Best Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland
Cozy stays, glass domes, and wild skies you’ll never forget
Panorama Glass Lodge under the aurora - Photo credit: Panorama Glass Lodge
Watching the Northern Lights in Iceland doesn’t have to mean freezing outside with a tripod and a thermos. Although it has its magic and we really like it, we understand it’s not for everyone!
Some hotels let you do it the cozy way — wrapped in blankets, hot chocolate in hand, with green and pink ribbons dancing right above your bed.
We’ve picked the best Northern Lights hotels in Iceland — real places that balance comfort, location, and those once-in-a-lifetime aurora views.
Getting around Iceland
The best aurora shows happen far from city lights — and that means you’ll need wheels. A car gives you freedom to chase clear skies wherever the forecast looks best.
When to see the northern lights in Iceland
The aurora season in Iceland runs from late September to early April, with the best viewing usually between December and February, when nights are longest and skies clearest.
The best viewing conditions are outside city lights — think countryside cabins, glass igloos, or coastal stays near Thingvellir and the South Coast.
If you want more tips on timing and weather, check our main guide: Best Time to Visit Iceland & Top Things to Do.
For photo settings, gear advice, and the best Northern Lights destinations across the world, check out our full 👉 Northern Lights Hub.
Top northern lights tours in Iceland
Not up for night driving? These local tours know the forecasts, the hidden viewing spots, and how to keep you warm between bursts of light. Plus, many companies offer a free tour the next day if Lady Aurora didn’t show.
The best northern lights hotels in Iceland
Hotel Rangá under the northern lights - Photo credit: Hotel Rangá
1. The Retreat at Blue Lagoon – Pure luxury under an aurora sky
Ok, this is not for budget-minded travelers. But if you can indulge, do it there. This five-star spa hotel sits in the lava fields of Grindavík, about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. You can soak in the geothermal water while the aurora dances overhead — no jacket required. And if you can’t afford to sleep there, soaking in the Blue Lagoon is an absolute must.
👉 Book The Retreat at Blue Lagoon here
2. Hotel Rangá, South Iceland – The classic Northern Lights lodge
Beloved by photographers and travelers alike, Rangá offers remote comfort near Hella with minimal light pollution and its own aurora wake-up calls. There’s even an observatory with telescopes. This hotel has deserved a spot in our Best Hotels to watch the Northern Lights in Europe.
👉 Book Hotel Rangá here
3. Panorama Glass Lodge, Hella – Sleep in a glass igloo under the stars
These luxury glass cabins are built for dreamers. Panoramic windows frame the night sky, and if you’re lucky, the aurora will dance right over your pillow.
👉 Book Panorama Glass Lodge here
4. ION Adventure Hotel, Nesjavellir – Modern design meets raw landscape
Perched on a lava ridge near Thingvellir National Park, ION screams Iceland, offering warm interiors, an outdoor geothermal pool, and wide open skies — perfect for Northern Lights watching between cocktails.
👉 Book ION Adventure Hotel here
5. Hótel Búðir, Snæfellsnes Peninsula – Romance and remoteness
On a clear night, the tiny church and lava fields around Búðir turn into one of Iceland’s most cinematic aurora backdrops. Inside: candlelight, local wine, and serious coziness.
👉 Book Hótel Búðir here
6. Frost and Fire Boutique Hotel, Hveragerði – Geothermal calm and river views
An hour from Reykjavík, Frost and Fire offers outdoor hot tubs right on a steaming river. The Northern Lights often show up just above the valley — a perfect combo of spa and spectacle. We were lucky enough to stay there a decade ago, when prices were still low and low season had very few tourists!
👉 Book Frost and Fire here
7. Hotel Laki, near Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Affordable, central, aurora-ready
Family-run, simple, and perfectly placed between the South Coast’s main sights. Far from light pollution, it’s a great base for glacier tours and sky shows alike.
👉 Book Hotel Laki here
8. Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, between Skaftafell and Jökulsárlón – For the wild ones
Surrounded by glaciers and black-sand wilderness, this sleek hotel offers epic (that’s an understatement) views day and night. Step outside after dinner and the aurora might be waiting above the mountains.
👉 Book Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon here
9. Northern Light Inn, Grindavík – The name says it all
Close to the Blue Lagoon yet far enough from Reykjavík’s glow, this friendly hotel is ideal for first or last nights in Iceland. Staff even track aurora forecasts for guests.
👉 Book Northern Light Inn here
10. Camp Boutique Original, South Coast – Glamping under the Arctic sky
For something different: heated canvas domes by the sea, where you can watch the lights flicker from bed. Rustic comfort meets wild Icelandic atmosphere.
