Looking for the perfect hotel in Iceland to see the Northern Lights? We’ve rounded up the best areas to see the aurora, along with hotels with unique features to make the most of seeing the Northern Lights.
Iceland is one of the best places in the world to witness the northern lights.
Thanks to its position just beneath the northern auroral oval, Iceland experiences frequent aurora activity throughout the long, dark months from September to April.
Iceland still has regions where building is minimal or construction is in keeping with the natural environment. As a result, Iceland has plenty of places with minimal artificial light so that you can get uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights.
This, combined with Iceland’s dramatic natural scenery, makes it the ideal destination for hunting the Northern Lights.
The best hotels position you away from urban glow while offering warm comfort to take in this natural spectacle.
WHY ARE THESE HOTELS GOOD FOR THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Over recent years, more accommodation options have been developed to take advantage of Iceland’s unique geology. Many of these places have done so in sympathy with the natural environment, making them great places to stay to witness the Northern Lights.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a hotel to see the lights.
Remote Locations: Most hotels on our list are set in areas far from city lights—remote countryside, fjord shores, or rural valleys—which maximise your viewing potential.
Wake-up Call/Aurora Alarm Services: Many properties offer wake-up call services so you don’t miss the lights. Staff monitor aurora activity and notify guests of the best viewing time.
Panoramic Windows & Viewing Decks: Many of these hotels have large windows, outdoor verandas, or roof decks specifically designed to provide excellent views of the sky.
Hot Tubs & Spas: Soaking in a geothermal hot tub while watching the aurora is a sought-after Icelandic experience. Many of these hotels offer outdoor hot tubs, spas, or heated pools perfect for relaxing under the lights.
Scenic Natural Settings: Some of these hotels just have a great natural setting: perched beside a glacier lagoon, nestled in a forest, or overlooking fjords.
Experienced Local Staff: Staff are accustomed to northern lights tourism and often offer advice on local viewing conditions and the best times to go outside.
TIPS FOR BOOKING A NORTHERN LIGHTS STAY
Book the right season: The skies are darkest from September to April. Peak season for Northern Lights viewing is from November to February.
Choose your location wisely: Hotels outside the Reykjavik area offer darker skies and better viewing. South and North Iceland generally have clearer weather than the west.
Stay for multiple nights: Aurora activity is unpredictable. Booking 3-5 nights increases your chances of clear skies and strong solar activity.
Check the forecast: Use apps like My Aurora Forecast and check the Icelandic Met Office for cloud cover predictions.
Be patient: Even at the best hotels, you’ll need cooperation from nature. Cloud cover and solar activity both play crucial roles.
BEST NORTHERN LIGHTS HOTELS IN ICELAND
Here are some of the best accommodation in Iceland to see the Northern Lights. We have used the following pricing scale; however, prices may change based on season, room type, and any special promotions the hotel may be running.
- $ = Under $150 per night (Budget)
- $$ = $150-300 per night (Moderate)
- $$$ = $200-450 per night (Upscale)
- $$$$ = $350-700 per night (Luxury)
- $$$$$ = $1,500+ per night (Ultra-Luxury)
SOUTH ICELAND
The southern section of Iceland is the most popular, with easy access to Reykjavík, volcanoes, glaciers and black sand beaches. The landscapes are wide and open with very little light pollution in the right areas.
HOTEL RANGÁ ($$$$)
Located near Hella, this countryside retreat is famous for its aurora wake-up calls, luxury suites, outdoor hot tubs, and its own private observatory for star and light viewing. The remote location gives you amazing dark skies, yet it’s close to South Coast highlights and waterfalls.
UMI HOTEL ($$$)
A stylish boutique property set between Eyjafjallajökull volcano and the Atlantic coast. It has northerly views and modern comfort, with an aurora wake-up service, cozy rooms, and refined Icelandic cuisine. This place offers stylish seclusion between Skógafoss and Vík.
FOSSHOTEL GLACIER LAGOON ($$$)
This modern hotel between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón has panoramic windows and design-forward comfort. There is a wake-up call service and minimal light pollution. It’s an excellent way to combine aurora hunting and experiences on the glacier.
