Hotels & Accommodation in Hella

Hella is a small town along Iceland's South Coast, right on the Ring Road. It's an hour and a half drive from Reykjavik and just 30 minutes from the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Thanks to its central location, Hella is an ideal base for travelers exploring the region, whether you're heading to the Golden Circle, venturing toward Vik, or seeking a quiet spot away from more crowded tourist areas.

With fewer crowds, Hella offers a peaceful atmosphere while still providing easy access to top attractions. In clear weather, you'll have views of the famous Eyjafjallajokull glacier volcano in the distance, and in winter, you'll have good chances to spot the northern lights thanks to minimal light pollution. Whether you're looking for a cozy guesthouse, a family-friendly hotel, or a luxurious stay with a hot tub, Hella has a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and travel styles.

Best Hotels in Hella

For travelers seeking comfort and great service, Hella offers several high-quality hotels that provide a relaxing stay. Whether you want a luxury experience with fine dining or a charming countryside retreat, these hotels offer a range of options.

• Hotel Ranga - A renowned luxury hotel featuring cozy rooms themed around different cultures. It has an upscale restaurant, a telescope for star-gazing, and outdoor hot tubs perfect for northern lights viewing!
• Hotel Laekur - A family-run, 3-star countryside hotel offering a peaceful atmosphere and mountain views.
• Landhotel - A modern luxury hotel with spacious rooms, a wellness area, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
• Hotel Fljotshlid - A simple yet comfortable countryside hotel with beautiful surroundings and a peaceful setting.
• Stracta Hotel Mosfell - A stylish and modern hotel with comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and wellness facilities, including hot tubs and saunas. Hotel Stracta is a very popular choice along the Ring Road.
• West Ranga Lodge - A cozy countryside retreat offering a quiet atmosphere, warm hospitality, and stunning views of the Icelandic landscape.

Best Hostels and Guesthouses in Hella

Hella has several comfortable hostels and guesthouses for your stay. These accommodations offer great value while providing a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

• Midgard Base Camp - This popular hostel offers an adventurous stay with either dorms or private rooms, plus an on-site bar and restaurant. The best feature, however, is the rooftop hot tub and sauna, offering beautiful views.
• Loa's Nest - A charming guesthouse with clean, modern rooms and a friendly, homey atmosphere.
• Bitra Guesthouse - A cozy guesthouse with a warm, welcoming feel, offering a hearty breakfast and easy access to nearby attractions.
• Millhouse River Front - A tranquil guesthouse located by the river, offering simple yet comfortable rooms with scenic views.

Best Cottages in Hella

For those who prefer a more private and scenic stay or travel in a group, renting a cottage in Hella is a great option. These accommodations provide a relaxing escape with stunning nature views and often include amenities like hot tubs and large terraces. In winter, they're perfect for seeing the northern lights.

• Smaratun Farm Eco Lodges - A sustainable farm stay with charming wooden lodges offering a peaceful countryside experience with hiking and nature trails nearby.
• Bjork: Beautiful Cottage With Large Terrace - A spacious and modern cottage featuring a lush, cozy garden, a hot tub, and a large outdoor deck, perfect for enjoying the surrounding landscapes.
• Unastadir Cottage With Hot Tub - A cozy and well-equipped cottage with a private hot tub, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring.
• Afternoon Cottages - A collection of stylish and modern cottages with excellent views, offering a comfortable and relaxing stay in a quiet location.
• Aurora Igloo - For something unique, this glass dome offers a fantastic "glamping" experience, or "glamorous camping," where you can sleep among nature in comfort.
• Hof Luxury Villa - For the ultimate luxury cottage experience, the Hof Luxury Villa offers a comfortable stay among nature with incredible amenities like a northern light observatory and a private chef.

What To Know About Staying in Hella

Hella offers a peaceful retreat and is an ideal base for exploring Iceland’s South Coast and the Golden Circle, with easy access to iconic sites. The town provides all the necessary services, including shops and restaurants, and maintains a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.

Easily accessible by rental car, Hella sits directly along the Ring Road, making it convenient to reach from Reykjavik, Vik, and nearby destinations. Keep in mind that Iceland's weather can change quickly, so always check the Iceland weather forecast and road conditions before your journey. In winter, renting a 4x4 car for safer travel in potentially challenging conditions is recommended.

The surrounding area around Hella is excellent for viewing the northern lights between September and early April, thanks to its minimal light pollution. The winter of 2025 will offer great chances to see them because of the solar maximum, a period of enhanced solar activity that creates spectacular auroras. Clear, dark skies are needed for this natural wonder to be visible, so you'll want to check the Iceland aurora forecast for the best chances.

Top Things To Do in Hella

Hella is a small town that offers a few unique attractions that are well worth exploring during a stay.

• Caves of Hella – A fascinating historical site featuring unique man-made caves carved into sandstone, potentially older than the estimated settlement of Iceland. Its mysterious origins and rich history make it a must-see location, and you can visit with this guided Caves of Hella tour.
• Aegissidufoss Waterfall – A small but picturesque waterfall on the Ytri-Ranga river, perfect for a peaceful nature walk from Hella.
• Horse Riding Tours – Hella is a great place to experience Icelandic horseback riding. Many local farms offer guided tours through scenic landscapes, like this 1-hour tour over mountains and meadows or this 2-hour tour in the Icelandic countryside.

Best Things To Do Near Hella

Hella’s central location along the South Coast makes it a convenient starting point for exploring with a rental car. Some of Iceland’s most famous attractions are within easy reach, and these are the best things to see in the surrounding region.

• Golden Circle – Hella is close to Iceland's famous Golden Circle route, featuring Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. It's an unmissable experience for any Iceland traveler.
• South Coast – Easily reach stunning sites like the Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, Reynisfjara black sand beach, and the village of Vik, with time for a glacier hike on the Solheimajokull glacier.
• Explore the Highlands – Head out for a hiking day trip to the Landmannalaugar geothermal area to see colorful rhyolite mountains and natural hot springs, or ride in a Super Jeep to Thorsmork valley and hike through dramatic valleys.

Stay in Hella for a Relaxing and Convenient Adventure

Hella offers a mix of tranquility, accessibility, and authentic Icelandic charm. Whether you're looking for a cozy cottage, a luxury hotel, or a budget-friendly stay, there are plenty of accommodations to suit your needs. With its central location, it's easy to explore the Golden Circle, the South Coast, and even the highlands, all while enjoying a peaceful retreat away from busier tourist hubs.

No matter the season, these accommodations ensure a comfortable and memorable Icelandic experience. Explore the selection of accommodations for your trip and enjoy a cozy stay in Hella.