Reykjavík Grapevine - 24.06.2005, Side 51

51
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Southeast Iceland has two gems: the Jökulsárlón glacial
lagoon and the Skaftafell National Park. Both of these sites
are stunningly beautiful; the former for the fantastically
shaped icebergs floating in sky blue water, and the latter for
vast expanses of forest and heath kept preserved for centuries.
Located between these two settings of natural wonder is Hótel
Skaftafell.
Built in 1989, Hótel Skaftafell is open year round and aims
to constantly improve itself. As hotel manager Anna María
explained, “I don’t think of it as a hotel alone. We’re also
a guesthouse, a shop, a restaurant, a garage and a tourist
information centre.” This multi-tasking should come as a relief
to many travelling through the southwest, as there is little else
by way of any of these things in the surrounding area.
The hotel is also in a constant state of expansion. New buildings
for sleeping bag accommodation were added during the late
90s, and more rooms are being added on. The ones they already
have, especially in the main building, provide a comfort that is
worth the price. (10,500 ISK for a single room with a shower.)
Hótel Skaftafell boasts an international staff who speak English,
French, Spanish and German, and the staff are strongly
encouraged by management to take part in the various tourist
activities in the area. As Anna María explained, “The more you
know about the area, the better. When a member of our staff
recommends a tour or an excursion, you know they’re speaking
truly about it.”
Hótel Skatafell also has a large restaurant, which also doubles as
a large coffeehouse and place to get in from the rain. While the
prices there are reasonable, there aren’t any surprises in the fare.
Pasta, fish and potatoes, and woefully overcooked lamb fillet
and other standards don’t exactly jump off the menu. However,
we can highly recommend ordering the trout. It’s fished locally
and is among the best we’ve tasted so far.
For travellers who want to explore southeast Iceland, Hótel
Skaftafell is an excellent choice for those who can afford to pay
a little extra – that little bit extra goes a long way.
By Paul F Nikolov
Christopher Nolan, Liam Neeson and Christian
Bale all stayed at Hotel Skaftafell while filming
Batman Begins.
Hótel Skaftafell on the Ring Road
(1), Four km East of Skaftafell
National Park. Phone (+354)
478-1945. www.hotelskaftafell.is.
Hótel Skaftafell
Multi-tasking at Hótel Skaftafell