ION Adventure Hotel
An iconic design hotel where brutalist architecture, geothermal energy, and Iceland’s untamed landscape create one of the country’s most unforgettable stays.
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● A striking cantilevered design by Minarc that turns a former geothermal workers’ building into an architectural landmark.
● Sustainable hospitality powered by Iceland’s natural geothermal energy and built with reclaimed, locally inspired materials.
● An exceptional base for exploring Þingvellir National Park, glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and the Golden Circle.
Architecture on the Edge of Nature
Less than an hour from Reykjavík, ION Adventure Hotel rises dramatically above the lava fields of Mount Hengill. Originally built to house workers from the adjacent Nesjavellir geothermal power station, the abandoned structure was transformed by California-based studio Minarc into one of Iceland’s most recognizable design hotels. The bold cantilevered wing projects over the volcanic landscape like a futuristic observation deck, while steel, glass, concrete, and lava stone connect the building directly to its surroundings. A recent expansion adds contemporary guestrooms while remaining faithful to the hotel’s distinctive architectural language. Few hotels capture Iceland’s raw beauty quite so dramatically.
Minimalism with Warmth
Inside, the industrial architecture is softened by natural materials and understated Scandinavian design. Concrete walls, reclaimed driftwood, rich timber floors, designer furnishings, and soft lighting create interiors that feel both contemporary and deeply connected to the landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows transform every room into a constantly changing panorama of lava fields, geothermal steam, distant mountains, and endless Icelandic skies. Sustainability is woven throughout the design, with reclaimed materials, geothermal heating, water-saving systems, recycled furnishings, and Fairtrade organic linens reflecting the hotel’s strong environmental philosophy.
Adventure Begins Outside
ION lives up to its name by placing Iceland’s greatest natural experiences within easy reach. Þingvellir National Park, the Silfra fissure, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, volcanic hiking trails, glacier adventures, horseback riding, lava caves, and Super Jeep expeditions are all easily accessible from the hotel. One of the most extraordinary experiences is snorkeling or diving between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates in the crystal-clear waters of Silfra. After a day outdoors, guests return to geothermal comfort.
Wellness Powered by the Earth
The Lava Spa embraces Iceland’s elemental contrasts. A geothermal outdoor hot pool overlooks the surrounding lava fields, while a traditional wood-fired sauna and peaceful relaxation spaces provide warmth against the crisp mountain air. The setting itself becomes part of the wellness experience, with steam rising into the cold Icelandic sky and silence interrupted only by the wind across the volcanic landscape. It’s wonderfully simple—and completely unforgettable.
Nordic Flavours with a View
Silfra Restaurant celebrates modern Icelandic cuisine built around regional ingredients and seasonal produce. Expect Arctic char from nearby Þingvallavatn, Icelandic lamb, locally foraged herbs, and creative Nordic cooking presented with restraint and elegance. Afterwards, the Northern Lights Bar becomes the perfect place for a cocktail beneath panoramic windows, offering front-row seats to one of nature’s greatest spectacles whenever the aurora appears overhead.
Why it Works
ION Adventure Hotel perfectly captures Iceland’s extraordinary duality: raw yet refined, adventurous yet restorative, futuristic yet deeply rooted in nature. Its bold architecture, sustainable philosophy, and remarkable location create an experience where design never competes with the landscape—it simply frames it. For travelers who want Iceland at its most dramatic, few hotels come closer to the spirit of the island itself.
