Iceland: Torfhús Retreat, Golden Circle

Turf-Roofed Privacy in the Heart of the Golden Circle

In Selfoss, at the heart of the Golden Circle, Torfhús Retreat reimagines traditional Icelandic turf architecture as private, geothermally heated houses, drawing inspiration from the Viking-era Langhús at the nearby Stöng farm settlement. The 10 two-bedroom Torfhus houses each come with a fully equipped kitchenette and a private basalt hot tub, while 15 individual Torfbaer suites share a basalt pool between three neighboring units, and the 200 square-meter Torfvilla offers a fully private, four-bedroom residence for up to eight guests, complete with its own geothermal hot pool, cold plunge, and traditional Icelandic sauna.

The on-site restaurant builds its menu around locally sourced, seasonal Icelandic ingredients, with everything from a single course to a full four-course dinner available, and a child-friendly buffet keeps younger guests covered too. Zero light pollution and total isolation make the property one of the best spots in the Golden Circle for the Northern Lights, and staff offer a wake-up call so guests never have to stand watch themselves.

Life at Torfhús Retreat

• 10 two-bedroom Torfhus houses, each with a kitchenette and private basalt hot tub

• 15 Torfbaer suites sharing a basalt pool between three neighboring units

• The 200 square-meter Torfvilla, a private four-bedroom residence for up to eight guests

• An on-site restaurant serving locally sourced, seasonal Icelandic cuisine

• A child-friendly buffet and family rooms

• Northern Lights wake-up calls thanks to zero on-site light pollution

Why Torfhús Retreat, Why the Golden Circle

• A genuinely private hot tub or pool at nearly every accommodation

• Architecture rooted in real Viking-era Icelandic building traditions

• One of the darkest, most isolated settings in the Golden Circle for aurora viewing

• Villa-style privacy for larger groups via the Torfvilla

Ideal For: Couples wanting a private geothermal hot tub steps from their door, families seeking privacy and space in the Golden Circle, and Northern Lights chasers wanting genuinely dark, isolated skies.

Gold Coast Travel Perks

Unlock withIN by SLH Perks when you book with Gold Coast Travel:

• Complimentary daily breakfast

• $50-100 food & beverage credit

• Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability

• Upgrade at check-in, subject to availability

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