Staying in a Northern Lights hotel in Iceland is the best option for enjoying this phenomenon.
As you know, Northern Lights tourism has spread in recent years, and thanks to this, some hotels offer services that go one step further than other accommodations in Iceland.
If you really want to see the Northern Lights in Iceland and you aren’t willing to leave the country without doing so, you should stay in one of the following hotels.
Some of the best hotels to see the Northern Lights in Iceland offer rooftop observatories, thermal baths overlooking the sky, igloos equipped with all the amenities, and, most importantly, a fantastic location away from light pollution that’s perfect for enjoying the magic display of the Northern Lights.
Every day, there are more and more hotels aimed at this activity, but in this article, we will only focus on those that offer the best experience. You can also find interesting our post on where to stay in Iceland.
Best hotels to see the northern lights in Iceland
In a nutshell, these are the best Northern Lights hotels in Iceland:
- Hotel Rangá: The best hotel to see the Northern Lights in Iceland. It has an observatory on its roof.
- Hotel Husafell: The best hotel to see the Aurora Borealis in Iceland away from light pollution.
- Hotel Laxnes: The best rustic hotel to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.
- Reykjavik Domes: Original igloo hotel for Northern Lights in Iceland.
- Grand Hotel Reykjavik: The best option if you want to see the Northern Lights in Reykjavik.
- Aurora Cabins: The best hotel to see the Aurora in eastern Iceland.
- Hotel Kjarnalundur: Enjoy the Northern Lights from an outdoor jacuzzi.
- Villa Lola: The best hotel to see Northern Lights in northern Iceland.
1. Hotel Rangá. The best hotel to see Northern Lights in Iceland
If your trip is specifically aimed at seeing the Aurora in Iceland, the Hotel Rangá is your best bet. For me, it is, without a doubt, one of the best Northern Lights hotels in the world.
This hotel is designed for Aurora lovers; it offers a real sky observatory, low light at night, and even an alarm to wake you up when the Aurora starts dancing across the sky.
1. Hotel Rangá, the best hotel to see Northern Lights in Iceland
On top of that, the facilities are beautifully designed, and the rates are superb. It is undoubtedly the best Aurora Borealis accommodation option in Iceland.
2. Hotel Husafell. Hotel to see the Aurora in Iceland away from light pollution
One of the best hotels to see the Northern Lights in Iceland in terms of both the quality and the location is Hotel Husafell.
The Husafell area is a beautiful valley full of snowy peaks, waterfalls, and vegetation. This paradise is also one of the best spots for seeing the Northern Lights, far from the light pollution of Reykjavik.
2. Hotel Husafell, hotel to see the Aurora in Iceland away from light pollution
The hotel is decorated in a luxury, minimalist, Nordic style and offers day activities such as hiking and thermal baths.
The food and breakfast are some of the top-rated in all of Iceland.
3. Hotel Laxnes. The best rustic hotel to see Northern Lights in Iceland
Away from the city center of Reykjavik, and most of the light pollution, the Hotel Laxnes is one of the best accommodations for seeing the Aurora Borealis in Iceland.
3. Hotel Laxnes, the best rustic hotel to see Northern Lights in Iceland
It’s a classic rustic hotel with a picturesque bar and a delicious breakfast.
They also offer other activities from the hotel such as whale watching tours, hiking, and kayak tours.
4. Reykjavik Domes. The most original hotel to see the Aurora in Iceland
If you want to stay in a Northern Lights hotel in Iceland, you need to check out the Reykjavik Domes. This complex of luxurious tents with garden views allows you to see the Aurora right from your door.
This glamping (“glamorous camping”) option also provides a kitchen and a bathroom with shower.
4. Reykjavik Domes, the most original hotel to see the Aurora in Iceland
Just taking a look at the interior of the domes, you’ll see that this is nothing like normal camping. Here, you’ll have all the facilities to stay comfortable while enjoying the Aurora show.
5. Grand Hotel Reykjavik. The Northern Lights hotel in Reykjavik
If you’re looking for a more standard hotel from which to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, the Grand Hotel Reykjavik offers all the standards of normal hotels coupled with top design and quality.
5. Grand Hotel Reykjavik, the Northern Lights hotel in Reykjavik
From here, you’ll have quick access to many great locations to chase the Aurora in Iceland and you can always take a Northern Lights Photo Tour from Reykjavik to increase the chances of seeing the aurora.
6. Aurora Cabins. The best Northern Lights hotel in Eastern Iceland
These cabins offer a beautiful mountain view in a remote location away from any light pollution. This hotel is also close to the picturesque Stokksnes beach and Hofn village, some of the best places to visit in Iceland.
6. Aurora Cabins, the best Northern Lights hotel in Eastern Iceland
If you’re looking for a peaceful mountain view and a bit of solitude for your Northern Lights experience in Iceland, this is your place.
7. Hotel Kjarnalundur. The best hotel to see the northern lights from a jacuzzi
If your dream is to see the Northern Lights in an original way, doing it from the outdoor jacuzzi of the Kjarnalundur hotel is one of the best options.
7. Hotel Kjarnalundur, the best hotel to see the Northern Lights from a jacuzzi
This hotel, located in Northern Iceland, offers all the facilities of a Nordic-style hotel in a natural location away from the light pollution of the city of Akureyri.
8. Hotel Villa Lola. hotel to see the northern lights in northern Iceland
If your plan is to travel to the north of Iceland to see the Aurora, seeing the Northern Lights from Villa Lola hotel can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This avant-garde hotel offers an outstanding panoramic view of the famous Akureyri fjord, and it is six kilometers away from the city so you can enjoy great, clean skies.
In addition, in the surroundings, there are numerous hiking trails and the possibility to do one of the whale watching tours in Iceland.
8. Hotel Villa Lola, the best hotel to see the northern lights in northern Iceland
Find below a map of Iceland to download where you will see where the best northern lights hotels in Iceland are and where the best places to see the northern lights are.
Finally, and regardless of the hotel you choose, don’t forget to check the daily Northern Lights forecast through the official NOAA space administration website, as well as the cloud forecast in Iceland through the website Vedur.is to see if there will be clear skies in your area.
If you’re a photographer and it’s your first time seeing the Aurora Borealis, you should check out my ultimate guide to photographing the Northern Lights.
Good luck on your trip and Northern Lights chasing experience!
Visit in November. Open to unique hotel stays
Hey Wanda,
The Reykjavik Domes are one of the most unique Northern Lights hotels in Iceland! I’d recommend staying there if you’re up for an adventure 🙂