Torfhus Retreat | Selfoss, Iceland
Selfoss, Iceland
Best time to see the Northern Lights: September through late March
"Torfhús" are traditional Icelandic country houses with grass roofs.
The property is located just one hour from Reykjavik, on the Golden Circle route and close to the famous Sellfoss waterfalls.
The cozy, wood-lined turf houses offer privacy, rustic comfort, and spectacular views across volcanic plains to snow-capped mountains and the Langjökull glacier beyond. The way the traditional turf houses blend into the Icelandic landscape is a feast for the eyes.
Here, great importance is placed on sustainability, conservation, and environmental protection. The traditional buildings are constructed from local materials—stone, wood, and peat. Building materials and furniture are either handcrafted in the on-site workshop or sourced locally. Reused oak and pine wood is abundant, while an Icelandic fishing boat has been repurposed into a sofa and leather salmon skins adorn the walls of the Viking longhouse. Living turf roofs nestle against the walls of the guesthouses. Electric cars are used, and water bottles are preferred over plastic ones (the tap water is pure and delicious).
At Torfhús Retreat, relaxing tranquility, breathtaking scenery, and innovative cuisine come together in a place far removed from everyday life. Surrounded by natural beauty and fascinating sights, you’ll experience adventures in the wilderness and enjoy action-packed activities. In the evening, unwind in the hot basalt stone pool—an ancient natural therapy for body, mind, and soul.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to the Arctic and Antarctic.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings relating to the Arctic and Antarctic, and I am delighted that you are one of the few people who are traveling to the ends of the earth.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 946 16 306
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival:We are happy to book flightsto/from Keflavík and a private transfer to Torfhus Retreat for you on request.
Travel program: Wehave lots of ideas for additional highlights to upgrade your entire trip.
Entry requirements:German citizens onlyneed an identity card to enter Iceland. Further information on entry requirements and the latest security advice can be found at the U.S. Department of State.
Insurance: Werecommend taking out good travel cancellation insurance and international health insurance from a specialist provider.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Overnight stay in traditional Icelandic turf houses – your Viking retreat
- The Torfhus Retreat is powered entirely by sustainable geothermal and hydroelectric energy
- Bathing in geothermal hot water pools made of basalt stone– a cherished Icelandic tradition and therapeutic experience
- Located in the heart of the breathtaking'Golden Circle'
- Scenic highlights:Þingvellir National Park, the Great Geyser, Iceland's most famous geyser, and Gullfos Waterfall
- Its isolated location and zero light pollution make Torfhus Retreat the perfect place for viewing the Northern Lights (September to the end of March).
Your hotel
Torfbær
Arranged in a row of three traditional thatched-roof suites, each 30-square-meter Torfbær Suite accommodates 2 guests. The bedroom features a double bed that can be separated into two single beds upon request. The suite includes a luxurious bathroom with high-quality toiletries, a cozy living area, and a private veranda. All guests also have access to a geothermally heated hot pool made of basalt stone for shared use, which is embedded at ground level between the three suites.
Features:
- 29 square meters
- Maximum 2 people
- Double bed or two single beds
- Nespresso coffee maker, tea
- mini-bar
- Bathroom with shower and toilet
- Geothermally heated basalt pool, shared with two houses
Prices
| Rates per room, including breakfast |
|
Low Season May 16 – May 31, 2026 September 16 – October 31, 2026 |
High Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| double occupancy | € 900 | € 1.017 | € 1.155 |
| minimum stay | 2 | ||
| Maximum occupancy | 2 | ||
Torfhús
Each Torfhús can accommodate up to 4 guests in two bedrooms, each of which can be furnished with either a king-size bed or two single beds. The accommodation features a luxurious bathroom with high-quality toiletries, a spacious living room, a private veranda, and a geothermally heated basalt pool.
Features:
- 60 square meters
- max. 4 people
- 2 bedrooms with a king-size bed or 2 twin beds
- living area
- Fully equipped kitchen and dining area
- Bathroom with shower and toilet
- Private geothermally heated basalt pool
Prices
| Rates per room, including breakfast | Winter Season: January 7 – May 15, 2026 November 1 – December 14, 2026
|
Low Season May 16 – May 31, 2026 September 16 – October 31, 2026 |
High Season June 1 – September 15, 2026 December 15 – January 31, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodates up to 4 people | € 1.440 | € 1.599 | € 1.790 |
| minimum stay | 2 | ||
| Maximum occupancy | 4 | ||
Peat Villa
The Torfvilla at Torfhús Retreat is a luxurious, 200-square-meter private residence designed to accommodate up to 8 guests. With four en-suite bedrooms, each featuring king-size or twin beds, this detached villa is perfect for families or groups seeking a stylish and spacious retreat.
The living areas are thoughtfully designed and feature a fully equipped kitchen, an elegant dining area, and a cozy lounge. Outdoors, guests can enjoy complete privacy with a geothermally heated hot tub, a cold-water pool, and a traditional Icelandic sauna—a true haven for well-being and relaxation.
