Discover the best hotels to see the northern lights in Iceland in 2025 and 2026. Stay at top-rated countryside accommodations, enjoy aurora wake-up calls, and find the perfect base to maximize your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis.
The northern lights, or the aurora borealis, are one of the unique experiences you'll enjoy in Iceland. Every year, Icelanders are rewarded with great views of this natural wonder.
If you’re wondering when and where to see the northern lights, the years 2025 and 2026 are expected to be some of the best in a decade in the whole of Iceland, thanks to the solar maximum. It’s a period of peak solar activity that leads to brighter, more frequent auroras.
For the best experience, staying in northern lights hotels in Iceland can make all the difference. Many of these accommodations are in remote areas with wide-open landscapes and minimal light pollution, making them perfect for northern lights viewing.
While Reykjavik isn’t the best place to hunt for the northern lights due to light pollution, there are a few ways you can work around it. To maximize your chances, you can join northern lights tours in Iceland that will take you to the best aurora-spotting locations around the country.
But for the absolute best chance to see the northern lights during your vacation in Iceland, choose a countryside hotel where the skies are dark and views are unobstructed. From budget-friendly stays to luxury northern lights hotels in Iceland, there are options for every traveler, and we have listed the top picks.
Keep reading to discover the best places to stay to see the northern lights in Iceland.
What are the Northern Lights?
The northern lights are a natural phenomenon that occurs when solar particles enter the atmosphere over arctic and subarctic regions. These particles create vivid colors like violet, electric green, and even pink.
The aurora often appears as a cloud-like band across the sky, but when intense, the lights can dance flamboyantly, creating the most mesmerizing displays. As such, witnessing them is a top bucket list activity for many travelers.
The science and myths surrounding the northern lights show two very different ways of understanding them. Today, we know they are caused by solar activity, but for centuries, people believed that they were omens of change or magical creatures racing across the sky.
The only time to see the northern lights in Iceland is between late September and early April. In summer, the midnight sun outshines and obscures the aurora borealis, so it isn't possible to see the northern lights between mid-May and early August.
Where to Stay to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
You can see the northern lights from almost anywhere in Iceland thanks to the country’s position under the auroral oval. However, staying in the countryside offers far better visibility than Reykjavik due to minimal light pollution.
The countryside has darker skies with no city lights to block the view. Open landscapes give you wider horizons, so you can enjoy the aurora from all angles. Many countryside hotels also offer aurora wake-up calls so you won’t miss a display while you sleep.
While the countryside offers the darkest skies, Reykjavik still gives you opportunities to see the aurora if you know where to look. Our guide to the best places to see the northern lights in Reykjavik highlights where to escape the worst of the city’s light pollution.
Top 6 Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland
The accommodations on this list of the best northern lights hotels in Iceland have been carefully selected based on their location, amenities, and traveler reviews.
Additionally, these 6 top-rated hotels all offer northern lights wake-up calls, making them some of the best places to stay in Iceland to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora borealis.
Fosshotel Nupar
Fosshotel Nupar is a three-star hotel with a prime location near the South Coast that can provide you with the perfect resting spot at the end of your northern lights hunting trail. The hotel is near Route 1, also known as the famous Ring Road of Iceland.
The hotel is an excellent accommodation where you can take in the awe-inspiring northern lights from the comforts of your chosen room.
To make the experience even easier, the hotel also offers a northern lights wake-up call service, so you’ll never miss the aurora, even if it appears late at night. Just make sure to inform the front desk.
What you'll immediately notice about the property surrounding the accommodations is its spaciousness. With plenty of room to roam and unobstructed views, you'll be able to keep an eye on the sky and watch for elusive auroral activity.
Fosshotel Nupar is located in a remote settlement called Kirkjubaejarklaustur village, which makes it even easier to view the aurora borealis from the nearby open plains.
There are also some fantastic natural attractions nearby, which you can use as foregrounds for unique photos of the northern lights.
The Skaftafell Nature Reserve, 28 miles (45 kilometers) east, is characterized by glaciers, basalt rock formations, and waterfalls. The Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is slightly more distant, 61.1 miles (98.3 kilometers) from the hotel, but the views of the aurora borealis over the lake of icebergs are breathtaking.
In the opposite direction, you can travel 65 miles (105 kilometers) to reach the mystical black sands of Reynisfjara beach.
Being near so many natural attractions also allows you to take part in fun winter excursions in Iceland when staying at Fosshotel Nupar. For instance, a trip to the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon can be coupled with an ice cave tour in Vatnajokull glacier. Vatnajokull glacier is the largest of its kind in the whole of Europe.
