Above all, this is the kind of place where you can tell the owner really, really loves being an Airbnb host - kind, generous and incredibly helpful. 

Editor’s tip: Check behind the kitchen curtain before you buy anything. We found pasta, sauce and more in there we could use for cooking after buying some ourselves. And make sure to peek in the freezer - there should be a sack (and I really mean a sack) full of delicious mini Icelandic macaroons. 

Time Out tip: The space is often booked, but if you manage to find an open slot, bag it. If not, try this one! 

Rooms: One bedroom. Sleeps two.
Price: Cost varies by dates of booking.
Location: Reykjavik is a small place so you can’t really go wrong, but we loved staying in this area of the city, tucked away in Old West near the city’s port end. 

Best for: romance under the stars

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 'Hella' 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. 

Time Out tip: Enjoy a glass of bubbly before dipping into the private hot tub, ideal for unwinding after a day outdoors.

Rooms: One. Sleep two guests. 
Price: From 82,028 ISK (€576) per night.
Location: Hella

Best for: glamping

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.

Time Out tip: Apart from the natural wonders mentioned above, there's also mountain views and whale watching. Plus, you're in a great position to see the sunsets and Northern Lights in all their glory. 

Rooms: One. Sleeps two guests. 
Price: From 35,032 ISK (€246) per night.
Location: Grundarfjörður  

Best for: a city escape

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.

Time Out tip: This Airbnb is close to the old harbour and less than 1km from the city centre should you need to pick up any extra goodies.

Rooms: One. Sleeps four guests. 
Price: From 27770 ISK (€195) per night.
Location: Reykjavík

Best for: a stunning and secluded solo escape

When the landscape is this beautiful, is it any surprise that it would enjoy admiring itself in a reflective surface? This little box of mirrors reflects the wonders of the natural world back at itself – but it also allows the inhabitants plenty of opportunities to do the same. The scenery is enough of a selling point (and you can get your fill of it from inside the hot tub too) but the interiors of the house are also pretty nice too – lots of fresh surfaces, uncluttered spaces and a sense of functionality combining with style.

Time Out tip: For extra R&R, visit the natural geothermal baths of the Krauma Health Spa.

Rooms: One. Sleeps two guests.
Price: From 69,069 ISK (€485) per night.
Location: Ytri-Skeljabrekka

Best for: supreme cottagecore vibes

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.

Time Out tip: You'll be surrounded by thousands of acres of unspoiled nature among the mountains of west Iceland. It's an ideal escape for hiking and observing those classic Northern Lights. 

Rooms: One. Sleeps two guests. 
Price: From 38,451 ISK (€270) per night.
Location: Búðardalur 

Best for: a nature escape that's still near the city

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.

Time Out tip: There are horse rentals in the neighborhood, and a swimming pool just a five minutes drive ahead. Ask the host for all the deets! 

Rooms: One. Sleep two guests. 
Price: From 25,064 ISK (€176) per night.
Location: 18km from Selfoss city and 60 minutes from Reykjavik. 

Best for: a double-date holiday

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. 

Time Out tip: The cabin is located in a nature reserve, so having a car is a must. In winter (Dec-March), a 4x4 car is essential.

Rooms: Two. Sleeps four guests. 
Price: From 52,264 ISK (€367) per night.
Location: A nature reserve close to downtown Reykjavik.

Best for: modern amenities and super cool bathroom

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.

Time Out tip: It's less than a minute walk to the seashore and the closest restaurant, but there are plenty more by the old harbor.

Rooms: Two. Sleeps six guests. 
Price: From 49,131 ISK (€345) per night.
Location: Downtown Reykjavik 

Best for: interior design lovers and the divine dark feminine

From a small collection of luxury villas, this home in Húsavík is the brainchild of a couple who put to good use their previous careers as designers in Reykjavík with their love of the simple, rural way of being. The rooms showcase the beauty of natural materials – we love the vertical wood panelling in the bedroom – with a choice array of objects selected purely for their aesthetic value. A great place for those of us who like the concept of the outdoors but can’t quite abandon their urban values just yet. 

Time Out tip: Whale-watching, horse-riding, hiking, swimming, fishing, waterfall-staring: it’s all possible from Húsavík.

Rooms: One. Sleeps four.
Price: From 59,242 ISK (€416) per night.
Location: Húsavík 

Best for: small gatherings and scenic views

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. 

Time Out tip: You're just two and a half hours away from the black beaches, and one hour to the Golden Circle.  

Rooms: Two. Sleeps four guests. 
Price: From 50,982 ISK (€358) per night.
Location: Hafnarfjörður 

Best for: animal lovers and horse girls, yeehaw! 

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).

Time Out tip: The horse farm is lovely and there's a Viking-themed restaurant right next door.

Rooms: Two. Sleeps four guests. 
Price: From 35,602 ISK (€250) per night.
Location: Sveitarfélagið Ölfus

Best for: the perfect stay in Reykjavík.

Admit it: you’ve got home envy, haven’t you? And we don’t blame you, this spot is picture-perfect. But beyond the stunning interior, you just need to look out of the window and you’ll fall in love with Iceland all over again. Why? Because astonishing views of volcanic mountain ranges rest in the distance.

Time Out tip: You're in the center of Reykjavik and close to all independent cafes, bars and shops, 

Rooms: One. Sleeps two guests. 
Price: From 25,633 ISK (€180) per night.
Location: Reykjavík