Hafnarstræti Hostel in Akureyri
✅ Capsules provide privacy with sliding doors and USB ports ✅ Common areas and bathrooms are clean and well maintained ✅ Central location close to restaurants and city attractions ✅ Helpful and friendly hosts according to multiple reviews ✅ Shared kitchen is well equipped with free coffee and tea ❌ Capsules are noisy when opening and closing and not soundproof ❌ Hostel is mostly unattended with digital remote check-in, causing access issues ❌ Some bathrooms and showers were locked, limiting availability ❌ Towels are not included and renting them costs 1000 ISK ❌ Noise from ventilation and other guests can disrupt sleep
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Description
Hafnarstræti Hostel in Akureyri offers a unique capsule sleeping experience within a modern, two-star facility. Guests can choose from Capsule Bed in Mixed Dormitory Rooms, including single and double capsule options. The hostel provides essential services such as WiFi, laundry, luggage storage, and a shared kitchen, all set in newly constructed or recently renovated spaces. Although the capsules offer privacy with sliding doors and USB ports, the thin plastic walls do not provide soundproofing, allowing noise from neighbors to be heard. Towels are not included and must be rented for 1000 ISK. The hostel operates mostly without on-site staff, using digital check-in via emailed codes and remote access for luggage storage, which some guests found challenging. Despite some noise and service limitations, many appreciate the cleanliness, central location, and the novelty of the capsule concept.
Location
Located at Hafnarstræti 99 in Akureyri city center, the hostel is only 3 kilometers from Akureyri Airport (AEY). Its central position puts guests within easy walking distance of many restaurants and local amenities. The hostel’s proximity to key city points makes it convenient for exploring Akureyri without needing transportation, especially given the limited on-site staff and self-service check-in.
Tips
- Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper, as capsules are not soundproof and noise from other guests and ventilation can be disruptive.
- Make sure to rent a towel in advance or bring your own to avoid the additional rental fee.
- Contact the hostel manager ahead of time if you need luggage storage outside of regular check-in hours due to the remote access system.
Policies and conditions
- Child policies: Children can stay in some rooms of this hotel. Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
- Cribs and Extra Beds: For all room types, cribs and extra beds cannot be added.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed
- Service animals: Service animals are not allowed
- Age Requirements: The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old
- Quiet Hours: Guests are required to keep quiet between 22:00–06:00
- Parties: Parties and activities not allowed
- Paying at the hotel: MasterCard, Visa
- Check in time: 16:00. Check out time: 11:00.
Services and facilities
- Elevator/lift
- Smoke-free property
- Ticket assistance
- Terrace
- Express check-out
- Outdoor furniture
- Accessibility features
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Laundry
- Luggage storage
- Common kitchen
- Microwave oven
- Free Wi-Fi
- Tour assistance
- Library
- Billiards
- Pets Not Allowed
Hotel view
Video
Map
Reviews
It appears to me that the owners are hiding themselves behind camera surveillance, and an email account.
Towels were not included and must be rent. The sleeping pods look fancy but opening and closing them makes a lot of noise. Still you can hear other people snore or make other weird noises. They are not sound proof!
In the morning when you don’t check out you can’t sleep a bit longer but you will be waked up early either by noisy guests leaving their pods or cleaning staff who shout outside the pods and aren’t aware that some people still try to sleep.
The toilets are located in the same rooms as the showers, meaning that you can’t go the toilet if multiple showers are in use… there are more bathrooms present but they were locked, limiting the possibilities to have a shower or go to the toilet. If you have a small blatter or are incontinent this must be a very anxious experience.
In the kitchen there was this uncomfortable disgusting smell the whole time. I thought some food was rotting or left in the sink, but I think it’s coming from the sulphuric water that comes out of the tap. This is the same water people use to boil water for tea, to cook in and do their dishes with…
Hafnarstraeti hostel seems to me -despite the good looks and the good efforts- not familiar with hospitality in Europe in general and Iceland in particular. I think they just see this hostel as cash cow they invested in to make money of tourists. I have been to several hostels in Iceland and abroad so I have several experiences to compare it with.
Please book another accommodation if you can, even if it costs you a little bit more: it will be worth it. Otherwise you might regret it. Only when you’re really desperate and you don’t bother if you get enough sleep, I can imagine one would voluntarily want to spend a night here… For me this was once but no more. But I do hope the people are willing to learn and improve. I’m not the only one with this experience according to the other reviews.
The couple running this establishment have created a unique atmosphere, such comfort, and a feeling of joy to get back to home away from home.
I'm now in love with the capsule concept, kudos to Japan, and this amazing Icelandic couple.
Thank you for a great stay, hope to see you in Portugal ;)
I did not like the pool table. It creates a loud noise. It is difficult to rest after a long day of hiking or traveling. IMO
POIs near hotel
Frequently asked questions about Hafnarstræti Hostel
What types of rooms are available at Hafnarstræti Hostel?
The hostel offers Capsule Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room, Single Capsule Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room, and Double Capsule Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room.
Is there a reception desk at the hostel?
No, the hostel is mostly unattended and uses digital check-in with codes sent by email.
Are towels included in the stay?
No, towels are not included and must be rented for 1000 ISK.
Can I store my luggage before check-in or after check-out?
Yes, but you need to call the hotel manager to open the door remotely for luggage storage outside normal check-in/out times.
Are pets allowed at Hafnarstræti Hostel?
No, pets and service animals are not allowed at this property.
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Hotel prices for: July - August 2026 calendar
The average hotel price this month is 124 USD The best time to book is July 23, with rates starting from 124 USD