Iceland is so full of adventure, it can be hard to know where to dive in. Plenty of lodges offer great accommodations, but few can match 鈥檚 access and views. A quick 45-minute drive from Reykjav铆k, Glymur is set amid the countless hikes, rivers, and volcanic fields around 20-mile-long Whale Fjord. The lodge has 22 rooms and three suites, but we suggest splurging on one of the six villas, which have floor-to-ceiling views of the fjord, state-of-the-art kitchens, and private geothermal hot tubs outside. From there, head 13 miles east to the highest waterfall in the country (and the hotel鈥檚 namesake), which cascades 643 feet in a single drop from the Botsna River over the side of Hvalfell volcano. Inaccessible by road, the waterfall is one of Iceland鈥檚 least visited attractions鈥攁nd one of its most stunning. The hotel will point guests in the direction of the trailhead, a 20-minute drive away. After the five-mile hike, return to a dinner of lamb fillet served with blueberry sauce and baked potatoes. Then pour yourself a Reyka vodka with a lemon twist and take it out to the hot tub to toast the waning midnight sun.
Icelandic Getaway: A Few Pointers
Access:聽Fly Iceland Air to Keflav铆k International Airport in Reykjav铆k. Rent a car at (from $197); no four-wheel-drive needed in summer. Rooms from $300, villas from $480.
Climate: In August, 55掳 high and 46掳 low
Detour: The 5,200-foot-long Vidgelmir Lava Tube is only 46 miles northwest of the hotel. helps you explore it and other caves in the Hallmundarhraun lava field ($1,060 for two).
Indulge: Made right at the lodge, Glymur鈥檚 ice cream ($18) is infused with chocolate cake bits and soft caramel.聽