Top Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland with Wake-Up Calls
The best northern lights hotels in Iceland are in remote locations with no light pollution. Many hotels offer northern lights wake-up service during the winter season, so guests don’t miss out on the spectacular aurora.
Here are 8 of the best hotels in Iceland that offer northern lights wake-up calls for their guests.
Hotel Ranga
Hotel Ranga in South Iceland is a luxury countryside retreat located in Hella, about 100 kilometers southeast of Reykjavik. Famous for its themed suites and on-site observatory, it’s one of the few hotels in Iceland designed specifically with stargazing and aurora watching in mind.
Hotel Husafell
Hotel Husafell in West Iceland is an upper mid-range property set in the scenic Borgarfjordur area. With geothermal hot tubs, eco-conscious design, and a striking location surrounded by glaciers and lava fields, it’s a stylish base for combining northern lights viewing with outdoor adventure.
Stracta Hotel
Stracta Hotel in South Iceland is a mid-range option in Hella with open surroundings and easy access to the countryside. Its clean, modern rooms and relaxed atmosphere make it a practical choice for travelers who want comfort without losing sight of the wide night skies.
The Hill
The Hill Hotel in Fludir is a mid-range boutique stay on the Golden Circle route. Known for its cozy rooms and warm hospitality, it offers a convenient stop for travelers exploring South Iceland while keeping the northern lights within reach on clear winter nights.
Landhotel
Landhotel in South Iceland is an upper mid-range property located near Hekla volcano. Surrounded by untouched nature with minimal light pollution, it provides sweeping night-sky views and easy access to some of Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes.
Umi HotelÂ
Umi Hotel on the South Coast is an upper mid-range hideaway at the foot of the Eyjafjoll mountains. Its sleek, contemporary design and panoramic windows create the perfect backdrop for watching the aurora while enjoying comfort and seclusion.
ION Adventure Hotel
The ION Adventure Hotel in South Iceland is an upper mid-range design hotel near Thingvellir National Park. Built into a lava field, it is renowned for its bold architecture, infinity pool, and dramatic views over the surrounding landscape, all of which make it an unforgettable spot for aurora hunting.
Silica Hotel at Blue Lagoon
Silica Hotel at Blue Lagoon on the Reykjanes Peninsula is a luxury spa hotel set among black lava fields. With its private geothermal lagoon and tranquil setting, it offers the rare chance to pair wellness and relaxation with the magic of the northern lights.
Booking Northern Lights Vacations in Iceland
If you want to focus your holiday to Iceland on seeing the lights first-hand, there are plenty of self-drive winter vacations and package holidays that will make this possible.
These packages may even suit those only in the country for a limited time, such as this three-day self-drive to the Jokulsarlon lagoon with an ice caves visit and this five-day winter package with ice caving and the Blue Lagoon.
As mentioned above, the longer you stay, the better your chances are of seeing an awe-inspiring display of the northern lights.
Coming for a week’s trip to Iceland would present far more opportunities. You might want to consider this eight-day Ring Road of Iceland package in a small group, where you can admire the country’s beautiful landscapes in the daytime and search the skies for the aurora borealis at night without having to drive yourself.
This holiday also allows you to see the auroras over the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, a mesmerizing experience where the lights can often reflect in the icebergs below.
You can also fully encircle the country and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, hunting for them each night on this twelve-day winter self-drive vacation. However, this option should only be considered by those who are very confident driving on winter roads.
We hope our ultimate guide to the northern lights in Iceland has provided you with the knowledge and courage to seek out the aurora borealis. Is there anything we missed? Have you visited Iceland before? Share your thoughts in the comments below!