Litlabýli Guesthouse – Sæból Farm
Accommodation at two old-style homes in the Westfjords
We invite visitors to two different accommodation experiences in the Westfjords, at the remote historic Sæból 3 Farm, or at Litlabýli in the fishing village of Flateyri, just outside Ísafjörður. Sæból farm is situated in a beautiful isolated valley – a fantastic home-base for all kinds of outdoor activities, or for small groups who want to get away from the rush of the city and experience the dramatic beauty of the landscape up close. Litlabýli Guesthouse is in Flateyri, near the main services in Ísafjörður but in a quiet village atmosphere, surrounded by breathtaking mountains.
About us
We are Kristín and Ívar, the owners and managers of Residences in Önundarfjörður. We both grew up in Flateyri – Ívar at the Litlabýli house and Kristín attended school in Flateyri while living at Sæból for summer and holidays. We met in school and have been together since we were 13. In 1996 we moved to Reykjavík, but we couldn’t stay away and in 2000 we moved back to Flateyri to settle down. We now live here with our two children, Svandís Rós and Kristján Pétur.
Opening a guesthouse has been a longtime dream of ours, but for many years we put it off. Finally in 2014 we decided to fix up Litlabýli and open it up for guests – the house was a natural place to welcome visitors with it’s long history in Flateyri and old-style charm.
We have also begun to welcome groups and adventurers to our house at Sæból farm – the building has been in our family since the end of the 17th century. Kristín’s brother and mother also still live nearby in the valley. The valley has a long, rich history – you can read more about it here.
We look forward to welcoming you to our home in Önundarfjörður!
Litlabýli in Flateyri
Litlabýli is a cozy guesthouse in the center of Flateyri. For many years it was a family home, and we want to provide visitors with a comfortable stay in our village. Our family lives just up the road, and we are always happy to answer questions about traveling and activities in the area.
Accommodation
We have space for up to 10 guests in a comfortable home with beautiful views of the mountains and fjord. Each room has accommodation for 2 people, in double or twin beds.
Amenities include free wifi throughout the house, free parking, and breakfast included. Four rooms are with shared bathroom and shower facilities and one with private bathroom; a shared kitchen is also available for guests to use.
The house is a short walk from the convenience store, swimming pool, restaurant, and local hiking routes.
Location
Litlabýli is located in the center of Flateyri, a small village in the Westfjords. We are about 15 minutes from Ísafjörður, and about 1 hour drive to Dynjandi waterfall in Arnarfjörður.
A bus runs 3 times a day, every working day from Ísafjörður to Flateyri and back.
Flateyri has a small shop at the gas station with basic groceries and necessities. There is a bar/restaurant, Vagninn, open during the summer. The Old Bookstore is a museum that also sells handicrafts, gifts, and serves coffee.
In the summer Flateyri is a great location for paddle boarding and kayaking. In winter it is a convenient home base for ski touring on the surrounding mountains.
History
The house has a long history in Flateyri: it was originally built in 1913, at Sólbakki outside Flateyri. It was called “Litlabýli” because the man who built it originally had a larger home down the hill, and he built the “little house” for his sister. In 1936 the entire house was moved to the center of the village, where it served as a telephone station and later as a post office (although a family lived there at the same time), until it was finally converted back into just a family home. We recently restored the interior to bring back it’s old-fashioned charm and create the cozy guesthouse it is today!
Sæból Farm
Sæból 3 is a historic farm in one of the most remote parts of Iceland. The farm has been in our family for seven generations, and has always been a place for gatherings and outdoor activities. Kristín’s mother, Betty, lives at Sæból 2 and the farm is still very much a part of our family. Visitors will find a truly authentic experience of life in the Westfjords, past and present. Sæból provides amazing access to the mountains and the sea, and the opportunity to enjoy the remoteness and quiet that make the Westfjords so special.
Accommodation
Sæból 3 is an ideal location for small groups looking for a home base for outdoor activities, or for an authentic experience of life in the Westfjords. The valley is truly remote – reachable by car only some of the year and without reliable phone or internet service, so it is the ideal place to unwind, disconnect your email, and enjoy the spectacular mountains and ocean surrounding the farm. In the past we have hosted groups of skiers, surfers, hikers, and groups who want to simply enjoy Icelandic nature at its best.
The house at Sæból 3 can house up to 8 people. As mentioned above, there is no internet connection at Sæból and little cellphone reception, but a landline phone is available in case of emergency.
Location
Sæból is located in a remote valley, accessible via Núpur in Dýrafjörður. The valley is not always accessible by car, during winter it is sometimes necessary to park at the end of the road and snowmobile in.
To get here take route 60 from Þingeyri or Ísafjörður, and turn off at the road to Núpur. Continue along road 624. Contact us if you have questions about transportation to the valley.
Practicalities:
Guests should be sure to stock up on groceries and other needs in Ísafjörður before coming to Sæból.
Youcan get access at internet and there is very limited mobile phone reception in the valley.
History
The history of settlement at Sæból 3 goes back almost a thousand years, and has been in our family since the late 17th century. For many generations Sæból 3 has been a place for community events and all kinds of groups to meet, despite its remote location. The Vonaland (Hope-land) meeting house has been home to school classes, a movie theatre, Christmas dances, young men´s club meetings, and more.
- Litlabyli Guesthouse
- Ránargata 2, 425 Flateyri
- +354 848-0920
Camping
In the summer months it is possible to pitch a tent or park your camper at the campsite in Flateyri. The campsite is located behind the local shop, in a sheltered area with access to toilet facilities. It is just a short walk to the swimming pool and local restaurant.
The campsite is open from May 15 to September 15. You can choose your spot and pay for camping when you arrive in Flateyri. If someone is not onsite when you arrive, call us at (+354) 848 0920
