Where to stay in Iceland to see the Northern Lights?
Traveling to Iceland to see the Northern Lights? Great choice! Iceland is one of the best places in the world to catch the aurora borealis. But where should you stay?
Aurora can be seen everywhere in Iceland, as long as the weather is favourable. The best option for accommodation is in a rural area with dark skies, away from light pollution. The places and hotels listed below are our tried and tested top recommendations for aurora chasers that find themselves in Iceland.
Hótel Rangá
Hotel Rangá is located just an hours and twenty minutes drive from Reykjavík in south Iceland. It has on-site astronomical observatory open every clear night from late August to mid April, weather permitting. They monitor aurora activity and call you when the Northern Lights appear.
- Short drive from Reykjavík
- Excellent dark skies
- Observatory on site with two high quality telescopes
Book directly at Hotel Rangá website and use our promo code ICELANDATNIGHT to get a 10% discount on your reservation!
Sky Retreat Iceland
Sky Retreat Iceland in south Iceland is an amazing place to see the Northern Lights. A small farm near Eyjafjallajökull glacier where you can say hello to sheeps roaming around. Fall asleep under the aurora since the glass roof allows you to see them from the warmth of your bed.
- Approximately 1hr 45m drive from Reykjavík
- Beautiful location with excellent dark skies
- See the Northern Lights under a glass roof
Hvammsvík
Is there a better way to enjoy the Northern Lights than soaking in the warmth of a natural hot spring? Perhaps with a lovely drink in hand? Hvammsvík er just the place. A little gem perfectly located only 45 minutes drive from Reykjavík.
- Great location with excellent dark skies
- High quality stay
Landhótel
A fantastic location in south Iceland, Landhótel offers wonderful Northern Lights experience, being far away from light pollution. Highly recommended.
- Short drive from Reykjavík at just over one hour
- Excellent dark skies
- Northern Lights live feed
Book directly at Landhótel website and use our promo code ICELANDATNIGHT to get 15% discount on your next reservation.
Hótel Jökulsárlón
Beautiful hotel at an amazing location under the great Vatnajökull glacier, close to the famous Glacier Lagoon. Jacuzzis and excellent restaurant on site.
- Excellent dark sky
- Nearby geologic wonders
Website: Hótel Jökulsárlón
Blue Lagoon Silica Hotel and The Retreat
A luxury spa-retreat hotels of the famous Blue Lagoon, Silica Hotel and The Retreat. It’s even possible to book a private northern lights and stargazing tour that takes place on the rooftop.
- Perfect for relaxing mind and body
- Good dark skies
- Book a stargazing and northern lights experience
Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll
Spectacular location in the highlands of Iceland. This fantastic hotel is far from any light pollution, the perfect spot to view the Icelandic night sky. It has a large portable telescope available to use while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.
- Stunning location in the middle of Iceland
- Excellent dark skies
- Large (10 inch) astronomical telescope on site
Book directly at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll.
