Battle Hill Lodge
Iceland
Vatnamót River and More – World-Class Sea-Run Browns
Experience the pinnacle of fly fishing in Iceland at Battle Hill Lodge, where pristine wilderness meets world-class angling. Set against a backdrop of dramatic volcanic landscapes, this exclusive destination offers access to three extraordinary rivers—the Vatnamót, Fossálar, and Geirlandsa—each a tributary of the powerful Skaftá.
These legendary waters are home to some of the largest sea-run brown trout on the planet, with fish exceeding 20 pounds. For decades, the Vatnamót system was reserved solely for local fishing clubs, closed to visiting anglers and known only to a fortunate few. Today, through a special lease agreement with Fish Partner—the Orvis-Endorsed outfitter and 2025 Orvis-Endorsed International Destination of the Year—these remarkable rivers are finally open to international guests.
From the comfort of Battle Hill Lodge, anglers enjoy privileged access to these trophy waters, combining solitude, exclusivity, and exceptional fishing opportunities. This is more than a fishing trip—it’s a rare chance to pursue truly massive sea-run browns in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth.
Discover Iceland. Fish legendary rivers. Land the trout of a lifetime.
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The guides at Battle Hill Lodge are a skilled blend of Icelandic and international fly‑fishing experts, each with intimate knowledge of the local rivers and fish behavior. Many have spent decades guiding anglers in Iceland and around the world, speaking fluent English and adept at coaching anglers of all skill levels. Senior guides and co‑owners, including Sindri Hlíðar Jónsson, bring decades of combined experience managing and guiding Icelandic fisheries, ensuring every guest makes the most of their time on the water.
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Exclusively Fly Fishing — Anglers use both single‑handed and two‑handed (Spey) fly rods to pursue sea‑run brown trout, resident brown trout, Arctic char, and occasionally Atlantic salmon.
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Sea‑run brown trout – The main draw, often exceeding 20 pounds, found in Vatnamót, Fossálar, and Geirlandsa rivers.
Resident brown trout – Smaller trout living year-round in the rivers, offering technical fishing challenges.
Arctic char – Present in some tributaries, especially during summer months.
Atlantic salmon – Occasionally encountered, particularly in certain beats during the season.
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Battle Hill Lodge offers six guest rooms across two floors, comfortably accommodating up to 10 anglers. The lodge features four twin rooms, each with two beds, and two single rooms for solo travelers or those seeking extra privacy. Rooms are European-style, cozy yet practical, providing a comfortable retreat after long days on the rivers. Guests share two and a half bathrooms, and the lodge’s open layout fosters a friendly, social atmosphere, with anglers often gathering to share stories and relax after fishing.
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Two Seasons at Battle Hill Lodge
Spring Season: April 15 – May 15. Sea-run brown trout are strong after feeding in the rivers all winter. During this season, fishing is available on the Vatnamót and Geirlandsa rivers.
Fall Season: August 27 – October 21. Sea-run browns begin arriving in late July and continue throughout the season, offering excellent opportunities for trophy fishing.
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2026 Rates (USD)
All packages include 6 nights at Battle Hill Lodge with 6 days of guided fishing (5 full days plus 2 half-days). Two anglers per room share one guide.
Rates are subject to change and may vary with higher permit or hotel fees during select periods.Spring Season (April 15 – May 15)
From $7,245 per person
Fall Season
August 27 – September 2: From $8,400 per person
September 2 – 8: From $8,600 per person
September 8 – October 2: From $9,975 per person
October 2 – 20: From $8,715 per person
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Fly Rods
Single-Handed Rods: 9–10 ft, 6–8 weight rods for smaller rivers or technical nymphing.
Two-Handed (Spey) Rods: 12–15 ft, 7–9 weight rods for larger rivers and swinging streamers for big sea-run browns.
Purpose: Single-handed rods are ideal for tight water or delicate presentations, while two-handed rods are used on bigger glacial rivers where long casts and heavy flies are required.
Reels
Size: Large-arbor reels with smooth drag capable of handling 20+ lb trout.
Features: Reliable, strong drag systems to manage long runs typical of sea-run brown trout.
