Torfhus Retreat
Dalsholt, Selfoss 801 Iceland
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About
4.5
#1 of 4 limited service properties in SelfossLocation
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The idea of Torfhús Retreat was to create an extraordinary environment for guests from around the world to enjoy the Icelandic countryside at its best. Torfhús Retreat offers you all the comforts you expect from a luxury Retreat. Whether you are unwinding in the hot water of your own basalt stone pool or enjoying an authentic culinary experience surrounded by magnificent views of the property, your experience is sure to be unique. Bathing in natural stone hot pools is frequently recorded in Icelandic folklore and at Torfhús Retreat, we are proud to continue the tradition for our guests.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Hiking
Horseback riding
Highchairs available
24-hour security
Electric vehicle charging station
Secured parking
Wifi
Hot bath
Pool with view
Adult pool
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Private pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Wine / champagne
Snorkelling
Fishing
Baggage storage
Concierge
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Room features
Room service
Kitchenette
Room types
Suites
Hotel links
Location
Dalsholt, Selfoss 801 Iceland
Getting there
Keflavik Intl Airport
117.5 km•
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Car Hire
7 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
77Reviews0Q+A14Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
Property's Favourite Review
Wonderful hotel with great service and terrific food in a gorgeous location. It looks like a postcard! We stayed in the 2 bedroom houses, which was great for us as a couple as it gave us a bit more room. It had a private hot tub, which was great. The staff was wonderful, the food in the dining room is superb - varied and inventive menu. The cabin was perfect and had lots of amenities. The setting is spectactular. Beautiful views of the mountains. They provide a northern lights wakeup call, so you know if there are northern lights and you don't have to watch for them yourself. It is a great place to see the northern lights because it is so open.
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Ask for the 2 bedroom cabins - great for a couple with a private hot pool!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
We stayed at Torfhus for a single night in late September. It was a relatively easy drive from Reykjavik - stopping along the Golden Circle route at Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gulfoss. We arrived around 5pm as the day was settling and were greeted by the wonderful host Helgi. We stayed in one of the smaller turf houses (aka Torf hus) and the room was spectacular - great linens, towels, really tasteful decor. The balsalt stone pool was just 5 steps from the back porch and overlooked the meadows with Icelandic horses, moss covered mountains, and snowy peaks in the distance. It was a mesmerizing place that we highly recommend. Super romantic spot and they didn't miss a single detail. Dinner was tremendous with a fixed menu and lovely wine pairing.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Torfhús Retreat is a real Icelandic and adventurous experience. It is small & cozy and authentically luxurious at the same time (the bedrooms are a bit small, however you have a relatively large living room& well-equipped kitchen). Although, I do not recommend to miss out the dinner, it is extremely delicious and you cannot stand up hungry from the table. It is always fresh, local and a surprise by the chef. I had the best meals&wines there in Iceland at a very reasonable price level (80€ per dinner). The staff is very helpful and friendly, they can even prepare lunch boxes (like a small picnic box) for you if you order it. The breakfast selection is a bit narrow, but good quality. I really loved the private, stone hot tubs by the houses, it is really nice to hop in to the hot water after a cold day 🥰. The location is perfect if you plan to visit the golden circle, Þórsmörk or even the highlands. It is the very best accommodation and customer experience in Southwest Iceland.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Very unique hotel, made up of a typical Island cottage cabins. It is conveniently located in a very quiet spot, but close enough to all attractions and excursions in the SW of Island. We had a double room, one of three in a cottage, which was very nice and uniquely decorated, with lots of wood paneling.
Do not bring too much clothing though, as there is no hanging locker, just a number of hooks on the wall, and a cavernous drawer under each side of the bed. It’s all about the great outdoors experience, so do not expect a table to work at, or lots of TV channels – which was perfectly fine for us. Window blinds are Ikea and do not really blind out the light during the bright summer nights.
The bathroom is very nice, but with little space to put your things and short on toiletries, but with a large and comfortable walk-in shower. The highlight is the thermal pool outside, shared by the three rooms of the cottage, which is a real treat. But watch out carefully, initially ours was very slippery indeed, due to some growth, until it was pressure cleaned on our last day.
Breakfast provides a perfect start into a day of activities, with everything on the buffet one could possibly ask for. Dinner is a different surprise menu every night, which you have to specifically sign up for every day. We liked the dinner menus very much, as well as the small but carefully selected list of wines. Meals are certainly a highlight at the Torfhus.
The team was very friendly and helpful, and committed to make our stay a very pleasant experience. We would consider coming back when in the area next time. However, the price is very high and very little of the luxuries usually expected in a hotel in this price range is provided. If that is important for you, it might not be the right choice – it’s all about the unique setting and style of the cottages.
The Torfhus could be perfectly complemented with a full-service spa in the future, as there is no such service available anywhere in the area – a suggestions for an add-on in the future.