Before and after a long day of adventure, seeking out a bit of local flavor is easy to do during your stay at Fosshotel Nupar. Kirkjubaejarklaustur is home to top eateries such as Systrakaffi and Kjarr Restaurant.
If you prefer to eat at the hotel, there's a restaurant and bar onsite where you can order meals and refreshments. The restaurant also offers a daily breakfast buffet for an additional fee.
It's safe to say that you won't go hungry when staying at this top hotel.
Fosshotel Nupar accommodates various group sizes with a combination of room layouts. The hotel has 99 rooms, which allows for single, double, and triple occupancy.
The Fosshotel brand offers a variety of accommodations across Iceland, trusted by travelers for quality and excellent service. At Fosshotel Nupar, you'll find all the amenities you need to ensure your comfort, including free Wi-Fi and parking, as well as tour and ticket assistance.
Hotel Laxa
Hotel Laxa, sometimes called Laxa Hotel, is another three-star hotel that should be on your radar when looking for the perfect northern lights hotel during winter in Iceland.
Tall mountain peaks surround the flat plain where the hotel resides. However, its lack of towering trees and large buildings still allows you an unobstructed view of the northern lights. This feature is one of the many that makes Hotel Laxa a great stop during your Iceland vacation.
The hotel is located less than two miles (three kilometers) away from Lake Myvatn, one of the most famous attractions in North Iceland. Due to its location, you'll get stunning views of the aurora borealis over the beautiful waters.
To make sure guests never miss the show, the hotel also offers a northern lights wake-up call service, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll be alerted when the aurora appears. Make sure to inform the front desk during your check-in.
Hotel Laxa is on the Diamond Circle sightseeing route, the most famous road in the country's northeast. The area is well-known as the location of some of the most popular attractions in the region, including the Asbyrgi Canyon, Lake Myvatn, Dettifoss waterfall, and the coastal town of Husavik.
Due to the hotel's proximity to these sights, you can add a variety of activities to your itinerary, such as a whale-watching and puffin tour.
Spend your day enjoying hiking excursions, hot springs, and wildlife sightings, then marvel at the northern lights above you as night falls.
Hotel Laxa offers various room layouts, including a choice of a standard room or a lake view. There's also a bar and a restaurant onsite. Amenities such as Wi-Fi and free parking are included.
This hotel also welcomes business groups for team retreats and provides a conference room for up to 25 people. As such, Hotel Laxa can meet the needs of a range of travelers.
The hotel is only 8.5 miles (13.5 kilometers) from the nearest settlement, Reykjahlid village, so you can purchase snacks and other necessities if needed.
Landhotel
Another top-tier option for a northern lights hotel can be found in South Iceland's Hella village. Landhotel is a four-star hotel that provides a stellar vantage point for watching the aurora borealis amongst mountains and countryside landscapes.
To make aurora viewing even easier, Landhotel offers a northern lights wake-up call service, so guests never miss a display, no matter the hour.
The hotel is also close to the Golden Circle and the South Coast waterfalls, making it an excellent choice for travelers.
The Golden Circle, just like North Iceland's Diamond Circle, offers many attractions in one central location, including the spectacular Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and the cultural and geological wonder Thingvellir National Park.
These sites are not just among the most popular in Iceland but are particularly impressive under the northern lights.
After exploring the surrounding landscapes and Golden Circle attractions, you won't be disappointed with your Landhotel accommodation. For starters, every room at the Landhotel has a stunning view and sleeps up to three guests. There's also a separate sitting area and a refrigerator for your use.
Enjoy the hotel's sauna, or treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the onsite spa. And be sure to check out the small but exceptional nearby attractions of Fridheimar Tomato and Horse Farm and Solheimar Eco Village.
Another unique service the hotel offers is its series of yoga classes and multi-day yoga retreats. These take place outdoors, where the nature of Iceland surrounds and grounds your yoga practice.
You can participate individually or as part of a group (a special rate is available) before spending your evenings hunting the northern lights.
The hotel offers complimentary breakfast, and a restaurant is available for lunch and dinner. If you're going out for the day, you can request a pre-packaged meal to take with you on your adventures. However, inform the staff in advance, so they have enough time to prepare your meal.
Hotel Ranga
Hotel Ranga is one of Iceland’s most famous luxury northern lights hotels and a top choice for travelers seeking a memorable aurora experience. Located near Hella in South Iceland, the hotel sits in a prime countryside location far from light pollution, giving guests excellent viewing conditions.
