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Jon Heidar, Editor of Stuck in Iceland Travel Magazine

I am always looking for experienced people from the Icelandic travel industry to interview. One of the most experienced people in the business is Sigríður Ólafsdóttir. She is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Senior Quality Auditor of the Hostelling International (HI) in Iceland. Sigríður, or Sirra as she is called, runs three hostels in Reykjavik. She also runs the camping ground at Laugardalur in Reykjavik. HI has received recent accolades for quality and ecological friendliness.

Thank you Sirra for taking the time for an interview. Please tell me about yourself and the hostels in Iceland?

I have been part of HI Iceland dynamic management team for almost 20 years now. As the COO my focus is on implementing our vision in the operations at the 3 hostels that we own and run. I work closely with the team which enriches the guest experience. I understand how important it is to keep an open mind and to travel in a sustainably and responsibly. 
Sigríður Ólafsdóttir is the COO of Hostelling International in Iceland.
Sigríður Ólafsdóttir is the COO of Hostelling International in Iceland.
HI Iceland is a not-for-profit association founded in 1939. It is committed to sustainability. We are sensitive to the socio-cultural, ecological and economic impacts of our decisions. We measure and share our successes and failures. Our own Reykjavik hostels have the Swan Eco Certification. They are inspected for quality and sustainability standards. 

What motivates s and the work we do is the mission of Hostelling International. I think this is as relevant and urgent now as it was 80 years ago. This is when a group of ambitious students formed the Icelandic Youth Hostel Association.  

Loft Hostel was recently voted as the Worlds Greenest Hostel and on top of the title ´The World Best Hostel´. 

Cozy hostel in Selfoss, Iceland
Cozy hostel in Selfoss, Iceland

How many hostels does HI run in Iceland and where are they?

Hostelling International Iceland is one of the national youth hostel associations that make up HI. This the world´s largest hostel network with 3.500 hostels in 80 countries.  35 of those hostels are right here in Iceland. They are in truly unique settings in every part of the country. All of them are highly valued by guests as being welcoming and authentic.  

The 3 hostels in Reykjavik. HL Iceland owns and runs Loft Hostel, City Hostel, and Downtown Hostel. Other Hostels are privately owned and run by locals.

Can you tell me what kind of travelers use your hostels in Iceland?

Hostels are for everyone. The conscious world travelers, rooming around solo, in pairs or groups,. They are for people who enjoy the social nature of hostelling and the sharing of cost and experiences. 

One of the best things about hostelling is that you get to meet so many kinds of people from all over the world. This means you never know who you´re going to end up sharing a beer with.
I think this quote from a travel blogger sums up the hostelling experience rather nicely: ´with a hostel, you get to pay half the price for twice the fun´.

What are the advantages of staying in your hostels in Iceland?

Hostel in Korpudalur in the Westfjords of Iceland.
Hostel in Korpudalur in the Westfjords of Iceland.

Hostels open the door to new friends, amazing places and different cultures.

Families, groups, and individuals all enjoy the informal atmosphere and being part of the culture. They can choose between different types of private rooms with or without a bathroom.

Individuals often want to share a dormitory-style room with fellow travelers; at a budget-friendly rate. Shared kitchens, dining rooms, laundry, and lounges enable you to connect with other travelers. With all the activities and tours we offer through tour operators, we help guests knowing the destination as we do.

What are your favorite places or activities in Iceland?

The more I travel the more I appreciate the wonderful adventures Iceland offers. I find myself in awe wherever I go and I have started to appreciate the seasonal changes even more lately. I have to mention both Snærfellsnes and Þórsmörk, as hiking places that keep me coming back and wanting more. 

 

Hostel in Blönduós in the north west of Iceland
Hostel in Blönduós in the north west of Iceland

Do you have any plans for traveling in Iceland next summer?

Right now, I am excited about planning a trip all over Australia where my colleagues want me as a Quality Auditor for their Hostels. Amazing opportunity and I will surely make sure to carbon offset that flight.  I am returning in time for my favorite season – the ever so bright and colorful springtime when Iceland is glowing. This summer me and by bike will explore the surroundings of the city. My plan is to track on Strandir this summer. I recently discovered the wonders of Borgarfjörður and Dalasýsla and look forward to returning.  

What advice would you give to people who are visiting Iceland for the first time?

I wish you to take your time to take in the country’s unique contrasts and simplicity. Travel slow and connect to local culture and cuisine.