It is easy to walk right past Freyja Guesthouse. Unassumingly situated in a quiet neighborhood around the corner from Hallgrimskirkja, the iconic cathedral inspired by the basalt formations along Iceland's coast, Freyja Guesthouse can be recognized by a lone metal plaque with the church's relief serving as a logo. There's also a Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Award designation along the wall.
The gem of the family-operated Freyja Guesthouse is the Deluxe Family Studio, which can sleep up to four in a king size bed and an amazingly comfortable queen-sized sofa. With a separate entrance along the side of the house, this temporary home is perfect for a traveling family looking to cook a few meals at "home." The kitchenette includes a two-burner cook top, microwave, refrigerator, and all necessary kitchen tools. There is also a grill outside. The "bedrooms" are separated by a divider shelf in this open concept room, which feels like a clean, private, deluxe cave. A large en suite bathroom is a huge plus. Freyja also offers eight double rooms—either in one double bed or two single bed formations—in a classic inn style with shared bathrooms in the main house. The modern style of the interior is dotted with antiques and full of up-to-date amenities.
Freyja's location is part of its charm. On the highest point in Reykjavik, the inn is mere footsteps away from Hallgrimskirkja and other sights in the neighborhood, including The Einar Jónsson Museum and Hús Ásgríms Jónssonar museum. It is only a ten-minute walk (either uphill or down) to the Reykjavík Bus Terminal. City Centre and the Old Harbour are a comfortable walk away by accessing the rainbow painted Skólavörðustígur or the shop filled Laugavegur.
For those who do not want to cook for themselves, the area offers some great eats nearby. Some of my favorite restaurants in the world are found in this Reykjavik neighborhood, including Kol, ROK, and Café Loki. Freyja also offers a bed and breakfast option in conjunction with Reykjavík Roasters, which has a location right around the corner from the inn.
I would like to leave any potential visitor to Reykjavik with a few easy things to do to familiarize yourself with a culture I have learned to love. In order by the photos above … Stroll the neighborhoods off the main streets to find plenty of art and beautiful homes. Visit the shops on Laugavegur; there are a few nicknacky souvenir spots, but many of these businesses offer unique, local items. Eat skyr! Visit Harpa, if not to catch a show, concert, or other performance to just marvel in its architecture. And the area around Harpa provides a beautiful view of Mount Esja and is home to The Sun Voyager.
Useful links
Freyja Guesthouse: https://www.freyjaguesthouse.com/
Hallgrimskirkja: https://visitreykjavik.is/service/hallgrimskirkja-church
Iceland Air: https://www.icelandair.com/
#VisItWriteIt: https://www.somebodiesproductions.com/visit-write-it/