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8.3

1,257 reviews

The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Hafnargata 16, Rif, Sandur, 360, Iceland

Choose dates to view prices

Free parking

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Beach

Bar

Tour desk

Parking On Site

Terrace

The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center is a 2-star hostel on Iceland’s west coast, inviting travelers to a culture-forward stay in Hellissandur. Address: Hafnargata 16, Rif, located about 2mi from the town center, making it a quirky base for exploring the coastline and local arts.

Guest facilities include free on-site parking and free Wifi, as well as air conditioning, a bar, terrace, and garden with mountain and landmark views. Soundproof rooms, non-smoking options, and a tour desk add practical comforts, while live music performances (free), beach access, and kitchenware round out the stay.

With 1257 reviews, this two-star hostel blends budget-friendly lodging with a culture-forward vibe, making it a lively stop for travelers seeking music, local scenes, and Iceland’s coastal scenery. Plan to soak up the coast, culture, and friendly rhythms after a day of exploration.

After a day along the rugged coast, the vibe here leans into culture-forward charm, turning Hellissandur into a playful playground for curious travelers. The setting places guests in the heart of coastal scenery and Iceland’s local arts scene, with evenings often accompanied by free live music and a welcoming, friendly rhythm.

Room options are as varied as the itinerary, ranging from Basic Dormitory and private Double rooms to Family setups and Quadruple arrangements. This mix accommodates solo explorers, couples, and small groups, with examples like Family, Private Bathroom and Quadruple Room providing comfy, flexible choices for different travel styles.

Payment is cashless, with cash not accepted; Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro are all accepted. Amenities include free on-site parking, free Wifi, an air-conditioned bar area, a terrace, and a garden with mountain and landmark views. Practical touches such as a tour desk, soundproof rooms, non-smoking options, and kitchenware round out the stay, while beach access invites a refreshing coastal breeze.

Most popular amenities

Free parking

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Beach

Bar

Tour desk

Parking On Site

Terrace

Soundproof rooms

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Garden view

Kitchenware

Landmark view

Playground

Picnic area

Garden

View

Free toiletries

Soundproof

Rooms

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room in The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Show 3 photos

Dormitory, 4 Bed

1 Bunk Bed

170 sqft

Landmark view

Garden view

Kitchenware

Microwave

More details

Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room in The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Show 3 photos

Dormitory, 8 Bed

1 Bunk Bed

280 sqft

Mountain view

Landmark view

Kitchenware

Microwave

More details

Family Room in The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Show 2 photos

Family

1 Twin Bed

1 Bunk Bed

150 sqft

Mountain view

Landmark view

Kitchenware

Microwave

+

More details

Double Room in The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Show 2 photos

Double Room

1 Double Bed

170 sqft

Private Bathroom

View

Kitchenware

Microwave

More details

Family Room with Private Bathroom in The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Show 2 photos

Family, Private Bathroom

1 Twin Bed

1 Double Bed

1 Bunk Bed

300 sqft

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Kitchenware

Microwave

x5

More details

Double Room in The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Show 2 photos

Room - 2 Twin

1 Double Bed

170 sqft

Private Bathroom

View

Kitchenware

Microwave

More details

Triple Room in The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Double, Triple

1 Twin Bed

1 Double Bed

170 sqft

View

Kitchenware

Microwave

Refrigerator

x3

More details

Triple Room with Private Bathroom in The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Double, Triple, Private Bathroom

1 Twin Bed

1 Double Bed

215 sqft

Garden view

Private Bathroom

Kitchenware

Microwave

x3

More details

Quadruple Room, Bunk, Shared Bathroom

1 Bunk Bed

x4

+

x3

More details

Room - 2 Double

2 Double Beds

x4

+

x3

More details

Quadruple Room, Bunk

1 Bunk Bed

x4

+

x3

More details

Family, Bunk

1 Bunk Bed

x8

+

x4

More details

Guest reviews

8.3

1,257 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇺🇸

Barbara

8.2

August 2025

Really wonderful common area, and very welcoming host who made us feel comfortable in the common area. This hostel is a fantastic place to feel as though you can connect with other travelers. The goal of creating community here is something that makes us want to support the place! There was a foozeball table in the common area that gave our son a chance to meet other kids and play, something that was a real highlight for him.

The kitchen was quite small for the number of guests using it - we were very happy we had arrived right at 4 pm and started cooking right away or it would have been difficult to make dinner, and the cost was quite high (maybe because of location?)

🇪🇸

Olga

10

May 2025

The Freezer is a hidden Gem on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula! For Icelandic standards, the price was incredibly affordable, especially considering the quality of the experience. The place was spotlessly clean, full of atmosphere and artistic charm, and had everything a traveler could ask for. The kitchen was perfectly equipped, beds were very comfortable, and the linen smelled fresh and clean, making it easy to get a good night’s sleep after a long day of exploring. But what truly made this stay unforgettable was the amazing team running the place - Klaudia and Max! They made me feel completely at home with their warmth and hospitality. They shared so many insider tips about exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, helping me discover places I wouldn’t have found on my own. My If you’re looking for an affordable, cozy, and truly unique place to stay in West Iceland - this is it!

-

🇺🇸

Talia

8.2

July 2025

Cool place with a chill vibe. The room was clean and comfortable and bigger than I expected. Lots of parking out front and it was easy to find. I really liked how there were free yoga mats you could borrow.

