17 Best Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland to See the Aurora
Iceland in winter is like a snowglobe from another planet: by day, you’ll explore snowy paths leading to thundering waterfalls, watch pieces of ice float in glacier lagoons, and see ice caves glitter and cast all different shades of blue. By night, the beauty doesn’t stop, it just changes form, as colorful auroras dance overhead.
While many people stay in Reykjavik or certain popular tourist destinations on the south coast of Ireland and take Northern lights tours, there’s an alternative that I’m a huge fan of: staying in a Northern lights hotel far from the light pollution of the cities and hoping for the beauty of the aurora to come to you.
Luckily, there are many great places to stay in Iceland to try to see the Northern lights! Just about anywhere outside of Reykjavik in Iceland can have a good chance of seeing of the aurora given the right combination of conditions. Mostly, you just have to be far enough away from any city light pollution.
This post contains all sorts of accommodation options ideal for seeing the Northern lights on your trip to Iceland, ranging from luxury hotels to boutique hotels to log cabins to glass igloos (though you’ll find more options for those in Finland and to a lesser extent, Norway). Let’s go!
Table of Contents
My Top 3 Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland
I’ll go into 17 different choices for these Northern lights hotels all over Iceland — but I know that can be a little too much choice for some!
To keep you from overwhelm, I’ve narrowed it down to my top 3 and kept it in the general outer Reykjavik and Southern Iceland circuit that is most popular amongst travelers. All are in a reasonably priced mid-range tier — nothing too crazy luxurious listed below, but of course, accommodation prices in Iceland are generally a bit costly.
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hotel Rangá
✔️ Aurora spotters work overnight, giving wake-up calls & turning off lights for better views
✔️ Observatory on-site with two high-caliber telescopes
#2 PICK
ION Adventure Hotel
✔️ Unique architecture with modern look and floor-to-ceiling windows
✔️ Year-round pool heated to 104F to watch the aurora from
#3 PICK
Aurora Igloo
✔️ Glass igloo hotel with 360-degree glass window views
✔️ Electric blankets and cozy heaters for glamping meets luxury
Best Northern Lights Hotels in Western Iceland
Hotel Húsafell – Book Here
The charming Hotel Húsafell is one of the best hotels for seeing the Northern lights in Iceland, with outdoor hot tubs you can watch the aurora from (called Lindin) and even its very own golf course, all in the unique landscape of Húsafell!
Best of all, it’s close to geothermal pools (especially the epic Húsafell Canyon Baths, a unique semi-private hot spring experience) and epic hiking trails so that you’ll have plenty to do during your winter days as well.
The main draw for Hotel Húsafell for hopeful aurora-spotters is the frequency of its aurora sightings (they say that you can see the lights here about three times weekly during the aurora season), as the Borgarnes region in general is one of the best places to see the Northern lights in Iceland.
Why exactly is this place so special? Well, it’s located close to the glacier Langjökull, which means that the area experiences more cloudless skies and stronger winds, two things that dramatically increase your chances of aurora visibility.
Hotel Húsafell also has the unique offering of being the very first Icelandic hotel to provide automated wake-up calls when the Northern lights appear!
The rooms at the property are spacious and comfortable, not over-the-top but complete with all you’d need for a pleasant stay. Bathrooms are modern and luxurious, with either a bathtub or shower depending on the room.
There’s a 24-hour front desk to answer any questions and provide assistance, as well as an on-site restaurant with Nordic dishes as well as international cuisine. The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows so if the lights appear while you’re dining, you can see them!
The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon – Book Here
Note: The Blue Lagoon is a very seismically active area — that’s part of the deal of how you get those incredible geothermal waters. At the time of this update, the Blue Lagoon just reopened three days ago (December 9, 2024, to be exact) including its accommodations. Check their page for updates on seismic activity and be prepared that in the event of more volcanic activity, your stay may get refunded if the premises have to close.
The stunning luxury property The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon offers a selection of incredible suites right on the Blue Lagoon, the most famous hot spring in Iceland. Enjoy the privacy of the Retreat Lagoon (or the general Blue Lagoon) and enjoy a soak in geothermal waters as you watch the Northern lights dance overhead.
One of the coolest things about this epic Iceland hotel is that it features a subterranean spa — yes, you read that right! — that offers spa treatments which make use of the unique mineral-rich waters and volcanic mud from the , as well as a sauna room.
There is also a fantastic restaurant on-site, which is one of the most well-regarded restaurants in the entire region when it comes to New Nordic cuisine, with a focus on emphasizing stunning seasonal ingredients through beautiful yet minimal plating.