Do not bring too much clothing though, as there is no hanging locker, just a number of hooks on the wall, and a cavernous drawer under each side of the bed. It’s all about the great outdoors experience, so do not expect a table to work at, or lots of TV channels – which was perfectly fine for us. Window blinds are Ikea and do not really blind out the light during the bright summer nights.
The bathroom is very nice, but with little space to put your things and short on toiletries, but with a large and comfortable walk-in shower. The highlight is the thermal pool outside, shared by the three rooms of the cottage, which is a real treat. But watch out carefully, initially ours was very slippery indeed, due to some growth, until it was pressure cleaned on our last day.
Breakfast provides a perfect start into a day of activities, with everything on the buffet one could possibly ask for. Dinner is a different surprise menu every night, which you have to specifically sign up for every day. We liked the dinner menus very much, as well as the small but carefully selected list of wines. Meals are certainly a highlight at the Torfhus.
The team was very friendly and helpful, and committed to make our stay a very pleasant experience. We would consider coming back when in the area next time. However, the price is very high and very little of the luxuries usually expected in a hotel in this price range is provided. If that is important for you, it might not be the right choice – it’s all about the unique setting and style of the cottages.
The Torfhus could be perfectly complemented with a full-service spa in the future, as there is no such service available anywhere in the area – a suggestions for an add-on in the future.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Check the thermal pool by your cabin at arrival, and have it cleaned if found too slippery to use...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
We stayed at Torfhus Retreat for 2 nights in February as a family of four. First of all I would say that the setting, layout and design aesthetic are perfect. The houses themselves are built in the style of a traditional Icelandic Torfhus (Turf House), there are a row of one bedroom (semi-detached) and a group of detached two bedroom houses. The main building “the long house” is where you’ll find reception, a bar, breakfast and dinner areas. Our “house” had a private basalt heated pool (more of a hot-tub) which was a lovely experience.
Positives: you really do feel like you’re getting the Icelandic “wilderness” experience, there’s nothing much around the plot of land the retreat is built upon, at night if you’re lucky you’ll be able to catch the northern lights (you can get a call from reception to let you know when it’s visible if you like). The food and drinks were both very good, but with some caveats (see below).
Negatives: for dinner they only serve the flamboyant chef’s “set menu”, which was very good, if not Michelin worthy. However you have no idea how much it will cost, there is no menu or pricing (turned out to be €105 for adults, €50 for children). There is also no bar menu, no wine list (with dinner they do offer a wine pairing at €80 per person). If you want a glass of wine you’re simply asked “red or white?” (€18 a glass). There was no champagne, despite having a bottle on display. There were no cocktails unless you want a simple gin & tonic.
Some of the staff (not so much the waiters) seem a bit unprofessional and “green”, upon leaving we had to open the main gate ourselves and retrieve our luggage from behind the reception counter as all the staff had vanished. The experience overall was certainly not five star, yet the pricing definitely is.
Our suggestion to the owners is to include dinner cost into the room rates, a “half board” solution, most guests are out during the day but as the property is so remote you would have no option but to eat at the restaurant for dinner.
Positives: you really do feel like you’re getting the Icelandic “wilderness” experience, there’s nothing much around the plot of land the retreat is built upon, at night if you’re lucky you’ll be able to catch the northern lights (you can get a call from reception to let you know when it’s visible if you like). The food and drinks were both very good, but with some caveats (see below).
Negatives: for dinner they only serve the flamboyant chef’s “set menu”, which was very good, if not Michelin worthy. However you have no idea how much it will cost, there is no menu or pricing (turned out to be €105 for adults, €50 for children). There is also no bar menu, no wine list (with dinner they do offer a wine pairing at €80 per person). If you want a glass of wine you’re simply asked “red or white?” (€18 a glass). There was no champagne, despite having a bottle on display. There were no cocktails unless you want a simple gin & tonic.
Some of the staff (not so much the waiters) seem a bit unprofessional and “green”, upon leaving we had to open the main gate ourselves and retrieve our luggage from behind the reception counter as all the staff had vanished. The experience overall was certainly not five star, yet the pricing definitely is.
Our suggestion to the owners is to include dinner cost into the room rates, a “half board” solution, most guests are out during the day but as the property is so remote you would have no option but to eat at the restaurant for dinner.
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Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We visiting torfhus retreat for my 30th birthday and it was simply brilliant from start to finish. The location is fantastic for visiting the nearby attractions (geyser, Gulfoss waterfall, and thingvellir national park), and the retreat is perfect to unwind and relax. The staff were lovely, the food was incredible and the rooms were cozy and stylish.
I would recommend this hotel to anyone and we will definitely be back!
