Considering a trip to Iceland this year? The Nordic nation welcomes several new openings in 2023, from a mystical brewery to a family-run hotel.

Hotel Basalt © Þórarni Svavarsson

Hotel Basalt, Lundarreykjadal, West Iceland

This brand-new, family-run hotel, operated by Hjördís Geirdal, Þórarni Svavarsson and their daughters Katrína and Jasmín, sits within the Icelandic countryside. Providing easy access to explore west Iceland, Hotel Basalt features an on-site restaurant, 11 double/twin rooms, two family-friendly accommodations and a 12-person hot tub. The hotel’s restaurant serves fresh, seasonal ingredients, including oven-baked cod, smoked salmon and lamb, all hailing from local purveyors.

© Galdur Brugghús

Galdur Brugghús, Hólmavík, Westfjords

This new brewery, translating to Witchcraft Brewery, features unique brews. The grounds of the brewery, known as ground zero for the 17^th-century witch trials in Iceland, inspired Galdur Brugghús to name signature brands of lager to align with its history: Galdr (magic), Vetur (winter) and Kukl (sorcery). As a community-owned brewery, Galdur Brugghús is unlike any other brewery in the country, operating as a collaboration between residents, entrepreneurs and companies in Hólmavík.

Hotel Ísafjörður, Ísafjörður, Westfjords

Hotel Ísafjörður boasts sweeping views of Pollurinn harbor and Snæfjallaströnd across the bay of Ísafjarðardjúp. The hotel recently underwent extensive renovations and officially welcomes guests back to experience its updated lobby, new dining area and elevated cocktail bar.

Austurland Freeride Festival, Eskifjörður, East Iceland

Held March 1–5, Austurland Freeride Festival consists of back-country skiing and split boarding around Oddsskarð ski resort and Mjóeyri in Eskifjörður. This region offers some of East Iceland’s finest trails. Attending the festival includes riding from mountaintops down to the sea with local guides in the day and experiencing regional cuisine, music and drinks at night.