Rooms at the Retreat are spacious and luxurious, with a muted gray and brown color palette so you can appreciate the lagoon views and moss-covered lava fields right outside your floor-to-ceiling windows. Plus, you can enjoy amenities like a nightly turndown service and 24/7 room service.
This is a great place to see the Northern lights since you can enjoy the view either from your room with its large windows or from the warm lagoon. Spending a night or two at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon is a fantastic way to end an Iceland trip, since it’s conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Keflavik Airport, where nearly all flights in and out of Iceland arrive.
Northern Light Inn – Book Here
The lovely Northern Light Inn in Grindavík near the Blue Lagoon is another popular (and more affordable) option for a Northern lights hotel near Reykjavik… and it even provides a free shuttle to the lagoon, which is super convenient as this is a way more budget-friendly option.
This Iceland Northern lights hotel is more understated than the fancy Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, but it has similar conveniences, particularly its excellent location and the ease of seeing the lights here. Your stay here even comes complete with aurora wake-up calls upon request!
This guesthouse is small and family-owned, but don’t let that fool you; it still has pretty excellent amenities for a property of its size, namely a spa with sauna, a small fitness center, and a lounge with a fireplace.
The lounge is the perfect place to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding moss-covered lava field for which the Reykjanes peninsula is so well-known — and the Northern lights dancing overhead, if you’re lucky! The rooms are modest but well-appointed with what you’d need, such as down comforters, a smart TV, an electric kettle, a small seating area, and an en-suite bathroom.
The on-site restaurant, Max’s Restaurant, is well-loved for its Icelandic cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood, lamb, and other local ingredients. And as an added bonus, the restaurant also has floor-to-ceiling windows so you can keep an eye out for the Northern lights while you dine!
Hotel Búðir – Book Here
The well-loved Hotel Búðir near the famous black church of Iceland is another one of the more popular Northern lights hotels in Iceland, which makes a great photo spot when the Northern lights appear. And yes, this hotel also offers aurora wake-up calls so you’ll never miss the show!
It’s close to several important sightseeing locations, such as Snæfellsjökull Volcano and Arnarstapi, and you can do a lot of fun activities here ranging from glacier hiking to whale watching.
At Hotel Búðir, the vibe places more of an emphasis on coziness than modernity, but the overall feel is a charming guesthouse with comfy shared areas, with a focus on the view: you’ll get either mountain, ocean, or lava field views! rooms are more cozy than modern, but the overall feel is a really charming guesthouse with comfortable shared areas.
There’s an on-site restaurant serving Icelandic food including seafood and lamb dishes. Everything pairs beautifully with wines picked by the in-house sommelier, with views of the Búðir estuary — and hopefully some Northern lights.
Best Northern Lights Hotels in Southern Iceland
Hotel Rangá – Book Here
Located in the charming town of Hella (a name which warms my Northern Californian heart), Hotel Rangá is widely considered to be one of the top Northern lights hotels in Iceland.
Beyond its Northern lights bona fides, Hotel Rangá is just an all-around solid luxury hotel. Rooms feature amenities such as spa baths, balconies with views of nearby Mount Hella, the Rangá River, or the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. There’s also an on-site restaurant that serves stunning gourmet Nordic food, inspired by local ingredients but given a modern update, with an all-organic menu.
But really, the Northern lights potential all the real draw here: its remote location near the Rangá River provides epically dark skies free of light pollution, perfect for observing the aurora borealis.
Plus, Hotel Rangá has aurora spotters working through the night, and of course, as you’d expect with an Iceland Northern lights hotel, they offer you wake-up calls for when the Northern lights begin dancing overhead. Even better, if the lights appear, they turn off all the lights in the hotel to maximize the viewing experience!
Plus, there are cool places like outdoor jacuzzis to sit in and watch the light show. What better way to enjoy the Northern lights than by sitting in an outdoor hot tub and watching them dance above you? There’s nothing quite like enjoying the contrast of cold air on your face with hot water bubbling around your body.
Besides its aurora watching potential, Hotel Rangá also has its very own stargazing observatory — literally! Its observatory features a retractible roof with two astronomer-caliber telescopes for watching the night sky. Even if the aurora doesn’t do its thing, as long as you have clear skies, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful stars you can see from this remote observatory.
ION Adventure Hotel – Book Here
This hotel is one of the most well-known Northern lights hotels in Iceland due to its beautiful architecture! Located atop Mount Hengill with views of Lake Thingvallavatn, the stunning ION Adventure Hotel has one of the most beautiful locations in Iceland.
The hotel has a very unique modern design that emerges from the natural landscape in a beautiful way, and the rooms enjoy a similar modern design.
The most unique perk of the hotel is the stunning outdoor plunge pool which is kept at 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) year-round… perfect for watching the aurora from, as you can stay nice and toasty while watching the show.
