ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
From Iceland's stunning natural beauty to the local culture,
Immerse yourself in the ultimate luxury - discovering the world and yourself.
The diverse landscapes of the Golden Circle, the Highlands and the South Shore are within easy reach of Torfhús Retreat. There is a huge variety of days trips available ranging from mountain hiking and helicopter sightseeing to visiting geysirs, glaciers and thundering waterfalls. Take a walk along the black sand beaches of the South Shore, snorkelling between techtonic plates or head to an 8,000 year old lava cave to see its colourful volcanic wall. We know our island intimately and can help create many perfect days away from the crowds to experience Iceland at its very best.
Golden Circle
Discover Iceland's Natural Beauty and Cultural Significance
The Golden Circle is one of the most remarkable driving routes on earth and Torfhús Retreats sits right in its heart. Highlights include UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park, home to an extraordinary rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are tearing apart. In the steaming, volcanic Geysir geothermal area, hot springs snort at every turn and geysirs hurl boiling water up to 40m into the air, whilst the immense power and volume of Gullfoss waterfall – and the rainbows that form in the spray – have to be seen to be believed.
þjórsárdalur
A day trip to the spectacular Þjórsárdalur Valley in southern Iceland reveals the inspiration for our Viking Langhus in the form of Þjóðveldisbærinn, a reconstructed Viking farm. Where the rivers Þjórsá and Fossá come together, the two roaring waterfalls of Hjálparfoss meet and plunge photogenically into a tranquil pool below whilst backroads lead to Stöng, an archaeological site with remains of an ancient Viking farm, and onto the magnificent Háifoss waterfall, the 4th highest in Iceland, with a drop of 122 metres.
Highland SuperJeep Expedition
Venture into the Highlands on a customised superjeep and spend the day exploring with a private guide. Landmannalaugar, which translates as People’s Pools, is a broad expanse of staggering beauty in the southern part of Iceland’s Highlands. There is an abundance of geothermal heat in the area and people have been bathing in these pools for centuries. Landmannalaugar is probably one of the most breathtaking offering short hikes to reveal the spectacular beauty of colourful valleys leading to the Rhyolite Mountains, volcanic craters and spring-fed waterfalls.
Horse Riding
Icelandic horses are our passion and were pivotal in bringing together the families who created Torfhús Retreat. As a result the horses have a special place in our hearts. We still breed these big-hearted, spirited and hardy creatures and our own horses are to be seen grazing the mossy plains surrounding the retreat. For those who would like to experience the thrill of riding a pure Icelandic horse and the five gaits of which they are uniquely capable, riding expeditions from expert guides are easily organized.
Glacier Tours
For the bold and adventurous, a trip to the Langjökull glacier is sure to get the heart pounding. Langjökull is the second largest glacier in Iceland and can be clearly seen from Torfhús Retreat. A glacier hike combined with glacier climbing and exploring an ice cave is an unmissable opportunity to delve deep into Iceland‘s ice-age. Alternatively, it is possible to drive over the glacier on a snowmobile or superjeep for a slightly more adrenalin fueled approach.
Fishing
Fishing in Iceland is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the island. Historians believe that were it not for the bounty of the sea and inland waters the first settlers would never have stayed. There is top quality fishing throughout Iceland in the fjords, rivers and lakes, the Highlands and, of course, the sea. Salt water fish include atlantic cod, haddock and halibut whilst fresh waters yield brown trout, salmon and arctic char. It is vital to reserve your fishing well in advance as the most popular places are often booked up to a year in advance.
Hvíta River
Racing down the Hvíta River on a raft or kayak is an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping experience whilst those who prefer a quieter waterborne exhistence can sail quietly through the exquisite natural beauty of canyons, gorges and fascinating geological formations. The other alternatively is to travel upstream on an exhilarating jet boat tour enjoying the same beautiful landscape at a slightly faster pace.
Midnight Golf
Iceland is also a superb golfing destination and what better way to experience the wonder of the midnight sun than by playing golf at night on one of the island‘s sixty-five excellent golf courses. Sixteen of these courses are located in the south of Iceland and the golf season runs from late May to early September. During high summer tee-off at midnight and play til dawn for a unique, ‘no-one else has done this‘ golfing experience.
Buggy Adventure
The adventure begins at Haukadalur forest which lies in the Golden Circle between Gullfoss and Geysir a short drive from Torfhús Retreat. Jump into your buggy and race up towards the Highlands over rugged terrain, across rivers and along challenging dirt trails. The route will take you through Haukadalur forest, with scenic views of Langjökull Glacier and on a clear day as far as Hofsjökull Glacier. It is an epic, fun-filled tour and one of the most exciting ways to view the Icelandic landscape.
Mountain Hikes
An expert guide will collect you from Torfhús Retreat and lead the way to hike to one of the spectacular mountains in the area. Your experience, ability and chosen duration of hike will dictate which of the numerous mountain trails up several mountains is right for you. Vörðufell is a 391m peak, from which there are excellent views of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. Bjarnarfell is 750m high and right on the doorstep of Langjökull Glacier and Jarlhettur Mountain Range – the views of incredible landscapes from the top are breathtaking and well worth the effort.
Snorkelling and Diving
Take the plunge in the beautiful surroundings of Silfra in the Golden Circle and explore the glacial waters that lie between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The waters between the two continents are crystal clear and the rocks and formations below the surface are staggeringly dramatic. Qualified divers and dry-suit divers can explore the depths to see the plates up close. It is an amazing adventure at any time of year, but under midnight sun glowing through the water, it’s quite simply out of this world.
Luxury Heli-touring
A private helicopter is undoubtedly the best way to admire some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. There are heli-tours out to sea to spot whale pods, trips over the lightly smoking Eyjafjallajokull volcano and flights along the black sandy beaches of the southern shore. Flights can connect with boat trips to watch the antics of seals as they play below monumental icebergs followed by aerial journeys over the sensational scenery of Thingvellir National Park and the black lava desert of Mælifellssandur. It’s a photographer’s dream.
Inside the Volcano
Incredible experiences don’t get much more incredible than being lowered into the huge magma chamber of a dormant volcano under Iceland’s midsummer sun. The tour starts with a hike across a lava field to Thrihnukagigur’s crater before donning helmets and harness to descend into the vast subterranean chamber hundreds of feet below. It is the only volcano in the world where this is possible due to its unique geology. After a six-minute descent through a tiny hole the experience is awe-inspiring in every way.