The older cabin at Álftavatn was built in 1979 and the new cabin was taken into use in 2010. They accommodate a total of 72 people in dormitory-style bunk beds. Both cabins have gas stoves for cooking, cold running water, pots, dishes and knives.

The toilet and shower are in a separate house. There is a campground on the water's edge. The cabins are on the main trail around Laugavegur, between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk, and the road around Fjallabaksleið syðri is just a short distance from the cabins. The area around the cabins is beautiful and there are various trails. It is possible to walk, for example, to Álftaskarð, Brattháls and Torfahlaup.