Torfhús Retreat Selfoss

Set in the heart of Iceland‘s magnificent Golden Circle, Torfhús Retreat is an inspiring blend of authentic Icelandic style and relaxed eco-luxury. Inspired by the architecture of the Icelandic Viking farm at nearby Stöng, our traditional torfhús residences and torfbaer suites are crafted from local stone, reclaimed wood and turf.

At Torfhús Retreat, rejuventing tranquillity, mesmerising scenery and innovative gastronomy come together in a place far away from everyday routine. Surronded by natural beauty and iconic sights, wilderness adventures and action packed activities are all within easy reach.

A minimal environmental footprint lies at the heart of our philosophy. Torfhús Retreat runs entirely on geothermal and hydroelectic sustainable energy. Building materials and furniture are either hand-crafted in our workshop or locally sourced and wherever possible reclaimed.

Reused oak and pine are in abundance whilst an Icelandic fishing boat has been repurposed as a sofa and leathered salmon skins adorn the walls of our Viking Langhus.

Living turf roofs hug guesthouse walls and electric housekeeping cars, a ban on plastic bottles and bottled water (the tap water is pure and delicious) confirm our commitment to preserving and protecting the environment. We even have a battery powered vintage taxi for short local excursions.

ORIGINS

The beginning of this unique project started with two families, one from Liechtenstein and the other from Iceland. They first got acquainted through their mutual interest in breeding Icelandic horses, Icelandic landscape and culture in general.

The idea of Torfhús Retreat was to create an extraordinary hospitality environment for guests from all over the world to enjoy the Icelandic countryside at its best.

PHILOSOPHY

Torfhús Retreat fully supports sustainable practices. In Iceland, we are lucky to have a completely sustainable energy system, powered mostly by hydroelectric power and geothermal energy.

We do our best to reduce our carbon footprint by minimizing plastic use as well as having fully electric service cars. In regards to food and beverages, we strive for a zero waste policy.

DEVELOPMENT

Over the span of three years, many involved and enthusiastic parties helped to create this exciting project. Beginning with creative ideas in the earliest stages of Torfhús Retreat, the venue first took shape on paper and was subsequently fully realized as a place you can experience in person.

SEASONAL CALENDAR

Our peak seasons of winter and summer are dramatically different. Winter comes bearing gifts with the majesty and mystery of the Northern Lights, magnificent sunsets and the magic of an all-encompassing winter wonderland.

Summer brings the midnight sun casting an eerie glow whilst the warmth and round-the-clock daylight render it the busiest time of year for visitors.

Spring and Autumn are quieter and perfect for exploring away from the crowds and taking the time to retreat, relax, and restore enabling you to enjoy Torfhus Retreat at its most tranquil and smoothing.

ACCOMMODATION

Our cosy, wooden-lined torfhús‘s offer privacy, rustic luxury and spectacular views over volcanic plains to snow-capped mountains and the Langjökull glacier beyond. Each torfhús has a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living room and private veranda.

When the Icelandic elements are at their most challenging or after a day of exploring, returning to the comfort of your traditional torfhús and an enticing basalt stone hot pool will ensure that your stay is truly memorable.

Living turf roofs, stone and reclaimed wooden walls, charming personal touches such as landscape photographs taken by the family and stylish lambskin rugs create a relaxing and homely atmosphere.

In the balmy temperatures of summer or the crisp winter air, enjoy the luxury of a basalt stone hot pool to soak in waters heated by natural geothermal energy.

TORFBÆR

Arranged in a row of three suites, each individual 30 sqm Torfbær Suite offers one bedroom, a luxury bathroom, a comfortable living area and a geothermically heated basalt stone hot pool sunken into the ground and shared between the three suites.

Reclaimed oak, rustic painted walls and hand crafted furniture create a warm and cosy chalet-style interior. Staying in a historic hallmark Torfbær Suite is a unique experience, harking back a century yet overlaid with 21st century comforts.

TORFHÚS

Each 60 sqm Torfhús has two bedrooms and a luxurious bathroom. Reclaimed oak, rustic painted walls and hand crafted furniture create a warm and cosy chalet-style interior. Staying in a historic hallmark Torfhus is a unique experience, harking back a century yet overlaid with 21st century comforts.

TORFHÚS CUISINE

As befits cuisine inspired by Icelandic tradition and based on local ingredients, breakfast and dinner are served in our classic Viking Langhus.

