Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland
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The best hotels & accommodation in Iceland to see the aurora
Hotels & places to stay in all the top cities in Iceland
Popular types of accommodation in Iceland
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What is a northern lights hotel in Iceland?
Iceland is one of the world’s premier destinations for witnessing the elusive and magical northern lights, or aurora borealis. To make the most of this extraordinary experience, staying at the right hotel can enhance your aurora-chasing adventure.
Northern lights hotels in Iceland are accommodations that will help you maximize your chances of seeing the aurora. These hotels are often located in remote areas with minimal light pollution and may offer special features like large panoramic windows, wake-up calls when the lights appear, and even outdoor hot tubs for a comfortable viewing experience. In addition to stunning night sky views, they provide luxurious amenities and unforgettable surroundings.
The Top 5 Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland
There are various hotels to choose from when it comes to spotting the northern lights, each offering unique features and prime locations.Here are some of the best northern lights hotels in Iceland for an amazing stay.
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Hotel Ranga - Located in the town of Hella in South Iceland, this 4-star hotel offers a luxurious countryside retreat and is one of Iceland’s top destinations for northern lights viewing. They offer an aurora alert service that ensures you won't miss the lights and have outdoor hot tubs that make for a cozy viewing spot.
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The hotel is around a 1.5-hour drive from Reykjavik.
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Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon - Nestled near the beautiful Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon along the South Coast, the Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon offers modern elegance amid nature.
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It's about a 4.5-hour drive from Reykjavik and offers incredible views of the surrounding nature.
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Black Beach Suites - Located near the iconic Reynisfjara black sand beach, the comfortable Black Beach Suites suites combine privacy with incredible aurora views. The surrounding area has very minimal light pollution, which makes for excellent aurora viewing conditions.
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This cozy spot is around a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavik.
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Vogafjos Guesthouse - North Iceland is an especially great region for seeing stunning auroras, and the Vogafjos Guesthouse near Lake Myvatn combines rustic coziness with great northern light spotting opportunities.
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It's approximately 6 hours from Reykjavik and 1.5 hours from Akureyri by car.
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- Siglo Hotel - Located in the picturesque fishing village of Siglufjordur in North Iceland, Siglo Hotel offers stunning views of the fjord and excellent northern lights opportunities. You can even enjoy outdoor hot tubs while aurora-watching.
- This hotel is around a 6-hour drive from Reykjavik and 1 hour from Akureyri.
Tips for Spotting the Northern Lights
The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is between September and April, when the nights are long and dark. In 2025, the sun is reaching a solar maximum, meaning increased solar activity is expected to create some of the most incredible auroras in years. This makes this year an especially exciting time to visit Iceland for northern lights hunting.
- To maximize your chances of seeing them, check the Iceland aurora forecast on the Icelandic Meteorological Office’s website and look for a high activity rating with clear skies in your location. Since clouds can block the view, it's helpful to track weather conditions and the cloud cover forecast to be prepared to drive to a clearer spot.
- Dressing warmly is essential, as you'll likely spend a lot of time outside in the cold. Wear thermal layers, insulated outerwear, gloves, a hat, and sturdy, waterproof shoes to stay comfortable.
- For the best viewing experience, stay in remote areas with minimal light pollution, such as those mentioned above.
- If you're based in Reykjavik, consider taking northern lights tours with experienced guides outside city limits or heading out to hunt for them yourself with a rental car.
Always remember that patience is key when aurora hunting. Sometimes, the northern lights take time to appear, so be prepared to wait and enjoy the starry sky in the meantime.
Why Stay at An Aurora Hotel?
Northern lights hotels in Iceland provide more than just accommodation—they’re gateways to some of the most incredible experiences Iceland has to offer.
Whether you opt for the luxury of Hotel Ranga, the modern elegance of Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, or the rustic charm of Vogafjos, these hotels ensure a magical stay under Iceland’s dazzling night skies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hotel for northern lights in Iceland?
Are there any cheap northern lights hotels in Iceland?
How do northern lights hotels differ from regular accommodations?
Are there any northern lights cabin hotels in Iceland?
Can I stay in an igloo in Iceland?
Are there family-friendly northern lights hotels?
How far should the hotel be from city lights to see the northern lights?
Are bubble hotels good for northern lights viewing?
Do hotels offer other activities to complement northern lights viewing?
Do northern lights hotels have special amenities for viewing?
Do hotels in Iceland offer northern lights tours?
What causes the northern lights?
Is it possible to see the northern lights in the summer?
The northern lights are visible in Iceland between September and April.
Where do you go to see the northern lights in Iceland?
What is a northern lights wake-up call?
Can northern lights be seen near Reykjavik?
What is the best month to see the northern lights in Iceland?
Can you see the northern lights from the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
What are the chances of seeing the northern lights during my stay?
What is the cancellation policy if the northern lights are not visible?
Can northern lights be seen during a full moon?
Can the northern lights be predicted?
What are some tips for photographing the northern lights?
Do northern lights hotels have blackout curtains?
What should I pack for a stay at a northern lights hotel?
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