The shared lounge also features floor-to-ceiling windows all around with a completely unobstructed view from the mountain top. This way, you can enjoy epic aurora views from the lounge even if you don’t want to be outside.
Frost and Fire Hotel – Book Here
Another great Northern lights hotel in Iceland is Frost and Fire Hotel, located in Hveragerði and its beautiful geothermal springs. It’s just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavik yet it feels a world away, with its peaceful riverside location.
This hotel has an outdoor pool, two different hot tubs, and a sauna for guests to enjoy in the stunning natural scenery.
The rooms are bright and airy, utilizing modern décor elements and artwork from local Icelandic artists.
Many rooms have large windows facing the river which offers the potential for some great Northern lights views and photography opportunities.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon – Book Here
The stunning Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon is a great choice when you’re visiting South Iceland and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon area. It’s a can’t-miss along the typical Ring Road route.
Fosshotel is an Icelandic chain of hotels of excellent quality (I’ve stayed in two!), but the Glacier Lagoon location may be one of the best. Not only is it close to the stunning glacier lagoon where icebergs float in pretty turquoise waters, but the hotel itself offers a deluxe Northern lights watching experience.
The rooms feature large and well-placed windows, so you can watch the Northern lights dance from bed or even the bathtub!
Amenities include 24/7 reception, a Northern lights wake-up call upon request, hot tubs, sauna, and a delicious on-site restaurant.
360 Hotel and Thermal Baths – Book Here
Located in Selfoss, 360 Hotel and Thermal Baths is a eco-friendly and sustainable property in a fantastic location close to many of Southern Iceland’s best attractions, including its beautiful waterfalls.
This hotel features its own private spa area with a pool heated by geothermal springs, as well as a sauna area and relaxation lounge with a roaring fire. It’s a great place to warm up in between aurora spotting attempts!
The bedrooms feature large windows that face the bed, so you can sometimes see the Northern lights right from your hotel room!
Guests raved about the kind staff, delicious food, and adorable dogs who live on the site. So if you, like me, are the kind of person who book a hotel purely based on its staff (aka, the pets who ‘help’ run the show)… this is a must-stay when you visit Iceland.
Hotel Kría – Book Here
One of the best Northern lights hotels in Vik, a popular base for South Iceland and Ring Road road trips, Hotel Kría offers stunning views great for when the Northern lights make their appearance.
Located a mere 5-minute walk away from Vik’s famous black sand beach, Hotel Kría is a wonderful modern hotel with all the amenities you’d want for a comfortable stay. It even has a game room with ping pong and darts and an on-site bar!
Rooms feature a modern design and come equipped with WiFi, LCD TVs with satellite cable, electric kettles, desk areas, and en-suite bathrooms.
The rooms also have large windows that go from the floor to the ceiling so you can enjoy the views of the mountains nearby as well as the aurora if it makes an appearance during your stay! The dining area also includes extremely high ceilings and large windows, so it’s also a good place to watch the lights from indoors.
Magma Hotel – Book Here
True to its name, the small but luxurious Magma Hotel is located in the middle of a beautiful lava field. This stunning hotel has only 25 rooms, allowing for a personalized experience.
The rooms utilize Nordic design elements and all have their own private patio, where you can admire the lake and the lava field. Both of these landscapes make an excellent backdrop if the Northern lights make their appearance!
The rooms are also unique in that each room is its own little turf roof cottage — very iconically Iceland. In a sense, it’s like the hotel blends seamlessly into the natural landscape if you are looking from afar.
Because Magma Hotel is so far from light pollution, if there is solar activity and the Northern lights make an appearance, you will get a great view! There’s also a delicious on-site restaurant, Bistro 1783, which serves breakfast and dinner daily.
Best Northern Lights Hotels in Eastern Iceland
Aurora Cabins – Book Here
Located close to Höfn near to the Eastfjords region, Aurora Cabins are a great place to see the Northern lights in the East Iceland area. Its a small property — just four private wooden cabins — but everything has been recently renovated to have a really cozy aesthetic.
The cabins have amenities like a kitchen as well as an outdoor grill, comfortable beds, seating areas, and well-equipped modern bathrooms.
These cabins are removed enough away from the town of Höfn and the main road, so that you won’t experience any light pollution while you’re here.
You’ll love the view of the mountains and glaciers behind you! They make an especially stunning photo backdrop if the aurora appears during your stay at this Northern lights hotel in Iceland’s eastern region!
Fosshotel Eastfjords – Book Here
Many travelers in Iceland don’t go further east than Vik, which is a real shame because the Eastfjords region is so beautiful and you won’t see nearly as many travelers or Northern lights tour buses in this part of the country.
