Drangar Country Guesthouse

This unique guesthouse easily ranked among our favorite accommodations during our recent 10-day trip to western and southern Iceland. A former farmstead transformed into accommodations spanning multiple buildings by an award-winning Icelandic architecture firm, Drangar is remote (without being too remote -- the charming town of Stykkishólmur, where we relished easily the best meal of the entire trip at Sjávarpakkhúsið, is less than 45 minutes away) and replete with many delightful, high-quality touches. Architecture/design aficionados will appreciate how skillfully the character and purpose of the original farm structures have been thoughtfully retained and blended with modern Scandinavian-feeling elements into something functional, clean, and texturally interesting, from the exposed concrete softened by hide rugs and the tractor/cow-themed rooms to the copper accenting multiple outdoor structures that was intentionally selected for its patina. Leana and Knútur are exceptional hosts: Their genuine enthusiasm for the property and effort to make each guest feel welcomed really elevated the stay for us. Leana greeted us warmly on our arrival and provided a tour of the property, and she also offered a wealth of tips (and an annotated map!) for our travels around the peninsula the following day. We also thoroughly enjoyed chatting with Knútur over breakfast on the day of our departure. Speaking of the breakfast, which is included, it was filling and comprised of high-quality ingredients (homemade jams and a delicious spiced bread were among the highlights). We stayed in the Tractor House in one of two rooms that contains a kitchenette that we found well-equipped for small meals. The beds are on the firmer side but (like everything on the property) of good quality along with the pillows and linens. Every detail, from the bedside lamps that cast light matching the color motif of the room to the fixtures that seemed to be custom-made, seemed intentional.

This is not something the hosts have control over, just a general note for travelers in this part of Snaefellsness: As some others have noted, the drive to the property when approached from either east or west requires traversing a section of route 54 that isn't paved, and while it is periodically graded to smooth out the potholes, it was rather pockmarked at the time we visited. Any vehicle should be able to handle it when proceeding cautiously enough (and it can even be a bit fun, and it offers wonderful views of a fjord if coming from the Stykkishólmur direction), though, and the short gravel road linking 54 and Drangar is itself in great condition. The fact that Drangar is remote and requires traversing an unpaved road to access it only adds to the charm, as far as I'm concerned -- it was so refreshing to be away from the crowds, and the view from the property is stunning. I will say that communication from Leana both prior to and during our stay was exceptional as well, and she did provide information upfront about the adjoining roads prior to our stay along with suggestions for a more scenic approach (some of which we ended up following!).

Drangar is a truly special place! The hosts are incredible, the architecture and design are absolutely unique, and the room was spotless, functional and thoughtfully organized. Breakfast was wonderful, with traditional Icelandic dishes and delicious homemade jam. An unforgettable stay! (An also a great place spot auroras).

Exceptional welcome, service, accommodation, and location. Can't wait to return.

This was the highlight of our trip. The guesthouse is spectacular. It is one of the best designed places we have ever stayed at. The premise is an architectural gem. The staff was extremely gracious and helpful. The setting is truly beautiful and the indigenous landscape and ocean are integrated into the property.

That we had to leave.