Book the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
WEST ICELAND
West Iceland includes the scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula and wild inland valleys. Dark winter nights unfold against a backdrop of mountains, fjords, and waterfalls. There are plenty of remote hotels and geothermal areas with superb hot springs.
HÓTEL HÚSAFELL ($$$)
A sustainable hotel surrounded by glacier landscapes and geothermal pools. Its position in dark, untouched nature, plus a unique automated northern lights wake-up system, makes it a top choice for both relaxation and outdoor activities.
Check prices for Hótel Húsafell
ION ADVENTURE HOTEL GOLDEN CIRCLE ($$$$)
Known for its contemporary architecture, which maximises sky views and an eco-luxury approach, ION offers views over lava fields and mountains near Þingvellir National Park.
Wake up to the aurora with their call service, enjoy geothermal hot pools, and unwind in the award-winning restaurant and bar.
HOTEL BUDIR ($$$)
Hótel Búðir is a peaceful lodge on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula with bright, modern rooms. Each room has sweeping glacier and river views, ideal for aurora displays.
NORTH ICELAND
FOSSHOTEL MÝVATN ($$$)
This lakeside hotel is modern and quiet, with prime aurora opportunities near Lake Mývatn’s volcanic scenery and geothermal spas. Large windows and minimal light pollution allow you to spot the aurora from the comfort of your room.
SIGLÓ HOTEL ($$$)
In the fjord village of Siglufjörður, this luxury retreat offers spa access, including a sauna, hot tub, and steam room. There is a sun terrace and outdoor seating area where you might see the aurora overhead and reflected on the harbour.
HOFSSTAÐIR COUNTRY HOTEL ($$$)
Hofsstadir is an elegant country hotel overlooking Skagafjörður. Set in a quiet countryside location, the hotel offers rooms with private verandas that provide excellent aurora-viewing opportunities. Dinner in the on-site restaurant is excellent.
Book your Hofsstaðir Country Hotel stay
REYKJANES PENINSULA
The Reykjanes Peninsula, where the Blue Lagoon is located, has lots of geothermal activity, lava fields and coastal cliffs.
Despite the close proximity to Reykjavík and the airport, Reykjanes has minimal light pollution, making it perfect for seeing the Northern Lights.
NORTHERN LIGHT INN ($$)
Located near the Blue Lagoon and the Reykjanes volcanoes, this family-run hotel offers a wellness spa, restaurant, and regular aurora displays from September to April. The remote lava field setting guarantees dark skies and a relaxing atmosphere, yet Reykjavík and the airport are not far away.
THE RETREAT AT BLUE LAGOON ($$$$$)
For a luxury experience, this world-renowned spa hotel lets you soak in geothermal waters under the northern lights. The hotel is an indulgent stay with access to the spa services of the Blue Lagoon.
Check prices for Retreat at Blue Lagoon
HOTEL BERG ($$)
This boutique hotel at Keflavík, close to the airport, has modern, individually designed rooms and a very good on-site restaurant. The undercover rooftop hot tub and pool is the perfect place to spot the northern lights.
EAST ICELAND
This region is defined by deep fjords, quiet fishing villages, and some of Iceland’s least populated landscapes. Light pollution is almost nonexistent here, making it a great destination for seeing the Northern Lights away from everything.
FOSSHOTEL EASTFJORDS ($$)
This charming hotel is set in a restored historic French hospital overlooking the beautiful fjord of Fáskrúðsfjörður. Its remote setting ensures minimal light pollution and excellent conditions for aurora viewing.
SKIPALAEKUR GUESTHOUSE & APARTMENTS ($)
Located just outside the largest town in East Iceland, Skipalaekur is surrounded by peaceful nature. It offers a modern base close to amenities, with easy access to the Ring Road and great potential for northern lights in the surrounding countryside.
Check prices for Skipalaekur Guesthouse
HOTEL EYVINDARÁ ($$)
This tranquil country hotel is nestled among forests just outside Egilsstaðir. It features charming cottages and rooms with access to outdoor hot tubs—a perfect spot to enjoy the northern lights in comfort and quiet.
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