Features:
- 200 square meters
- Maximum 8 people
- 4 bedrooms with a king-size bed or 2 twin beds and an en-suite bathroom with a shower and toilet
- living area
- Fully equipped kitchen and dining area
- Private geothermally heated basalt pool
Prices
| Rates per room, including breakfast | Winter Season: January 7 – May 15, 2026 November 1 – December 14, 2026 |
Low Season May 16 – May 31, 2026 September 16 – October 31, 2026 |
High Season June 1 – September 15, 2026 December 15 – January 31, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodates up to 4 people | € 6.248 | € 6.565 | € 7.571 |
| Additional guest (5th–8th person), per night | € 265 | € 265 | € 265 |
| minimum stay | 2 | ||
| Maximum occupancy | 8 | ||
Restaurant:
The restaurant at Wikinger-Langhús can seat 60 guests. The creative cuisine at Torfhús Retreat is inspired by Icelandic tradition. Chef Thorarinn Eggertsson uses the freshest ingredients, most of which are sourced locally. Berries and fruit, vegetables, herbs, and salads are grown year-round in classic greenhouses heated by Iceland's abundant geothermal energy. Salmon and char are caught in nearby rivers, and seafood comes from coastal fishermen. Lamb and beef from local mountain pastures are complemented by wines from the carefully curated wine cellar.
Breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and consists of a continental breakfast buffet with Icelandic influences (included).
For dinner, you can look forward to a variety of culinary experiences, from set menus to an unknown journey through Icelandic cuisine.
All dining experiences must be reserved one day in advance. Dinner is available upon request and is not included in the room rate.
basalt stone basin
Bathing in geothermal pools is a cherished Icelandic tradition; an ancient natural therapy for body, mind, and soul. The basalt stone thermal pools are unique to Torfhús Retreat. Locally quarried basalt stone columns surround soft, fresh Icelandic water heated by sustainable geothermal energy, offering an experience that is both soothing and therapeutic.
conferences
Torfhus Retreat has everything you need to host conferences, exhibitions, and meetings in a small venue. Modern technical equipment for presentations (85" SMART TV with multiple external connections, high-end surround sound system, whiteboards and office supplies, high-speed internet (WiFi and LAN connection), multiple power outlets), space for 60 seated guests and up to 100 guests for a standing reception are available. A food and beverage service tailored to specific needs and requests is offered.
- Tour and concierge service
- Multilingual staff
- 24-hour emergency access to hosts
- helicopter landing pad
- Airport taxi and limousine service
- Free parking
location
It is about 62 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) by car from Reykjavík. Keflavík International Airport is 90 miles (2 hours' drive) away if you follow the scenic coastal road.
Private transfers from Reykjavik, Keflavík Airport, and anywhere else in Iceland by car or helicopter, as well as rental cars, can be arranged.
The diverse landscapes of Iceland's Golden Circle, highlands, and south coast are easily accessible from Torfhus Retreat. Thanks to its convenient location within the Golden Circle, you have the opportunity to visit attractions outside of peak hours in the early morning or late evening. In summer, the sun hardly sets in Iceland, so the time to explore the unique landscape can seem endless. With winter at Torfhús Retreat, everything changes in sight, the days become shorter, and you experience the relentless Icelandic winter at its strongest.
There are a variety of excursion options:
- Day trip to Þjórsárdalur (valley in southern Iceland), where you can visit the magnificent Þjóðveldisbær (reconstructed Viking farm) and Hjálparfoss (waterfall).
- Visit to Stöng (archaeological site)
- Exploring thundering waterfalls: Gjá, Háifoss, Gullfoss
- rafting or kayaking down the Hvítá River
- Discover Thingvellir National Park
- mountain hikes
- Helicopter sightseeing
- Visit to geysers
- Hiking to the Langjökull or Hofsjökull glacier
- Walk along the black sand beaches of the south coast
- Snorkeling between tectonic plates
- Visit an 8,000-year-old lava cave to see its colorful volcanic wall
- For golf enthusiasts, there are three golf courses in Geysir, Fluðir, and Úthlíð, all within a 20-minute drive.
- Horseback riding on country trails – a special way to explore the countryside
- ice climbing
- snowmobiling
- Winter expedition to the highlands in custom-built super jeeps
- Fly fishing in the highlands
- Culinary experiences: Dining in local greenhouses or in the cowshed with an unobstructed view of the cattle
- Late into the night in the basalt stone basin in warm geothermal water, surrounded by snow and frost
- Observing the lively dance of the northern lights
Highlights of the Torfhús Retreat
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Accommodation for 4 people in the snow
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Accommodation for 4 people in the snow (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Outdoor Area in Winter
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Outdoor Area in Winter (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland in Winter with the Northern Lights
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland in winter with the Northern Lights (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland with the Northern Lights
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland with the Northern Lights (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland: Stargazing and the Northern Lights
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland with a starry sky and the Northern Lights (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – View of the Northern Lights
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – View of the Northern Lights (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Full Moon Aurora
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Full Moon Aurora (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Exterior View in Summer
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Exterior view in summer (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Exterior of the detached house
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Exterior view of a single-family home (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Accommodation: Winter Season
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Entrance to the accommodation in winter (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Kitchen
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Kitchen (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Living Room
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Living Room (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Bedroom
Torfhus Retreat in Iceland – Bedroom (c) Torfhús Hótel ehf.
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Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in travel to Antarctica and the South Pole.
