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Check out the best hotels in Iceland to watch the Northern Lights! Best price and value, proximity to main attractions and more!
Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland for the first time is an experience that goes beyond your imagination. And if you add a lovely accommodation to stay in, this adds to the experience even more! These awesome Northern Lights hotels allow viewing magnificent auroras from your hotel room window, the courtyard, o even a hot tub! Check out these hotels to have the most amazing experience!
Here's the list of best hotels in Iceland to see the Northern Lights
#1 Hotel Rangá
If watching the wonderful Northern Lights from the hot tub sounds like a dream to you, you may consider staying in Hotel Ranga. Located only a 2-hour drive away from Reykjavik, this hotel is situated in a remote location in the south of Iceland. Being farther away from light pollution means higher chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Hotel Ranga - luxury countryside hotel in South Iceland
The staff at Ranga hotel even offers a wake-up service in case the auroras appear. You’ll have a chance to watch the Northern Lights from one of the three hot tubs, wrap yourself in a blanket, and sit on one of the benches outside, or simply view them from your balcony!
#2 Hotel Húsafell
This luxury hotel is located in the Icelandic wilderness in West Iceland, surrounded by lava fields, glaciers, waterfalls, and lava caves. This secluded environment makes Hotel Húsafell one of the best places in Iceland to spot the Northern Lights. The hotel offers a wake-up call service in case the Northern Lights show up. Usually, they appear at least three times per week, so the chances are high!
Four-star Hotel Husafell is an eco-luxury resort in West Iceland
Hotel Húsafell features outdoor hot tubs, its own golf course, and there are many hiking trails around the hotel. During the days, when you’re not hunting for the Northern Lights, you’ll have the possibility to explore this naturally rich area.
#3 Adventure Hotel Hof
Adventure Hotel Hof is located in the central region of Öræfasveit, surrounded by peaceful scenery, next to the turf church.
Northern Lights over the Hof hotel in the South Coast of Iceland
It’s not only a great place to stay when traveling along the south coast but also great for catching the Northern Lights. On clear nights, you can see the Northern Lights only by stepping outside the hotel!
Northern Lights over the old turfed roof church by the Hof hotel in South Coast of Iceland
#4 Hotel Budir
Hotel Búðir is a stylish country hotel known for its excellent service and, of course, Northern Lights sightings. The hotel is located on the stunning Snaefellsnes peninsula, only a two-hour drive from Reykjavik. During the day, you can explore the most popular natural attractions in Iceland, including the most photographed mountain, Kirkjufell.
Hotel Búðir located on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, West Iceland
And the nights are reserved for the beautiful Northern Lights. Its remote hotel location offers a perfect chance of seeing them. You can admire them from the on-site lounge or straight from your hotel room. Each room has either glacier, sea, mountain, or lava field view, so seeing the Northern Lights dancing above it will be extra rewarding!
#5 ION Adventure Hotel
The modern design of ION Adventure Hotel is perfect for those looking for a peaceful place to stay close to Iceland's main attractions. The hotel is located not far from the Golden Circle and its main attractions – Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, and Thingvellir National Park. After spending the whole day exploring these natural wonders, you can reside in the comfort of the hotel and wait for the wonderful Northern Lights to appear on the horizon!
Modern structure contemporary ION Adventure Hotel near Golden Circle, Iceland
#6 Fosshótel Hellnar
This award-winning eco-friendly hotel is located in the spectacular north of Iceland, close to the Snaefellsjokull glacier. Hotel Hellnarput emphasis on comfort rather than luxury, so you can expect a very simple but neat Nordic design. It is standing only a few minutes walk from the charming fishing village of Hellnar, so you’ll be able to relax and explore the area without the city buzz.
Eco-friendly Fosshótel Hellnar in the North of Iceland
And, of course, this remote location is perfect for spotting the Northern Lights. Ask at the reception if you’d like to be woken up for the Northern Lights show. The staff will also help you arrange a trip to Snaefellsjokull National Park if you’d prefer to watch the incredible aurora show from there.
#7 Magma Hotel
Magma Hotel in southern Iceland is a perfect choice for seeing the Northern Lights. This small luxury hotel, situated next to the lake, offers a cozy and intimate experience in 25 stylish guest rooms. Magma Hotel is surrounded by some of the best views in Iceland, and you’ll be able to admire it from the comfort of your bed thanks to the panoramic windows.
Cozy luxury Magma Hotel in southern Iceland
Hotel’s remote location promises some of the best chances to see Northern Lights. You’ll be able to see them from your room thanks to the huge, floor-to-ceiling windows and step outside to admire them dancing over the lake. Either way, it will be an experience to remember!