On clear nights, you can relax in one of the hotel’s geothermally heated hot tubs and watch the northern lights dance across the sky with a glass of bubbly in hand.
One of the hotel’s highlights is its aurora wake-up service. Simply press a button on your in-room phone, and the staff will call when the lights appear. For stargazing enthusiasts, the Ranga Observatory offers guided tours with a local astronomer and two high-quality telescopes to explore constellations, planets, and galaxies.
To make your northern lights experience even more comfortable, the hotel provides warm snowsuits, soft blankets, and cozy outdoor benches. Together, these touches create a perfect atmosphere for enjoying the show.
Learn more about the best way to capture the aurora with the article How to Photograph the Northern Lights
Hotel Husafell
Hotel Husafell is a luxury eco-hotel located in the pristine Borgarfjordur region of West Iceland. Its remote setting, with minimal light pollution, makes it one of the country’s best spots for northern lights viewing.
Guests can relax in the hotel’s geothermally heated outdoor hot tubs while waiting for the aurora to appear above the mountains and valleys.
The hotel offers a northern lights wake-up call service, ensuring you’ll never miss an aurora display, even late at night. Its location also makes it ideal for combining aurora hunting with adventure activities, including ice cave tours, glacier hikes, and visits to the Husafell Canyon Baths.
Back at the hotel, you’ll find modern, eco-friendly comforts paired with farm-to-table dining featuring Icelandic lamb, freshly caught Arctic char, and seasonal vegetables from local farms. Menus change with the seasons, allowing guests to enjoy authentic Icelandic flavors in a refined yet welcoming setting.
The hotel is also surrounded by popular attractions, such as Langjokull Glacier, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. Hotel Husafell is an excellent choice for travelers who want both luxury and a deep connection with nature.
ION Adventure Hotel
ION Adventure Hotel combines cutting-edge design with easy access to Iceland’s incredible natural wonders. It’s located on the edge of a lava field near Thingvellir National Park and the Golden Circle.
It’s also a perfect base for visiting nearby attractions like Oxararfoss Waterfall and Thrihnukagígur Volcano, the only volcano in the world you can enter.
After exploring these sights, guests can return to the hotel’s remote setting, with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. It’s also an ideal spot to watch the northern lights without leaving your room. To make the experience better, the hotel offers an aurora wake-up call service, ensuring no display is missed.
In addition to its aurora-friendly location, the hotel stands out for its sustainable architecture and use of geothermal energy, appealing to eco-conscious travelers. Guests can also unwind at the award-winning Northern Lights Bar, take a dip in the outdoor hot pool, or book a rejuvenating treatment at the on-site spa.
ION Adventure Hotel offers an ideal balance of luxury, adventure, and sustainability. Whether you’re chasing the aurora, discovering volcanic landscapes, or simply enjoying the tranquility of Iceland’s wilderness, this hotel provides a unique experience in one of the best regions to see the northern lights.
Quick Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland
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The best time to see the northern lights in Iceland is between September to April
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Check the official aurora forecast to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights
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Escape city lights and visit the countryside. Darker skies mean better visibility
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Book hotels in Iceland with aurora wake-up calls for peace of mind
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Learn how to photograph the northern lights with the help of experts and guided northern lights tours in Iceland
FAQs About Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland
Where is the best place to stay in Iceland for the northern lights?
Countryside hotels away from Reykjavik, such as Hotel Ranga, Hotel Husafell, and Fosshotel Nupar, give you the darkest skies and best chances of seeing the northern lights.
Do hotels in Iceland offer northern lights wake-up calls?
Yes! Many northern lights hotels in Iceland provide wake-up calls when the aurora appears, so you won’t miss it.
Summary of the Best Hotels In Iceland To See The Northern Lights
Where you stay can have a significant impact on your chances of seeing the aurora in Iceland. The hotels highlighted in this guide share the essentials for memorable viewing: dark skies, open horizons, and thoughtful details like wake-up calls, hot tubs, and observatories.
Choosing the right base for your vacation in Iceland not only increases your odds of seeing the northern lights but also enhances the whole experience of winter in Iceland.
Since demand is high during peak season, it’s best to book northern lights hotels in Iceland as early as possible to secure your preferred stay at a good rate.
With the right hotel and a clear sky, your chances are high; all that’s left is to step outside and enjoy the show!
Did you find this list helpful for planning your trip? Are you considering staying at one of these northern lights hotels in Iceland, or have you already experienced the aurora from a special hotel stay? We’d love to hear about your plans and recommendations in the comments below.