I would recommend this hotel to anyone and we will definitely be back!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Torfhús R, Manager at Torfhus Retreat
Responded 4 Mar 2020
Dear A., we are delighted that you enjoyed Torfhús Retreat and look forward to seeing you again. Best Regards, Jiri
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My Icelandic husband and I stayed at Torfhús Retreat and both decided it is the best accommodation in Iceland. The setting is beautiful close to some spectacular and popular sites on the Golden Circle but secluded enough to enjoy a little solitude. We had an entire house built in the old style with a turf roof, rustic and beautifully designed with a lot of attention to detail and high tech integrated. The reclaimed wood inside is gorgeous and there are all the amenities in a very rustic and fanciful style. The furnishings are luxurious. We had our own private geothermal hot tub beside the house made with stuðlaberg (basalt). The service is excellent and the food was delicious. The dinner started with 7 huge portions of a variety of appetizers followed by the most tender veal I have ever had. The desert was their homemade ice cream and mousse with fresh berries grown in the area. They picked the berries the same day. Breakfast was buffet style with ample, healthy hot and cold choices. Thank you Torfhús we will be back.
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Date of stay: June 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I arrived in the middle of a very large storm. We were greeted warmly and well taken care of.
The rooms were cozy, clean and felt like a (modern) home. The staff was exceptional- every interaction we had with anyone working at reception or on in dining was fantastic. During the storm the roads were closed and they made sure we had ever we needed.
All of the meals were also amazing - I highly recommend taking advantage of eating dinners here - without wine the meals were around 100E per person, and well worth the cost.
While staying here we visited Geysir, Gulfoss, Langjokuss Glacier and the Caves of Hella. All well worth a visit. Thanks for a wonderful trip!
The rooms were cozy, clean and felt like a (modern) home. The staff was exceptional- every interaction we had with anyone working at reception or on in dining was fantastic. During the storm the roads were closed and they made sure we had ever we needed.
All of the meals were also amazing - I highly recommend taking advantage of eating dinners here - without wine the meals were around 100E per person, and well worth the cost.
While staying here we visited Geysir, Gulfoss, Langjokuss Glacier and the Caves of Hella. All well worth a visit. Thanks for a wonderful trip!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loved the landscape, the setting of the lovely cottages, the warmth of Torfhus and especially the fine dining in such a remote location. Don t expect luxuries inside the cottages, they are quite basic, clean and comfortable with a full kitchen. The cottage for 4 is quite small , only 60 square meters in total, no place for bags, but it feels cozy inside, with beautiful soft lanterns, we liked the TV screen digital fireplace , the geotermal pool and the views from the window. Pay attention to the northern lights because they don t call you to see it , even though we asked. I assume they were not aware. But keep checking on cloud clear nights. If you have doubts, just point your camera to the lights and if you see green , they are northern lights. Soon if you are lucky they will completely develop and you will see them green or red also without the camera. Try to go out far from lighted places to enjoy them the most. We were lucky to see a beautiful one on the last night.
The restaurant compensates with excellent dinners every night, breakfast is not as good, very basic and all self service. The hot food was dry, we didn't like it. But the bread is always fresh and homemade. Roberto has been really attentive and caring and also the restaurant chef was really nice. Being able to enjoy excellent food in such remote location in the middle of a frozen winter was a highlight we are grateful for.
The restaurant compensates with excellent dinners every night, breakfast is not as good, very basic and all self service. The hot food was dry, we didn't like it. But the bread is always fresh and homemade. Roberto has been really attentive and caring and also the restaurant chef was really nice. Being able to enjoy excellent food in such remote location in the middle of a frozen winter was a highlight we are grateful for.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: in winter bring spikes for your shoes
the paths are all ice
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
The food was the best I have ever had, the catering service is supreme and the waiters are kind and knowledgeable . They have the most delightful service and the scenery is perfect. Honestly it’s awe-inspiring. Best food in Iceland by far. The wine is excellent, the choice and wine pairing is perfect, they have all exclusive wines and the champagne exceptional.
The rooms/ houses are Viking like and has a modern touch, perfect for a group of people. The rooms are also a great size and you get your very own hot tub with drink holders inside and rock seats.
The rooms/ houses are Viking like and has a modern touch, perfect for a group of people. The rooms are also a great size and you get your very own hot tub with drink holders inside and rock seats.
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"July/August are the busiest months. Take plenty of warm layers if you go in winter"Read full review
PRICE RANGE
HK$6,469 - HK$8,420 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
IcelandSouth RegionSelfoss
NUMBER OF ROOMS
25
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Torfhus Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to Torfhus Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Golden Circle Route (6.9 km), Strokkur (6.9 km), and Haukadalur Geothermal Field (6.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Torfhus Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Torfhus Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Torfhus Retreat?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Torfhus Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include Skjol, Geysir Center, and Geysir Glima Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Torfhus Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Torfhus Retreat accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.