#8 Northern Light Inn
Northern Light Inn is located next to the charming Grindavík fishing town and, as the name suggests, is a perfect place for a Northern Lights hunt. Opposite the modern luxury hotels, it’s a small, family-owned guest house featuring a spa, a small fitness center, and a fireplace lounge where you can admire a view over the famous lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula. Imagine having this view plus the Northern Lights!
Northern Light Inn hotel near Grindavik is perfect for mesmerizing Aurora landscapes
#9 Adventure Hotel Geirland
Adventure Hotel Geirland, located only 50 minutes by car from Skaftafell National Park, is a perfect choice for nature lovers who’d like to stay in beautiful surroundings where you can explore, walk, and enjoy the Northern Lights.
Adventure Hotel Geirland surrounded by the mountains in South of Iceland
Hotel Geirland offers 40 comfortable rooms with an amazing view over the surrounding mountains. On clear nights, you’ll be able to enjoy the view of the Northern Lights dancing over these mountains which is truly an unforgettable sight!
Cozy cottages of Adventure Hotel Geirland in South of Iceland
#10 Hotel Laxnes
Hotel Laxnes offers a convenient and affordable stay not too far from Reykjavik. It is located just off the Ring Road in the coastal town of Mosfellsbaer. Hotel Laxnes offers 26 rooms, most with a view of the nearby Mount Esja and the wonderful Northern Lights.
Farmhouse-style Hotel Laxnes near Reykjavik
#11 Hotel Laki
You’re looking for a place to stay that is not only comfortable but also sustainable? Then Hotel Laki may be a great option for you! This family-run hotel uses natural materials whenever it is possible. There’s also an on-site restaurant that offers dishes made out of fresh ingredients. The hotel is located deep in the Icelandic countryside, which is a perfect environment for Northern Lights watching.
Family Hotel Laki great option for a sustainable stay in South Iceland
#12 The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon
If you’re looking for an ultimate luxurious experience, you should definitely check out The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. This hotel offers not only relaxation in the mineral-rich water of Blue Lagoon but also excellent spa treatments and fine dining at the Moss restaurant.
Northern Lights over the famous Blue Lagoon spa resort in Iceland
You’ll be able to enjoy a view over the lagoon and the volcanoes visible from the distance from the comfort of your hotel room. The hotel staff monitors the forecasts to warn you about the best time to look out for Northern Lights. There’s also a wake-up call service upon request.
#13 Frost and Fire Hotel
Another great site for seeing the Northern Lights is Frost and Fire Hotel, located in Hveragerði, a town also known as “Hot Spring Town.” Even though it’s located only a 30-minute drive away from the country’s capital – Reykjavik – it feels like another world. No sign of city buzz – only peace and tranquility runs in this area.
Tranquil Frost and Fire Hotel in Hveragerdi
Frost and Fire Hotel, surrounded by picturesque scenery, features stylish state-of-art decor. You’ll be able to see some of the works from Icelandic artists displayed on the walls of this hotel. Large windows offer the greatest views of the surrounding area during the day and the front seat for the Northern Lights show during the night. If you want to make it extra special, you can also watch the magnificent aurora borealis from the outdoor hot tub!
#14 Hotel Kría
Hotel Kria is undoubtedly one of the best places in Vik to watch the Northern Lights. Located only a 5-minute walk away from the famous black sand beach, Hotel Kria is a popular place to stay in South Iceland when traveling the Ring Road. It features all the amenities necessary to enjoy a short stay.
Hotel Kría located in Vik town near the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach, South Coast Iceland
#15 Reykjavik Domes
Reykjavik Domes, situated near Reykjavik, offers a unique glamping experience. You can’t possibly get closer to nature than staying in one of these glamping tents. Despite them being in close proximity to the city, they still offer an excellent environment to see the Northern Lights. So, go ahead and try out glamping in Iceland!
Watch Northern Lights all night by glamping at Reykjavik Domes, it could be experience you will never forget!
#16 ADVENTURE HOTEL HELLISSANDUR
Nestled in the heart of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Adventure Hotel Hellissandur emerges as a hidden gem for Northern Lights enthusiasts. Its proximity to iconic locations like the enchanting Kirkjufell mountain and the tranquil Kolgrafarfjordur, both renowned for their unspoiled night skies, makes it an ideal spot for aurora sightings.
Adventure Hotel Hellissandur in Snaefellsnes Peninsula
The hotel's location, away from urban light pollution, offers guests an unobstructed view of the dancing Northern Lights. With its cozy rooms providing a warm stay after a night under the stars, Hotel Hellissandur is the perfect combination of comfort and quaint landscape, enhancing your experience of Iceland's most magical phenomenon.
Our Recommendation
Even though there are many great hotels to choose from, our top picks would be Adventure Hotel Hof, Adventure Hotel Hellissandur, and Adventure Hotel Geirland for their great countryside location, good price, quality ratio, and, of course, the possibility to see the Northern Lights. All in all, we definitely recommend staying there on your next Iceland adventure!