Writing it here in the reviews to no one else is unpleasantly surprised--the shower was one of the ones where you have to push for water every 20 seconds or so. Not the biggest deal, but I find those showers annoying. Also the water does get warm enough to be comfortable, but not super hot, so just a warning to those of you who are particular about that.

🇮🇹

Ginevra

9.1

January 2025

We had a wonderful stay at this hostel! The facility is impeccably clean and well-equipped, making it a perfect base for seeing the Northern Lights. The shared kitchen is fully stocked, allowing for easy meal preparation. A special mention goes to the common area, which feels like a friend's home—super cozy and spacious. It’s a great place to relax and connect with fellow travelers. The context, history, and artistic culture of the hostel are truly fascinating. Although we didn’t get a chance to attend any events, we thoroughly enjoyed playing games in the common room and meeting new people. When a small issue arose, the staff resolved it quickly and efficiently. The ladies running the hostel are absolutely lovely and provided excellent recommendations for nearby attractions. We highly recommend this hostel! Maximum rating! 🌟

🇬🇧

Michael

8.2

August 2025

Great to have this place in such a convenient location for travelling around the Snaefellsnes peninsular. Staff are welcoming and friendly, and the large reception/common room is comfortable, with lots of games and information provided. Bunk rooms are adequate, and shared bathrooms are clean, warm and well-equipped.

The kitchen area is a bit cramped for the number of guests accommodated. The room was a bit smelly and could do with a deep clean.

🇳🇱

Mark

9.1

July 2024

I loved the living room concept, especially as it provided different spots to sit and relax. You could interact with each other or be a bit more private in a corner, especially as it is not adjacent to sleeping chambers it provides a place where you can stay a bit longer and make a bit more noise at later hours. The idea of the kitchen is a great addition, but sadly not all people knew the rule to use the kitchen for preparing food and and to bring it into the living room to talk there (this way the kitchen stays usable for others while also making sure the adjacent rooms would not be disturbed) A group of French people woke us up around 6, and kept loud talking until 9.

The music was way too good, and sadly to quickly to end. At a reasonable bedtime the singer stopped, while I could listen to his songs for the entire night and day. But sadly the hosts respect their visitors way to much, making them feel welcome and certain that each person can tell them their wishes. So I wanted to write a bad review, but it's not possible with such great hosts. The only problem I can think of that I had not enough time to stay longer.

🇮🇳

Sudhir

10

September 2024

I liked that it was one of the cheapest stays in Iceland. It was very accessible to places I wanted to cover in the Snaefellness peninsula. It was just 25mins from Kirkufell to hike and also just 30mins to the Snæfellsjökull national park too. The staff were very friendly, they've created a very communal atmosphere, they encouraged me to sing in the Karaoke nights.

Only 2 bathroom cum showers that I could spot across the place so it could get tricky in busy times. However, it was never a problem for me and managed well.

🇺🇸

Peter

8.2

April 2024

This is an amazing place. I run an arts center in the US and was intrigued that this remote arts center in Iceland also had a hostel and rooms to rent so we gave it a try. It's out toward the end of the beautiful Snæfellsnes peninsula and national park. It was also less than 10 minutes away from the whale watching tour we took out of Olafsvik, which is not to be missed. We stayed in one of their rooms that had a full bed and bunkbeds and our own bathroom. It was really comfortable and there was a great common area with a bar and all kinds of board games. Our room was off the theater and that night locals were watching a football match between Iceland and the Ukraine; much to their chagrin, Iceland lost. If you're looking for a unique place to stay and you want to support the local arts scene, this is your place!

Nothing not to like really. If you're looking for luxury, this ain't it. But if you want to stay and support one of the coolest places in Iceland, stay here.

🇸🇮

Tanja

10

June 2024

From the outside -a warehouse. From the inside: a great, funky, alternative place to go to, hang out, chill, play games and LISTEN TO MUSIC every night. Spent one night only there, but had the chance to meet, mix and migle with locals. If I ever come back to this area, a definite repeat! Food (snacks) and drinks available, too if you arrive late.

Supermarkets/convenience stores are either in Olafsvik or Hellisandur, and weekend closing times are "tough". there's nothing else to go to in Rif, but the FREEZER takes care of it.

🇺🇸

Savannah

8.2

January 2024

The location is located in a really cute town and right next to the shore. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable about the area. The bathrooms were very clean, especially compared to other guesthouses or hostels I’ve been to. We were able to cook our meals there and store food with no issue.

There was a large group that came in around 22:30 (which was past check-in when staff wasn’t there) and they were very rowdy and drunk all night. They saw that we were there but would not try and be quiet in the private areas. It didn’t quiet down until almost 5 hours later. They also left a mess in the kitchen and the main area, including taking a bunch of a drinks from the bar fridge without paying.

Points of Interest Around The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Attractions

Snaefellsjokull National Park

1.9mi

Amenities of The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

Free parking

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Beach

Bar

Tour desk

Parking On Site

Terrace

Soundproof rooms

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Garden view

Kitchenware

Landmark view

Playground

Picnic area

Garden

View

Free toiletries

Soundproof

Stay rules - The Freezer Hostel & Culture Center

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property