Residents Take Legal Action Over Skaftafell Guesthouse Development

2026-01-25 - 21:07

Residents living near Skaftafell have begun legal proceedings against Hornafjörður municipality over the construction of a large guesthouse complex close to Vatnajökull National Park. As reported by RÚV, the original development plans were not properly explained to the local residents. They were not consulted when the size and height of the buildings were increased. What's the Story? Residents near Skaftafell have filed a lawsuit against Hornafjörður municipality The case concerns a guesthouse development near Vatnajökull National Park Original 2022 plan allowed 35 single-storey buildings with sleeping lofts Municipal approval in 2023 doubled the number of buildings to 70 Thirteen buildings have been completed, with nearly 60 more planned More than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling for construction to stop Photo: Golli. The project, being built by Arctic Circle Hotels alongside contractor Þingvangur, sits on land at the edge of the protected area. One of the plaintiffs, Regína Hreinsdóttir from Svínafell in Öræfi, says the buildings are out of keeping with their surroundings. The box-looking constructions “just don’t fit in with this landscape”, which Regína finds “disrespectful to this area.” Under a local plan approved in 2022, 35 single-storey buildings with sleeping lofts were allowed. The following year, councillors approved changes that doubled the number of units. The municipality has defended the design, with the mayor claiming that “the houses are not two-storey in the traditional sense.” Regína disputes that claim. “Of course, that’s just not the case. These are two-story houses, that’s quite clear.” Thirteen buildings have already been completed, with plans for nearly 60 more. More than 1,000 people have signed a petition opposing the development.