Stone, reclaimed wood, historical pictures of ancient torfhuses and artefacts such as leathered salmon skins and the repurposed horse drawn cart that now bears breakfast, create an ambience that is authentically Icelandic.

Light and airy during the day with glorious views over grazing Icelandic horses to mountains and the glacier beyond, at night the atmosphere changes to a cosy, candlelit mood; the perfect backdrop to the celebrated cuisine of Torfhus Retreat.

BASALT STONE HOT POOL

Whether it is under the bright constellations, dancing Northern Lights or gently falling snow of winter or during the warm days and white nights of summer, your basalt stone hot pool is the ultimate spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Torfhús Retreat is totally committed to sustainable practices and is lucky enough to be pwered by hydroelectric power and geothermal energy.

The geothermal power source, less than 5km away, provides all of the heating for our houses and pools. So set the temperature to your liking (36-42 degrees), relax and retreat into authentic Icelandic nature regardless of the season or weather.

NORTHERN LIGHTS & STARGAZING

Torfhús Retreat is an incredible location for observing the Northern Lights due to its isolated location and zero light pollution. From September to late March this mesmerising display of natural pyrotechnics streaks the sky with dancing streams of green, yellow and red light.

Watching the Northern Lights or simply stargazing on a cold winter night from the warmth of your own geothermally-heated basalt stone pool weaves a magic that will leave no guest unchanged.

MEETINGS & EVENTS
Torfhús Retreat has the facilities to operate as a small and exclusive venue for product launches, private off-radar meetings and small conferences.

We are equipped with state-of-the art technical equipment for presentations and can host up to seventy guests for over night stays with seated meeting layouts for up to 70 guests or 100 standing. All events are tailor-made and offer dining options to suits specific needs and wishes.

ACTIVITIES

The diverse landscapes of the Golden Circle, the Highlands and the South Shore are within easy reach of Torfhús Retreat. There is a huge variety of days trips available ranging from mountain hiking and helicopter sightseeing to visiting geysirs, glaciers and thundering waterfalls.

Take a walk along the black sand beaches of the South Shore, snorkelling between techtonicl plates or head to an 8,000 year old lava cave to see its colourful volcanic wall. We know our island intimately and can help create many perfect days away from the crowds to experience Iceland at its very best.

GOLDEN CIRCLE
The Golden Circle is one of the most remarkable driving routes on earth and Torfhús Retreats sits right in its heart. Highlights include UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir National Park, home to an extraordinary rift valley where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are tearing apart.

In the steaming, volcanic Geysir geothermal area, hot springs snort at every turn and geysirs hurl boiling water up to 40m into the air, whilst the immense power and volume of Gullfoss waterfall – and the rainbows that form in the spray – have to be seen to be believed.

SIGHTSEEING
A day trip to the spectacular Þjórsárdalur Valley in southern Iceland reveals the inspiration for our Viking Langhus in the form of Þjóðveldisbærinn, a reconstructed Viking farm.

Where the rivers Þjórsá and Fossá come together, the two roaring waterfalls of Hjálparfoss meet and plunge photogenically into a tranquil pool below whilst backroads lead to Stöng, an archaeological site with remains of an ancient Viking farm, and onto the magnificent Háifoss waterfall, the 4th highest in Iceland, with a drop of 122 metres.

HIGHLAND SUPERJEEP EXPEDITION
Venture into the Highlands on a customised superjeep and spend the day exploring with a private guide. Landmannalaugar, which translates as People’s Pools, is a broad expanse of staggering beauty in the southern part of Iceland’s Highlands.

There is an abundance of geothermal heat in the area and people have been bathing in these pools for centuries.

There are endless possiblities of excursions to the Icelandic highlands – Landmannalaugar is probably one of the most breathtaking offering short hikes to reveal the spectacular beauty of colourful valleys leading to the Rhyolite Mountains, volcanic craters and spring-fed waterfalls.

HORSE RIDING
Icelandic horses are our passion and were pivotal in bringing together the families who created Torfhús Retreat. As a result the horses have a special place in our hearts.

We still breed these big-hearted, spirited and hardy creatures and our own horses are to be seen grazing the mossy plains surrounding the retreat.

For those who would like to experience the thrill of riding a pure Icelandic horse and the five gaits of which they are uniquely capable, riding expeditions through the nearby hills and forests led by expert guides are easily organised.

