Where to Stay to See the Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland sits squarely under the auroral oval, which means the northern lights are never far away. That said, the real show happens outside the cities. Less light pollution, wider horizons, darker skies — the countryside simply wins.
Reykjavik’s glow dulls the aurora more than most visitors expect. Head into the rural landscape and everything changes: the sky opens up and you can watch the lights shift and fold across the horizon without a streetlamp in sight. A growing number of countryside hotels also offer aurora wake-up calls, so you don’t have to sacrifice sleep to catch the display.
That’s not to say the capital is hopeless. If you’re staying in Reykjavik, knowing where to go makes a real difference — check out our guide to the best spots to escape the city’s light pollution for viewing tips.
The Top 14 Northern Lights Hotels in Iceland
Every hotel on this list was chosen for location, guest reviews, and amenities that actually make aurora hunting easier. Most offer wake-up call services, which alone puts them ahead of a standard city hotel when the lights decide to show up at 2am.
14. Black Beach Suites
Black Beach Suites sits right beside Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in the south. The suites are private and self-catering, so there’s no schedule to keep — you come and go as you please. Views take in the ocean and the cliffs, including Dyrholaey Rock, and on a clear night you just step outside the door.
The suites themselves are spacious and well-designed, with large windows and private terraces that look directly onto the landscape. Kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of parking mean this works just as well for a family as it does for a couple wanting to disappear for a few days.
Vik Village is close enough for restaurants and supplies without the suites feeling like they’re part of a town. It’s a good base for the South Coast, and the aurora odds are solid — minimal light interference and an open sky in every direction.
13. Vogafjos Guesthouse
Vogafjos Guesthouse sits on the shores of Lake Myvatn in North Iceland, run by the same family for years. It has that lived-in, genuine feel that’s harder to find than you’d think — not a boutique hotel pretending to be a farm, but an actual farm that also happens to be a very comfortable place to stay.
There are 26 rooms, each with a private bathroom, patio, and free Wi-Fi. The on-site café is worth planning a meal around: locally sourced trout, Icelandic lamb, and the famous “Geysir” rye bread slow-baked underground in geothermal earth. It’s the kind of food that tastes better because you know exactly where it came from.
The area around Lake Myvatn is packed with things to do regardless of weather. The Earth Lagoon, the Dimmuborgir Lava Field, Grjotagja Hot Spring Cave, and Dettifoss Waterfall are all within reach. Myvatn tours cover the volcanic terrain and geothermal features that make this part of Iceland like nowhere else on earth.
As a northern lights base, Vogafjos Guesthouse is hard to fault. The skies here are reliably dark, the horizon is wide, and the farm setting means no neighbouring buildings washing out the view.
12. Siglo Hotel
Siglo Hotel stands on the waterfront in Siglufjordur, a small fishing town tucked into a fjord in North Iceland. Mountains press in on all sides, the harbour is right outside, and the whole place feels like it hasn’t entirely decided whether it belongs to the past or the present — which is part of what makes it special.
The geothermal hot pool is a genuine draw on a cold clear night. Sitting in warm water while the aurora moves overhead is one of those experiences that’s difficult to explain and easy to remember.
Rooms are comfortable with large windows looking onto the harbour or the mountains. Superior and deluxe rooms add balconies or improved sea views, and the difference is worth it if you’re particular about what you wake up to.
Meals lean heavily on local seafood and Icelandic specialties, with breakfast included each morning. The bar is a relaxed spot after a day out on the fjord or in the hills.
Parking, 24-hour reception, and a short walk to local shops and cafés round out the practicalities. For aurora watching from a fjord setting, Siglo Hotel is a genuinely strong choice.
11. Fosshotel Nupar
Fosshotel Nupar sits along Route 1 — the Ring Road — on Iceland’s South Coast. It’s a three-star hotel, straightforward and reliable, and well positioned for anyone working their way around the country in winter.
The surroundings are open and dark, which matters. Guests have spotted the aurora from their rooms, and the hotel offers a wake-up call service for those who want the staff to do the watching. Just mention it at the front desk when you check in.
The landscape around the hotel does most of the heavy lifting for photography — big skies, dramatic scenery, and very little competing light.
Nearby, Skaftafell Nature Reserve offers glaciers and waterfalls, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is within reach, and Reynisfjara Beach is further west along the coast. It’s a well-connected stretch of road for South Coast highlights.
In winter, ice cave tours inside Vatnajokull Glacier — Europe’s largest ice cap — run from this area. For food, Kirkjubaejarklaustur Village has local eateries, or there’s the hotel’s own restaurant and bar if you’d rather not drive.
The hotel has 99 rooms covering solo travellers, couples, and larger groups, with free Wi-Fi, parking, and tour assistance on offer. As with other properties in the Fosshotel group, the standard is consistent and the service is reliable.
