Fire at Hotel Valholl near Thingvellir

A hotel close to Thingvellir, the national, historic park of Iceland, roughly 45km east of the capital Reykjavik, suffered a tragic fire and burnt down Friday night (10 July). The fire completely destroyed Hotel Valholl. The fire was started from the kitchen and restaurant area, which was the only part of the entire hotel without a sprinkler system, according to hotel owner Ulfar Thordarson.All 29 rooms were fully booked for Friday night due to the festivals and concerts going on in the area. All of the Icelanders that were staying at the hotel fled to their own accomodations after the fire. One German tourist and guest at the hotel was provided with stay at a hotel in Reykjavik, according to Ulfar. A foreign couple with 2 children that was just finished checking into the hotel right before the fire fled for themselves.

“Two Icelandic couples suffered from mouth injuries. I have been in contact with them and they are going to be reimbursed by their own home insurance,” says hotel owner Ulfar. He has not yet accounted for his economic damage but he claims most has been covered by insurance. Police have been taking statements from the hotel staff and guests.

(Photo/Aftermath of the Hotel Valholl fire, photo taken by frettabladid-stefan)