Hvoll Hostel

This hostel is a memorable destination, particularly for its remote location that offers unparalleled opportunities for Northern Lights viewing, making it a signature feature for many guests. It is highly regarded for its extensive and well-equipped kitchen facilities, which are a central part of the guest experience. The establishment consistently receives praise for its cleanliness across all areas, from rooms to shared bathrooms and common spaces. Ideal for budget travelers, backpackers, and families or groups exploring the Ring Road, it provides a practical and comfortable base. While the remote setting is a draw, guests should be prepared for a gravel access road that can be challenging for some vehicles. To enhance your stay, consider bringing your own basic cooking supplies like oil and salt, as these are not typically provided, and pack flip-flops for convenience in the shared bathroom areas.

Facilities & Amenities
The hostel is exceptionally well-equipped, particularly regarding its kitchen facilities, which are a standout feature. Guests consistently highlight the presence of multiple (three to four) spacious and well-stocked kitchens, complete with a wide variety of utensils, ovens, microwaves, and ample refrigerator space. This setup significantly reduces waiting times, even during busy periods, allowing many guests to prepare meals simultaneously. The large dining hall provides abundant seating, fostering a communal atmosphere. Additionally, laundry facilities with washers and dryers are available, though guests must purchase specific cards for use. The hostel also offers free Wi-Fi throughout, ensuring connectivity, and provides ample parking space, which is a significant convenience given its remote location.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the hostel's high standards of cleanliness, noting that rooms, shared bathrooms, and common areas are consistently well-maintained. The beds are generally described as comfortable, though some guests found mattresses to be too soft. While rooms are often characterized as basic and functional, many appreciate the convenience of an in-room sink, which helps alleviate congestion in shared bathrooms. However, noise levels can be a significant concern, with sound easily carrying from corridors, the dining hall, and adjacent rooms due to thin walls, impacting sleep for some. There are also recurring comments about inconsistent hot water availability in showers, especially during peak times or late at night, and some guests noted a lingering odor in carpeted rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hostel primarily operates on a self-catering model, with guests bringing and preparing their own food. This is made highly convenient by the presence of multiple, well-equipped kitchens that are consistently praised for their cleanliness and comprehensive array of cooking utensils and appliances, including ovens and large refrigerators. The spacious dining hall provides ample seating, accommodating many guests simultaneously and fostering a lively, communal atmosphere. While some guests appreciate the option to leave leftover food or condiments for others, it is important to note that communal basics such as oil, salt, coffee, or tea are not typically provided, so guests should plan to bring their own.

Location & Accessibility
The hostel's remote location is a defining characteristic, often described as being "in the middle of nowhere" or "off the beaten path," which contributes to its charm and makes it an exceptional spot for Northern Lights viewing due to minimal light pollution. It serves as a strategic and convenient stop for those traveling the Ring Road, particularly for accessing attractions like Skaftafell and glacier tours. However, guests frequently highlight the challenging access road, which is unpaved, gravel, and can be rough with potholes, leading some to recommend a vehicle with higher clearance, such as an SUV. Despite its seclusion, the hostel is typically a 5-minute drive from the main road, and a supermarket is approximately 20 minutes away.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hostel consistently receives positive feedback for their helpfulness and responsiveness. Guests frequently commend their willingness to go "above and beyond," such as assisting with lost items or demonstrating flexibility with bookings during unforeseen circumstances like snowstorms. The self-check-in process is widely praised for being easy, smooth, and efficient, with clear instructions and access codes provided via email. While the staff are noted for being "always online" or nearby for assistance, some guests observed a less visible on-site presence, particularly when addressing issues like noise disturbances from other guests. Overall, the communication and support provided contribute significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several specific policies and features that impact their stay. The hostel enforces a shoe removal policy, requiring guests to take off their outdoor footwear upon entering certain areas, particularly the dorm sections. For those planning to do laundry, the washing machines and dryers require the purchase of specific cards, which can be inconvenient if reception is closed upon arrival. A notable policy is the daily closure for cleaning between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, during which guests are expected to vacate the premises. Furthermore, while the kitchens are well-equipped, guests should note that communal cooking basics such as oil, salt, coffee, or tea are not provided, and shampoo or soap are not supplied in the shared bathrooms.