However, hotels do get fewer and further between in this region, and they tend to be a little more spartan and not as focused on interesting luxury amenities or boutique offerings. That said, Fosshotel Eastfjords stands out as one of the better options for hotels in Eastern Iceland.
Located on the Fáskrúðs fjord, this body of water can be a stunning backdrop for the aurora if it graces the sky during your stay.
There is an on-site restaurant located on a floating pier with a great view of the harbor and the fjord, which is an especially scenic setting in the winter!
Best Glass Hotels, Arctic Domes & Unique Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland
Aurora Igloo – Book Here
The Aurora Igloo in Hella, about 100 kilometers from Reykavík, is definitely one of my top picks for the best place to see the Northern lights in Iceland! Strangely, Iceland only has a fraction of the glass igloos igloo hotels as Finland does, but this is a really special option with literally 360-degree glass surrounding you!
Located far from light pollution in the serene Icelandic countryside, these igloos are close to popular attractions like Skógafoss and the Golden Circle. They are well-heated so that they stay nice and cozy despite the simple design, and they even have electric blankets you can snuggle under to stay extra warm.
Just note that due to the design of these bubbles, the bathrooms are located in outhouses separate from the bubble itself (otherwise you wouldn’t have any privacy!) so that’s one thing to keep in mind for your visit.
Panorama Glass Lodge – Book Here
While there are several ‘glass hotel’-style Northern lights hotels in Norway and Finland, these types of hotels are still few and far between in Iceland… though there are a few!
One such hotel is the stunning Panorama Glass Lodge, which has individual cabins that are half wooden (for the bathroom and kitchen area) with the bedroom area having 270-degree glass ceiling windows.
This way, you can enjoy the Northern Lights for the most stunning panoramic views you can enjoy without ever needing to leave your toasty bed!
The interior of these cabins are delightfully modern, with Nordic design influences throughout. The bathrooms are especially modern and stylish, with a rain shower, heated towel rack, heated floors, and beautiful modern chandelier lighting to create a cozy ambiance.
Best of all? Each little cabin has its own hot tub attached to the deck of the cabin, so you can enjoy the Northern lights from your own personal hot tub. There are also private saunas available for use!
One thing to note, though — you must have a 4×4 in order to access the Panorama Glass Lodge, as it is rather remote and deep in the Icelandic countryside.
They have two locations: the original location near Hella and a new property in Akranes in West Iceland, about halfway between Reykjavik and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Bubble Hotel – Book Here
The only true Iceland igloo hotel, the Bubble Hotel (which also calls itself the “5 Million Star Hotel”) offers a unique opportunity to sleep under the stars — or aurora, if you’re lucky! — with a 360-degree panoramic view of the forest and night sky above you.
These glass igloos are quite minimalistic — we’re talking a bed, heating, and that’s about it — but there are amenities on-site to make up for it. There is a service house for all guests to use, with a kitchen, two toilets, and two showers.
There are two different Bubble Hotels: the Golden Circle location has nine bubbles whereas the South Coast one has just six. Whichever you visit, expect a very exclusive, private, and unique experience.
Sky Sightseeing Iglúhús – Book Here
This unique igloo house is located 20 miles from Akureyri in Northern Iceland, making it a great option to be close to one of the larger Icelandic cities but also far enough away that you won’t experience light pollution from the city.
Sky Sightseeing Iglúhús is special in that it is a wooden igloo with glass panel skylights (10 in hotel) that allow you to see the Northern lights dancing above you! It’s not a full-on glass igloo like the two options above or like what you’ve seen in Norway or Finland, but it does have a bit of the igloo experience and is also just a unique, cozy property.
If you’re worried about comfort — don’t! Everyone raved about how warm the wooden igloo was and also about the delicious hot breakfast that the host delivered to them the next morning!
Reykjavik Domes – Book Here
If you want to stay near Reykjavik but have a bit of the igloo/glamping experience, Reykjavik Domes is a fantastic choice.
These glamping tents are perfect for seeing the Northern lights because despite their proximity to Reykjavik, they are far enough out in the countryside to still have enough darkness to see the aurora properly. No hotel in the city center can really grant you that, unless it’s an extremely strong aurora.
The Reykjavik Domes have a shared kitchen and WiFi, so you’re not totally on your own like you would be if you were camping!
In the winter, the glamping tents can be heated by a wood-fired stove, and some domes even have a private bathroom complete with their very own hot tub — the perfect place to watch the lights dance in the cool winter air!
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016, visiting 75+ countries in total. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. As a former educator, she merges her writing and educational experience to encourage ethical, sustainable travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and TBEX. Her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
