Hótel Framtíð, Höfn

Pros

• You'll stay in a quiet fishing village on Iceland's east coast, offering pretty harbor views and a laid-back atmosphere.
• The hotel is housed in a building dating back to 1906 that was part over in segments from Denmark.
• You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing, with trails nearby and bike and fishing gear rentals available.
• The location is ideal for exploring local attractions on foot, such as the "Eggin í Gleðivík" sculpture and two popular museums, including JFS Handcrafts.

Cons

• The town's and hotel's amenities are limited until mid-April, which means you might find fewer dining and entertainment options during your stay.
• Upper-floor guest rooms aren't equipped with private bathrooms. 

Authenticity

Hótel Framtíð has lived many lives, with its original building dating back to 1906. Brought in sections from Copenhagen by Danish merchant Gustaf Iversen, the hotel transformed from a shop to a post office and finally into a hotel in the 1960s, and has been affiliated with the Arnórsson family since 1987. The restaurant, housed in the original wood building, serves local products, while common areas and guest rooms follow a simplified aesthetic, lending a cabin-like vibe with red carpeted floors and floor-to-ceiling wood paneling. You can rent a bike or fishing gear to take advantage of the more rural surroundings.

Location

Located in a sleepy fishing village on Iceland's east coast, Framtíð looks over the modest harbor that connects to the bottom of Berufjörður. While the village is small, with a population of 450, and makes for a good one-night stay off the Ring Road, there are unique histories to uncover, like the story of Hans Jonathan, likely Iceland's first Black resident. You'll be within a short walk to his memorial sculpture, "Freedom," as well as a couple of museums, the Langabúð cultural center, which also houses a café in the town's oldest building and an indoor pool with sauna and hot tubs. Then, in 11 minutes, you can trek up to the Bóndavarðan cairn for exceptional views or about 15 minutes in the opposite direction to reach the outdoor sculpture "Eggin í Gleðivík." Note that much of Djúpivogur shutters in the off-season (before mid-April).

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are four room types. The Double and Triple Room units, each with private bathrooms, have wood paneling that gives them a more rustic quality than the Twin Room and Single Room, five of which share two bathrooms. The latter two options are on the upper floor and appear to be a bit more modern with white walls and hanging artwork, though all options have that red, wall-to-wall carpet. 

Amenities

The restaurant is set in the hotel's original building and overlooks the harbor. You'll find a dinner menu of locally sourced seafood, like mussels and grilled langoustine, as well as de la Terre options, like roast lamb fillet. A smaller menu of lighter fare is served from 2 pm to 6 pm ahead, and the continental breakfast buffet (not included in the room rate) is served daily. During the warmer months, dining on the terrace is an option. The hotel also offers bike rentals, allowing you to explore the scenic surroundings at your own pace. Gear rentals and guided tours are also available for those interested in fishing. A lounge on the upper floor offers another look out to the harbor.

Family-Friendliness

Families of three can book themselves into the Triple Room with Private Bathroom option. It's a tight fit, however, of three single beds. Cots are available upon request and subject to availability.

Other Highlights

Djúpivogur is the only Icelandic town to join the international Cittaslow movement, a network of towns that promotes a slower, more peaceful, and high-quality way of life. The movement is inspired by the Slow Food movement that originated out of Italy and focuses on improving the quality of life in towns by emphasizing local traditions, sustainable practices, and a relaxed pace of life.