👉 Book Camp Boutique Original here
Map of northern lights hotels and other accommodations in Iceland
Zoom in below to explore Iceland’s top aurora-friendly stays — from the South Coast to Snæfellsnes. All locations update live with real prices and availability.
Field notes
Found a “hidden” lake near Jökulsárlón, my favorite place on earth!
A few things we’ve learned chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland:
For us, location beats luxury, as anywhere in nature and especially in the Arctic. The best shows happen away from city lights — even a small countryside hotel can be better than a five-star downtown stay.
Stay as long as possible. The weather changes fast in Iceland; more nights mean better odds. Many people recommend at least 3 nights, but in Iceland, we would recommend longer.
Aurora apps help. We like “My Aurora Forecast” for cloud cover and KP index. Check our Northern Lights Hub for our best aurora tips.
Don’t give up if it’s cloudy. Sometimes, the lights burst through gaps in the sky when you least expect it.
| Category | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best months | September – April (peak: Nov–Feb) |
| Transport | ✅ Rentalcars.com – essential for chasing clear skies |
| Accommodation | ✅ Booking.com – all hotels above available here |
| Travel insurance | ✅ Heymondo – covers weather cancellations |
| Average trip cost | €1,000–€1,800 / week for 2 people |
| Best regions for aurora | South Coast, Thingvellir, Snæfellsnes, Hella |
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Mix and match your stays — Iceland’s landscapes change so much that it’d be a shame to see it all from one window. Stay by the coast, near glaciers, maybe a night by the lava fields. Even if the Northern Lights don’t show, the views will still blow your mind. Just don’t underestimate the distances if you rent a car — driving here is slow, the roads are icy, and sometimes a sheep decides it owns the lane.
Whales & wildlife in Iceland — and a way to follow them
We added Vík beach to our favorite beaches in Europe
Between April and October, the waters around Iceland fill with life — humpback, minke, and even blue whales follow rich feeding grounds along the coast near Húsavík, Akureyri, and Reykjavík’s Faxaflói Bay. On calm days, you can spot their blows right from shore or join a whale-watching tour for a closer look.
If you fall in love with these Arctic giants, you can actually follow one’s journey through our partner Fahlo — their Whale Bracelet supports marine research and lets you track a real whale’s migrations in the North Atlantic. You can also track other Icelandic animals like dolphons and seals!
💙 🐋 Our readers get 20% off through this link: Track a real whale with Fahlo
No northern lights?
From spring to early fall, the northern lights might not be visible, but whales are! Go on a whale watching tour around Akureyri.
FAQ: Best Iceland hotels for the northern lights
Imagine watching the aurora from the Blue Lagoon!
Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?
Anywhere away from city lights — South Iceland and Thingvellir National Park are top choices.
Can I see the Northern Lights from Reykjavik?
Sometimes, yes — but light pollution makes it harder. Drive 20–40 minutes out for darker skies.
Do I need a tour to see the aurora?
Not necessarily. A clear night, a car, and patience are enough. Tours help if you want local expertise and forecasts.
What’s the best month for Northern Lights in Iceland?
From late September to early April, with the highest chance between November and February.
Do I need travel insurance?
We always recommend it for Arctic travel. We use Heymondo, which covers cancellations and outdoor activities.
Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland is never guaranteed — but these hotels give you the best odds, plus a warm bed and maybe a hot cocoa while you wait. Whether you splurge on the Blue Lagoon’s glass suites or cozy up in a South Coast cabin, remember: every flash of green across the sky makes the cold, the clouds, and the waiting totally worth it.
Planning a trip to Iceland and other Arctic islands? Check out our guides:
🌋 Iceland Travel Guide — Volcanoes, waterfalls, and the road trip of your geothermal dreams.
🌊 Faroe Islands Guide — Clifftop hikes, puffins, waterfalls, and the place we chose to unofficially get married.
🐋 Greenland Travel Guide — Icebergs, ferries, and Inuit traditions in the wildest place we’ve ever been.
🧊 Svalbard & Jan Mayen — Polar bears, ghost towns, and next-level Arctic mystery in Norway’s far north.
⛰️ Lofoten Hiking Guide — Dramatic ridges, secret beaches, and cod-drying racks in Arctic Norway.
❄️ Our Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide — How to explore, survive, and avoid becoming a polar bear’s lunch.
✨ Northern Lights for Dummies — How to actually see the aurora (without freezing your butt off or waiting 12 nights in vain).