Lines & Accessories
Floating, sink-tip, and full-sink lines for different river conditions.
Leaders & tippets: 6–12 lb for larger trout, lighter for resident browns or Arctic char.
Guides at Battle Hill Lodge will help set up rods and reels for the day’s conditions and may offer tips on flies, casting techniques, and presentations for both single-handed and Spey fishing.
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Battle Hill Lodge accommodates up to 10 anglers per stay.
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Fishing is entirely wade-based — no boats are used.
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Fly In: Arrive at Keflavík International Airport (KEF), about 31 miles (50 km) from Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital.
Meet Your Guide: A guide will pick you up in Reykjavík at 10:00 a.m..
Drive to the Lodge: Travel approximately 160 miles (260 km) to Battle Hill Lodge.
The rivers are just 10 minutes east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur (locally called Klaustur), a village of around 500 residents.
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The Packages Include:
• Roundtrip ground transfers between Reykjavik and the Lodge
• Guided fishing
• Fishing license
• 6-nights accommodations at the Lodge
• All meals at the Lodge
• Wi-Fi at the Lodge
• VAT (Value Added Tax)The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to and from Reykjavik, Iceland
• Tackle disinfection upon arrival ($50 to $100)
• Optional lodging, meals, and ground transfers in Reykjavik
• Fishing equipment
• Optional equipment rental of $100-$120 per day
(Includes rod, reel, line, waders, and boots)
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Alcoholic beverages
• Global Rescue coverage
• Travel insurance
• Anything not listed under inclusions.
The Geirlandsa, Fossálar Rivers and Surrounding Area
The Geirlandsa and Fossálar rivers flow through some of Iceland’s most striking landscapes, weaving clear waters through black lava fields, moss-covered rocks, and rugged hills. The rivers carve gentle meanders, deep pools, and small waterfalls across broad, glacially influenced valleys, framed by distant mountains and sweeping lava plains.
Battle Hill Lodge sits in this remote region near the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur (“Klaustur”), where the sparse population and open skies create a profound sense of wilderness. The nearby Brunahraun lava field adds an ancient geological backdrop, while the Vatnajökull Glacier looms in the distance, completing a landscape of dramatic contrasts—quiet valleys, volcanic formations, and uninterrupted natural beauty that feels entirely untouched.
Sample Itinerary
Anglers rotate equally among the rivers throughout the week.
Day 1: Depart Reykjavík at 10:00 a.m. for the scenic four-hour drive to Battle Hill Lodge, arriving around 2:00 p.m.. After a light lunch, enjoy a half-day of guided fishing. Dinner is served at the lodge around 8:00–9:00 p.m., depending on your return from the river.
Days 2–5: Begin with breakfast at 8:00 a.m., followed by a full day of guided fishing. Lunch is taken riverside, and you’ll return to the lodge between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. to refresh before dinner at 8:00 p.m.
Day 6: After breakfast at 8:00 a.m., enjoy a final morning of fishing. Lunch is at noon, followed by packing and departure for Reykjavík around 2:00 p.m.
Main Lodge & Common Areas
Battle Hill Lodge is a beautifully remodeled farmhouse overlooking the Fossálar River, the Brunahraun lava fields, and the Vatnajökull Glacier—Europe’s largest ice cap, covering 8% of Iceland. The two-story lodge accommodates up to 10 guests in four double rooms and two single rooms, with 2.5 shared bathrooms. The farmhouse is named after Viking Chief Hróars Tungugoði, who was killed nearby in the 10th century, adding a touch of historic significance to your stay.
All meals are served in the lodge’s main dining room. Buffet-style breakfasts include eggs, meats, cheeses, fruit, yogurt, and muesli. Lunches are typically packed for the river, featuring sandwiches, soup, fruit, and snacks. Evening dinners are three-course meals highlighting hearty Icelandic fare, including fresh seafood, lamb, seasonal produce, and homemade desserts.
Alcohol is not included in the package. On the drive from the airport to the lodge, your guide will stop so you can purchase beverages for your stay. Duty-free alcohol is also available upon arrival at Keflavík Airport.