GLACIER TOURS
For the bold and adventurous, a trip to the Langjökull glacier is sure to get the heart pounding. Langjökull is the second largest glacier in Iceland and can be clearly seen from Torfhús Retreat.

A glacier hike combined with glacier climbing and exploring an ice cave is an unmissable opportunity to delve deep into Iceland‘s ice-age. Alternatively, it is possible to drive over the glacier on a snowmobile or superjeep for a slightly more adrenalin fueled approach.

FISHING
Fishing in Iceland is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the island. Historians believe that were it not for the bounty of the sea and inland waters the first settlers would never have stayed. There is top quality fishing throughout Iceland in the fjords, rivers and lakes, the Highlands and, of course, the sea.

Salt water fish include atlantic cod, haddock and halibut whilst fresh waters yield brown trout, salmon and arctic char. It is vital to reserve your fishing well in advance as the most popular places are often booked up to a year in advance.

HVÍTA RIVER
Racing down the Hvíta River on a raft or kayak is an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping experience whilst those who prefer a quieter waterborne exhistence can sail quietly through the exquisite natural beauty of canyons, gorges and fascinating geological formations.

The other alternatively is to travel upstream on an exhilarating jet boat tour enjoying the same beautiful landscape at a slightly faster pace.

MIDNIGHT GOLF
Iceland is best known for its extensive glaciers, abundant waterfalls, geothermal pools and breathtaking landscapes. It is however also a superb golfing destination and what better way to experience the wonder of the midnight sun than by playing golf at night on one of the island‘s sixty-five excellent golf courses.

Sixteen of these courses are located in the south of Iceland and the golf season runs from late May to early September. During high summer tee-off at midnight and play til dawn for a unique, ‘no-one else has done this‘ golfing experience.

BUGGY ADVENTURE
The adventure begins at Haukadalur forest which lies in the Golden Circle between Gullfoss and Geysir a short drive from Torfhus Retreat. Jump into your buggy and race up towards the Highlands over rugged terrain, across rivers and along challenging dirt trails.

The route will take you through Haukadalur forest, with scenic views of Langjökull Glacier and on a clear day as far as Hofsjökull Glacier. It is an epic, fun-filled tour and one of the most exciting ways to view the Icelandic landscape.

MOUNTAIN HIKES
An expert guide will collect you from Torfhús Retreat and lead the way to a morning, afternoon or full day hike to one of the spectacular mountains in the area. Your experience, ability and chosen duration of hike will dictate which of the numerous mountain trails up several mountains is right for you.

Vörðufell is a 391m peak, from which there are excellent views of Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull. Bjarnarfell is 750m high and right on the doorstep of Langjökull Glacier and Jarlhettur Mountain Range – the views of incredible landscapes from the top are breathtaking and well worth the effort.

SNORKELLING AND DIVING
Take the plunge in the beautiful surroundings of Silfra in the Golden Circle and explore the glacial waters that lie between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates as they rip apart.

The waters between the two continents are crystal clear and the rocks and formations below the surface are staggeringly dramatic. Qualified divers and dry-suit divers can explore the depths to see the plates up close.

It is an amazing adventure at any time of year, but under midnight sun glowing through the water, it’s quite simply out of this world.

LUXURY HELI-TOURING
A private helicopter is undoubtedly the best way to admire some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. There are heli-tours out to sea to spot whale pods, trips over the lightly smoking Eyjafjallajokull volcano and flights along the black sandy beaches of the southern shore.

Flights can connect with boat trips to watch the antics of seals as they play below monumental icebergs followed by aerial journeys over the sensational scenery of Thingvellir National Park and the black lava desert of Mælifellssandur. It’s a photographer’s dream.

INSIDE THE VOLCANO
Incredible experiences don’t get much more incredible than being lowered into the huge magma chamber of a dormant volcano under Iceland’s midsummer sun.

The tour starts with a hike across a lava field to Thrihnukagigur’s crater before donning helmets and harness to descend into the vast subterranean chamber hundreds of feet below.

It is the only volcano in the world where this is possible due to its unique geology. After a six-minute descent through a tiny hole the experience is awe-inspiring in every way – the cavernous chamber is wide and broad enough to house the entire Statue of Liberty.

Website: www.torfhus.is

Rooms: 25

Price: from 564 EUR per night